Embracing Change and Leadership in Multifamily with Laura Khouri

Multifamily Women® Podcast

Ever wondered how an unexpected start can lead to a thriving career in leadership? Join us as we sit down with Laura Khouri, president of Western National Property Management, who began her remarkable journey in 1985 as a "gal Friday" and rose to the top by 2010.
Laura shares her inspiring story, emphasizing the vital role mentorship and continuous learning played in her ascent. She provides invaluable insights into leadership, navigating responsibilities across human resources, risk management, and training, and the critical importance of supporting her team during challenging times like the pandemic.
In this episode, we also explore the forward-thinking strategies that have modernized Western National Property Management (WMPM). Laura discusses the company's transition to a new learning management system, their ambitious rebranding efforts, and the importance of cross-department collaboration.
She highlights the value of participating in industry councils and shares her excitement for her upcoming keynote at the Women's Summit, which focuses on innovation and leadership. Laura's insights demonstrate how WMPM is staying ahead of the curve by embracing change and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
Lastly, we delve into the lessons learned from leadership mistakes and the power of vulnerability. Laura recounts a pivotal early-career mistake that led to significant company policy changes, illustrating the importance of owning errors and learning from them. We highlight the company's successful employee retention strategies during the pandemic and their dynamic marketing partnership with the NHL's Anaheim Ducks, showcasing how creative approaches can drive both business success and community impact. Listen in to discover how fostering innovation and collaboration can build resilient, thriving careers and businesses.

Connect with Multifamily Women®:
Carrie Antrim on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carrieantrim/
Multifamily Women® Summit: https://multifamilywomen.com/
Be a Guest on the Podcast or at the Summit: https://apps.multifamilywomen.com/speakingrequest
Multifamily Women® Leadership Series: https://apps.multifamilywomen.com/join
Multifamily Innovation® Council: https://multifamilyinnovation.com/council/
Multifamily Innovation® Summit: https://multifamilyinnovation.com/
Best Places to Work Multifamily®: https://bestplacestoworkmultifamily.com/

Chapters

1. Career Journey Through Mentorship and Leadership (00:00:00)

2. Innovations and Collaboration in Business (00:07:36)

3. Learning From Leadership Mistakes and Successes (00:11:49)

4. Building Careers Through Innovation and Collaboration (00:25:23)