Celebrating Pride

Colliers Talks

“It’s a learning process for everyone and we are still

learning and growing every day, trying to figure out how to navigate such a

topic, especially in the workplace.”

In commemoration of Pride Month, Eliezer

Timolien and Leo

Lee discuss Diversity & Inclusion, approaching this important topic

from the perspective of a professional from the LGBTQ+ community. In this open,

candid conversation, Eli talks about his journey in commercial real estate: the

obstacles, the notion of fitting in, his experience working in a predominantly

homogenous industry – and overcoming such challenges to be his authentic self.

Eli and Leo tackle the concept of “making the uncomfortable

feel comfortable” in an effort to improve awareness in the workplace and

provide people both the ease and the environment to be their true selves. They

talk about various training and resources (for both members and allies of the

LGBTQ+ community) companies can design and deliver to further build on

Diversity & Inclusion initiatives and maintain the momentum that has been

collectively created – from inclusive benefits to self-identification

programs, to Employee Resource Groups.

Shedding light on challenges within the LGBTQ+ community

itself, Eli says, “Even we face our own stigmas.” He goes on to speak about his

experience dealing with implicit biases people have within the community that

could create negative perceptions of certain identities. Looking back, Eli and

Leo discuss the progress companies have made in fostering LGBTQ+-inclusive workplaces,

and discuss what more can be done to bridge gaps, facilitate critical

conversations and create a safe setting where people offer various

perspectives.

In the long-term, Eli “would love to see the Diversity &

Inclusion program shut down, but for good reason: that no one individual is

considered marginalized; that everyone is considered equal in terms of the work

that they are able to do, the skill sets that they are able to provide a

company; that they’re able to secure appropriate salaries so we don’t have the

wage gaps we’re seeing to this day…”

Eli and Leo agree “we have such a long way to go”, but are

optimistic about the steps the company, the profession, have taken towards

building a truly diverse and inclusive place for all.