Michael Church

Meet Michael Church

What is your role at Avison Young?

Managing Director of our Ottawa office. I joined the company in October of 2007.

How did you get into commercial real estate?

I came into commercial real estate out of association management. My former job as the President and Managing Director of the Ottawa Board of Trade introduced me to many business leaders and decision makers in Ottawa. An industry leader in the CRE sector though I might be good at it back in the mid-1980s.

Who has been the most influential woman in your life?

My wife, Julie, of 39 years who has been supportive and willing to put up with a lot of the ups and downs in an industry that can be cyclical. A close second would be my daughter Samantha - a driven and strong young woman who gets it from her mother.

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

Don’t be afraid to go for it. In hockey as young kids we were told to “shoot the puck when you have the chance!” Go for it - what is the worst that could happen? Move into the conversation, don’t hang back.

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 am going to make a conscious effort to change the behavior of some of my colleagues and friends who are still stuck with an “old school” mentality when it comes to their senses of humor and how they use it.

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

Any women’s group - join it and then take friend. Join your local Board of Trade or Chamber of Commerce - become the voice of business in your community.