Magic Moment: Magic moments come every day, and the trick is to recognize them. It took me a while to realize that leaders were interested in what I was saying, and it makes me proud now to know that when I speak I am representing the interests of others.
Key Influence: Meena Dhar – Meena taught me to believe in myself and to respect the power of listening to collective voices.
Kerri Voumvakis – Kerri taught me some solid critical thinking but more importantly she taught me that time and attention are the best ways to build solutions and teams.
Next Big Challenge As An Industry: The constant influx and newcomers and refugees to our city and region creates both pressure and opportunities. I think our next big challenge will be to grow our city from within to maximize the talents that have come to us. This starts by making sure we have well designed neighbourhoods that offer good lives for all.
One word that captures you: Gracious
yulia April 13th, 2017
Posted In:
Magic Moment: The day I was accepted into MBA school – I was very nervous that with my planning background I would not be selected. However, when I entered Rotman, I learned it was my planning and development experience that impressed them. The lesson learned for me was that planners can do anything!
Key Influences: My 87-year old dad – He exemplifies the ability to be good and honest and still be successful in business. He taught me about hard work, humility and gratitude. He led by example and showed me how to always give something in return for being so fortunate.
Next Big Challenge As An Industry: We need to address the lack of affordable housing. There are 60,000 people waiting for decent housing in Toronto. We need to push both the public and private sectors to do better in delivering affordable housing for all income levels. Inclusionary zoning is a start but we need to hold senior levels of government accountable to provide sustainable funding for all projects.
Secret Talent: I can play a mean game of pool (billiards).
On Championing Others… I’m often asked to speak to graduate student classes or meet with young professionals just starting their careers. I try to provide a hand up whenever I can. It only takes one opportunity to open the door to a bright future.
One word that captures you: Honest
yulia April 13th, 2017
Posted In:
Magic Moment: The first really successful (i.e. case making) cross of a senior planner whom I respected (and feared) a great deal. Hearing my 4 year old explain to friends that I had won a “big case” and prevented “some guy from putting a big hole in his farm and wrecking it for the animals” (it was a quarry file and there were no animals but he got the result right!)
Key Influence: Jane Pepino – To know the file inside/out; to understand what is really important to the other side; to never lose yourself in the case; to never ever back down.
My Dad – To take pride in what you help to build; to appreciate the heritage buildings all around us; to treat everyone with respect; to bring the coffee.
Next Big Challenge As An Industry: Seriously examining the ward system in our urban municipalities and the need for a more representative regional governance structure. To understand that heritage designation is not and should not be a tool to “control development” and to appreciate the real benefits of including heritage resources, meaningfully, in redevelopment projects.
On Championing Others… By encouraging them to find their own style and voice – mimicry may be flattery (to some) but being someone else is no way to be successful and happy.
One word that captures you: Committed
yulia April 13th, 2017
Posted In:
Magic Moment: On my fortieth birthday I had the good fortune to be able to buy the Plaza where I started my first job at the age of 13 working in a pharmacy. I proudly added this to my RE portfolio; and felt I had come full circle to the young girl who was bullied and ridiculed in grade school.
Key Influence: My significant other Ralph DelDuca – When something bad happens, it’s always followed by something good. Some will, some won’t, some do, some don’t, keep going; it’s a numbers game.
Next Big Challenge As An Industry: Affordability as an industry. Working on government initiatives to a) reduce the cost of housing for qualified individuals and b) provide deposit programs to allow ownership
Secret Talent: Matching people to their positions.
On Championing Others… Over my career I have hired a few hundred people; many of them unqualified for various positions; but given the opportunity because of their passion and certain qualities that shined through.
One word that captures you: Generous
yulia April 13th, 2017
Posted In:
Magic Moment: As Ontario Director of the Pembina Institute, I transformed it from a think tank focused on electricity/energy sector to a thought leader on transit, mobility and urban planning, recognizing that the phase-out of coal meant that transportation and urban form represented the majority of Ontario’s GHG emissions.
Key Influence: M.Mgonigle, Law and Policy Institute at University of Victoria – Michael gave me freedom to run, learn, make mistakes, succeed and become a leader in my field.
Anne Golden (WLI Champion 2014) – Two decades later in my career, Anne is proof that women are brilliant, relevant and influential well past the age of 65, and have much to teach us.
Next Big Challenge As An Industry: Implementing the province’s “growth plan” goals of urban intensification in a way that is cost-effective and achievable for developers and municipalities, and actually results in complete communities – walkable, transit-oriented, great public realm with more housing options. Solutions such as a community permit system can help bring residents on board and reduce local opposition to density.
Secret Talent: When I was younger I used to play in rock bands. I apply many of those skills to my work – speaking, creative writing and communications!
On Championing Others… A large proportion of my staff and graduate students are women (not intentional). I invest a lot of time into teaching them leadership skills – speaking, media interviews, writing a good blog, and look for opportunities when they can represent RCBI instead of me at a workshop or on a panel.
One word that captures you: Strategic
yulia April 13th, 2017
Posted In:
Magic Moment: After my graduate studies, I worked with two top economists at University of Toronto. They were looking for a research assistant with spatial analysis experience to analyze urban growth patterns across the continental US. The study took three years, and my professional proud moment was being first author on a publication of our work in the Quarterly Journal of Economics.
Key Influence: Tony Coombes, Founding ED, Neptis Foundation – I worked with Tony for 13 years. He taught me that listening and asking the right questions were key to successfully managing people and projects.
Lisa Vardi, my sister – She was my role model for a woman who aimed high in her achievements and modelled how a strong, smart, and compassionate woman functions in the world.
Next Big Challenge As An Industry: The biggest challenge for our region is managing our success as a desirable place to live and work. We must address the challenge of regional governance. The current model of one municipality competing for growth against another is an out-dated model. City-regions should compete against other city-regions. We need to create a new governance model of regional coordination and collaboration.
Secret Talent: I am really good at binge-watching espionage and female-centred political dramas late into the night and still able to fully-function the next day.
On Championing Others… Part of the mandate of the Neptis Foundation is education, so engaging audiences on regional planning policy is part of my job. We try to establish connections with students at universities through these events and internships at the office to mentor the next generation of planners.
One word that captures you: Analytical
yulia April 13th, 2017
Posted In:
Magic Moment: I started my career in commercial brokerage, I had a lot of fun, and learned a lot about the market, but ultimately it was not for me. The recession allowed me to re-think my career, and I applied to Ryerson University for their Masters in Planning program. Going back to school was reinvigorating for me, gave me a new skill set, and changed my career path for the better.
Key Influence: Audrey Jacob (IBI Group, WLI Champion 2014) – The devil is in the details. Audrey has taught me how to carefully look at assumptions and data in a way I had never previously considered.
Next Big Challenge As An Industry: How are we going to fund future (soft and hard) infrastructure investment? Redevelopment, rapid growth, climate change and aging infrastructure are going to be challenges for the GTA. Our current means of collecting revenue and funding these investments is not sufficient. Additionally, the future of employment lands – we need to protect and plan these areas to adapt to future needs.
On Championing Others… As a member of the WLI Steering Committee, I work with a wonderful group of people to promote women and host events which bring the issue of gender inequality to forefront. I mentor, both at my company, and for ULI, to help be a resource for the future generations of leaders.
One word that captures you: Feisty!
yulia April 13th, 2017
Posted In:
Magic Moment: I remember exactly where I was when I got the call and accepted my first job in the field of engineering. I was starting my career, and I knew it was a defining moment in my life.
Key Influence: My aunt – She was the only woman I knew with a secondary education, a career and a drafting table in her apartment. I learned what was possible for me.
Next Big Challenge As An Industry: As an industry, we need to recognize that pedestrian and cyclist deaths are preventable. Safe and active transportation requires equal effort in the areas of design, politics, and law.
Secret Talent: I can speed read pages of numbers and equations (but I read text slowly).
On Championing Others… I enjoy being a mentor and giving young engineers opportunities to reach their career goals. I always make time to listen.
One word that captures you: Independent
yulia April 13th, 2017
Posted In:
Magic Moment: I believe in the Steve Jobs quote “Your work is going to fill a large part of your life and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do.” My magic moments have come when I committed myself to this philosophy; jumping feet first into a new industry and also starting my own company.
Key Influence: Peter Walker, Wendy Nott, Bruce Bodden – They instilled the importance of technical competence & hard work. They provided early opportunities and the foundation for professional confidence.
John Pontarollo & Lisa Ferri – Wonderful colleagues at Holcim Canada. JP models leadership and the importance of relationships. Lisa holds the mirror for my “be true to me”.
Next Big Challenge As An Industry: I am keenly aware of the challenges we need to tackle in order to have the foundational products of aggregate and concrete for road/public transit infrastructure & the residential/employment developments that make complete communities. Continue to explore collaborative ways of addressing these challenges. As with so many aspects of urban land industry, we need to soften the either/or approach.
Secret Talent: Back in the day, I was a pretty good curler. I was a member of a championship team. Hurry Hard!!!
On Championing Others… Pay it forward; offering opportunities and offering the unexpected thank you so that people know their effort is appreciated. I don’t sugar coat things. I am respectful and constructive but sometimes tough feedback is required for an individual’s growth and development. I seek the same from others.
One word that captures you: Dedicated
yulia April 13th, 2017
Posted In:
Magic Moment: I have been very fortunate throughout my career to have many magic moments. The first BIG transaction that I led over 20 years ago involved a talented multi-disciplinary team to drive client success. My work today has embraced this principle – work with the best and most talented people and imagine the “art of the possible” together.
Key Influence: John Busi EVP C&W Global – New York – John readily took me beyond Canadian marketplace toward global opportunities and perspectives, and accelerated my scope, growth and opportunity
Keith Botting – my husband – Keith is my best friend who can provide honest and reliable feedback to keep me grounded and real, and especially to balance family life and career.
Next Big Challenge As An Industry: Maintaining global competitiveness for Canada, our cities and companies remain our number one priorities to continue with our high standard of living. We require increased investment in productivity generating infrastructure and tools to empower our companies and people, while lowering tax rates to attract investment. Real estate plays a vital role and can be leveraged to help finance crucial investment.
Secret Talent: I started sailing Georgian Bay five years ago and have a new-found passion!
On Championing Others… I champion professionals across the real estate industry, including women, through hiring, mentoring, professional development and have guided many careers. I also tirelessly deliver presentations and educational sessions with the marketplace at large (including women!) about trends within the real estate industry.
yulia April 13th, 2017
Posted In: