We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Anna Porada a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Anna, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What were some of the most unexpected problems you’ve faced in your career and how did you resolve those issues?
One of the most unexpected challenges I faced came when I accepted a new role managing a new building. The area was completely unfamiliar to me, and I quickly realized I needed to learn a lot to succeed. I dedicated myself to understanding everything about my role and worked hard to fill any gaps.
During my time there, I experienced three management changes. Despite these transitions, I remained a constant presence for the residents. Each management change taught me valuable lessons about leadership—what to do and what not to do.
While it was challenging, I’m grateful for the experience. It helped me grow, and I gained best practices from every leader I worked with.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I was born and raised in Ukraine, but the war forced me to leave everything behind. I arrived in the United States in April 2022 with nothing—no documents, no money, just a determination to start over. I crossed the Tijuana border legally and began looking for ways to rebuild my life.
At first, I took whatever jobs I could find, from babysitting to hotel work, but eventually, I found my place in property management. My experience of being displaced taught me how important it is to have a stable, comfortable home—a place to relax and feel safe.
Now, I help people maintain and enjoy their homes. My personal journey gives me a unique perspective and a deep commitment to my work. I’m proud of how far I’ve come and of the connections I’ve made along the way. I want others to know that creating spaces where people feel truly at home is my passion.
Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?
When managing a team, make it a priority to show genuine appreciation and advocate for them. Let them know they can rely on you for support and guidance.
Communicate clearly about goals and changes, and encourage open feedback. Celebrate achievements, no matter how small, and invest in their growth with learning opportunities.
Most importantly, lead by example—stay approachable, respectful, and consistent. When your team feels valued and supported, they’ll stay motivated and engaged.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
My reputation was built on my willingness to help others. I believe that what goes around comes around, so I always make an effort to support anyone who needs it. Being dependable and supportive has helped me build trust and strong connections in my market.
Contact Info:
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannaporada/