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Culture, Talent and Belonging at BGO

 

BGO's ambition is to create an environment in which all employees feel valued, included and empowered to do their best work. Each employee's unique experience strengthens our ability to deliver value to our clients, partners, investors and other stakeholders.

BGO’s Talent strategy addresses three pillars that serve as the foundation for organizational inclusion.

Learn more about BGO's social commitments here.

ATTRACT: Attracting Top Talent to BGO

Our goal is to broaden talent networks and access untapped talent pools.

We offer talented professionals access to:

  • clear and accessible career paths
  • skill development opportunities
  • mentorship and sponsorship programs

 

Additionally, BGO has invested in programs to foster greater representation within the Commercial Real Estate industry. BGO's Built to Lead was established to help new talent from untapped communities embark on early pathways to a meaningful career in our industry.

 

BGO’s Talent Accelerator Program

BGO's Built to Lead Program Across North America and the UK, BGO is forging a path for untapped talent to find their way into a rewarding career in commercial real estate. To achieve that, we examine opportunities we create through internships, scholarships and community engagement. BGO Built to Lead (BTL) initiatives work with underserved communities across Canada, the U.S. and the UK to provide enriching opportunities for career development in a setting that is invested in their success, thanks to the support of four partner organizations: SEO, Upreach, Schulich School of Business and Project Destined.

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Annual Scholarships

BGO has invested in annual scholarships in partnership with Ozîja Thiha Education Trust, Onion Lake Education Trust Fund, and University of British Columbia with a focus on First Nations/Indigenous students.  At Schulich School of Business, The Gary Whitelaw Strength in Diversity scholarship is a 10-year, $250,000 commitment to supporting Black, Indigenous, or female students pursuing a career in commercial real estate. 

Project Destined

BGO is a longstanding sponsor of Project Destined - an immersive learning program and business case study competition. BGO is also a founding sponsor of Project Destined’s Black Student Athlete-focused programs providing training in financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and real estate, and the first-ever accredited Certificate Program in commercial real estate.

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RETAIN: Recognizing and retaining talent

In addition to building inclusive programs and policies, such as our BGO Culture Code, Code of Business Conduct, Global Engagement surveys, and annual performance management processes, BGO has established programs to further enhance employees' sense of belonging.

Employee Resource Groups

Accessible to all employees across the globe, Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) are a key way BGO fosters community. BGO has four ERGs designed to champion belonging and provide supportive environments to celebrate the strength of talent at BGO. Each ERG is employee-led and equipped with an operating budget to advance programming and events that amplify important issues to its membership.

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Parental Leave

In recognition of the intersection of important life changes and feelings of inclusion, BGO has implemented a parental leave and maternity leave policy offering industry-leading salary top-ups for employees on leave.  BGO offers a program for mothers transitioning back to the workplace, called the Motherhood Leadership Program in partnership with Maturn.  Members of the program are offered tools and support for navigating new work-life demands, shifting priorities and career objectives.

CULTIVATE: Talent Development & Advancement

Personal and professional development is an important way to advance our culture. Therefore, inclusive principals are incorporated throughout all employee and leadership training such as onboarding, culture code training, communication styles, and feedback training.

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BGO’s Global Mentorship Program

BGO’s Global Mentorship Program invests in our next-gen leaders by offering an opportunity to accelerate their career development at BGO. Access to each mentee is exclusively paired with a senior leader (Managing Director or Partner) for a year and offered networking, professional skills development and on-the-job development opportunities.

BGO's Learning Platform

BGO’s learning platform, builds employee awareness, skills, and practices for effective collaboration and leadership covering topics such as ‘Psychological Safety', 'Debiasing Feedback', and 'Mindful Communications’.

Pledges + Commitments

BGO is a signatory to several industry and corporate pledges that support the advancement of underrepresented talent.

Call to Action 92

BGO’s journey towards reconciliation with Indigenous and First Nations communities in Canada.

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Black North Initiative

BGO’s allyship with BNI to address anti-Black systemic racism in Corporate Canada.

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BILD Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

BGO’s resolution to address the causes of workplace racism through awareness and education in the industry.

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CFA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Code

BGO’s commitment to championing positive systemic change in the investment industry

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CREW Network’s CRE Pledge for Action

BGO’s commitment to support the advancement and inclusion of women in Commercial Real Estate.

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ILPA Diversity in Action Initiative

BGO’s work with the ILPA Diversity in Action initiative to advancing EDI in the private equity industry.

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Holland Bloorview’s Dear Everybody Campaign

BGO’s focus to end stigma and eliminate bias towards disability. 

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Paradigm for Parity

BGO’s commitment to advancing gender inclusion throughout our firm

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