Introduction
Madeline McCarthy is helping to shape future leaders in St. Petersburg. She is chair of Leadership St. Pete's Class of 2020; LSP is a 50-year-old division of the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce. McCarthy is herself a graduate of Leadership St. Pete, class of 2013. She is also regional director of operations for TJM Properties, a Clearwater-based real estate acquisition and management firm specializing in hotels and senior living. Her background in health care and emergency medical services helps fuel her passion for developing and supporting the operations of TJM's senior living communities.
Years in St. Pete
My entire life, 32 years.
Organizations involved in
I’m involved in Leadership St. Pete, Patrick Brett Foundation, Better Living for Seniors, The Alzheimers Association.
What gets you out of bed every day?
My residents. Knowing that I have a job that literally makes a difference in people’s lives every single day.
Why St. Pete?
St. Petersburg is an incredible gem that the world is just starting to find out about. I think that it is a unique, beautiful city. We have so many great aspects to our city that makes us so special. It’s about the community, it’s about the feeling when you come here. It’s a special place. To me, St. Petersburg is just home.
What is one habit that you keep?
I enjoy working out. It is a way for me to release tension, stress. To stay in shape and stay healthy.
Who are some people that influence you?
The primary person in my life that influences me is my father. He is a man that came from nothing and has built an incredible business, an incredible lifestyle and in my opinion, a beautiful family. He works so hard every single day to provide for his family, to deal with things as they come and his influence that he’s had on me, as a leader, as an individual, as a person, is unparalleled. He’s an incredible man.
What is one piece of insight - a book, methodology, practice - that you would share with our readers?
“Don’t Sweat The Small Stuff And It’s All Small Stuff.” That book has changed my life. It’s an incredible book because it relates to almost every aspect of life, knowing that there’s always going to be things still in your inbox. It’s a series of 100 principles of things that people generally overthink or worry about. Each principle breaks down a different aspect of life and puts a new perspective on how to look at things differently, and it can totally change your attitude.
What is one thing you wish you knew about your work 3 years ago?
The best strategy of how to keep the multi-generational workforce happy. We are in a unique situation right now in that our economy is good, there are a lot of jobs and people don’t necessarily have to earn jobs as much as they used to because we have an abundance of jobs available. In my line of work, in healthcare specifically, managing the expectations of Millennial versus those who come from the Baby Boomer generation from a management, leadership, employer standpoint, it makes for a difficult time as far as keeping everyone satisfied. Because what certain generations value doesn’t necessarily apply to all. So, I think that hiring the right people right now is the key to success.
What’s next?
I think that for me and my career, I’m going to continue doing what I’m doing. We are a company that acquires often in different regards so that is something that I will keep close. My involvement in the city is what’s next for me personally. I’m involved in Leadership St. Pete, I’m the chair of that this year and moving forward I look forward to continuing to make an impact on our city by getting involved in other ways to continue what I’ve learned.
