In episode 94 of Boss Talks, host Evan Happel welcomes guest Jillian Fikkert, the VP of Sales and Marketing at Buckingham Companies. Jillian shares her journey of transitioning to Buckingham Companies, reflecting on how it has positively impacted her personal and professional life. A 20-year veteran in the multifamily industry, Jillian discusses the importance of building authentic connections and utilizing networks effectively, especially during career transitions. The conversation touches upon the excitement for the upcoming Apartmentalize event in Philadelphia, emphasizing the significance of making time for oneself amidst a busy schedule. Jillian also shares interesting anecdotes about volunteer work, the nuances of centralizing leasing, and the importance of embracing innovative technology in the multifamily space while keeping the end-user experience in mind. Don't miss out on Jillian’s grilling recipe tip and a deep dive into how she empowers her team to achieve success and drive innovation. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 00:42 Upcoming Event: Apartmentalize in Philly 02:52 Email Overload and Networking Tips 04:29 Funny Email Stories and Authentic Connections 06:54 Building Personal Community 10:57 Hospitality and Grilling Tips 14:04 Favorite Caffeinated Beverages 16:47 Leveraging Your Network for Career Growth 21:41 Embracing Transparency in Your Professional Journey 22:29 Cultivating a Positive Reputation 23:57 The Power of Networking and Connections 27:04 Volunteering and Team Building at Buckingham 28:57 Navigating the Interview Process 36:24 Empowering Teams to Drive Innovation 40:20 Choosing the Right Technology for Your Business 46:47 Wrapping Up and Future Plans
In this 94th episode, we're thrilled to introduce you to a remarkable guest: Jillian Fikkert. Jillian is the VP of Sales and Marketing with Buckingham Companies. Her transition to Buckingham has been nothing short of transformative for both her personal and professional life.
Jillian started our conversation by diving into her extensive background in the industry, having spent over two decades building a stellar reputation. She's no stranger to change, having relocated to Pennsylvania on a whim for a job opportunity, a decision that allowed her to start afresh and build a strong community in a new environment.
Networking has been a cornerstone of Jillian's career. She's always looking to make authentic connections, valuing the relationships that go beyond mere transactions. According to Jillian, fostering a genuine network where people feel comfortable reaching out and sharing ideas is crucial. Whether it's seeking advice, recommending others for opportunities, or simply catching up, these connections have been instrumental in her career growth.
When Jillian's previous role underwent a reorganization, she found herself at a crossroads. Instead of seeing it as a setback, she viewed it as an opportunity. With an optimistic mindset and the support of her network, Jillian navigated through this period with resilience. She emphasized the significance of being open about your journey and leveraging your network to explore new opportunities. Jillian's transparent approach not only helped her but also allowed her to assist others in finding roles that fit them better.
Jillian also touched on the importance of maintaining a good reputation. She believes that being approachable and willing to have meaningful conversations plays a big role in how you're perceived. She highlighted that it's crucial to be consistent in your interactions, ensuring that they're not just one-sided but mutually beneficial. Your reputation is built over time through consistent, positive actions and genuine engagement with others in your field.
One of the standout moments in our discussion was Jillian's approach to job hunting. Instead of conducting her search in secrecy, she chose transparency. By openly sharing her journey, she received a wave of support from her network, leading to numerous opportunities. She stressed the importance of knowing your non-negotiables and what you need from your next role. Jillian's experience shows that being upfront and clear about your goals can lead to more aligned opportunities.
A significant part of Jillian's current role at Buckingham involves empowering her team and driving innovation. She believes that the multifamily industry is currently experiencing a renaissance, especially in tech adoption. Her team is heavily focused on leasing centralization and understanding the best tech solutions that can streamline their processes. Jillian encourages an open-minded approach to new technologies, ensuring that the end-user experience is always at the forefront.
In addition to leading her team, Jillian highlighted the importance of cross-functional collaboration. Decisions around technology and processes should never be made in isolation. By involving different departments and getting buy-in from multiple stakeholders, you can ensure that the solutions you implement are effective and well-received.
Jillian’s insights on building a network, cultivating a good reputation, and empowering teams are invaluable. Her journey from facing a career transition to finding a new role that aligns with her values is inspiring. For those navigating through their own career paths, Jillian’s story is a reminder to stay optimistic, be open about your journey, and lean into your network.