Leading in Tough Times: Daryl Carter, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Avanath Capital Management

Throughout the month of August, Connect CRE is running a series titled “Leading in Tough Times.” We’ve asked leaders around the U.S. and across the commercial real estate spectrum to share their wisdom and discuss lessons learned. In this installment, you’ll hear from Daryl Carter, founder, chairman and CEO of Avanath Capital Management:

When leading a company, there will inevitably be tough obstacles to face, whether times are “bad” or “good.” It is a continued openness to listening and learning that can help leaders navigate virtually any difficult circumstance.

I internalized this lesson from the early days of Avanath, which coincided with the Great Recession. Despite some initial losses, collaboration led us through the challenges and enabled us to grow and thrive to a team of nearly 500 employees and a $3.7 billion portfolio.

Patience is essential to being a strong leader, and it can assist you in working through the toughest times. As a person of color, at every stage in my career, people have made assumptions about me. Drawing upon the advice of my parents and navigating these experiences, I learned to be patient with others and not to internalize another person’s issues, maintaining dignity and empathy.

Leading with strength also means evaluating current challenges from the perspective of what they will look like in five to 10 years. For example, our company’s well-defined ESG strategy has emerged from recognizing that the pillars of environmental, social, and governance represent more than merely the issues of today. They extend several decades ahead of us, and how we operate now informs generations to come.

Lastly, an excellent leader is committed to a powerful mission that drives the company through all circumstances. At Avanath, our mission is to provide residents in underserved communities with lifestyles within reach, and we demonstrate our dedication every day.

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