08/12/2025
11 am PT / 12 pm MT / 1 pm CT / 2 pm ET
*approximate length: 45 minutes to 1 hour
Presenter: Maria Pietroforte, CPM®, NAAEI Faculty
We have all heard the saying, "the elephant in the room"- that obvious, yet unspoken, issue everyone tip-toes-around. As a leader, you cannot afford to ignore it. Unaddressed, this metaphorical elephant can quietly wreak havoc, lowering team morale, stifling creativity, and undermining performance. But what if you could turn this challenge into an opportunity?
Equip yourself with the tools to tackle the tough issues that others avoid. By confronting the elephant in the room, you will enhance your leadership effectiveness, strengthen your team’s cohesion and drive superior performance. Do not let these challenges hold your team back - learn how to turn them into your greatest leadership moments.
Learning objectives:
- Spot the Elephant: Identify the critical issues that others might miss or avoid
- Read the Early Signs: Recognize the subtle indicators of underlying problems before they escalate
- Face it Head-On: Discover how leaning into tough conversations can lead to breakthroughs
- Master the Art of Resolution: Learn techniques to reframe challenges and resolve conflicts effectively

With three decades in various sectors of multifamily, Maria offers a distinctive combination of leadership and expertise. She has held influential positions as President of Tribute Properties, Move.com, Kettler, and E&S Ring, successfully elevating these companies to the forefront of their industries.
Maria loves continuous learning, which inspired her to work not only in conventional housing, but affordable, military, senior and student. She is renowned within multifamily not only for her infectious positive energy but also for her unwavering commitment to prioritizing people.
Maria holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Arizona State University. She boasts an impressive list of certifications including IREM Certified Property Manager, Certified Defense Property Manager, National Apartment Association Advanced Facilitator, and NAAEI faculty member.