Magic Moment: My career so far has been shaped and inspired by a long string of ‘proud and magic moments’. I have approached it as a real ‘journey’ of discovery, so I have always remained opened to all of its unexpected and wonderful possibilities and opportunities. However, one particularly ‘magic moment’ was becoming a mother, and transitioning to being both a career woman and a busy mom.
Key Influence: Grace Viera – A positive, confident and dynamic role model who inspired me, at the age of 12, to not be afraid to ‘step up’ in my school, community and personal life.
Peter Gilgan – An industry and community leader and innovator who taught me that ‘giving back’ is also a responsibility of leadership, and inspired my CDC project.
Next Big Challenge As An Industry: In my opinion, we need long-term investment in 4 key infrastructure areas: Physical infrastructure (transit, roads, buildings, schools, etc); Human infrastructure (daycares, education, health, immigrant support, etc); Social infrastructure (social programs, wellness, inclusiveness, etc); and Creative infrastructure (culture of innovation, etc). We need to expect, demand and support real leadership.
On Championing Others… Provide management level opportunities to aspiring young men/women, while also committing to patiently nurture/guide them and accept that ‘mistakes’ are part of the growth process. Participate in formal mentoring programs (ULI, NAIOP). Encourage men/women to step up through volunteering.
One word that captures you: Dynamic.
yulia April 14th, 2017
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Magic Moment: I think the “Magic Moments” in my career have all had one thing in common. It is when I have said yes to stretching myself professionally and personally. Yes to taking on an extra project, yes to investing in personal education and yes to giving back to our community. At each junction, saying yes has opened doors and provided exceptional value.
Key Influence:
My Husband who shows me everyday how to keep pushing past what is expected to realize the exceptional.
My 4 Daughters – Setting a positive example for my daughters is number one these days. Being able to show them how to lead with integrity, make a positive impact and the value of innovation.
My Father taught me early on to dig in, work hard and ultimately – if you love what you do – success will follow.
Next Big Challenge As An Industry: About 10 year ago now I wrote “It would seem commercial real estate and city building is poised to undergo a metamorphosis over the next decade. From the sharing economy to innovations in technology, I think we should continue to invest in quality research, learn from global examples and strive to lead in terms of taking chances with the unknown.” Today, the same holds true. Data is changing how we build, manage and operate buildings. I love being on the forefront of that transformation.
Secret Talent: I’m pretty much an open book. What you see if what you get!
On Championing Others… Earlier in my career, I heard someone quote Maya Angelou “When you learn, teach, when you get, give”. I try to remember this daily, support those around me and give credit to the people that have actually done the heavy lifting!
One word that captures you: Tenacious.
yulia April 14th, 2017
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Magic Moment: Being acknowledged by the education system through my children’s high school as Parent of the Year and having my family including my mother at the ceremony.
Key Influence: My family is the biggest influencer, they support me, they tell me the way it is and that is what keeps me grounded.
Next Big Challenge As An Industry: The War for Talent is definitely a challenge. We need to make sure that we are investing so we attract talent to all types of jobs in all industries. We also need to make sure that we create a culture of transferring the knowledge between generations.
Secret Talent: Well, I think I am a not so bad bowler, but don’t tell anyone.
On Championing Others…
One word that captures you: Authentic
yulia April 14th, 2017
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Magic Moment: Wow. So many magic moments. It’s an exciting industry with many magic moments. I believe I have been very lucky to be influenced by many individuals along the way. It’s the opportunities presented to you along the way that if possible should be explored and acted upon as they can open many doors and provide you with exceptional experience.
Key Influence: I was very fortunate early in my career to have fantastic mentors who supported me and provided me the opportunities, experience, education which guided me through the many sectors of this industry.
Next Big Challenge As An Industry: The implementation of provincial planning policies which undermine land economics resulting in an inability to deliver affordable housing.
Secret Talent: I am not sure it’s a secret talent but secret advice I have received over the years from two very influential people in my career. The first is ‘learn something new every day’ and the second is ‘you don’t know what you don’t know!’. If you remember those phases you will continue to grow and learn every day.
On Championing Others… The first is ‘learn something new every day’ and the second is ‘you don’t know what you don’t know!’ If you remember those phases you will continue to grow and learn every day.
One word that captures you: Direct
yulia April 14th, 2017
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Magic Moment: Being selected to represent the industry as the Toronto Chapter Chair for BILD and subsequent appointment on the BILD Board of Directors and Executive Committee.
Key Influence: Jack Winberg, Rockport Group – He oozes integrity. He was one of the best reputations for working through complex approvals with a balanced approach.
Steve Upton, Tridel – He has an incredible set of people skills.
Next Big Challenge As An Industry: Infrastructure – particularly transit. I believe that our industry as well as the general public need to educate each other and continue to drive home the message of the importance of investment in this realm. We need to start rethinking of how we plan our cities. We are still stuck in old traditional methods of planning employment areas, residential, retail and mixed use.
Secret Talent: Kiteboarding, stand up paddleboarding, cycling, working with textiles.
On Championing Others… Networking and BILD involvement facilitates the industry comradery that is so essential. What we do on a daily basis is not easy and to whatever extent we can listen to each other, vent to each other, learn from everyone’s experiences/success/mistakes.
One word that captures you: Active
yulia April 14th, 2017
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Magic Moment: Working on the West Don Lands project was definitely a ‘magic moment’ for me. Helping transform this once derelict area in the heart of the city into a vibrant new community that I can now stroll through and teach my children about is incredible.
Key Influence: My mom – she taught me about strength, perseverance, passion, and objectivity.
My first boss, Lindsay Dale-Harris (WLI Champion 2016) imparted attention to detail…attention to detail….attention to detail….
Next Big Challenge As An Industry: Mobility is a huge challenge right now and not just about how we move cars. We need to place a higher priority on how we get people moving and promoting active transportation not just from a sustainability perspective, but also from a health and well-being standpoint. Urban planning and development must play a greater role in getting people up and moving through championing and building mixed-use complete communities.
Secret Talent: “MacGyver”-ing wine bottles…using a stiletto to uncork them!
On Championing Others… Because so much of what we do requires a tremendous amount of teamwork, collaboration, and behind the scenes work, I like to ensure those working with me are provided with the knowledge, the means, and the exposure to succeed, and that their contributions are acknowledged.
One word that captures you: Passionate
yulia April 14th, 2017
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Magic Moment: Unanimous approval of our Cornell University Campus Plan by its 65+ Trustees and six municipal partners when few thought it could be done. A call from the Humber Valley Village Residents Association asking to be added to the OPPI Award of Excellence for the Humbertown Revitalization project, indicating how far we had all come in agreeing on the merits of the project.
Key Influence: Andrea Gabor, My Partner (WLI Champion 2014) – That women have a different and essential perspective to bring to every process and decision
Frank Lewinberg, My Partner – How to be a great consultant while running a business that does excellent work and always has fun.
Next Big Challenge As An Industry: Meaningful transit and bikeways – I want it to be easier to not own a car than to own one in Toronto. Family-friendly high density neighbourhoods – I love that people no longer feel they need to leave their downtown apartments provided they have the services and amenities they need to raise happy and healthy kids.
Secret Talent: I think like a behavioural psychologist while practicing as an urban planner.
On Championing Others… By encouraging all members of my teams to always take the lead on everything they can, and getting out of their way so they can do it.
One word that captures you: Focused
yulia April 14th, 2017
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Magic Moment: I have three! 1) Job board in university that led to a residential real estate brokerage firm. 2) Working at the Science Centre, about to embark on a trip around the world. Took an interview on a whim with Cadillac Fairview and was offered a job. 3) Joined United Way, which solidified my love for philanthropy and underlined the need for community connection with real estate.
Key Influence: My Father – He came from Italy in 1951 as a 17 year old bright eyed trailblazer looking to build a future. He loved and believed in this city so much, he sponsored all his and my mother’s siblings to immigrate. His direct sponsorship has resulted in over 375 people calling Toronto home today. He taught me to be a voracious reader, food and music lover and a great tour guide as he loved to explore the city.
My Mother – She taught me perseverance, patience and grace … and I am still the student in these matters.
Next Big Challenge As An Industry: I think the city today is unaffordable and I don’t think that we are heading down the right path. There’s so much optimism in this region from an economic development perspective, on a commercial basis, and we do need to connect better through transit, but those things will happen regardless. Food and shelter are essential base needs and we are pricing a lot of people out of the latter.
Secret Talent: A mean knowledge of the dewy decimal system of book shelving.
On Championing Others… I believe I champion people by being a “conductor”. I relish bringing out an individual’s true best self and helping to connect that strength with someone else’s through respect, humour, training and opportunities.
One word that captures you: Authentic
yulia April 14th, 2017
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Magic Moment: Receiving my Honorary Doctorate from Ryerson University in 2008 was an incredible moment in my career. It reaffirmed the choices I had made throughout my education and professional career, and all of the hard work that had gone into getting to that moment.
Next Big Challenge As An Industry: I think our biggest challenge is climate change. We are facing more extreme weather events, issues with water management, pollution, and depletion of our natural resources. I think as a society and as individuals we need to have a fundamental shift in our values. We need to take responsibility for our actions, change our habits and dependencies, and pursue innovative solutions and technologies.
Secret Talent: Bringing people together in my home for interesting conversation and discussion
On Championing Others… I believe in teaching the next generation of professionals and fostering talent. I think one of the most important things is supporting life-work balance and allowing for flexibility. I like to encourage champions of the profession who will have a voice to make changes
One word that captures you: Passionate
yulia April 14th, 2017
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Magic Moment: There isn’t a particular event, but throughout my career, I have those “wow moments” that are the strongest milestone moments. All that I have worked for, I now have the knowledge and confidence. From that, I am able to teach others. These moments continue to happen for me all the time. These really help to define who I am and what I can provide to my colleagues.
Key Influence: Not just one woman in my life. Many early in my life – they achieved success through strength, respect and hard work in their craft. Later in my life, these women have helped me balance my life. The balance between that of a mother and business woman, and a teacher and student.
Next Big Challenge As An Industry: Building healthy places to live with a balance. We need to be cognizant of that balance. We are getting to a point where the next generation cannot afford a home. We need to acknowledge this change and understand how we can build for the future. As an industry, the City needs to define what healthy urban building is and we need to implement what we believe.
Secret Talent: I will never shy away from a ’bout’ in the ring
On Championing Others… I have always been of two minds. I want to give people the opportunity to shine and the exposure to learn and then take it to their level. I have also always defined myself as a resource to them for both junior and senior staff.
One word that captures you: Strong
yulia April 14th, 2017
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