Learning Through Challenge, Leadership, and Opportunity

Joel Eisemann’s reflections highlight how stepping into unfamiliar roles and embracing discomfort can accelerate growth. He describes taking on real estate development without prior experience and learning quickly by seeking guidance, being transparent about what he didn’t know, and approaching challenges step by step.

He also shares how major career moments from opening Marriott’s Asia Pacific Development office to building a workout group during industry turmoil shaped his leadership approach. Throughout his journey, he emphasizes the value of observing great leaders, gathering facts before acting, and creating strong relationships across organizations.

Notable Quotes/Highlights

• “It's a great opportunity to do something where you're not comfortable.”
• “Marriott gave me a one-way ticket to Hong Kong and said:  Go figure it out.”
• “You have to think about how do you distinguish yourself in an organization?”
• “A lot of your opportunities are about the people that you get to meet and work with and learn from.”
• “You are always being interviewed.”

Closing Reflection

Joel’s experiences show the importance of knowing yourself, seeking roles that stretch your abilities, and embracing opportunities even when the path isn’t clear. He reminds us that growth comes from observing others, asking for feedback, and stepping forward with intention and confidence.

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