Why DEI Is a Business Imperative Today

February 28, 2022

Executive Insights Corporate Real Estate In Focus National

In light of Black History Month, JLL’s Nashunda Williams elaborates on what it takes to build and support a more inclusive corporate environment.

Nashunda Williams, Head of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, JLL. Image courtesy of JLL

The commercial real estate sector has been taking major steps toward diversifying its employee base in recent years, with diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives becoming the much-needed bridge between every facet of the industry. Several executives have already identified this renewed shift in focus as one of the leading trends likely to shape the real estate landscape in 2022 and beyond.

Earlier this month, JLL appointed Nashunda Williams as its global head of DEI. Williams has held leadership roles within JLL for the past six years, starting off as a technology advisor and most recently serving as an IT business partner within JLL Technologies. She has also been deeply involved in the firm’s DEI initiatives, heading the Empower–Black Professionals Network in the U.S. for years, as well as founding and leading JLL Technologies’ global diversity and inclusion committee.

In an interview with Commercial Property Executive, she discusses her new role within the company and what makes a good DEI leader. She also elaborates on JLL’s DEI initiatives and the required shifts in mindsets, behaviors and practices for a more equitable and just future.

What inspired you to focus on diversity, equity and inclusion in your career?

Williams: DEI has been embedded into the fabric of my corporate career. I strive to set an example of excellence so that others might have an easier path to follow.

In which way has your background shaped your current professional direction?

Williams: My diverse background in leadership, technology, strategy and diversity and inclusion will be used to make an impact in my new role of global head of DEI for JLL. I believe every experience prepares you for the next one—and I am eager to use my skillsets to make an impact.

How has DEI evolved in the corporate environment since you joined the field?

Williams: I am proud of the advancements that have been made in the corporate environment around diversity and inclusion. In the past, the field was a conversation topic and now it is a business imperative.

Previously, it would be an achievement to mention DEI and now, employees are more interested in action. Although the corporate environment has evolved, there is still a lot of work to do to create an inclusive environment for everyone.

Give us examples of some initiatives JLL has implemented to create a more diverse and inclusive work environment.

Williams: JLL has been working on a number of new and expanded programs focused on attracting, developing and retaining diverse talent.

We’ve launched programs to break down financial barriers for underrepresented populations entering the real estate industry, including a college loan repayment program and an investment fund for entry-level compensation to supplement the industry’s traditionally commission-based salary models.

We’ve also continued to expand our relationships with universities and nonprofit organizations to build a diverse pipeline of future leaders through recruitment efforts and partnerships, including a continued focus on Historically Black Colleges and Universities partnerships. JLL also teamed up with the social impact e-learning platform Project Destined to provide financial literacy, entrepreneurship and real estate training to diverse students.

Internally, we created a reverse mentoring program that pairs diverse employees with executive team members to share their experiences related to topics of strategic and cultural relevance. The program aims to provide transparency, help leaders gain insights into the real experiences of JLL employees, drive cultural change and improve leadership’s understanding of issues facing employees. Since the program launch, many other business lines have followed this blueprint and developed similar mentoring programs with diverse new hires and existing employees.

What role does JLL play in educating and inspiring future real estate leaders?

Williams: As both an industry and corporate leader, JLL plays a pivotal role in building a pipeline of future leaders, especially as it supports our purpose of shaping the future of real estate for a better world. For us to deliver futuristic real estate strategies, continue to advance technology and develop unique client solutions requires us to educate, inspire and recruit the next generation of talent.

We must also continue to drive an inclusive environment that allows for creativity of ideas and solutions and encourages people to share diverse perspectives, which results in better ideas and more innovative thinking that can ultimately benefit our people, culture and our clients.

What are your main goals as the global head of DEI?

Williams: JLL has actively been focusing on DEI efforts and there’s great foundational work that’s been done in many areas to start driving change. Therefore, my main goal is to continue to advance the foundational efforts that are underway while driving deeper accountability, measurement and global connectivity.

We also have more resources and teammates than ever before focused on DEI, so I’m looking forward to the opportunity to work with an amazing group of colleagues across the globe to advance our efforts.

Thinking about the commercial real estate industry in general, what are some things you’d like to see changed or done differently?

Williams: I would like to see more investment into exposing the next generation to the vast opportunities in commercial real estate. I am proud that JLL has a strong, dedicated team in place focused on early career recruiting so that we can continue to educate and invest in those who will ultimately be the future leaders of JLL.