Apartment Life Leadership Podcast

Many organizations invest significant time in hiring to fill open positions. However, few dedicate the same effort to cultivating a healthy, high-performing team. Chantel McHenry, Executive Search Consultant, outlines the essential elements needed to ensure your staff is developing in the right direction. Apartment residents often live in close proximity to many neighbors, yet statistics show that most have no friends within their community. Many are frequently separated from their friends and family. Trina Hinton shares how simple acts of care and kindness can transform neighbors into meaningful friendships.  

Every leader will deal with situations where they need to confront a staff member, co-worker, client, or vendor. However, many leaders shy away from these types of conversations. Or they do them very poorly. Ryan shares the value and key elements to handle confrontation in the most effective manner. The Allens have found that the key to keeping things fresh and exciting when they are hosting multiple monthly events is variety and creativity. They share their strategy which includes “Pet Socials”, “Wine & Smores”, and multiple plant events. This combination keeps their residents raving about the event schedule.  

Richard shares his experiences and wisdom. He discusses a handful of key topics such as: the importance of mentoring, his leadership “Superpower”, advice to young leaders, and finding work-life balance. To go deeper with residents the Slacks use a funnel strategy. At the top of the funnel there are large events where the whole community is invited to attend. The next layer are small intimate events such as walking club or poker night. Then they have a Bible study night where they go deeper still. It is a winning combination.

  Core values are the fundamental beliefs and principles that guide a person or organization’s actions, decisions, and behaviors. It also sets the culture and identity of the organization. The Gaskins have a fantastic approach to community engagement! Keeping a diverse and exciting event calendar is key to fostering a strong sense of community. They share tips on how they research and create new experiences for their property. From watercolor painting classes to spa days, from Jazz Bands around the pool to farmers’ markets, their calendar has something for everyone.  

Every organization strives to attract top talent. Once new employees are hired, they go through the process of acclimating to the company’s culture, learning its vocabulary, and understanding its processes. But onboarding is just the beginning. Great organizations aim to foster continuous growth and development among their staff. Some even build strong mentoring programs. One of the keys to hosting consistently great events is developing partnerships. Whether enlisting a faithful group of volunteers or working with local restaurants, there is no need to do it all alone. Eddie discusses tips on establishing partnerships that take your events to the next level.  

Most leaders understand how to create strategies and follow processes. But what happens when the unexpected strikes? When disruption throws off even the best-laid plans, true leadership is put to the test. Brad explores how effective leaders navigate uncertainty, stay resilient under pressure, and turn challenges into opportunities. Building relationship in Canada is the same as in the United States. The Wiesner’s share how their creative community events lead to amazing friendships and lasting life sharing experiences. Life in Alberta just has more snow.  

It's crucial for leaders to keep an eye on the horizon, anticipating what's ahead to better prepare their companies. As a rental housing economist, Jay shares with our listeners why it's essential for leaders to be as prepared as possible for the future—and offers practical ways to do just that. After 10 years of experiencing serving with Apartment Life, Jeff and Sandy share their tips for success. They deal with the important topics of dealing with managers, event choices, and flexibility. These three tips will make a difference for all who apply them.  

There is so much conversation today about the need to have great company culture, which is fantastic. However, the work still needs to get done. Dally shares how to bridge that gap between people and performance. If you're exploring ways to create a welcoming and engaging community, events can be powerful tools for fostering connections. But not all events work the same way. Micah and Bella have specific types of events they’ve found most successful in drawing people from the fringes into deeper relationships.  

David Snyder explains that leadership is more than just a job or a paycheck—it is a calling. This calling is found at the crossroads of passion, purpose, and potential. Apartment Life coordinators work hard to foster a genuine sense of community among residents. This is an important—and often significant—undertaking. Ben Fridge shares from his experience as a coordinator and Program Director for Apartment Life, how partnerships can be a game-changer in achieving this goal.  

Burnout is a challenge all leaders face at some point. In this episode, Tim Harris explores the key characteristics of burnout, offers practical strategies for breaking the cycle, and shares effective tips to prevent it. This insightful discussion could truly be a lifesaver. Every resident faces challenges at some point in life. But what happens when an entire community is struck by a crisis? The Carpenters share their experiences supporting residents in the aftermath of the devastation caused by Hurricane Harvey.  

Throughout life, we encounter countless "life lessons" and "business lessons," gained either from personal experiences or the wisdom of others. Over the years, Chuck and his colleagues created a running list of 144 "Lessons Learned." In this episode, Chuck reflects on how the list began and highlights several of those valuable insights. The Burris’ share how resident visits are a powerful part of building a sense of authentic community, jump starting relationships, and connecting with new residents. It also brings a solid business value to the community in helping increase satisfaction and resident retention. Visits are a win-win-win proposition!

Growing organizations must effectively manage change and embrace innovation to thrive in the future. Melissa Pratt distinguishes between "Change Management" and "Leading Innovation" and provides a clear game plan to achieve success in both areas. Planning events can be exciting, but how do you come up with fresh, creative ideas? The Sefiks share some of their favorite unique community events and the sources of their inspiration.  

All leaders have a list of projects on their desks to accomplish and they only have a certain number of hours in a day or week. Kelly “KC” Jones, Chief Operating Officer for Apartment Life, outlines the way that she approaches and teaches “Time & Project Management.” These simple and effective techniques make the leader more effect and efficient in these critical tasks. Apartment Life continues to fill the need for more communities in innovative ways. Chris shares how he is piloting an exciting “virtual” program. It is designed for communities that are waiting as Apartment Life is recruiting for their permanent coordinators. Chris walks property staff through the steps of hosting their own community events.  

Two indispensable characteristics of a leader are “Risk Taking” and being a “Lifelong Learner." Doug shares his experience of how taking wise risks is the way to keep moving forward as an organization. The way to move forward personally is to keep learning. Trevor and Carley share their experiences of visiting their neighbors. From sharing a Ramadan meal, to meeting an advertising giant, the Leash’s have seen it all. There is a power of visiting the residents that is hard to match in connecting people to the community.