Leading large numbers of employees in geographically dispersed locations requires strength in team building, employee engagement, effective communication of goals and objectives, and accountability. Kathy’s teams have consistently delivered and exceeded expected result. During her 11-year tenure with UDR, Kathy’s team members at all levels consistently surveyed with the highest level of engagement and satisfaction of any area or department in the company. That connection and commitment resulted in consistent, strong financial results in each market where she operated. Kathy’s message: “Do the right thing, the right way and you will get remarkable results.”
Kathy’s Cuban grandmother, Antonia Massey Laird, inspired her love of the Spanish language. With a degree in Spanish and Communications from the University of Georgia, Kathy moved to Houston, Texas from Augusta, Georgia ten days after graduation. Although she was not sure of her career path at the time, Kathy felt that having effective communication skills and being able to speak Spanish would open many doors for her. Within a month of arriving in Texas, Kathy started her career in multifamily property management, and she never looked back. She found her niche. Her Spanish came in handy not only with her Spanish-speaking employees, but with residents, prospects, and as she soon learned, with all the sister properties that used her skills to translate. Seeing this gap in communication early in her career, Kathy focused on communication, connection, and understanding at all levels. Leaving full-time property management in 2015, Kathy continues her focus on communication and employee engagement through her book Speak it in Spanish ~ Workplace Spanish Made Easy for the Multifamily Industry.