2022 Industry Leaders: David Grosvenor, Senné

Nominee’s Name & Job Title: David Grosvenor, Director of Property Management for New York City

Nominee’s Company/Affiliation: The Senne Company

Nominee’s City & State of Employment: New York City, New York

What aspect of your position do you find most challenging?

Property management is often more challenging than development which has the benefit of starting from scratch. When addressing necessary, major work for a building, we must provide a clear view on decision-making. We need to lay out various scenarios to ownership, in an understandable way, that best help the property.

What advice would you give the next generation of leaders in your industry?

Never be the smartest person in the room, as my father always said. The moment you think you know everything is the moment you stop being good at your job. Even with my 15 years’ experience, there is more to learn to be a better property manager and leader.

What is your management style?

Hands-on—whether in communications between Senné and the client or addressing onsite property issues with the day-to-day operations or capital improvement teams. I like to be able to see every aspect of the challenge firsthand to address it as efficiently as possible.

What was the most difficult experience you have encountered as a leader?

As a leader, understanding relationships, client expectations and deadlines are very important—and sometimes difficult. You must balance a solid and friendly working relationship with your clients and the teams working for you with the ability to maintain quality of work and important timelines.