Magic Moment: Five years after I joined the company, my boss was transferred to its New York office and I was asked to head up the in-house legal department responsible for all lease negotiations across the country. As a junior lawyer, I took a deep breath and jumped in. I guess it turned out OK, as I was promoted to Vice-President, Legal five years later.
Key Influence: My first boss was a tough, no nonsense female General Counsel who taught me to ask two questions before I embarked on the negotiation of any deal: How much do we need this deal? If I agree to a concession, what can I get back in return? Never give up something for nothing. I still ask these two questions 37 years later.

Next Big Challenge As An Industry: The development of more women as industry leaders. Women need advocates and mentors to encourage them to self-promote, women need to get out of their comfort zones and take on new challenges.

Secret Talent: I can read Egyptian hieroglyphics.

On Championing Others… During the past four years, I have served as a mentor to young women in the commercial real estate industry in conjunction with the mentorship program conducted annually by Toronto Commercial Real Estate Women (Toronto CREW).
One word that captures you: Optimistic