Meet Kisha Lyles

What is your role at Avison Young?

I'm a Sales Associate in Charleston, South Carolina.

How did you get into commercial real estate?

I jumped!! From corporate to entrepreneur. Commercial real estate is my second career and my next chapter. Before joining Avison Young, I worked as a senior sales executive for a Fortune 500 technology company. I walked away from corporate America to fulfill my entrepreneurial journey. The commercial real estate industry is an unfamiliar profession within urban communities. Upon receiving my real estate sales license, I began interviewing commercial real estate firms. The Principal-led, no silos, and diversity was the perfect fit for me!

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

My biggest influence is my father. He is the first college graduate in our family; he has served his country, his family, his community, and is my everyday hero.

What is the best advice you've ever received?

Stand in your truth, forgive yourself and others, and learn to be fearless.

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

Avison Young welcomes women, to include women of color. I am proud to be associated with a firm that recognizes and celebrates our differences.

“In diversity there is beauty and there is strength” ~Maya Angelou.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

The first impression of me, I seem relatively buttoned up and polished, but I am ridiculously silly and don't take myself too seriously.