Lisa Gardner is joined by Herman Bulls, Vice Chairman at JLL. To discuss insights on overcoming challenges like discrimination and unconscious bias, the “pet to threat” phenomenon, having a mentor vs. Sponsor, and the importance of mentorship.  
 
With 33 years in real estate, Bulls discusses founding the African American Real Estate Professionals (AAREP) and the impact of diversity in corporate America. Bulls recounts his entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing integrity, perseverance, and the power of setbacks. He also reflects on his late wife’s influence on their family, highlighting the role of parental behavior in children's success. Join for an inspiring discussion on leadership, resilience, and success. 
 
Also in this episode:  
   

• Founding AAREP: Bulls is a trailblazer who founded the African American Real Estate Professionals (AAREP) group in Washington, DC, to support African American professionals in real estate. 

• Diversity and Inclusion:  particularly following events like George Floyd's death, emphasizing the need for corporations to mirror the marketplace's demographic shifts. 

• Challenges for Minorities: He highlights challenges such as outright discrimination, unconscious bias, and the "pet to threat" phenomenon, advising minorities on navigating these dynamics. 

• Leadership and Success: the qualities needed for success, such as emotional intelligence, authenticity, preparedness, and balancing confidence with humility. They also discuss the importance of celebrating others' successes and fostering an inclusive environment. 

• Mentorship vs. Sponsorship: while mentorship can be sought, sponsorship must be earned through performance and reputation. 

• Entrepreneurial Lessons: He shares a personal anecdote about a failed real estate investment, which taught him the importance of integrity and perseverance. Despite the failure, Bulls and his partners maintained their commitment to their investors.  

• Family Influence: The conversation concludes with a reflection on family, particularly the influence of his late wife, Iris, on their sons. Bulls emphasizes the significance of parental behavior in shaping children's futures and advocates for empathy, emotional connections, and tough love in parenting. 

 
 
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About Herman Bulls 
Herman is the International Director and Vice Chairman at JLL, a global financial and professional services firm specializing in real estate operations and investment management. With over 34 years of experience, he helps senior executives solve complex real estate challenges and achieve their strategic goals. 
 
Herman also serves as a Member of the Defense Policy Board at the US Department of Defense, providing advice and opinions on matters of defense policy. Additionally, he is the Vice Chairman of the Board at USAA, a Fortune 100 diversified financial services firm serving the needs of military members and their families. Herman is a NACD Fellow and have been recognized as one of the most influential individuals in corporate America and one of the top 100 corporate governance professionals in the nation. His specialties include real estate, finance, strategy, leadership, governance, and communication. Herman is passionate about delivering value, creating impact, and building trust. 
 
About Lisa Gardner 

Lisa Gardner is a corporate real estate thought leader and co-founder of OMS Strategic Advisors, LLC, focusing on real estate, strategy, and workforce development. With over 25 years of experience, she drives profitability by optimizing human capital, leading diversity initiatives, and crafting corporate strategies. She has managed national accounts for Fortune 500 companies like Wal-Mart and AT&T, and revitalized multicultural marketing for JCPenney. Lisa serves on the Executive Board of SMU's Cox School of Business and contributes to DCEO Magazine. She is active in her community at Gateway Church and lives in Plano, Texas, with her husband and two children.