IREM 2023 Keynote: Practice Gratitude, Build Connections and Find Joy!

The opening session at the 2023 IREM Global Summit. Image by Denile Doyle

At the opening session of the Institute of Real Estate Managers 2023 Global Summit, in Toronto, Canada, Juno Award nominee Peter Katz opened his keynote address in song.

“It’s not the literature that all those daydreams are based on/ But it’s real and it’s good/ It’s what comes after./ I should, we should, you should/ Wish we could.”

Katz encouraged the roughly 800 conference attendees to let go of anything that prevented them from being fully present in that moment. “We want to invite our whole selves to the party.”

Because you don’t know what the full impact of your work will be, it’s important that you show up to that work wholeheartedly, Katz told the audience. “We control how we show up.” He recommended bringing this mindset to meetings, strategy sessions, conferences, etc. It all starts with gratitude, Katz offered, for everything from a safe trip to Toronto to a delicious lunch. Celebrating mission, values and purpose can help property managers stay connected to those values and be more intentional in how they show up and how they build relationships.

Peter Katz delivers the keynote address at the 2023 IREM Global Summit. Image by Denile Doyle

There are unique challenges that come with being a real estate manager and it is important to build connections and relationships with people in the industry so that you have someone to confide in when the job feels daunting. Property managers are relationship builders and problem solvers, Katz pointed out. Their jobs can be stressful at times, but also impactful and inspiring. When they spend time nurturing their connections, managers can turn to these same connections in the moments when they need encouragement.

To help actively create relationships during their time at the conference, Katz suggested asking new connections about their high points or their future goals and visions. Questions such as, “What is a moment from your time in this world where you felt particularly grateful or proud of an impact you were able to create?” can help create a deeper connection during these interactions, said Katz.

Finally, Katz encouraged the audience to celebrate small wins and find joy in everyday moments, something he calls “joy snacks.” Joy isn’t “something somewhere off on the horizon,” said Katz — it’s about finding and appreciating the micro moments of joy as we go about our day. Whether it’s three minutes between meetings or the time regained from a canceled meeting, being intentional about finding joy can change our perspective, and even these small actions can create a positive work environment.