Meet Ali Fieder

What is your role at Avison Young?

Senior Associate, Sales Representative on the Retail Leasing Services Team, Downtown Toronto

How did you get into commercial real estate?

I went to school for Urban Development and grew up alongside the business. I always knew I wanted to be in real estate but thought I wanted to go into development. After university I met with a number of people in the industry to learn about what they do. As I met with more and more people I realized how exciting retail brokerage would be. I started at a firm that specialized in only retail leasing and learned from one of the best in the business and came over to Avison Young about 1.5 years ago.

Who has been the biggest influence in your life and why?

My dad has been the biggest influence in my life. Not because of his successful career in commercial real estate but because of his ability to treat people with kindness, handle tough situations properly, and despite his demanding work schedule he manages a good work life balance. What is the best advice you've ever received?

Tough to pin point just one piece of advice:

1. Don't get caught up in workplace politics and drama - keep your head down and work hard - and you will be rewarded.

2. Brokerage is a long term game - don't get ahead of yourself and take it day by day.

3. We are all conditioned to dwell on the negative things that happen and forget to focus on the positive. Celebrate the little wins too.

How has Avison Young supported you as a woman in business?

My team has been amazing when it comes to supporting me as a woman in commercial real estate. While the industry is traditionally male dominated - that has never ever become a factor in the work place. Avison Young and my team have never treated me differently (in any circumstance whether positive or negative) because I am a woman. I really value being treated as an equal in the workplace.