CRE firms seeking to drive actionable, sustainable change in the DEI space must ensure such programs are a "core component" of overall business strategy, according to one industry leader. 

"Commercial real estate has seen an increased focus on DEI over the years, and we are also seeing increased demand from our clients for support in achieving their DEI goals from a workforce and supplier diversity perspective," says Nadine Augusta, Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer at Cushman & Wakefield.  But "while we know progress has been made, the CRE industry is early in its journey and there is more work to be done." 

Augusta sat down with GlobeSt.com in advance of next week's Women of Influence conference in Lake Tahoe to preview remarks she'll make as part of a panel on sustainable DEI strategies. She says firms should embrace three key areas of focus to drive DEI programs and outcomes: investment in the right people, aligning DEI strategy with the core components of the business, and ensuring accountability.