What was your most interesting job before going into real estate?

Working for an asset management company developing business in Latin America.

Where did you grow up?

I was born in Rosario, Argentina, and later moved to Patagonia, where I lived through high school. After that, I headed to Buenos Aires for college and stayed there to start my career before moving to the United States.

Growing up, what did you want to be?

I wanted to be a mom!

What do you do to relax when you’re stressed?

Listen to music, play with my dog or work out.

If you could meet any well-known figure (living or not), who would it be and why?

Anthony Bourdain. He had this incredible way of dropping into a totally different place, sitting down with locals, sharing a meal and really listening. No filters, no tourist gloss. He treated every culture with curiosity and respect. He made you feel like the world was both huge and small at the same time, like you could fly across the globe and end up at a table where you somehow felt right at home.

What is Chicago’s best-kept secret?

Lake Michigan is Chicago’s most underrated treasure, especially for people visiting from other parts of the world. Most people think of Chicago as a big city, maybe imagine the skyline or deep-dish pizza, but they have no idea how much the lake shapes our daily lives.

What do you love most about the industry?

The chance to help people who are new to Chicago find not just a home, but a sense of belonging by connecting them to neighborhoods, schools and communities.

How do you distinguish yourself from the crowd of agents?

I focus on being authentic, building real relationships, doing good work and letting that speak for itself.

What is the most difficult aspect of your job?

The hardest part of my job is knowing I can do everything right working on a property and guiding my clients and still have outcomes affected by things I can’t control, like interest rates, inventory or economic changes.

What’s your best advice for generating new leads?

Get involved in things you genuinely love. Join groups, attend events and stay active in communities you’re naturally drawn to, whether it’s your kids’ school, a local running club, book club, volunteering, whatever feels like you. When you show up authentically, connections happen naturally, and those relationships often lead to business without it ever feeling forced.

What has been your greatest accomplishment?

My three children

What are you binge-watching/reading/listening to lately?

I’m a total reality TV fan. I just binged season five of L’Agence, a real estate show set in France.

What’s your favorite meal in Chicago?

It’s not just one specific dish, there are too many amazing spots to pick from. What I love most is the variety of cuisine and types of restaurants that make it so fun and interesting.

Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Chicago?

Today, my favorite building in Chicago is the St. Regis (old Vista Tower). It’s modern, elegant and totally unique. I love that it was designed by a woman, Jeanne Gang, who is one of the most well-known architects to come out of Chicago.

What’s the weirdest thing that’s ever happened to you on the job?

Hard to choose. …You’d be surprised how often real estate throws you into totally unexpected and hilarious situations!

What’s one thing people are surprised to learn about you?

Something that usually surprises people is that back in high school, I was on a slalom ski team. I wasn’t great by any means, but it was a lot of fun and definitely one of the coolest experiences I had growing up.

What is your favorite vacation spot and why?

It’s hard to choose just one favorite vacation spot because, as a family, we love traveling and discovering new places. But if I had to choose a type of vacation, it would be in the sun, on a tropical island, drinking margaritas!

In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry?

Be patient and stay consistent. Always be authentic.

What’s your favorite real estate iPhone/Android app?

The Engel & Völkers app, not just because I use it to connect with my colleagues from around the world, but because it’s super clean and easy to navigate.

Who are your favorite people to follow on social media?

My friends and family. It keeps me connected despite the distance.

What are your social media handles?

Instagram: @giselaattlan

LinkedIn: giselaattlan

Facebook: giselaattlanengelvoelkers

https://giselaattlan.evrealestate.com/