Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Leadership
The Global Mindset and CRE Home and Abroad Globalization is not new. Countries and cultures have been connected for decades and the increased capabilities of technology have made those bonds more accessible and stronger. A global mindset for a commercial real estate professional is a way to unlock a new world of business, inspiration, and innovation. Not everyone is in a position to partner internationally or work with properties in other countries, but having a global mindset goes beyond the properties someone manages. It is a strategy for success. For those working internationally, entering the global mindset is essential to survival and success in a world that grows smaller.
Unlocking the World Having a global mindset can feel like a nebulous request, but it can be boiled down to awareness. John Oliver, chairman and managing principal with Oliver and Company, said that he looks at having a global mindset as looking outside your immediate universe. “Step outside of your own awareness level and that means that you want to be open to learning and having an interest at looking at life through a different lens,” Oliver said.
8
Insight • Issue 4, 2020
For those working internationally or with international clients, the ability to assimilate and perform within a new culture is paramount. For Roy Abernathy, executive vice president of global workplace strategy and human experience with Newmark, perparations for meetings in a new country begin long before the flight. It is a daily practice. “It’s about understanding what is going on socially, politically, medically, and learning how to apply consistently on that local level,” Abernathy said. While some professionals like Abernathy rely on a global mindset for their international work, it is important to recognize the importance of global events no matter where a property is located. The global mindset is not just for those with properties in another country, but also for property professionals managing locally. Founder of DRH Advisors Don Henry said that CRE professionals need to recognize that no one is immune to the actions and trends of other countries. “Very few investments, including real estate, are immune to political, social, and economic developments occurring abroad,” Henry said. Understanding the importance and definition of a global mindset is one step, but how can a CRE professional put this into practice?
