The Round Table Dialogue Series, Episode 2: In Conversation with The Masiello Group

Our Round Table Dialogue Series sparks live conversations with leaders and teams caring to shift consciousness by paving the way toward a transformative workplace culture and new organizational structures. In Episode 2 of The Round Table Dialogue Series: The Requirements of Cultural Transformation, we met with  three members of the executive leadership team within  The Masiello Group to find out what it takes to shift leadership, power, responsibility, and meaning within an organization.

The Masiello Group is the largest residential real estate firm in Northern New England . A second-generation family company, they operate with 90+ full-time employees and 700+ agents and brokers in 37 offices across three states. Their Shared Leadership Journey™ began four years ago, and they’ve been committed to the evolution of their workplace culture, organizational structure and the quality of their relationships ever since. Check out these key takeaways from our conversation with Chris Masiello, Amanda Adkins, and Joanne Goguen.

“I felt like I’d gone as far as I could go with my organic skills alone.” – Chris Masiello, Chairman & CEO , The Masiello Group and affiliates.

Before starting the Shared Leadership Journey™, Chris felt the call to change within himself and within the organization: normal meeting routines and long processes had begun to feel flat and uninspiring. Stepping into leadership coaching and mentoring (especially amid the Covid-19 pandemic) was the perfect opportunity to dismantle conventional structures and reinvigorate the company. 

Now, the executive leadership team is a cross-functional team that practices being invitational with one another and the entire company to innovate new, creative solutions collectively.

“As leaders, we’re usually expected to have all the answers, and that’s a lot of pressure! Being able to step back and trust the group and say, ‘I don’t have it. Please help me. What can we do to get a great result together?’ has helped me to come into those aha moments.”  – Amanda Adkins, CFO & COO, The Masiello Group and affiliates

It takes caring, bravery and practice to be vulnerable with your team. However, shared leadership is a game-changing team development tool that can break down barriers and help you seek support from colleagues. Being open and leaning into the collective wisdom allows you to bring your whole self and build a people-centered culture in the workplace. 

“The Shared Leadership Journey™ is a personal commitment first. We all had to commit ourselves to this hard work. It takes a commitment to be honest with yourself and with others,” says Joanne Goguen,  Senior Vice President of The Masiello Group and affiliates and president of Great East Title.

The Masiello Group strives to cultivate a hosting environment for people and the business to succeed and thrive. As executive leadership began implementing shared leadership practices, they evolved their name from “Senior Leadership Team” to the “Support Team”. They know it takes trust, the willingness to learn, and regular practice individually and collaboratively to bring the vision to life. The Support Team now serves as a model and foundation for others in the company; it required executive buy-in to shared leadership to start.

“We’re human beings first. We’re employees second. The Shared Leadership Journey™ isn’t just a leadership development training. This is life skill building—because you can use this anywhere,” says Chris Masiello, Chairman, and CEO of The Masiello Group and affiliates.

Want more workplace wisdom & takeaways for your team?

➭ Watch the full episode of The Round Table Dialogue Series: The Requirements of Cultural Transformation

➭ Follow us on LinkedIn for updates on the next episode, coming this fall!

➭ Ready to take the leap and build a healthy & vibrant company? Contact us about our group coaching and leadership training program.