Magic Moment: There are many moments that shaped my journey. From my first day of law school, my first public meeting, my first hearing, the first time a project I was working on was discussed in the media, to the first time I walked through a completed project. Each small step strengthened my passion for the law and the real estate industry.
Key Influence: My mother – I learned never settle and never give up.
My colleagues, from which I have had several mentors — I learned not to be afraid to take on new challenges.
Next Big Challenge As An Industry: Finding the right balance between meeting growth demands and providing the necessary infrastructure without over regulating and taxing the real estate industry and negatively impacting housing affordability.
Secret Talent: Second degree black belt in karate.
On Championing Others… By making mentorship a part of all aspects of my practice. From being a law school mentor, to participating in ULI’s mentorship program, to sitting on Cassels Women’s Advancement, Voices and Equity Committee with the mandate of promoting and supporting women in private practice
One word that captures you: Determined
yulia April 14th, 2017
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Magic Moment: I became involved in the condominium industry in the 1980s, when Martin Atkins hired me for his marketing business. I knew right away that condominiums would be the way of the future for the Greater Toronto Area, and I was excited to be part of it. Eventually, Martin moved to the United States. I had heard about Pat Baker, who was having a major influence in the industry, and I approached her. She was gracious, optimistic and offered me the opportunity to continue pursuing my dream at Baker Real Estate Incorporated. This was a magic moment for me. I eventually assumed the role of President, and I reached another career pinnacle when I became CEO.
Key Influence: The answer is easy: my father, Regimental Sergeant Major Henry Dixon. I grew up in Ireland. My father did tours of duty in Cypress and the Belgian Congo, served with Canadian military under the United Nations flag in Katanga and Cypress, and was honored with the Nobel Peace Medal. He showed me by example that anything is possible when you work hard and keep your integrity. He also passed along to me an appreciation for what it takes to be a true leader – a genuine caring for the people around you.
Next Big Challenge As An Industry: Challenges posed by evolving demographics and land shortages across the GTA are something our industry faces continually. In addition, although Toronto condos are reasonably priced relative to the rest of the world, the increase in average prices over the last few years has created a certain public perception. We have to educate the public more on the value of today’s well designed condos.
Secret Talent: Most people do not know that in Ireland, I started singing at the age of 12, and I belonged to an all-girl singing group called Maxi, Dick and Twink.
On Championing Others… I make a point to listen to everyone’s input, value it, treat it with respect and act on it when appropriate. To lead by example, I am passionate about what I do, and I show it. Real passion in the business world is so rare today that it gives you an immediate competitive advantage.
One word that captures you: Focused
yulia April 14th, 2017
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Magic Moment: Following my first time giving evidence at an OMB hearing and after a gruelling cross-examination by the opposing counsel, he came up to me several weeks later and complimented me on my evidence. Further to that, the decision was in our favour largely due to my evidence.
Key Influence: Jennifer Harker – I learned client relationship management and writing skills.
Deborah Martin-Downs – Deb provided me with the confidence to believe in myself as a senior consultant and project manager.
Next Big Challenge As An Industry: From my perspective as an environmental consultant, I think that the increasing layers of policy that we have to address are strangling any efficiency in the development process. I think we need to come up with ways of consolidating the policies and the regulatory agencies so that we are not having to address so many processes in the course of obtaining the necessary approvals.
On Championing Others… I make myself available when people have questions or need advice. I take junior and intermediate staff to meetings and involve them with clients
One word that captures you: Normal
yulia April 14th, 2017
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Magic Moment: I remember just launching a new spec office development in August 2008. Then the global financial crisis hit the following month. Despite the news, we went ahead and it was the best team experience I had. Everyone knew it was going to take “herculean” efforts to get noticed. In the end, it was a huge success winning many awards. Sometimes, it takes a crisis to build the best focused team.
Key Influence: Dennis Hynes – He was one of my first bosses. He provided a runway for me and told me if I was successful, he would be successful. Mentoring matters!
Susan Wallace – Susan was a highly respected CEO of USAA. Her ease in the spotlight and her incredible network was inspiring. Always had time for everyone.
Next Big Challenge As An Industry: There needs to be less territorial isolated decisions. Transit is a good example of how we need to work together as group. Otherwise, we’ll have a system that goes nowhere. Linkages between regions is key. Not just physically, but financially too.
Secret Talent: I used to write music and I have a published children’s song.
On Championing Others… I have a small team that works very closely together. I encourage them to ask questions and take on challenges. I always say, if you don’t ask, you don’t get. I also participate in many young leader initiatives as a mentor.
One word that captures you: Advocate
yulia April 14th, 2017
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Magic Moment: Joining ULI WLI. It opens the door for me to connect with other outstanding real estate professionals and being part of a wonderful group.
Key Influence: Anna Kennedy (WLI Champion 2015) – She is phenomenal at motivating her staff to network in business and personal relationships.
Marilyn Mekler – Marilyn has been a great mentor to me – an inspirational person who helps me to understand my potential and how to go from there to excel and learn.
On Championing Others… I like to be a mentor and share my personal story and experience with others so that they can also value the benefits of mentorship in shaping their career journey.
yulia April 14th, 2017
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Key Influence: Susan Keir – I worked for Susan while completing my masters. She ran a successful business and had two young kids – she made it look easy!
Next Big Challenge As An Industry: As an industry we need to be able to have certainty on timeliness around approvals and the various processes involved. As a successful city region we need government, politicians and agencies to work with the industry on creative solutions and proposals for city building opportunities. Thinking outside the box to create city building opportunities will foster better design and public realm.
On Championing Others… I always tell people in the industry to be true to yourself and to love what you do. If you are going to spend long days doing a job make sure you are passionate and interested in it.
One word that captures you: Optimistic
yulia April 14th, 2017
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Magic Moment: I could not answer the “Where I saw myself in 5 years” question; I knew liked working collaboratively with talented people, being given varied opportunities and helping others achieve their goals. While explaining my role at PwC to a friend, I realized that becoming a partner provided me those opportunities. With my mentors’ help, I then focused on achieving my partnership goal.
Key Influence: Jonathan Simmons, CFO of OMERS – Read the newspaper – Remaining current ensures you remain relevant.
Next Big Challenge As An Industry: There needs to be further action taken to ensure that public and private partnerships are being formed to ensure successful communities continue to be planned and developed. Government and the private sector cannot achieve this in isolation of one another.
On Championing Others… I am a mentor for a number of our staff where we meet throughout the year to discuss their goals and aspirations, discuss their action plan to achieve their goals as well as discuss how I may be able to provide insights, advice and help further their career development.
One word that captures you: Collaborative
yulia April 14th, 2017
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Magic Moment: In 2000, I was encouraged to run for a position on the Canadian Board of the Institute of Transportation Engineers. Much to my surprise I won and ultimately became the first woman president of ITE Canada. I had the privilege of serving on the ITE Board for 6 years and travelling across Canada and US to meet with and learn from many other professionals, including young women.
Key Influence: My father – Jerry Kervin – He taught me to respect others experience and to use every opportunity to learn from others knowledge and skills.
Tyrone Gan – Tyrone was my first boss as a consultant right out of school. He taught me to value quality work and provide excellent service and advice to clients.
Next Big Challenge As An Industry: We need to learn the value of partnerships in order to make the most of the significant investments in infrastructure. We need to leverage the talent and creativity of the public sector and give them the latitude to explore new ways of delivering projects or partnering to get a better result for our communities, residents and businesses.
Secret Talent: I can sew and made my sister’s wedding dress!
On Championing Others… I like to provide opportunities for networking and training outside our organization. I have learned a great deal from the many opportunities I have had to interact with professionals outside my own organization. It is too easy to get stuck in our own world and not expand our horizons.
One word that captures you: Determined
yulia April 14th, 2017
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Magic Moment: One of my magic moments was back when I first started my company and we had just signed the lease for our first office on Mercer Street. It was a “this is really happening moment” for me. Another magic moment was when we won the contract for the Union Station Master Plan. It was such an honour to work on this important destination and landmark in Toronto.
Key Influence: Jane Pepino, Aird and Berlis LLP – Her presence and magnitude is something I really admire. She is a role model for any woman who wants to excel in her career and have a strong family.
Next Big Challenge As An Industry:
Secret Talent: I love to bake and I make the best cookie. You name the cookie, I will make it!
On Championing Others… I strongly believe that one should give credit where credit is due and recognize people who may not otherwise be recognized on a project. At the City, I created a mentorship program that seeks to provide opportunities for women to rise into leadership roles.
One word that captures you: Passionate
yulia April 14th, 2017
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Magic Moment: Four years ago when the U.S. housing market appeared to have rebounded, I took my biggest personal financial risk to date, leveraging most of my net worth to buy the debt of a property that was in a foreclosure process. Not only did it turn out to be the best deal I’ll probably ever do, but reminded me that success is hard to achieve without taking real and calculated risks.
Key Influences: My father – One’s reputation can make or break a person; operating with integrity, especially when no one is watching, is essential to one’s success.
My mother – Grit (determination combined with a lot of hard work) and faith in oneself can help overcome many obstacles.
Next Big Challenge As An Industry: Without a doubt, we need to sort out how to get people around more efficiently in terms of time and pollution. Taking public transit into the city should not be a 2+ hour option for people living outside the subway line. Traffic affects life expectancy, how families interact, the environment, and costs us 7.5-11 billion per year (round numbers – nearly 2k per person).
Secret Talent: I can pick out accents decently well.
On Championing Others… Where possible, for special projects especially, we try to hire co-op students, recent immigrants and students with a very positive attitude that may not have all the requisite skills to give them a chance to be mentored and learn about business culture in Canada (if they are foreigners).
One word that captures you: Determined.
yulia April 14th, 2017
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