Director of development, Colliers Strategy and Consulting
Age 38
What career highlight are you most proud of?
I am most proud of my work with a diverse range of clients at Colliers Strategy and Consulting, including government agencies, institutions, private landowners and non-profits. A major highlight was collaborating with the Province of B.C. to unlock underutilized land adjacent to public transit for affordable housing across Metro Vancouver. My team and I have been involved in several impactful projects, including a master-planned, transit-oriented community development in the City of Surrey, as well as multiple high-density, mixed-use, transit-oriented developments in Vancouver, Burnaby and Port Moody.
What has been your toughest business or professional decision to date?
Most of the real estate development projects I have worked on require tough professional decisions throughout the rezoning and development process. Balancing community concerns, regulatory requirements and the client’s vision demands difficult choices and creative problem-solving. This experience taught me the importance of resilience, clear communication and adaptability—skills I now bring to every project.
How do you lead?
I believe in servant leadership—sharing power and putting my team’s needs first. I lead by example, spending time with each team member to understand their strengths and assigning tasks that align with their talents. I never ask anyone to do something I wouldn’t do myself and always celebrate team successes together, sharing credit rather than taking it.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned in business?
Real estate development is complex and hinges on solid financials. No matter how great the design of a building or project is, it won’t succeed if the proforma doesn’t work. Many people overlook this, but financing is the most critical aspect of real estate development; it ultimately determines whether a project moves forward.
Best piece of advice ever received?
Change is the only constant in life. Embracing this mindset encourages me to adapt and continually learn new things, which is essential in both my personal and professional growth.
What is your definition of success?
I don’t have a strict definition of success. I believe that if I focus on doing what I’m good at and giving back to the community, success will naturally follow. This aligns with one of my favorite quotes: “Success usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it.”
What are you most passionate about outside of work?
Housing for everyone. Early in my career, my manager encouraged me to volunteer my time and skills for causes I care about. Drawing from my experience in real estate development, I actively volunteer with non-profit housing organizations. There are numerous opportunities out there, but many non-profits struggle to leverage and access government funding and grants to create more affordable housing.
What’s left to accomplish?
There is still so much left to accomplish. I aim to continue advocating for affordable housing, empowering women in their career advancement within the industry and mentoring the next generation of real estate professionals. By focusing on these areas, I believe I can make a lasting impact in my field and beyond.
Is there anyone you would like to thank or acknowledge?
I want to express my gratitude to those who have supported me throughout my career. While there are many people I’d like to acknowledge, I would especially like to highlight a few: David Bowden, vice-chair and head of Colliers Strategy and Consulting; Armin Amrolia, deputy city manager of the City of Vancouver; Lilian Chau, CEO of Entre Nous Femmes Housing Society; and Tegan Smith, CEO of Channel Consulting. Each of them has played a vital role in shaping my professional journey, offering invaluable advice to stimulate my creativity and encouraging me to persevere during challenging times.
A personal motto, favourite phrase or saying that resonates with you?
“Practice isn’t the thing you do once you’re good. It’s the thing you do that makes you good.”—Outliers, Malcolm Gladwell
A philanthropic, charitable or community cause or organization you support?
Entre Nous Femmes Housing Society
What do you do to unwind, relax or de-stress?
Reading a book under the sun with my cat by my side
Favourite place in the province?
Golden Ear Provincial Park
Favourite restaurant(s)?
Hydra Estiatorio & Wine Bar
A book or podcast you would recommend?
Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell
What is your best habit?
Reading—books continuously open doors of knowledge and deepening my understanding of the world
A B.C. business leader you admire?
Christine Bergeron, CEO of Concert Properties (on leave) and former CEO of Vancity
Tell us one surprising or little-known fact about yourself.
I’m passionate about contemporary art and visit art museums in different countries whenever I travel
