Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Carla Magee of Tempe, AZ

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Carla Magee. Check out our conversation below.

Good morning Carla, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
What makes me lose track of time and also find myself again is going to the gym. It’s not just about physical fitness—it’s a space where I process stress, refocus my thoughts, and reconnect with myself. Whether I’m lifting weights or getting through a tough cardio session, I become fully present in the moment. The routine helps me work through anxiety and return to the rest of my day feeling clearer, more grounded, and re-energized. It’s both a release and a reset.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Thank you for the opportunity to introduce myself. I’m Carla Magee, Chief Operating Officer and Commercial Sales Broker at MHG Commercial, a firm dedicated to delivering strategic, relationship-driven real estate solutions. I’m proud to help lead a company where integrity, adaptability, and client success are at the core of everything we do.

Commercial real estate has traditionally been a male-dominated industry, which is why I’m especially passionate about showing up as a woman in leadership—both in the boardroom and in the field. As Chief Operating Officer, I oversee operations, growth strategy, and team development, while also remaining hands-on as a broker, working closely with clients to navigate complex transactions and build lasting partnerships.

In addition to my work at MHG, I’m currently completing my MBA, which has been a powerful journey of growth, learning, and reaffirming my commitment to building not just a strong business but a more inclusive industry. My goal is to help pave the way for more women to find their voice, own their expertise, and lead with confidence in commercial real estate and beyond.

Whether it’s closing a deal, mentoring new talent, or building systems that support sustainable growth, I believe in doing the work with purpose—and in creating space for others to rise alongside me.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
The relationship that has most shaped how I see myself is the one I have with my two daughters. Becoming a mother gave me a new lens through which I view not only the world, but also myself. I’m deeply conscious of the example I set for them—not just in what I say, but in how I show up in my life, my work, and my values.

They inspire me to be authentic and to lead with integrity, because I want them to see their mom being unapologetically herself—confident, resilient, and true to her purpose. My hope is that by watching me pursue my goals with conviction and navigate challenges with grace, they’ll grow up feeling empowered to do the same in their own lives. In many ways, striving to be a strong role model for them has helped me become a stronger, more grounded version of myself.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me lessons that success never could—most importantly, the value of grit, resilience, and unwavering determination. During the most challenging times, I learned how to push forward not because it was easy, but because I had a deeper purpose: providing a strong, stable, and fulfilling life for my daughters.

Adversity forced me to confront doubt, fear, and setbacks head-on. It taught me how to keep going when the path wasn’t clear and to find strength in perseverance, not just outcomes. While success is rewarding, it often doesn’t demand the same level of inner resolve. It was in the hard moments—when everything felt uncertain—that I discovered what I’m truly capable of.

Those experiences shaped me into someone who doesn’t give up easily, who leads with both empathy and tenacity, and who understands that real growth often comes from discomfort. I carry those lessons with me every day, as a mother, a leader, and a woman building a life and legacy with purpose.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would tell you that what matters most to me is living with authenticity, integrity, and strong ethical values—both personally and professionally. I believe in showing up as my true self and surrounding myself with people who do the same. Relationships are at the heart of everything I do, and I invest deeply in them—whether it’s with family, friends, clients, or colleagues.

To me, success isn’t just about achievement; it’s about how you treat people along the way. Those who know me best would say I’m committed to doing the right thing, even when it’s not the easiest path, and that I value trust and honesty above all else.

And just as importantly—they’d say I know how to have fun. I believe in celebrating life, not taking myself too seriously, and finding joy in both the big moments and the everyday ones. That balance is what keeps me grounded and fulfilled.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What are you doing today that won’t pay off for 7–10 years?
What I’m doing today that won’t fully pay off for 7–10 years is intentionally building a foundation—through real estate investing, creating a legacy for my family, and continually investing in myself. Real estate is a long game, and I approach it with patience and vision, knowing that the decisions I make now will create lasting value over time—not just financially, but generationally.

I’m also focused on personal growth: pursuing my MBA, refining my leadership skills, and expanding my capacity to navigate complexity. These efforts may not yield immediate results, but they’re part of a larger commitment to becoming the kind of leader, mother, and professional who builds something meaningful and lasting. It’s about planting seeds today that will grow into something much greater in the future—for my daughters, my business, and the people I serve.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://mhgcommercial.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/commercial_carla/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carla-magee-capm-pllc-b528817/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MHGCommercial/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MHGCommercial

Image Credits
Bre Redmond, Nico Marie Photography