2023 FCIAAO Spring Newsletter

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: UZMA SYED

Name: Uzma Syed

County: Pinellas County

What do you do for the PA? I am the Deputy for Information Technology

How long have you been employed by the PA? 8 years

What do you like most about your job? The variety. It is never the same job every single day. Also, I get a lot of satisfaction helping property owners. I feel like whatever question they ask is an opportunity to educate them, and hearing them say “ thank

you ” gives me lot of satisfaction. I am also all about process improvement. If I can improve some thing by 1%, 2%, 10%, or whatever, it makes me happy. I learned that philosophy from a book about changing 1% everyday to become better. In addition to all that, having the support of the leadership to improve is so important. My leadership gives me the time, space, and opportunity to try something,. If it doesn ’ t work, they are supportive and empower the whole office to try move on and try something else. The office has always been great about that, but under Mike ’ s leadeship it has become even more so, which also makes me happy.

Where was your best vacation ever? Colorado Springs. I ’ m an avid hiker and was able to hike portions of Pike ’ s Peak.

What are your hobbies and interests outside your job? Running, Hiking, Cycling, and Yoga. You will catch me running really early in the morning, then sitting on the beach watching the sun come up. I feel very blessed to be so close to the beach and water and to be able to experience this on a daily basis. It reminds me of being on vacation in The Bahamas years ago.

What is some of the best career advice you ’ ve been given? That I should put myself in the other person ’ s shoes. When talking to the other person, ask how they would like me to support them, and not assume I just know what is best for them. Try to really listen and understand what they are saying or asking, and ask them questions to ensure you are really responding appropriately.

What ’ s one thing peo ple would be surprised to know about you? I ’ m very good at Tetris. I can arrange and rearrange any closet like the game, and my family jokes that every cabinet in my house is organized Tetris style.

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Spring 2023 Newsletter of the FCIAAO