JLL hosts inaugural Black Excellence Summit
More than 100 JLL Black professionals and leaders gathered virtually to promote empowerment, learning and networking opportunities
JLL’s first annual Black Excellence Summit hosted over 100 virtual participants to develop new skills, hear from inspiring JLL Black leaders and create networking opportunities. The event was sponsored by JLL’s Empower Black Professionals Network and Americas Learning and Leadership Development team.
Day 1
Mary Bilbrey, JLL’s Global Chief Human Resources Officer, kicked off the summit with opening remarks welcoming attendees and emphasizing the firm’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Dana Lemelin, Executive Director & Head of Leadership Development, led a discussion of thinking preference styles using the Herrmann Brain Dominance assessment. Participants explored their own cognitive diversity and how to use those insights to work more effectively with peers and co-workers.
Following the Herman Brain assessment, JLL’s senior Black leaders led two powerful panel discussions focused on building connections and the importance of sponsorship.
“Networking can be very transactional...I want to meet “X” so they can do “Y” for me,” shared Herman Bulls, Vice Chairman for JLL Americas. “On the other hand, connecting means you do something for someone without regard for what you will receive in return. This results in an enduring relationship which becomes part of a solid network.”
To close out the first day, attendees heard from JLL’s Asiyat Villalba, Senior Director, Head of Talent Management and Taryn Karchmar, Head of Global Executive Recruiting who shared key leadership skillsets needed to make career moves at JLL.
Day 2
On the second day of the summit, participants heard from Marion E. Brooks, best-selling author of “What You Don’t Know is Hurting You: 4 Keys to a Phenomenal Career.” As he discussed the “4 P’s” of what makes an outstanding career, attendees learned about the power of emotional intelligence and how it impacts career growth.
Attendees also had the opportunity to hear from an esteemed JLL executive panel, including Christian Ulbrich, Global Chief Executive Officer; Greg O'Brien, Chief Executive Officer, Americas; Nancy Goodson, Executive Managing Director, Capital Markets; Washington Botelho de Souza, Latin America Division President; Kennedy Oates, Chief Procurement Officer; and Sanjay Rishi, Chief Executive Officer of Corporate Solutions Americas.
The leaders gave insights into shareholder priorities, leadership decision-making, as well as why diversity and inclusion is a business imperative at JLL.
Day two closed with a presentation by Vincent Shorter, an IT Executive and speaker on overcoming adversity and advancing in the workplace. He shared the PIE model (performance, image, exposure) and the importance of focusing on exposure opportunities.
Day 3
On the final day of the summit, panelists heard from over 10 Black leaders at JLL as they each shared a personal story of practicing self-care, building a strong professional network, finding mentors and self-advocating.
The last session of the Black Excellence Summit, “A View from the Top,” included Bobby Mehta, Chairman of JLL’s Board of Directors, and Marty Nesbit, Board Director. Greg O’Brien facilitated the session by asking powerful questions and sharing thoughts about JLL, hope for the future, and increased commitment to inclusion and sustainability. Nesbit closed by sharing a powerful story with a message to inspire all attendees to continue their drive to ‘aim higher.’
Nashunda Williams, Senior Director, Account Technology and National Empower Black Professionals Network (BPN) Lead closed out the summit by encouraging members to become involved with the BPN.
The Black Excellence Summit will continue to be an accelerator for the ongoing effort and commitment to drive empowerment, leadership development and career advancement for Black professionals at the firm.
Black Excellence Summit attendees share their experience
It was such an honor to have participated in the first Black Excellence Summit at JLL. What an educational and empowering experience! Having had the opportunity to hear our most senior leaders share their experiences, provide advice on how to navigate our career, and speak about JLL’s commitment to diversity as well as about the future of JLL was priceless. JLL is invested in the growth of their people, and that was made evident throughout this summit. In the words of Dr. Sanjay Rishi, “Personal growth equals organizational growth.” I’m looking forward to sharing what I’ve learned with my colleagues so we can all grow.
Kim Bean
Associate Project Manager
The Black Excellence Summit was great and exceeded all expectations. It was encouraging to see the high level of engagement from the participants and the candidness from all the speakers. Two things stand out to me the most: You have to connect to your network and AIM HIGHER! At the conclusion of the summit I felt energized to pursue my BEST career at JLL.
Shane Hawkins
Corrigo Platform Analyst (CPA), Program Manager
JLL's inaugural Black Excellence Summit (BEST) was three days of inspiring advice and guidance from an all-star panel of senior leadership, board members, and the most amazing successful people at JLL. I left the summit with new skills and an awareness that has invigorated me to "Reach Higher.”
Sara Koenig
Facilities Manager
It was truly an honor to be nominated and attend such an inspiring event. The candid discussions with our key leaders, peers and panel of professionals really solidified JLL’s commitment to developing talent at all levels throughout the firm. The advice we received regarding career advancement was invaluable. I left the summit feeling very motivated and eager to connect with so many in our JLL family!
Maurice Johnson
Sr. Project Manager
It was an honor to attend the Black Excellence Summit. It was a great networking opportunity. The guest speakers did a wonderful job, and I was very happy to see two of our Board Members and a few Executive Team members participate as well. I came away inspired to continue to grow as a leader in my career at JLL. Great summit!
Terry Odom
Account Lead, Public Institutions
It was truly an honor to participate in the first annual Black Excellence Summit (BEST). The exposure to hearing from internal black leadership and external highly regarded industry professionals on their personal/professional experiences is one that I would not have received outside of this platform. In addition, having the opportunity to hear from JLL Senior leadership regarding their commitment to D&I and supporting their Black employees was deeply appreciated. The connections I have made over the course of the summit are invaluable. I have added tools to my armamentarium which will allow me to confidently advance in my career within JLL.
Latiya Pullum
Performance Manager
The first annual JLL Black Excellence Summit was exceptional! The subject matter covered throughout the summit precisely addressed the topics necessary to encourage, inspire and advance Black leadership at every level within the firm. The participation from the CEO, Chairman of the JLL Board of Directors, Americas CEO and senior leadership across the service lines, along with their genuine passion for the advancement of Black professionals within the firm was outstanding.
Chris Powell
Solutions Development Manager
It was an honor to hear directly from JLL’s senior executives and absorb the positivity they exude for the future of JLL. This opportunity further solidified my outlook on JLL as a family: a family that cares for the growth and achievement of ALL of its members.
Trish Gordon
Global Program Manager
Learn more about JLL’s Empower Black Professionals Network whose mission is to attract, develop and retain top Black talent at JLL through community engagement, leadership development and a culture of inclusiveness.
