105: John Dolan, Managing Director for Avison Young - From Broadcasting to Brokerage

In this episode, we welcome John Dolan, the Managing Director for the New England region at Avison Young. John shares his extraordinary career journey from a childhood interest in broadcasting to leading a top brokerage firm. John discusses his early experiences in television and radio, the transition to commercial real estate, and his current role overseeing Avison Young's New England region. Gain valuable insights into the flexibility of career paths, the importance of client-first mentality, and the evolving state of the office environment in Boston. This episode is packed with leadership advice, personal anecdotes, and professional tips for anyone navigating the business world.

Key Takeaways:

• Focus on One Person: When speaking publicly, especially in an extemporaneous or radio-style setting, remember that you're talking to one person. Even though you're addressing a group, keep the mindset that your conversation is meant for an individual. This approach helps maintain a personal connection and makes the communication feel more natural.
• Confidence in Your Material: People want to hear what you have to say because they value your insights and experiences. Be confident in your knowledge, even if you don't have all the answers. You are offering more information than your audience likely knows, and they are eager to learn from you.
• Embrace Pauses: If you lose your train of thought, don’t panic. A brief pause to regroup is perfectly fine, and it won’t seem as long to the audience as it feels to you. Use the pause to collect your thoughts and regain your composure, knowing that a short break in speaking is natural and can help you get back on track.

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Our goal is to help people in the industry identify opportunities for growth by sharing the journey of top performers. There is no one path. Success isn't a straight line. There is something to learn from everyone's story. Let's go!

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