Boss Talks | Elevating ALL the Bosses of the Multifamily Industry

Jen Piccotti (Boss 120) The Communication Equation: Building Trust & Engagement in Multifamily

Episode Summary

This episode of Boss Talks features Jen Piccotti, President of Swift Bunny, in a conversation with host Evan Happel. The discussion covers Jen’s journey in the multifamily industry, the importance of communication at all organizational levels, employee engagement, and the value of diverse voices in the industry. Jen shares personal stories, insights on leadership, and practical strategies for building trust and effective teams, especially in remote and hybrid work environments. The episode also touches on Jen’s passion for tea and her optimistic outlook for the future.

Episode Notes

• [0:10] Welcome to Boss Talks and introduction of the show.
• [0:19] Introducing guest Jen Piccotti from Swift Bunny.
• [1:01] Jen’s multifamily journey and first impressions.
• [2:57] Discussion on parking challenges in multifamily communities.
• [5:06] Music that motivates Jen—Sting and “Groove Is in the Heart.”
• [7:09] Jen’s passion for tea and her background as a tea blogger.
• [10:26] Jen’s industry background and transition from property management to data and surveys.
• [11:03] Moving from Boise to Orange County and joining Shea Properties.
• [12:28] Transition to SatisFacts and working on resident surveys.
• [12:59] Move to Swift Bunny and focus on employee engagement.
• [19:27] The importance of listening to employees and using surveys for feedback.
• [21:15] Three levels of communication: macro (company), micro (supervisor), and meso (group).
• [24:09] The importance of clear communication in leadership.
• [24:47] Challenges when leadership plans are underdeveloped.
• [25:31] Regular communication during uncertain times (e.g., COVID-19).
• [26:06] Employee engagement in town hall meetings and the value of consistency.
• [27:51] The role of meso communication and building trust through regular meetings.
• [28:40] Creating connections in remote work and the importance of team bonding.
• [31:37] Effective team communication strategies, including focus groups and rotating meeting responsibilities.
• [36:09] Encouraging public speaking and diverse voices in the multifamily industry.
• [42:26] Partnering with new speakers and the value of sharing stories.
• [44:29] Networking tips and building connections, especially for introverts.
• [48:29] Looking forward to 2025—Jen’s optimism and focus on connecting with others.