The latest episode of Zonda’s Inspirational Leadership with the Best in Home Building podcast features an interview with Rick Severance, president of award-winning, master-planned community Wellen Park, Mattamy Homes, on Florida’s Gulf Coast.
With over 25 years of leadership experience and an impressive roster of master-planned communities in his portfolio, Severance brings a lot of wisdom to the table—and he’s not afraid to share it with the next generation.
His prior experience includes being president of Babcock Ranch, CEO of Seaside Community Development Corp., and CEO of New Vector Ltd., just to name a few.
Host Mollie Carmichael, Zonda principal, sat down with Severance to chat about everything from his greatest career challenges to his efforts to empower women in the home building industry.
Here are some highlights from the episode:
On fostering the next generation of great leaders at work
“There’s discipline, I think there’s also coaching and teamwork—these things are not just learned by sitting in front of a television or a computer or a phone. They just aren’t. And I think we need to ensure that the generations that are coming up have an opportunity to do that. And maybe we as the employers can foster that. If we’re hiring young adults who haven’t had [that experience], how do we create environments where they can learn that?”
On raising his daughters
“My wife and I, we want to raise good people. I don’t need a kid that’s got a 4.4 and can’t talk to an adult and look them in the eyes. I want to raise really strong women who are good people who others want to be around.”
On finding good leaders
“I would want candidates that know how to lead by example. They set the stage for the commitment to the work. I’m not discounting work-life balance, but I really mean lead by example. Don’t expect them to do something you wouldn’t do yourself.”
On self-awareness as a leader
“I think good leaders know what they’re not great at, and they hire people around them who are better. I feel really strongly about that. But if you’re not aware that you have weaknesses […] I’m going to be concerned about your awareness in judgment and decision-making.”
Click to hear from the leaders in the last five podcast episodes, which feature Shravan Parsi, CEO of American Ventures; Spencer Rascoff, former CEO and co-founder of Zillow; Joan Webb, New Home Co.’s former chief marketing officer; Mike Forsum, president and COO at Landsea Homes; and Eric Lipar, CEO and chairman of LGI Homes.
