Meet Alison Hansen-Carlson

What is your role at Avison Young?

Associate, Retail Leasing and Sales

How did you get into commercial real estate?

I previously worked in education, but when we moved from BC to Alberta I took the opportunity to try a new career and started with an administrative coordinator role with a landlord; from there I got involved with a few professional CRE associations (NAIOP and CREW) and spent a few years managing them. When it was time for another change, the relationships I had made through the associations led me to Avison Young where I fell in love with the industry even further.

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

Likely my dad, who taught me that hard work and kindness are all that really matter, but to not let anyone take advantage of you.

What is the best advice you've ever received?

Say yes and then figure it out.

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

My team is small, just me and one of the best retail brokers in Canada. He has always treated me as an equal and gives me every opportunity to learn and be involved in every aspect of the deal. He also understands that as a woman and a mother, my family comes first and always provides the flexibility I need to attend school events, work from home or bring my daughter to the office.

What advice would you give to young women who want to succeed in the workplace? Commercial Real Estate is a hard industry, and you have to work hard every day. Don’t expect anyone to give you a break but take the leads that are given to you.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

My first career had me teaching Kindergarten – I think it set me up to deal with the fast-paced nature of this industry because you never know what might happen next.