The Most Powerful Business Leaders in Arizona for 2025 includes Bob Mulhern, managing director-Arizona market leader for Transwestern. Meet him here.

Bob Mulhern, managing director-Arizona market leader for Transwestern

Background: Mulhern brings more than 30 years of commercial real estate experience, leadership expertise and unparalleled relationships to his role at Transwestern. Prior to joining Transwestern, he was senior managing director at Colliers, where he led a team of more than 120 brokers and staff in Phoenix and Scottsdale. A committed member of the Phoenix community, Mulhern is a trustee of his alma mater, Arizona State University, and currently serves as the president of the ASU Alumni Association Board of Directors. He is a founder and governing board chairman of Great Hearts Arizona, a leading provider of classical education to elementary, middle school and high school learners.

Qualities leaders need to succeed: “I think the most important quality is magnanimity — the ability to see greatness in people and opportunities and to draw that out of them. That requires courage, because achieving great things often means pushing against the grain. It also takes self-mastery — knowing who you are and blocking out the noise, especially when others try to discourage you.”

Building a winning team: “I grew up in a big family — I was No. 8 of 12  kids — and my wife and I have nine of our own. I’ve learned that people want to be recognized as individuals, not compared to the person next to them. Instead of asking what they can do for me, I ask what they need to excel and advance. I focus on running a virtuous business, with honesty and integrity at the top. That builds trust, and when people trust you, they’re willing to listen and make good decisions.”

Leadership style: “Virtuous leadership. My role is to recognize people’s talents and provide what they need to succeed — not dictate what’s best for them. The most talented people today want the tools they ask for, high expectations and the freedom to do great things.”

Arizona outlook: “Arizona is truly a land of opportunity. We have a top-tier university, a business-friendly climate, and strong economic development organizations. When major companies like TSMC move here, they attract others. Combine that with good education options and a collaborative business culture, and it’s hard to think of a better place to run a business.”