Julian Adams

What is your role at Avison Young?

I am the GIS Practice and Product lead for Avison Young; my role includes directing GIS strategy, direction, and execution. My team builds internal products through Avison Young's Avant platform that combines data, analytics, and visualization to drive greater transparency in markets for our clients.

How did you get into commercial real estate?

With two parents who worked in public service positions, I thought I would follow in their footsteps at an agency in Washington, DC. While applying for internships during my early years at Radford University, I saw an opportunity that combined my love for economics, geographic data, and technology. With limited knowledge of the commercial real estate space, the hiring manager took a chance on me. My experiences opened my eyes to the industry and its effects on cities across the globe.

What does inclusion mean to you?

To me, inclusion means that everyone has a safe space to express their ideas, motives, or goals. As a member of the Innovation Group at Avison Young, we genuinely believe that diverse thoughts and backgrounds fosters an innovative and positive environment that allows for fresh ideas.

Give us an example of inclusion in action at the workplace.

After the death of George Floyd, there was a feeling of racial tension across the globe. Although I had only been in the Washington, DC office for a small amount of time, I had countless coworkers reach out and check on me. These simple gestures of having someone to talk to meant a lot during this time.

What's an impactful way that professionals can be an ally for underrepresented groups in the workplace?

Listening and learning is the key to being an ally for underrepresented groups in the workplace. This could occur by opening your ears to someone's diverse story, or even identifying opportunities to use your voice for someone that does not have one.

What has been your experience being in an underrepresented group in a historically non-diverse industry?

As an African American in a historically non-diverse industry, there is pressure to fit in with specific behaviors. The way you speak, act, and present yourself matters and I find myself acutely aware when making first impressions. However, throughout my career, I've seen these barriers begin to break down. Avison Young is a great example of how companies in the industry are challenging themselves to be better by focusing on Diversity and Inclusion issues.

Tell us about the accomplishments you're most proud of across your career.

My biggest accomplishments inside of Avison Young is building a diverse team of individuals who develop geospatial products that save our clients time and money.