Succeeding Through Adversity

We all face adversity from time to time, and 2020 and 2021 brought unprecedented challenges. We spoke with six leaders from a variety of industries to get their insight on how they found a way to jump hurdles, navigate around roadblocks and continue to succeed.

Phillip Diponio General Manager Wyndam Hotel Boca Raton

Staying afloat during COVID-19 required new approaches. To adapt, what new measures did your businesses take to reinforce safety?

During COVID-19, we had to react quickly to what was happening . We did close temporarily but opened back up to very limited guests . We took that time for special projects such as deep cleaning and coming up with plans and training on how to navigate the pandemic . Housekeeping standards had to change in every inch of the hotel . What would normally take 45 minutes, now takes double the time . Guest rooms were to be completely disinfected after a guest checks out and again before they check in . All surfaces are cleaned on the hour, as well as all public restrooms, bell carts, pool furniture, fitness center and elevators. All employees are in proper protective gear such as masks and gloves . Proper signage was placed throughout the hotel . All team members had to become “enforcers” of the rules including reminding all guests to follow guidelines .

How have you kept your company culture alive?

Culture is a major focus for Keller Williams (KW), from the top down . Office meetings were switched to virtual and our leadership doubled down on trainings available . Most impactful was a regional daily call that was also livestreamed on Facebook that became a forum of best practices for the massive pivot in everyone’s business and life . There was a heavy emphasis on mindset and inspiration for handling all that was happening, both business and personal . This livestream grew from South Florida to a following of thousands of agents across the country .

Sharon Arnett & Caron McGinley Sharon & Caron Group Keller Williams Realty

Dan Cane Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder Modernizing Medicine

From a logistical point of view, how has your business operations changed?

Working remotely changed all areas of our business . Our sales team used to walk into a doctor’s office and talk to the staff or meet prospects at an industry event . Our implementation and education teams used to sit side by side with new customers for integration, onboarding and training . These days our employees work varying hours of the day to accommodate other family obligations . Our technical support team is on call all hours of the day supporting employees and also being able to "reach" end users to provide support, access their computers to troubleshoot issues or show them how to perform tasks . The ability to push out software updates to computers located “everywhere” has required more sophisticated remote management tools . Incredibly, we adapted to the new normal and achieved success . . .but it wasn’t without hard work .

Succeeding Through Adversity

Dr . Saadia Mohamed Palm Beach Pediatric Dentistry

What kind of support has helped during this phase? What resources have you found that are invaluable?

As humans, we are social creatures; stress and isolation have brought to the surface what may have been hidden in the past . The support we have seen during this time has been amazing, our patients are happy to see us, our community partners and our peers all have been reaching out to us to make sure we are doing well. The relatioships have reaffirmed our commitment to serve our community and our world by nurturing healthy and happy smiles . Relationships are the support we have experienced; personal, professional and organizational support in the form of friends, family, ADA, AAPD, Boca Chamber and Trustee Relationships . Being connected to leaders and people who see the light even if it is a glimmer of hope is what helped .

What advice do you have for other business owners?

As difficult as it may seem, it always gets better. Concentrate on today, don’t look at the past and don’t worry about the future . If you fix one thing each day, no matter how small, you will feel like you accomplished something . Keep a positive mental attitude and think about others first - particularly your customers and the rest will take care of itself .

Rick Versace President & Chief Executive Officer A1A Airport & Limousine Service

Kim Kelly Owner Hurricane Alley

What big opportunities exist for you and your company born out of this situation?

I can now probably be able to be a therapist, a problem solver, a healer for those that need a minute and a place to escape, I'm here for them . . on the more serious note, the big opportunity I found was that I can survive just about anything!