We were lucky to catch up with Andres (Avi) Avila recently and have shared our conversation below.
Andres (Avi), thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
Resilience has been a key factor in my professional journey, shaped by various challenges and experiences across different industries. One particular experience that stands out is my time at a startup dental office back in 2013.
When I joined the startup dental office in 2013, we were a small team with ambitious goals but limited resources. My role involved not only managing sales communications but also contributing to business development. The initial months were tough. We faced significant challenges in attracting clients, managing cash flow, and establishing our brand in a competitive market.
Despite these obstacles, I remained committed to our vision. I worked tirelessly, often going beyond my regular duties. I developed marketing strategies, reached out to potential clients, and built relationships with local businesses to create referral networks. There were times when our efforts didn’t yield immediate results, but I learned to persevere and adapt our strategies based on feedback and changing circumstances.
Over time, our hard work paid off. We started seeing a steady increase in client appointments, and our revenue began to grow. Within a year, we had surpassed $1 million in revenue. This experience taught me the importance of staying resilient in the face of adversity. It reinforced my belief in GRIT – passion and perseverance for long-term goals.
Resilience was further honed during my tenure in the financial sector, where I navigated the complexities of private mortgage groups and financial institutions like AXOS Bank. Each role presented unique challenges, but my ability to remain focused and adapt ensured successful outcomes.
Now, as a Team Manager at Burberry, I lead a team in a high-paced luxury retail environment. The lessons in resilience from my earlier experiences have been invaluable. Developing new leaders and fostering a culture of resilience within my team has been crucial. I encourage them to view challenges as opportunities for growth and to persistently pursue excellence.
For instance, during the recent economic uncertainties, I guided my team through adapting our strategies to maintain high levels of customer satisfaction and sales performance. By fostering an environment of resilience, we were able to not only meet but exceed our targets, ensuring continuous growth and development.
Resilience, to me, is about maintaining a positive attitude and a forward-looking mindset, regardless of the challenges. It’s about learning from setbacks and using those lessons to drive future success. My journey, from the startup dental office in 2013 to my current role at Burberry, has instilled in me a deep sense of resilience, which continues to guide my professional and personal endeavors.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Currently, at Burberry, I lead/manage a dedicated sales team and seamlessly run and operate one of our stores in the South market. My role encompasses various aspects of management, from ensuring operational excellence to driving sales performance and fostering a positive and productive work environment. This store has great potential, and I am excited about the possibilities for growth and expansion.
What excites me most:
One of the most exciting aspects of my role is employee development. I firmly believe that true leadership is reflected in the growth and success of those around you. Seeing team members develop their skills, take on new responsibilities, and achieve their professional goals is incredibly rewarding. By focusing on nurturing leadership qualities within my team, I not only contribute to their personal success but also enhance the overall productivity and effectiveness of our store.
Product Development and Sales:
Another key area of focus is product development within sales. It’s crucial to continually innovate and find new ways to engage with our clients. Understanding our customers’ needs and delivering exceptional service is at the heart of what we do. By staying ahead of market trends and being proactive in our sales strategies, we can ensure that we are always positioned right in front of the client, ready to meet their needs and exceed their expectations.
To increase productivity within my sales team, I prioritize comprehensive product trainings and styling sessions. These trainings ensure that our team members are not only knowledgeable about our products but also confident in their ability to provide personalized styling advice to our clients. This approach enhances the client experience, fosters trust, and drives sales performance.
Personal Projects:
On a personal note, leveraging my experience in the mortgage and real estate market as a property manager, I have successfully started a management group for Airbnbs. I currently manage three properties – two in San Diego and one in Scottsdale, AZ. This venture has allowed me to apply my skills in property management, marketing, and customer service in a dynamic and growing industry. It’s a testament to my entrepreneurial spirit and my ability to balance professional dedication with personal projects.
Conclusion:
In summary, my professional focus at Burberry is on leading a high-performing sales team in the South market, driving innovative product development, and fostering an environment where leadership and growth are paramount. I am excited about the future and the many opportunities we have to continue delivering exceptional experiences to our clients and empowering our team to achieve their best.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Reflecting on my professional journey, three key qualities have been particularly impactful: resilience (GRIT), leadership, and innovation.
1. Resilience (GRIT):
Resilience, or GRIT, has been a cornerstone of my career. It involves having the passion and perseverance to achieve long-term goals despite challenges and setbacks. My experience in the startup dental office, where we faced significant obstacles but ultimately grew the business to over $1 million in revenue, exemplifies this quality. GRIT is about staying focused, maintaining a positive attitude, and continuously pushing forward, even when the path is difficult.
This resilience has been crucial in my role at Burberry, where I manage a high-performing luxury store with sales reaching up to eight times that of the dental startup. The ability to stay resilient under demanding conditions, maintain operational excellence, and deliver exceptional client experiences has been essential to ensuring the success and growth of our store in the highly competitive luxury market.
Advice for Developing GRIT:
– Set Long-Term Goals: Clearly define what you want to achieve and break it down into manageable steps.
– Embrace Challenges: View obstacles as opportunities to learn and grow.
– Stay Persistent: Keep pushing forward, even when progress seems slow. Consistency is key to achieving long-term success.
2. Great Leadership:
Effective leadership is crucial in guiding teams towards success. My roles have always involved leading and developing teams, from managing sales communications to running a store in the South market for Burberry. Great leadership is about empowering your team, fostering an environment of trust and collaboration, and inspiring others to achieve their best.
Advice for Developing Leadership:
– Lead by Example: Demonstrate the qualities you want to see in your team, such as integrity, dedication, and professionalism.
– Invest in Your Team: Focus on employee development through training, mentoring, and providing opportunities for growth.
– Communicate Effectively: Maintain open and honest communication with your team to build trust and ensure everyone is aligned with the organization’s goals.
3. Innovation:
Innovation has been vital in staying ahead in competitive markets. Whether it was developing new marketing strategies in the startup dental office, launching product lines at Burberry, or managing Airbnbs, being innovative has allowed me to find new ways to engage with clients and improve business operations. Innovation involves not just creativity, but also the ability to adapt to changing circumstances and implement new ideas effectively.
Advice for Developing Innovation:
– Stay Curious: Always seek to learn new things and stay updated with industry trends.
– Encourage Creativity: Create an environment where new ideas are welcomed and explored.
– Be Open to Change: Embrace change and be willing to adapt your strategies and processes as needed.
Conclusion:
For those early in their journey, focusing on developing GRIT, leadership skills, and an innovative mindset can significantly impact your career success. These qualities have been instrumental in my journey, helping me navigate challenges, lead effectively, and drive continuous improvement. By setting long-term goals, investing in your team, and fostering a culture of innovation, you can build a strong foundation for a successful career.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
When I feel overwhelmed, I prioritize self-care to maintain a positive lifestyle and mindset. It’s essential to take care of yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally to handle challenges effectively. Here are a few strategies I use:
Self-Care:
1. Physical Well-being: I make sure to get regular exercise, eat a balanced diet, and get enough sleep. Physical health is directly linked to mental clarity and emotional stability.
2. Mental Health: I practice mindfulness and meditation to stay grounded and focused. Taking short breaks during the day to clear my mind helps me stay productive and calm.
3. Emotional Support: I stay connected with friends and family, and don’t hesitate to seek support when needed. Talking about my feelings and challenges with trusted individuals helps me gain perspective and relieve stress.
Strategic Problem-Solving:
In addition to self-care, setting out structured plans is crucial when analyzing issues. I believe in exploring several scenarios to find the best solution. Here’s my approach:
1. Identify the Problem: Clearly define the issue at hand. Understanding the problem is the first step to finding a solution.
2. Analyze Scenarios: Consider multiple scenarios and their potential outcomes. This helps in understanding the issue from different angles and prepares you for various possibilities.
3. Set Out Plans: Develop a structured plan for each scenario. Having a plan in place for different outcomes ensures that you are always prepared and reduces the feeling of being overwhelmed.
4. Implement and Adjust: Execute the best plan and be ready to adjust as needed. Flexibility is key to effective problem-solving.
Mindset:
I firmly believe that if you’re always looking for solutions, then you’ll never have a problem. Maintaining a solution-oriented mindset helps in turning challenges into opportunities. This positive outlook not only alleviates stress but also drives continuous improvement and innovation.
Conclusion:
By combining self-care with strategic problem-solving, I am able to manage feelings of overwhelm and maintain a positive and productive lifestyle. For anyone feeling overwhelmed, I recommend prioritizing your well-being and adopting a proactive approach to challenges. This balanced strategy will help you navigate difficulties with confidence and resilience.
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