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Apartment Life Leadership Podcast
Apartment Life Leadership Podcast
Author: Apartment Life
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© 2025
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Welcome to the Apartment Life Leadership Podcast where our goal is to provide helpful and inspiring leadership content for our partners, staff, coordinators… and for anyone else desiring to grow in their leadership. Hosted by Apartment Life's very own Randy Ginnan, each episode brings an interview with a top leader from across the country and an update from one of our Apartment Life coordinators.
78 Episodes
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Many organizations discover that they have somehow become stuck. Pete Kelly describes three reasons why this can happen to organizations and to individuals. He also shares several steps for getting unstuck and back on track. With experience serving in more than ten apartment communities, the Medlocks share how they build meaningful connections through intentional acts of care. Whether the setting is onsite or offsite, luxury or income-restricted housing, residents and staff alike respond to genuine care. Their ideas can be applied not only in apartment communities but also in single-family neighborhoods.
David shares his experience of starting and growing multiple successful organizations. He discusses the vital ingredients of vision, risk taking, skills and abilities, and building the right team. Oelfke goes in depth on each topic and how they contribute to a winning combination. 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.
Carson McDaniel, President of Marble Capital, discusses that decision making is a BIG part of the leadership role. There are many components to the process and dynamics of moving an organization. Delegation, values communication, building culture, and setting goals are some of the pieces of the leader needs to consider. The Coles share how that by being diligent to encourage positive online reviews by their residents saved their community. Over 100 residents stated that they were renewing their leasing in part to the Apartment Life program and the Coles! They describe their process of moving the dial on online ratings.
Jen Piccotti, President of Swift Bunny, shares her Leadership Tips from the Top. She talks about her leadership "superpower," offers practical advice for young leaders, and explains her approach to achieving "work-life balance." Building a support team to help the coordinators is vital for success. Quincy and Katelyn, share that they enjoy putting together. They also give tips on how to select the right team and what functions they can be trained to enhance the service.
Greg Brenneman, Founder, CEO and Chairman of Turnworks, Inc., discusses his book, Right Away & All at Once, and how he has been able to apply five basic steps that allowed him to successfully turn around dozens of companies. These same steps also translate to success in our personal lives.
Every leader goes through challenging seasons during their career. In this episode Chris will discuss principles that will assist any leader to recognize and recover from those tough experiences - whether personally or professionally.
As leaders, we all strive to make the best decisions possible. Yet there are three common enemies that threaten wise decision-making. In this session, Randy shares how Thinking Ahead can help us recognize and overcome these decision-making pitfalls.
Most young leaders are strong on enthusiasm and energy; typically, they are more likely to learn new technologies and are also willing to try new ways of doing things. Todd Harkness discusses several practical areas for young leaders to keep in mind as they develop their leadership. The secret of caring for your neighbors is being intentionally aware. Kathleen describes the different methods she incorporates to stay informed about the needs in her community. Then she has a strategy to meet those needs. Whether serving in Canada or the USA incorporating a team is a very important part of her success.
It has been said that personal growth is the cornerstone of effective leadership. That may be to the fact that personal growth and leadership are so intertwined. Zach Springer, partner and head of Capital Markets for RPM Living, discusses the importance of the leader and personal growth. Turning total strangers in an apartment community into neighbors who know and care for one another takes a blend of science and art. Bailey Gibbs shares how she uses data and resident preferences from her four communities to plan events that foster meaningful connections. She also highlights how adding personalized care and kindness is the finishing touch that makes it all come together. It's a winning formula.
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.



