
Carolyn Poirer
Vice President, Marketing, Leasing & Sales, Fengate Asset Management
Milestones in a career and life are a wonderful way of inspiring our emerging young leaders. Please share a proud or “magic moment” that shaped your journey?
The moments that bring me the greatest joy are the same ones that drew me to this industry in the first place, talking with people about one of the most important decisions they’ll ever make: choosing the place they’ll call home, where they’ll build their lives and community. Through working closely with my peers in customer care and property management, I’ve developed relationships with the very people we design these spaces for, years before they ever move in. Hearing how the spaces we create leads to that individual or family’s happiness is amazing. On the marketing side, I’m especially proud of having played a key role in the strategy behind award-winning campaigns like 101 Spadina. From luxury developments like La Clara in Palm Beach to purpose-built rentals across Southern Ontario, I’ve had the privilege of leading campaigns that span diverse markets. Each project has been an opportunity to learn from talented peers, consultants, and team members and those collaborations have shaped my journey in a meaningful way.
Who were your major influencers/mentors (up to 2) and what were the key lessons you gained from them?
Alison O’Neill (Market Vision, COO). Alison leads by example, taking great pride in the smallest of jobs to the most strategic. She empowers her team to impact the development trajectory far beyond the typical marketing scope. Through many years of friendship and mentorship, I have learned how to lead with integrity and ask the right questions.
What do you think are the next big challenges we need to tackle as an industry and as a successful city-region? Are there specific things you think we should be doing to meet the challenges?
Over the remainder of this year and likely into the next, our industry will continue to face some of its most difficult challenges yet. The traditional playbook for condominium development is no longer effective. To move forward, we must return to fundamentals, creating homes that people are genuinely proud to live in. One of the biggest challenges we face is reshaping the narrative around condo living and renting. This won’t happen through marketing alone, it requires a renewed focus on thoughtful design, livable spaces, and fostering real community within our buildings. Affordability remains a critical issue and addressing it will require coordinated support from all levels of government. We need policies that not only enable more housing supply but also restore confidence in the broader economic outlook. As developers, we must shift our focus toward delivering homes that are appropriately designed and priced for the realities of the Canadian market, not just for a narrow, high-end segment that is already saturated. This means embracing innovation, prioritizing livability, and building for a more inclusive and resilient urban future.
Tell us how you champion others in the industry.
Empowering my teammates and peers is a priority for me, it leads to stronger outcomes and fosters a culture of shared success. I believe in setting others up to thrive by being open with knowledge and experience, never gatekeeping. I aim to share my knowledge in a way that’s clear, constructive, and encouraging. I also focus on building strong, trust-based relationships where people feel comfortable asking questions, sharing ideas, and going the extra mile. When people feel supported and valued, they’re more confident, creative, and collaborative and that’s when the best work happens.
What is your secret talent no one knows you have?
I took the Stand-Up course at Second City — apparently, my enthusiasm for puns was a bit much. That feedback turned out to be surprisingly useful: over the years, it’s helped me craft content that’s clever without the cringe.
What is the best word to describe you? And Why?
Tenacious by nature, I firmly believe that where there’s a will, there’s a way. I operate with a strong internal locus of control (to a fault) which means I truly believe I can influence outcomes through effort and intention. I focus on the small, strategic actions that build toward a successful campaign or program, knowing that every step, no matter how minor, contributes to meaningful progress.