An intimate and extremely curious gathering of Developing Leaders (professionals 35 years of age and younger) participated at the recent “Morning with Mentors” breakfast event, held at the corporate offices of MOI.
Pictured left to right: Brendan Gill, MacKenzie Ventures; Liz Allison, Merritt Properties; Kate Jordan, Lee & Associates | Maryland; Kate Nolan Bryden, MPR Industrial; and Michael Tait, St. John Properties, Inc.
The event was moderated by NAIOP Maryland President Kate Jordan. Speakers Liz Allison, Merritt Properties; Brendan Gill, MacKenzie Ventures; and Kate Nolan Bryden, MPR Industrial doled out sage career and life advice.
Never hesitate to ask a question
LA: “At the onset of my career, I thought asking questions was a sign of weakness when, in fact, the opposite is true. During school, I always had the right answer but, upon entering the workforce, I was not equipped or comfortable to raise my hand and demonstrate I did not know or understand something. Colleagues are more than happy to help and respect you more when you speak up.”
KNB: “As your career progresses, you will learn that there is no set playbook for commercial real estate development. Every project has its own unique characteristics and, while you’ll learn more with each experience, you’ll never know it all. Never be afraid to ask questions. It is often the best way to avoid mistakes that could take you off course.”
Making mistakes and surviving
BG: “Many years ago, I noticed the regular delivery of Amazon packages to my front door and had first-hand experience of the growing demand of online purchases and delivery of products. I had an instinct that the industry would experience rapid growth and, about that same time, a local brokerage/development professional floated the idea of starting a warehouse/industrial division in partnership with our company. I stayed respectfully quiet during the discussion and decision phase and, unfortunately, we decided not to move forward, and this individual found tremendous success elsewhere. My mistake was not expressing my opinions with conviction, and I still regret that.”
LA: “I published a newsletter and, while on vacation, my supervisor called me and explained that the piece was filled with spelling errors. I was humiliated and disappointed in my work. But he also said, ‘people are human and make mistakes, so don’t worry about it,’ and I have never forgotten those words.”
Striking a work-family-personal balance
KNB: “I view priorities not as a balancing act but as a pendulum. Some days the swing demands full focus on work, and others demand more investment in family or myself. I’ve found you need to trust your instincts on which moment you’re in, move with purpose, and give yourself grace to focus on what matters most.”
BG: “With a long commute and working crazy hours, there were days and sometimes weeks when the only time I saw my first child was when she was sleeping in her crib. I like to think of our different responsibilities that we juggle as rubber balls (that bounce back when you drop them but do not break) and glass balls (that shatter and cannot be replaced). You need to decide what is important moment to moment. My daughter has a 5:30 pm field hockey game tonight and I will be in attendance. She would notice my absence and that will not happen.”
Recognizing the value of changing jobs
BG: “I moved around the company several times to gain new perspectives and experiences. Never let your comfort level stand in the way of taking on a new challenge.”
KNB: “I think it’s important to regularly reflect on your career goals and ensure that your current role continues to align with them. I’ve been fortunate to grow in positions that challenge and inspire me, and I see this reflection as key to staying intentional about the impact I make and how I want my career to progress within the industry.”
LA: “I have been given the opportunity to work elsewhere, which makes me self-evaluate my current position and, every time, I arrive at the conclusion that this company and this job is perfect for me.”