Q: Nick, what is your main takeaway from the mentorship program and can you provide a specific lesson learned?
Nick: I am currently transitioning my role from Occupier Services to Asset Services. Essentially, I’m moving from Facilities Management to Property Management. When I first started in the industry 2 years ago, I couldn’t tell you the difference between the two! Javier has been influential in broadening my understanding of both aspects of the business given his extensive industry experience and background with both areas of management. I will continue to leverage his knowledge when I do finally make the move.
Q: Javier, what drives an effective meeting?
Javier: You will have an effective meeting when both parties give 150%. It is truly inspiring to see a young professional as motivated and passionate about his career, as am I. Not only does it allow the program to take its natural course, but it also allows me to reflect and refresh some of my abilities that I haven’t touched on in some time.
Q: Javier, what are you and Nick currently working on and hope to achieve by the end of the year?
Javier: Aside from Nick’s transition into property management, our main focus has been to advance his formal education in real estate by pursuing the RPA (Real Property Administrator) designation. A long-term goal is to pursue a Master’s degree after identifying a specific concentration.
Q: Nick/Javier, what do you value most about the program and how it is evolving?
Nick: I am part of a great team at my company with leadership that I value. However, there are always topics that I naturally need some coaching on before going to my superiors with. I think the best part of the program has been having a professional resource outside of my organization that I can go to with a real life or workplace scenario.
Javier: The program truly benefits from President Zeccardi’s undivided attention and ambition to ensure success. I believe future growth ultimately depends on the collaboration and efforts of both the mentees and mentors, in order to realize the full benefits. Each mentee has the opportunity to be equipped with the tools for a rewarding career as the program is designed to focus on industry growth and education on the whole.
Q: How would you like to see the program improve?
Javier: Right now, the program is in its inception. As the program develops there will be improvements. I believe each BOMA member organization should provide an employee each year to join the Mentorship Program as this will allow the program to continue to evolve.
Nick: Participation! The more members we gain the more opportunity there will be to pair mentees with like-minded mentors.
Q: You have been working together since the program was initiated in 2017, what has been the most significant change you have experienced?
Javier: I have seen Nick take on more leadership responsibilities since the inception of the program. He recently accepted the position as Chairperson for the Emerging Leaders Committee, has had promotions at his company, and has been successful in aspects outside of his career.
Nick: The formality of the Mentorship Program really gave our interactions more meaning and structure. Now more than ever – I feel comfortable bouncing ideas and real time work situations off Javier.
