MaryAnne Gilmartin on Building NYC, Resilience & Redefining Real Estate

The Power Behind the Skyline

From a chaotic childhood in Queens to reshaping the New York City skyline, MaryAnne Gilmartin’s journey is a masterclass in resilience, conviction, and creation under pressure.

In Episode 08 of Confronting the Impossible, Leo Jacobs sits down with MaryAnne — CEO of MAG Partners — for an unfiltered conversation about confronting volatility, leading as a woman, and building not just buildings, but legacy.

This isn’t about real estate. It’s about grit, growth, and the power of believing in your seat at the table — even when no one else does.

What It Really Takes to Build Big

MaryAnne breaks down the truth behind her biggest wins:

✅ How she landed the NY Times HQ deal as an underdog — and turned it into a $1B+ value creation
✅ The internal battles behind Barclays Center — and the “FU MaryAnne” banner that hung outside her Park Slope home
✅ How motherhood became her grounding force — and her kids became her reason to win
✅ And why “never giving up” isn’t just mindset — it’s strategy

“I was judged on my performance. I didn’t try to be a man in a skirt — I did it my way.”

Leadership by Design

This episode goes deep on what it means to lead — especially in a city that never gives you a break.

🔥 The myth of the lone genius — and the truth about collaboration
🔥 Why emotion, intuition, and instinct matter just as much as spreadsheets
🔥 How gender perception in real estate is shifting — but still needs work
🔥 And how MaryAnne built her reputation not on noise, but on results

“I’m a dragon slayer. I don’t know how to give up.”

Final Thought

MaryAnne’s story isn’t just about real estate. It’s about grit, reinvention, and refusing to let the world define you.

She faced layoffs, public backlash, and impossible deals — and kept building. Not just properties, but trust, teams, and a legacy that now shapes New York City.

Her path reminds us: in a market where clarity is rare, resilience is everything.

You can lose the deal. You can lose the job.
But if you don’t lose yourself — you can still win.

🎧 Watch the Full Episode Now
And see what real leadership looks like under pressure.

PODCAST - Confronting the Impossible with Leo Jacobs.

Leo Jacobs, Founder and CEO of Jacobs PC

Known for finding creative, expedient solutions to complex and high-profile cases, Leo excels in matters including distressed investment and asset management, real estate law, corporate law, dispute resolution, business divorces, negotiation, and more. Leo’s extensive expertise in debt and equity structures enables him to employ a full spectrum of legal tools to achieve swift, optimal results for clients. His practice, Jacobs P.C., bridges commercial litigation, corporate transactions, and financial rehabilitation, handling cases across federal, state, and bankruptcy courts, as well as administrative tribunals.

If you would like to join the podcast email requests to pr@jacobspc.com