Magic Moment: Working with the Waterfront Toronto team in connection to the redevelopment of the West Don Lands, and the Pan Am Village. I worked with an amazing team, and it was a wonderful opportunity to work with several other women in the real-estate industry, City Planners, the staff at IO, and the province. Being able to see the project take off and grow was a great moment.
Key Influence: Allan Leibel – Goodmans LLP – Involved me in challenging files regarding the Waterfront, and downtown and allowed me to be independent while providing the right amount of supervision.
Meg Davis (WLI Champion 2014) – Waterfront Toronto – I worked with wonderful people on the Don Lands project. I saw the high level of intelligence, thought, and strategy that went into the entire process
Next Big Challenge As An Industry: The need for improved transit. We are in a situation where intensification is prominent, and more people are living and working in the downtown core. We must improve how these people get to work and enable them to live nearby their workplace. Another challenge is to build a city with a high quality of life for its residents, where all people’s needs are addressed and they can enjoy the city.
Secret Talent: I used to play competitively on the Canadian National Lacrosse Team.
On Championing Others… At Goodmans, I am involved in the Student and Young Lawyer program. I really enjoy working with them, and do my best to give them inspiring files. I am fortunate to be in a situation where I can work closely with students, and involve them to a large degree on files that I am working on.
One word that captures you: Inspired
yulia April 13th, 2017
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Magic Moment: On the day my three year old flushed my watch down the toilet because “If you don’t know what time it is, you won’t leave,” I completed a cross examination at the OMB that worked. Senior (opposing) counsel passed me a note that said “Welcome to the club – stripes earned!”
Key Influence: Diana Santo taught me how to truly evolve in a career and to seek out work that you are passionate about, balanced with a steadfast commitment to family and food.
Julia Ryan taught me that you can never prepare too much.
Next Big Challenge As An Industry: Transportation infrastructure and housing are key. We need to fundamentally shift funding models at all levels of government if we are going to have a fighting chance at meeting the challenges ahead.
Secret Talent: I make killer food sculptures with five year olds.
On Championing Others… I assume that everyone I come in contact with can handle the deep end. I am then there to coach, support and cheer on their successes – whether they are on my team or not.
One word that captures you: Unapologetic
yulia April 12th, 2017
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Key Influence: Bill Cotnam (PwC Assurance Partner) saw that I had talent for solving complex client issues. As a result, he gave me opportunities wherein I could shine and lead complex files. He was a remarkable mentor, sponsor and role model. I learned from Bill that one needs a mentor and sponsor who will provide opportunities for success, as well as support you through the trials and tribulations of one’s career. As a leader, I am cognizant of the importance of mentorship.
Wayne McFarlane (Coopers & Lybrand HR Partner) was another mentor who taught me the importance of diversity. As a colleague and good friend, Wayne, who is gay, made sure people appreciated his diversity. He taught me that everyone deserves the chance to be successful no matter what their background is or what they look like. More importantly, never allow anyone’s unconscious bias affect your growth and development. As a result, throughout my career, including my time as the Firm’s Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer, I championed the need for having a business culture that values all differences.
Secret Talent: In the words of Kelly Ohayon (PwC | Partner, Consulting & Deals), “Lori has a talent for seeing us for who we are, understanding what motivates us and appreciating our unique talents. She has been a coach and a mentor, encouraging me to grow as a professional while staying true to my values.”
On Championing Others… I champion all genders based on my mentoring philosophy, which is to inspire others by continually challenging them; showing them how to be passionate about client service and communicating with impact and empathy. I champion staff by encouraging them to be creative, confident and respectful of everyone’s viewpoint.
One word that captures you: Passionate
yulia April 12th, 2017
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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
yulia April 12th, 2017
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