E296: Herman Bulls - The Ambition to be Successful
Herman Bulls is known as an accomplished executive leader who has served on the Defense Policy Board at the U.S. Department of Defense and and holds multiple board leadership roles at the highest levels. He has been Recognized as one of the most influential figures in corporate America and yet what many don't know is that He was raised by a single mother of six after his father tragically passed away. In this empowering episode, He reflects on the strength and perseverance his mom demonstrated, setting the foundation for his values today. Themes of education, faith, family, self-reliance and ambition run deep throughout his journey and continue to influence his leadership style.
Show Notes Timestamps:
👩👧👦 [03:22]Humble Beginnings: Herman was raised by a single mother of six, and the strength that shaped his values.
📖 [05:17]The power of education and the responsibility of showing up for others.
🎓 [06:33] Growing up through desegregation and going to college.
👥 [13:57] Life in the army where he met his wife
🏖️ [19:17] Family First: Always made time for vacations, family memories, and being present.
💔 [20:23] The loss of his wife & living with gratitude the strength of their final conversations.
🪑 [22:42] Board service isn’t just a title—it’s about using your position to create opportunity for others.
🌍 [26:25] Hernan reflects on how America is perceived abroad—and the importance of democratic resilience.
💞 [28:56] The power of authentic connection: Networking is transactional, connecting is relational.
🧘♂️ [31:40]Drawing strength from legacy, faith, and his wife’s encouragement to keep making an impact.
🌅 [32:47] Finding light through grief:Remembering his mother’s strength.
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Herman Bulls
Vice Chairman, Americas
Herman Bulls is Vice Chairman, Americas, as well as an International Director and the founder of JLL’s highly acclaimed Public Institutions Division, which specializes in delivering comprehensive real estate solutions to federal, state and local governments, nonprofit organizations and higher education institutions. Mr. Bulls works with the firm’s largest public and corporate clients to devise and implement integrated real estate strategies to lower occupancy costs and increase productivity. During over 35 years at JLL, Mr. Bulls has worked in the areas of development, investment management, asset management, facilities operations and business development/retention. He provides thought leadership and strategic guidance to senior level executives. Mr. Bulls has served as an expert witness on real estate matters in court and testified before Congressional committees on real estate issues.
Mr. Bulls co-founded and served as President and CEO of Bulls Capital Partners, a multi-family financing company. Additionally, he founded Bulls Advisory Group, LCC, a management and real estate advisory firm. Prior to joining JLL, Mr. Bulls completed almost 12 years of active-duty service with the United States Army. His last active-duty assignments were working in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Financial Management at the Pentagon and as an Assistant Professor of Economics and Finance at West Point. He has completed the Army’s Airborne, Ranger and Command and General Staff College courses and served overseas in the Republic of Korea. He retired as a Colonel…
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