Q: What most notably stands out about your leadership style or what is an example of leadership success you can share with our readers?
I am fortunate to work in an industry and with a company of self-motivated people who are passionate about what they do. My leadership style is based on positive motivation that encourages others to be better people, not just better workers. For me, success is not just about winning the next deal or making the most money. It is about doing what is best for your client and creating balance in your work and personal life, while giving back to your community.
What impact has COVID-19 or the disruptions of the past 18 months had on you as a leader?
My father passed away at the onset of the pandemic, just prior to any isolation restrictions, so my family was fortunate to be able to be with him for his last weeks. Then the commercial office markets came to a standstill. My role quickly became one of an advisor, making sure my clients and colleagues had the best data and insight available to make really important decisions. Transactions were slow but that gave me nine months to focus on my family. That helped me put the panic of the market into perspective and enjoy the time I’d been given with those closest to me. I continue to put things in perspective and encourage others to do the same. Our market will always be cyclical, and with that knowledge we can set and achieve new goals in a brand new way.
What do you feel we can be doing as a business community to empower economic growth here?
Phoenix is in an advantageous position where it comes to our economic growth. In the span of about five years, we’ve transitioned from a largely regional and back-office office market into one that is on the corporate radar for major regional and national headquarters, and new tech and R&D endeavors. But the office landscape has changed and both tenants and employees have new requirements, including a heavy focus on amenities and flex-work scenarios. As a commercial real estate expert, my job is to help companies deploy those needs into office space that works for them. That will help to attract and retain the best employees in metro Phoenix, will help our existing companies grow and will help to attract new companies.
Continuing to focus on community will also empower economic growth. I have been active with a number of local nonprofits, and the impacts are tremendous for both the causes and the community of people who support the cause. For example, my work with Fighter Country Foundation, which supports the men, women, families and mission of Luke Air Force Base, has been amazingly fulfilling. Strengthening the health and well-being of our active military and supporting the mission at Luke Air Force Base supports the ability for the base to have an economic impact of more than $2.4 billion in Arizona. Metro Phoenix would be a very different place if we no longer had this asset in our community.
What is new and notable for your company’s near future that will impact our economy?
Since establishing its Phoenix office in 2008, JLL has consistently invested in talent and technology and its overall support for the commercial real estate industry in Arizona. That formula is clearly working. The JLL Phoenix office recently relocated into brand new office space at 44th Street and Camelback Road, where it has doubled its footprint to best enable it growing business lines. Many of these business lines are growing to proactively and strategically support the growth of Arizona. This includes the traditional office, retail, industrial and capital markets sectors, as well as Phoenix’s booming demand for services like facility management and construction management, and growth industries like healthcare, life sciences and data centers. Even with the challenges of the day, our office is energized and in sync with the opportunities that lie ahead.
Name of Leader: John G. Pierson
Position of Leader: Managing Director
Organization Name:JLL – Jones Lang LaSalle
No. of Years with Organization: 22
Main Local Office Address:4300 E. Camelback Rd., Suite 100, Phoenix, AZ 85018
Phone: (602) 282-6277
Website: jll.com
Number of offices in Greater Phoenix: 1
Year Established Locally: 2008
City Nationally Headquartered: Chicago
