In the high-stakes world of commercial real estate, true leadership is defined not just by transactions closed or square footage developed, but by the integrity, innovation, and people-first values that guide strategic decisions. Keri Scott, Executive Vice President at Colliers, is a shining example of a leader who blends deep industry expertise with an unwavering commitment to excellence, mentorship, and client success.
With over 15 years of experience spanning top-tier firms and diverse asset classes, Keri brings a holistic, data-driven, and client-centric perspective to the table. Today, she leads with vision and empathy in Arizona’s industrial and office real estate sectors—areas undergoing rapid transformation due to economic shifts, technological innovation, and changing workplace dynamics.
A Sociologist’s Eye in a Real Estate World
Keri Scott’s educational foundation is not what some might expect from a real estate executive—she holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of Arizona. Yet, this background is one of the key elements that set him apart in an industry dominated by numbers and metrics. Her understanding of human behavior, organizational dynamics, and social systems allows him to approach real estate from a uniquely people-centered lens.
“I earned a B.A. in Sociology… and have over 15 years in commercial real estate,” Scott states. That combination of academic insight and professional rigor has shaped her trajectory across every role she has held—from her early days in asset management to her current position as Executive Vice President at Colliers.
Throughout her career, Scott has worked with some of the most prestigious firms in the commercial real estate sector, including Cushman & Wakefield and CBRE. These experiences have provided him with a multi-dimensional view of the industry, allowing him to understand not just the transactional side of real estate, but also the strategic, financial, and developmental aspects that drive long-term value.
Empowering Through Collaboration
Colliers, founded in 1976, has grown from its regional roots into a global powerhouse in commercial real estate services, with operations spanning more than 60 countries. When Keri Scott joined the company, it wasn’t just the brand reputation that attracted him—it was the organizational culture and the entrepreneurial freedom that came with it.
“I joined Colliers for its collaborative culture and entrepreneurial platform, which empowers me to deliver tailored solutions and lead with integrity in the Arizona industrial and office markets,” she explains.
This culture of autonomy and collaboration is central to how Scott leads. At Colliers, she is not just an executive—she is an advocate for creative thinking, relationship-building, and results-oriented strategies. The company’s philosophy aligns seamlessly with Scott’s own values: integrity, client partnership, and continuous innovation.
A Portfolio of Impactful Services
Within the Arizona markets, Scott specializes in leasing, property sales, tenant representation, and development consulting—core pillars of Colliers’ service model. What sets her team apart is not only deep regional knowledge but also their personalized, client-centric approach.
“We’re not just service providers—we’re strategic partners. We work closely with tenants, landlords, and developers to design outcomes that maximize long-term value,” says Scott.
Colliers’ global capabilities also include:
- Capital Markets and Investment Services: Helping clients structure, finance, and manage complex property transactions.
- Project Management: Delivering end-to-end construction and renovation oversight.
- Valuation & Advisory: Providing accurate, data-backed valuation across asset types.
- Workplace Strategy and Consulting: Assisting clients in shaping productive, cost-effective workspaces.
- Property and Asset Management: Ensuring operational excellence across portfolios.
- Engineering & Design Services: Through strategic acquisitions, Colliers now also delivers infrastructure and environmental solutions.
What sets Colliers apart under Scott’s leadership isn’t just the services offered—it’s how they’re delivered.
“What sets us apart is our personalized approach, deep market insight, and commitment to acting as a true partner in our clients’ success,” she affirms. Each project begins with listening—an often-overlooked step in commercial real estate—and evolves through data-informed decision-making and proactive communication.
Investing in Innovation
The future of real estate is digital, and Scott is helping lead the charge. In an industry traditionally slow to adopt emerging technologies, her team at Colliers is pioneering the integration of advanced market analytics and artificial intelligence tools.
“We’re expanding our advisory capabilities by integrating advanced market analytics and leveraging AI tools to enhance site selection and investment decisions,” she shares. These technologies help clients make smarter, faster, and more confident choices in an unpredictable economic landscape.
Beyond just backend analytics, Colliers is also partnering with developers on ground-up projects that cater to the new demands of industrial and flex-space users—sectors seeing massive growth due to e-commerce, last-mile delivery, and the reimagining of office environments post-pandemic.
Vision for the Future
Scott’s strategic vision goes far beyond short-term goals or quarterly metrics. “Our long-term vision is to be the go-to strategic partner for industrial and office clients across Arizona,” she says. This involves more than just operational excellence—it means setting new standards in service, trust, and innovation.
To align her team with this vision, Scott emphasizes mentorship, transparency, and shared objectives. “I connect my team to this vision through mentorship, clear communication, and shared goals that focus on client success, innovation, and market leadership,” she explains.
It’s a leadership model that’s both practical and inspirational—one that helps individuals see how their daily actions contribute to a larger, mission-driven impact.
Navigating Market Headwinds with Foresight
Like any seasoned leader, Scott is acutely aware of the challenges that lie ahead. The commercial real estate sector is in flux, affected by a constellation of economic and socio-political factors.
“Rising construction costs, supply chain disruptions, and interest rate volatility are key challenges,” she notes. These issues make development and long-term forecasting more complex than ever before.
She also highlights a major shift in tenant expectations and investor priorities, particularly around ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) compliance. “Shifting work models and demand for ESG-compliant spaces are reshaping both office and industrial markets, requiring flexible and forward-thinking strategies.”
This is where Scott’s ability to adapt becomes crucial. She doesn’t just respond to market changes—she anticipates them and helps her clients pivot accordingly.
Setting Strategic Goals
When looking ahead three to five years, Scott has a clear game plan:
- Expand market share through innovative service delivery
- Deepen client relationships by building long-term trust and delivering consistent value
- Grow presence in key growth corridors across Arizona and beyond
To realize these goals, she has identified two top priorities: technology adoption and team development. However, she acknowledges that economic uncertainty and regulatory fluctuations remain potential obstacles that must be monitored and navigated with care.
Courageous Choices and Career-Defining Risks
One of the most revealing aspects of Scott’s career is the bold transition she made from asset management to brokerage—a decision that required both humility and resilience.
“One key risk I took was transitioning from asset management to brokerage—a move that required reinvention but ultimately allowed me to scale my impact and lead high-level client strategies,” she recalls.
That leap paid off. Today, Scott is recognized not just for her expertise but for her courage to evolve, which she encourages in those around him.
Leading with Heart
For Keri Scott, leadership goes far beyond strategy and execution—it’s rooted in emotional intelligence. She believes that empathy and vulnerability are not just soft skills but strategic tools for building resilient teams and trusted client relationships.
“Empathy fosters trust and strong team dynamics, while vulnerability builds authenticity,” Scott explains. “These traits allow me to connect more meaningfully with clients and colleagues, creating a culture where people feel valued and motivated to perform at their best.”
This people-first philosophy translates into a highly productive and motivated workplace. Under her leadership at Colliers, productivity is driven by clear communication, goal alignment, and consistent recognition.
“I prioritize open communication, recognition, and goal alignment to maintain motivation and productivity,” she says.
She also champions feedback as a critical mechanism for growth.
“I view feedback as a tool for growth and handle disagreements by actively listening, staying solution-focused, and ensuring that respect is always maintained,” she adds, emphasizing a culture of mature discourse and psychological safety.
Client Satisfaction as a Living Strategy
In Scott’s view, client satisfaction isn’t an endpoint—it’s an evolving strategy. It begins with active listening and ends with strategic execution rooted in transparency.
“Client satisfaction starts with listening, transparency, and follow-through. Feedback directly shapes our strategies—from how we market properties to how we structure deals. It’s essential to continuous improvement and long-term relationships,” she explains.
Piece of Advice
Scott’s advice for aspiring business professionals cuts straight to the heart of what it means to build a meaningful career. “Invest in relationships, lead with integrity, and never stop learning. Real success comes from consistency, humility, and a willingness to adapt,” she advises.
Her parting wisdom is a rallying call to embrace risk: “Don’t be afraid to take calculated risks—growth lives just outside your comfort zone.”
