Real estate executive longs for more social interaction

Executive: Ian Black, partner 

Company: Ian Black Real Estate  

Focus: Co-owned a real estate firm in his native Ireland from 1964 to 1982. Worked for several companies in Sarasota area from 1982 through 2003, when he launched his own commercial real estate brokerage and management office.

Community involvement: Past president of the Commercial Investment Division of the Sarasota Board of Realtors; past president of The Sarasota Film Festival and past chairman of the Sarasota Downtown Partnership

Working situation: Working from home

Biggest WFH challenge: Fortunately with Zoom it has lessened the impact of working from home. However, I do miss the social interaction with my colleagues.

Most important lesson you've learned in the shutdown: The importance of staying connected with family, friends and business peers.

Books, articles, TV shows, podcasts and/or audiobooks have you’ve focused on: “Leadership in Turbulent Times,” by Doris Kearns Goodwin, "Billions" on Showtime and the editorial page of the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.

How far out into the future are you looking? Day to day

How do you maintain your spirit/morale? Daily exercise regimen, swimming, golf, biking and tai chi

How do you keep the team motivated? Weekly Zoom sales meetings and open door to me for support 

Last trip to out of the house: Yesterday (May 15) for a ride on my e-bike

What are you most looking forward to post-lockdown/pandemic? Hugging my grandchildren 

Click the links below to hear how more regional executives are handling the shutdowns.

• Real estate executive longs for more social interaction
• Port director looks deep into the future
• Commercial brokerage executive leans on resilience
• Real estate exec learns lessons in managing workplace anxiety