An intimate and inquisitive gathering of Developing Leaders (DLs) received career advice from industry veterans at the recent “Lessons from Leadership” event.
Borrowing from experiences that have helped shape their career trajectories, Sean Doordan, Senior Executive Vice President, Acquisitions and Growth for St. John Properties and NAIOP-MD President, together with W. Thomas Fahs, Vice President, Predevelopment & Master Planning for COPT Defense Properties and the newest NAIOP-MD board member discussed the importance of listening, showing up at work and external events, and placing yourself in uncomfortable positions that encourage professional growth.
Held at COPT Defense Properties’ Wayline co-working space at Columbia Gateway, the program was moderated by Michael Tait, St. John Properties Leasing Representative and Chairman of the DL Committee. DLs are professionals 35 years of age and younger.
Listen first, speak second
Fahs: “I learned a painful lesson early in my career when I spoke too quickly at a sales presentation and neglected to first acquire important information about the client’s needs. It was a total miscalculation on my part and I still retain the scars from that experience. But I believe that failures are necessary occurrences and the building blocks to success.”
Find great mentors
Doordan: “There are no better professionals to learn the nuances of the commercial real estate industry from than Ed St. John and Larry Maykrantz. It is still incredible to watch how they arrive at decisions, as well as the trust and autonomy they place in their people.”
Embrace uncomfortable situations
Fahs: “Early in my career as a developer, I attended a social event in Central Virginia, where I knew no one, which was uncomfortable for me at the time. My job was to acquire land for development opportunities by establishing business contacts in the area. There I learned to step out of my comfort zone by approaching people with the goal of building relationships and ultimately opportunities for business. You will never learn or grow if you do not intentionally place yourself in uncomfortable situations.”
Always bring your business card
Doordan: “Early in my career, I was asked to drop off some papers to Lou Grasmick, a prominent local businessman and good friend of Ed St. John. I thought it was going to be a quick situation, so I kept my car running outside. Instead, he asked me to sit down and we spent a long time talking about a wide range of topics. As the meeting ended, he asked for my business card. Horrified, I told him I did not have one and then became afraid that his next call was to Ed. That experience taught me an important lesson to never forget to bring business cards to every event and meeting.”
Show up to everything
Tait: “Do not expect to show up once – like attending this morning’s event – to get an immediate pay-off. It takes a continuous commitment to be present and meet people. I have been attending DL events for more than 10 years and the relationships I have nurtured have been invaluable to my career growth.”
Featured in this article: St. John Properties, Inc., COPT Defense Properties and Wayline.