Boss Talks | Elevating ALL the Bosses of the Multifamily Industry

Sarah Fassett (Boss 119) Turning Adversity Into Advocacy: A Journey of Resilience, Leadership, and Community Impact

Episode Summary

In this episode of Boss Talks, host Evan Happel interviews Sarah Fassett, a rising leader in the multifamily housing industry. Sarah shares her journey from early career challenges and personal adversity—including battling cancer and homelessness—to becoming a regional trainer and advocate for invisible disabilities. The conversation covers servant leadership, the power of mentorship, innovative property management, and the importance of empathy and collaboration in both professional and personal life.

Episode Notes

[0:00] Introduction and Guest Overview

• Evan introduces the show and guest, Sarah Fassett.
• Sarah’s background: quick rise in the multifamily industry, focus on empathy and community.

[1:58] Sarah’s Early Career in Multifamily Housing

• Sarah’s entry into the industry as a leasing consultant.
• Rapid progression to assistant manager and community manager roles.
• The importance of team support and mentorship.

[3:21] Transition to Corporate Role

• Moving from on-site management to a regional trainer position.
• Impacting a larger community and sharing best practices.

[4:42] Impact and Mentorship

• The value of mentors in Sarah’s career.
• Emotional shout-outs to key mentors and colleagues.

[6:54] Parking Management Insights

• Sarah’s experiences with parking management software.
• The difference good tools make for both staff and residents.

[11:38] Music and Motivation

• Sarah’s go-to motivational song: “This Is Your Night” by Amber.
• Discussion of music’s role in motivation and energy.

[14:04] Caffeine Preferences and Personal Tidbits

• Sarah’s favorite caffeinated beverages and her high-energy habits.
• Fun discussion about candy and personal quirks.

[17:40] Sarah’s Resilience and Early Challenges

• Sarah’s childhood adversity: family instability, homelessness, and battling cancer as a teen.
• Determination to pursue education despite obstacles.

[20:12] Battling Cancer and Pursuing Education

• Multiple rounds of chemotherapy and surgeries.
• Persistence in securing scholarships and completing her education.

[25:34] Overcoming Adversity and Career Growth

• Continued health challenges and career setbacks.
• Learning to advocate for herself and others.

[27:20] Advocating for Invisible Disabilities

• Sarah’s current role as chair of the HR Advisory Council.
• Supporting colleagues with invisible disabilities.

[28:35] Helping Residents in Need

• Using personal experience to empathize with residents facing eviction or hardship.
• Collaborative problem-solving and connecting residents with resources.

[30:03] Turning Around a Troubled Community

• Taking over a struggling property and implementing innovative solutions.
• Team-building, vendor negotiations, and operational improvements.

[32:45] Servant Leadership in Action

• Sarah’s philosophy: creating heroes, not being the hero.
• Focusing on people over numbers.

[41:09] New Role and Impact

• Transition to a regional trainer role.
• Facilitating onboarding, teaching both soft and technical skills, and fostering collaboration.

[44:42] Excitement for EdCon

• Sarah and Evan discuss their upcoming speaking engagements at EdCon.
• The importance of collaboration and continuous learning.

[49:00] Final Thoughts and Call to Action

• Sarah’s ongoing advocacy and leadership roles.
• Encouragement for listeners to connect, share their stories, and get involved.

Connect with Sarah Fassett:

• LinkedIn: Sarah Fassett
• Attend her session at EdCon, March 13th, Seattle Convention Center.

Want to be a guest on Boss Talks?

• Reach out to Evan Happel for a chance to share your story.