Magic Moment: Stepping off the plane in Toronto for the very first time at age 21. I was in love with this City and knew it from the very first moment. A year later at 22, I returned suitcase in hand and have never looked back!
Key Influence: My father. His business acumen, generosity, empathy, positive attitude, and work ethic are the core of who I am today.
Next Big Challenge As An Industry: Our industry needs to reflect the demography and values of the region. Ultimately the bricks and mortar we build is to accommodate people, their needs and desires. Without the ability to understand the users of our product, we will have a hard time succeeding. I believe the first step in understanding each other is through collaboration. Public, private partnerships; private companies working with each other (rather than against each other) and countless other iterations in-between. The future of our industry will be about working with each other to find common success rather than forcing each other to win or lose.
Secret Talent: Tetris master.
On Championing Others… Through connection. As a connector, I am able to bring people together who would benefit from knowing, working or interacting with one another but may have not otherwise intersected. I am thoughtful about these introductions and generous with my relationships. By doing this, not only do I help two industry colleagues benefit from each other, but perhaps also inspire similar behavior in others – pushing us all further ahead than we are today.
One word that captures you: Relentless (but in a good way!)
yulia April 14th, 2017
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Magic Moment: My role in being part of leading the development of the environmental framework for the failed 2008 Olympic Bid. This work evolved into the creation of what is Waterfront Toronto today.
Key Influence: Bruce Bodden, President and CEO MMM – Passion for your project, commitment and creativity to find longevity in a job, executive carriage and charisma.
Brian Denney, CAO TRCA – Negotiation and creativity in a regulatory environment – leadership in a public agency.
Next Big Challenge As An Industry: Innovation and integrated systems thinking to support climate change. Collaboration with private sector Advancement in Women’s Leadership.
Secret Talent: Training with horses.
On Championing Others…
One word that captures you: Authenticity
yulia April 14th, 2017
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Magic Moment: I received a scholarship to McGill University leaving a small town in BC to move to Montreal where I knew no one and had no contacts. I jumped into university life, made friends, took on leadership roles in residence life and never looked back.
Key Influence: My Mother – Do more than what is asked of you, take advantage of all opportunities, be generous to others, you can do whatever you set your mind to.
Next Big Challenge As An Industry: We need to embrace global influences in architecture, planning and business. Innovation and speed are lacking in our overall approach to city building. Of course, diversity is a major contributor to change and we need to have more diverse views and approaches.
Secret Talent: I have the best iPod playlists, by genre, generation and mix of music – clearly I missed my calling as a disk jockey.
On Championing Others… I am an outspoken critic of our lack of women in commercial real estate and the need to take down built- in barriers that impede progress. I mentor young women and men and encourage open dialogue about the benefit of diversity of thought and work styles.
One word that captures you: Authentic
yulia April 14th, 2017
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Magic Moment: A “magic moment” was when I realized that I did not have to be “perfect”. I am more open, understanding and adaptable and I am enjoying life a whole lot more. At a point, I also came to the realization that my career was simply a part of my life and it was not realistic to balance one against the other.
Key Influence: Phil Sanford – Phil taught me that authenticity reigns supreme and that relationships are the cornerstone to success in life.
Cynthia MacDougall (WLI Champion 2014) – Cynthia taught me to be a critical thinker and to always dig into the details. She also taught me to set boundaries and put family first.
Next Big Challenge As An Industry: Growth: We need to be wary about taking the easy road, meaning the application of objective formula to address inevitable growth. Smart growth, an objective principle, needs to be coupled with Sensitive growth, a subjective principle. We need policy makers and legislators to keep in mind the very subjective nature of urban planning and the implications of getting it wrong.
Secret Talent: I can read upside down and backwards (the words, not me).
On Championing Others… I am a very active member within CREW Network (currently a Director on the International Board). I believe that relationships are the foundation to success and I am actively engaged in furthering and establishing relationships on what is almost a daily basis. We succeed when we help others succeed.
One word that captures you: Open
yulia April 14th, 2017
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Magic Moment: The balancing of my professional and academic work is both the most satisfying and the most challenging aspect of my career. One milieu significantly informs the other, and a proud “magic moment” occurred in 2015 when I was awarded a fellowship with the Royal Architecture Institute of Canada’s College of Fellows — an award which honours leadership in practice and in education.
Key Influence: Shirley Blumberg (WLI Champion 2014) – Shirley taught me during my undergraduate degree at U of T. As a women and a leader in one of Canada’s best architecture firms, she is an inspiration
Next Big Challenge As An Industry: Affordable Housing!! Transit! Public Space that works 12 months a year! The City should be collaborating and taking advantage of the work and research being executed by our Universities and looking to global exemplars — both winter cities and cities with accelerated urban growth.
Secret Talent: Clueless crossword puzzles champ!
On Championing Others… Our office is 50% women. This was not necessarily by design but an aspect of diversity that we now safe-guard. Part of the reason for this is my exposure to the student body of the Master of Architecture program at UofT which is 50% women. I am promoter and role model in both realms.
One word that captures you: Thinker
yulia April 14th, 2017
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Magic Moment: Oct 18, 2015 – the first demolition on the path to the revitalization of Lawrence Heights. It was the day we launched construction of 1,208 new homes for low-income families, and a dynamic new neighbourhood. I was proud to join Lawrence Heights residents, and everyone who worked on the project, as they came together to mark 8 years of advocacy for better housing and a healthier community. Mayor Tory called it the highlight of his mayoralty.
Key Influence: The Lawrence Heights Community Leaders – Passion and tenacity can affect change in more meaningful ways than power and money, especially when a community works together.
Next Big Challenge As An Industry: Toronto’s advantage is that, for the most part, families of all backgrounds can afford to live, feel safe, access good health care and education and have fun – very few cities offer all that. Yet, we are falling behind, we are not investing enough to keep our competitive advantage and protect our quality of life, particularly for our most vulnerable residents. We need to recognize how lucky we are, and collectively choose to invest more in ensuring good quality of life for all.
Secret Talent: I make a decent cappuccino. I was a barista in school.
On Championing Others… Fortunately, I have worked with many people who opened doors and encouraged me to take risks. I try to do the same for others – access and opportunity are key – after that it’s up to each of us to make the most of it.
One word that captures you: Forthright
yulia April 14th, 2017
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Magic Moment: At the Province of Ontario, I helped launch the Learn and Work Program. The graduation ceremony remains one of my proudest public service moments. That experience showed me the importance of putting the person at the centre of the problem you’re trying to solve and adapt around them.
Key Influence: Too many to put on a list. Do what you love, but also do it brilliantly.
Next Big Challenge As An Industry: The biggest challenge is actually about learning how to work more – and more deeply – with other sectors outside of it. Our NGO sector, is one of the largest and most impactful in the world. But it’s often at the sidelines of our work. If it can move front and centre and be an engaged player we’ll have the benefit of a range of thinkers all sharing and doing in common city-building efforts.
Secret Talent: Beer Pong Champion
On Championing Others… I promote CivicAction’s Emerging Leaders Network and the DiverseCity Fellows program. There’s extraordinary talent in this region eager to roll up their sleeves and contribute!
One word that captures you: Committed
yulia April 14th, 2017
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Magic Moment: Sometimes advancing our careers is done by taking on a challenge that is beyond our experience and current knowledge. Early in my career I lobbied the CEO to internalize property management and when asked who will run it, I replied I will – with no experience other than the knowledge that I was willing to learn and run the risk of losing my job if I failed.
Key Influence: I have never had a mentor or influencer and I made mistakes along the way that might have been avoided and didn’t take risks that might have been manageable. So now I seek out people to help mentor because it can propel a career.
Next Big Challenge As An Industry: I think the biggest challenge in our industry is attracting and keeping great talent. We need to partner more with universities and introduce students to the numerous opportunities.
Secret Talent: I am an amateur dog trainer.
On Championing Others… I spend time with a number of individuals helping them articulate their talents and helping them with strategy for career advancement.
One word that captures you: Tenacious
yulia April 14th, 2017
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Magic Moment: Being acknowledged by your peers is very special. I was recognized by the OALA with the Pinnacle Award of Excellence. It reminded me how fortunate I have been in my career to work with very talented and committed professionals.
Key Influence: Carolyn Woodland – Carolyn showed me how important it was to maintain your principles and values, particularly in challenging circumstances.
Next Big Challenge As An Industry: Climate change and water are the most difficult issues we will need to address in the future. Whether flood or drought, the impacts of severe weather will result in economic hardship, displacement of people worldwide and the loss of life during catastrophic events. We must work collectively and at every opportunity to mitigate the impacts.
Secret Talent: I can binge read fiction if I find a novel that grips me.
On Championing Others… I encourage younger professionals to channel their enthusiasm and passion into their careers and personal lives. I remind them that they have ‘one life’ and to live it fully.
One word that captures you: Optimistic
yulia April 14th, 2017
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Key Influence: Almost 20 years ago I joined Cadillac Fairview’s Development team and worked with a lawyer named Sandra Hardy. It was some time into my role that I came to realize that she was an informal sponsor of mine. Behind the scenes she would advocate for me, promote my accomplishments and give me periodic guidance on navigating a then male dominated environment.
On Championing Others… I believe as we grow through our careers, we have a responsibility to groom, guide and sponsor the next generation. I probably meet with a young(er) person once a week – whether internal staff, external real estate professionals or university students, to talk about their interests and how I can help them get there. Increasingly I am speaking to more men but for a long time, I spoke with women who had an interest in Development. Years later, I’ve been told I’ve given good advice and helped open a door or two.
One word that captures you: Resourceful
yulia April 14th, 2017
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