AIM 2025: Started From The Bottom

Started From The Bottom (Of The Funnel), Now We're Here: Leveraging AI Beyond the Lead

This session brought together four multifamily marketing leaders—Dana Pate, Scott Allan, Debbie Rae Peters, and Windell Mollinedo—to reflect on their humble beginnings and chart how those experiences shaped their leadership approaches today.

The session opened with the speakers sharing their earliest roles, ranging from leasing agents to temp positions to unconventional entry points like being asked to help with basic administrative tasks. Debbie Rae Peters recalled her beginnings as a leasing consultant with minimal training, relying heavily on intuition and hustle. Windell Mollinedo described starting out by answering phones and working his way into a full-time role, emphasizing the value of taking initiative and staying open to unexpected opportunities. Scott Allan talked about how marketing wasn’t even his initial field of interest, but through trial, error, and grit, he found a niche where he could lead and create meaningful change.

Each panelist emphasized the power of saying “yes” to new responsibilities—even when unqualified on paper—as a key stepping stone in their careers. Dana Pate highlighted how her career took off after volunteering to take over tasks others didn’t want, leading to pivotal leadership experiences. This mindset of curiosity and accountability became a recurring theme throughout the discussion. For these leaders, the path upward wasn’t defined by clear ladders or strategic five-year plans—it was defined by doing what needed to be done and trusting that showing up with excellence would lead to the next step.

The conversation shifted to the importance of mentorship. All four speakers acknowledged the profound impact of mentors and sponsors who saw their potential and opened doors for them. Dana underscored the responsibility of today’s leaders to extend those same opportunities to others, advocating for a “send the elevator back down” mentality. Debbie emphasized how sponsorship is different from mentorship—it’s about actively advocating for someone when they’re not in the room. Leaders should use their influence to create access and visibility for rising talent.

A significant portion of the session explored how the speakers’ early career experiences influence their leadership today. Windell shared how his first-hand knowledge of onsite operations helps him stay grounded and connect better with team members at every level. He warned against becoming too distant from the frontline, noting that empathy and listening are non-negotiables for effective leadership.

Scott echoed this sentiment, adding that as leaders rise through the ranks, they should resist the urge to cling tightly to control. Empowering others is essential—even when it means letting go of tasks they once did themselves. Dana encouraged leaders to stay humble and hungry, reminding the audience that it’s dangerous to believe one is “above” any role. It was clear from all speakers that resilience, gratitude, and humility are essential through every stage of growth.

The panelists also touched on the emotional toll of the industry. Debbie talked candidly about the anxiety that can come with rising through leadership ranks and how essential it is to build resilience and personal support systems. Windell mentioned the importance of recognizing burnout and finding a sustainable pace—especially for high performers who may carry invisible burdens. The group offered vulnerable insights into the pressure of always being “on” as a leader and the need to prioritize authenticity and self-care.

The session wrapped with a powerful call to action. All four speakers urged current leaders to be intentional in building inclusive cultures where people from all backgrounds can thrive. Dana noted that recognizing talent doesn’t always mean looking at resumes—it means observing how people show up. Debbie added that we must be open to people with unconventional paths and find ways to support their growth. Scott closed by reminding the audience that career growth isn’t always linear. Leaders should help others see the value in detours, side steps, and even failures.

“Started from the Bottom” was more than a career story session—it was a raw, honest reflection on what leadership should look like in today’s multifamily industry. It underscored the importance of resilience, accessibility, and human-centered leadership. Whether you’re just starting out or already in the C-suite, the message was clear: never forget where you came from, and never stop helping others rise.