From multifamily to commercial spaces, the real estate industry shapes the physical landscapes we inhabit and plays a pivotal role in our defining communities.
Kushner, and its multifamily arm Westminster, have firmly established themselves as formidable players in the real estate arena. As a multi-generational real estate development and management firm with a diverse portfolio encompassing residential, commercial, retail, hospitality, and industrial properties, Kushner prides itself in its great team members, who are the backbone of all the organization’s achievements and accomplishments.
As the Chief Human Resources Officer at Kushner, Tanya Saffadi plays an essential role in nurturing the talent that has built a successful organization. Tanya’s leadership in human resources ensures that the company not only attracts top-tier talent but also cultivates a workplace culture that fosters excellence in the industry.
Exceptional Leadership
Tanya believes that attracting exceptional team members starts with fostering a robust company culture that encourages the flourishing of talented professionals.
As the head of HR, her dedication lies in championing a workplace environment where team members can thrive and realize their full potential. To this end, Tanya has been passionate about implementing various initiatives such as comprehensive training programs, a culture that prioritizes internal promotion, competitive benefits, as well as initiatives promoting work-life balance and wellness, among others.
“In the realm of Real Estate, relationships reign supreme,” said Tanya. “We know its location, location, location, but it’s also who you know that can get you in a deal before it even goes on the market. It is the same for acquiring top talent, the power of connections cannot be understated. In our pursuit of top-tier talent, we prioritize networking and referrals, constantly nurturing our partnerships and seeking to add to our teams with the best of the best.”
Tanya plays a central role in fostering trust-based relationships within the organization, from team members across various departments to closely collaborating with vendors. Her responsibilities extend to building and nurturing connections with talented individuals engaged in daily operations, forming a crucial component of the organization’s success in managing and maximizing the value of its real estate assets.
Tanya’s commitment to fostering trust is evident in her interactions with team members at all levels of the organization. She creates an inclusive and collaborative work environment through open communication, active listening, and genuine interest in her colleagues’ well-being and professional growth. Tanya’s ability to navigate and strengthen internal and external relationships enhances team cohesion and contributes significantly to the organization’s overall success.
Tanya’s Commitment to Employee Growth
Keeping an eye on turnover is always a priority to ensure a flourishing work environment and in building strong relationships, high productivity, and morale.
“Managing turnover is something we’re always paying attention to, as we endeavor to comprehend its underlying causes and strategize ways to maintain an optimal balance that aligns with the organization’s success and the well-being of our teams,” said Tanya. “While minimizing turnover is certainly a priority, some turnover is helpful in giving us the opportunity to promote from within when senior-level departures occur.”
Tanya emphasizes that in their pursuit of becoming a top employer, the organization focuses on the comprehensive well-being of its teams. She has organized wellness walking challenges, fitness and meditation workshops, cooking classes, financial wellness seminars, and much more to ensure the company’s team members have the tools they need to succeed. The commitment to wellness underscores Kushner’s ethos, reflecting a dedicated effort to nurture a workplace culture that prioritizes the health and vitality of the workforce.
In addition to wellness initiatives, Kushner prioritizes and rewards exceptional performance within its teams. Recently, the Project High Occupancy Bonus Program was introduced as an initiative designed to incentivize and reward the team members in the field for their achievements in collections, leasing, renewals, and garnering positive reviews. This program embodies a philosophy of mutual benefit, wherein the organization’s success directly translates into tangible rewards for its teams, emphasizing a symbiotic win-win relationship. This program has been excellent in recognizing the dedication and hard work of the team members on the front lines whose efforts form the cornerstone of Kushner’s achievements.
Impactful Leadership Development Programs
At Kushner, nurturing the growth and advancement of its teams is a top priority. Their dedicated Learning & Development department is committed to crafting tailored training initiatives to empower its teams for success. The Westminster Fundamentals for Advancement (WFFA) course has been a resounding success among these programs.
“The WFFA course was designed meticulously to cultivate our future leaders through a nine-week training program,” said Tanya. Specifically tailored for high-performing Assistant Property Managers, the program covers a wide array of essential skills and competencies. Sessions delve into diverse areas such as financial reporting, vendor management, revenue optimization, risk mitigation, and team building. These sessions are led by seasoned team leaders specializing in each department, providing invaluable insights and practical knowledge.
Upon completion of the WFFA course, participants emerge equipped with enhanced expertise, heightened confidence, and a clear pathway for career progression within the company. Notably, the program has served as a springboard for the advancement of several Assistant Property Managers, with four graduates already ascending to the role of Property Manager. This tangible outcome underscores the efficacy and impact of the course in nurturing talent and fostering professional growth within our organization.
Additionally, Kushner has a wide range of training programs designed to develop its teams including foundational programs like “Leasing 101”, specialized tracks such as “Building Leaders,” skill-centric courses like “Competitive Selling” and “Emotional Intelligence,” as well as technology-focused classes. All these efforts converged towards a singular goal: empowering team members and instilling a sense of comfort in their roles.
The team’s training entitled “Leading with Emotional Intelligence” stands as a hallmark departure from conventional training methodologies that predominantly focus on imparting soft and hard skills to the people managers. The training highlights the synergy between self-awareness and emotional intelligence, demonstrating how these qualities enhance interpersonal abilities and proficiency in soft and hard management skill sets. Managers are shown a path to influential leaders who foster cohesive and productive teams by nurturing their emotional intelligence.
“While the initial concept of the training sparked a mix of curiosity and skepticism, it eventually became a favorite. The skepticism soon transformed into eagerness as team members found practical application in their daily duties and personal lives. Tanya says that the feedback spurred a desire to delve deeper, driving them to reach out for additional resources and immerse themselves in the concept.
Tanya’s Advice for Career Success
In contemplating the essence of a fulfilling life and successful career, Tanya is inclined to prioritize the three most essential things, saying:
“It’s been said countless times before, firstly, unequivocally pursue what you love,” she said. We spend most of our lives devoted to work, perhaps even excessively. Because of this, identifying work that resonates with your passion and aligns with your natural aptitudes is critical to having success and fulfillment in your work, even amidst challenges.
Secondly is prioritizing relationships. It is imperative, without question, to find your tribe. Growing up in an Italian family, her parents always said, “Dimmi con chi vie e ti dirò chi sei, “which translates into “Tell me who you’re with, and I’ll tell you who you are.” In the inevitable moments when circumstances veer off course, working together to find solutions and move forward is essential. Likewise, when things go well, it’s your work family who you celebrate and share in the success with.
Lastly, it’s so important to conquer your fear, embrace the unknown, and take calculated risks. Courageously step onto the less traveled path, occasionally leaping without certainty of where you’ll land. While daunting, this element of uncertainty adds an exciting spice to life and serves as a vital ingredient in crafting a beautiful and fulfilling life journey.