Christine Battist

Meet Christine Battist

What is your role at Avison Young?

Chief Financial Officer.

How did you get into commercial real estate?

I have been part of high growth-oriented companies, so Avison Young was a perfect match for me leveraging my real estate and financial leadership experience.

Who has been the most influential woman in your life?

It's so hard to choose just one, but my influential journey started with my grandmother. She taught me confidence and grace and using my voice to lead, inspire and pay it forward.

What advice would you give women starting out in real estate?

Build and nurture your network before you need one. Your network needs to be broad and include clients, colleagues, mentors and sponsors to reach your career aspirational goals in real estate. Networking is a skill that can be learned, must be honed and practiced daily.

This year's IWD theme is Choose to Challenge. What do you choose to challenge or celebrate to help create more inclusion in your community?

I will use my voice to ensure others are included, heard and recognized. I will also use my voice to ask uncomfortable questions and seek knowledge.

What women’s organizations would you recommend other women get involved with?

I would not limit involvement to women's organizations. Get involved in organizations that you feel you can be your authentic self so you can learn, grow and give back. I am actively involved in the Board of the Girl Scouts helping nurture future women leaders and with Women Corporate Directors where we have ambitious goals to place more women of color on company boards.