What happens when you push yourself to the edge of comfort—physically, mentally, and professionally?
In this episode of The Unconventional Project, host Vanessa Grayson shares the personal breakthroughs she experienced during a 72-hour fast and how it brought fresh clarity to her leadership and branding journey.
Vanessa unpacks the often misunderstood world of personal branding, tackling the criticism it receives and revealing how authenticity and representation are essential—not optional—in making a lasting impact.
Whether you're in the multifamily industry or building your influence in any field, this episode challenges you to lead with purpose, represent with intention, and live in a way that aligns with your legacy.
In this episode, we explore:
🔹 Why is personal branding criticized, and what makes it truly powerful and authentic?
🔹 What lessons a 72-hour fast taught about clarity, discipline, and identity in leadership.
🔹 The reality: Representation in branding helps build trust, connection, and lasting influence.
🔹 How embracing the unconventional can elevate your message, impact, and leadership legacy.
🎧 Listen now and join the conversation on what personal branding really means in today's world.
💬 Found this episode thought-provoking? Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to keep the conversations going and growing!
🎯 Click subscribe @MultifamilyMediaNetwork on YouTube and stay up to date on our vast network of multifamily professional-hosted podcasts covering all the industry hot topics!
🌐 Visit www.multifamilymedianetwork.com to sign up for our newsletter and browse our extensive library of podcasts and blogs from today’s multifamily leaders!
#TheUnconventionalProject #VanessaGrayson #AuthenticLeadership #PersonalBranding #LegacyDriven #MultifamilyIndustry #UnconventionalThinking #RepresentationMatters #DisciplineAndGrowth #LeadershipClarity

What does it really take to lead with discipline—especially when no one’s watching? In this episode of The Unconventional Project, Vanessa Grayson gets real about the quiet strength of leadership that shows up, stays the course, and remains consistent even without applause. She shares stories from her own life—including the challenge of a 72-hour fast—to unpack the personal cost and long-term rewards of disciplined leadership.
Vanessa explores how discipline shapes not only individual growth but also team culture, trust, and empowerment. This episode is an invitation to pause and examine your own leadership habits—are you leading by preference or by purpose?
In this episode, we cover:
🔹 Why is discipline often the missing ingredient in leadership that lasts?
🔹 What it means to lead with consistency, feedback, and personal accountability.
🔹 The foundation of psychological safety begins with a leader’s self-discipline and presence.
🔹 How disciplined leadership can strengthen your team’s trust, culture, and overall success.
🎧 Tune in now and explore how your leadership style could be holding back—or unlocking—your team’s potential.
👍 If this episode challenged or encouraged you, be sure to like, share, and subscribe for more thought-provoking conversations!
🎯 Click subscribe @MultifamilyMediaNetwork on YouTube and stay up to date on our vast network of multifamily professional-hosted podcasts covering all the industry hot topics!
🌐 Visit www.multifamilymedianetwork.com to sign up for our newsletter and browse our extensive library of podcasts and blogs from today’s multifamily leaders!
#TheUnconventionalProject #VanessaGrayson #LeadershipMatters #DisciplinedLeadership #TeamCulture #PurposeOverPreference #SelfAwareness #PsychologicalSafety #LeadWithExcellence #GrowthMindset

Rejection is never easy—but what if it’s not the end, but a new beginning? In this episode of The Unconventional Project, Vanessa Grayson shares how shifting your perspective on rejection can transform setbacks into setups for success. She reminds us that a "no" isn’t a reflection of our worth but a redirection toward something even greater.
Through personal stories and powerful insights, Vanessa challenges us to embrace rejection as a stepping stone, not a stumbling block. If you've ever struggled with hearing "no," this episode will leave you encouraged, empowered, and ready to face challenges with a fresh mindset.
In this episode, we discuss:
🔹 Why does rejection feel so personal, and how can we shift our mindset around it?
🔹 What lessons can we learn from setbacks that make us stronger and more resilient?
🔹 The truth: Every successful person has faced rejection—what sets them apart is how they respond to it.
🔹 How can you turn a ‘no’ into a powerful opportunity for growth and redirection?
🎧 Listen now and start embracing rejection as a tool for success!
💬 Enjoyed this episode? Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more inspiring conversations!
Click subscribe to @MultifamilyMediaNetwork on YouTube and stay updated on our vast network of multifamily professionals hosting podcasts on all the industry hot topics!
👉 Visit www.multifamilymedianetwork.com to sign up for our newsletter and explore an extensive library of podcasts and blogs from today’s multifamily leaders!
#RejectionIsRedirection #Resilience #GrowthMindset #Leadership #TheUnconventionalProject #VanessaGrayson #EmotionalIntelligence

Success in business isn’t just about strategies and profits—it’s about culture. In this episode of The Unconventional Project, host Vanessa Grayson uncovers surprising connections between youth basketball and the dynamics of company culture.
Drawing from personal experiences with her son's team, she highlights how teamwork, resilience, accountability, and passion play a crucial role in both sports and the workplace.
What can business leaders learn from the court?
How can a strong culture shape success in the multifamily industry and beyond? Vanessa challenges listeners to reflect on their own team environments and consider meaningful changes to foster a winning culture.
In This Episode:
-Why is teamwork the foundation of both winning teams and thriving companies?
-What role does resilience play in overcoming challenges and setbacks?
-The key to accountability: how taking ownership transforms team performance.
-How can leaders cultivate passion and engagement within their organizations?
Hit play to gain insights that will reshape the way you think about leadership, teamwork, and company culture!
🎧 Listen now and subscribe for more unconventional wisdom on leadership and success. Don’t forget to like, comment, and share to support the show!
Click subscribe to @MultifamilyMediaNetwork on YouTube and stay updated on our vast network of multifamily professionals hosting podcasts on all the industry hot topics!
👉 Visit www.multifamilymedianetwork.com to sign up for our newsletter and explore an extensive library of podcasts and blogs from today’s multifamily leaders!
#Leadership #CompanyCulture #Teamwork #Success #Resilience #Passion #BusinessGrowth #MultifamilyIndustry #Accountability #PersonalDevelopment

Realigning Your Three Ps: Navigating Purpose, Passion, and Potential | The Unconventional Project

Welcome to a special episode of The Unconventional Project with your host, Vanessa Grayson, brought to you live from the NAA Apartmentalize trade show floor at the Chadwell Supply Booth.

In this episode, we are privileged to speak with Ricky McRoy, Senior Regional Director with Avanti Residential.

Ricky shares his 22-year journey in the multifamily industry, highlighting the challenges, triumphs, and importance of representation and leadership.

Key Highlights:

Introduction and Background: Ricky McRoy's journey into the multifamily industry.

Overcoming Challenges: Navigating the multifamily industry as a minority and overcoming obstacles.

Leadership and Representation: The significance of diversity in leadership roles.

Empowering Teams: Ricky's approach to leading and empowering his diverse team.

Future Goals: Ricky's aspirations and advice for future leaders in the industry.

Chapters:

00:00 - 00:27: Introduction by Vanessa Grayson

00:27 - 01:10: Preparing for the podcast and setting up the conversation

01:10 - 04:04: Ricky McRoy’s introduction and journey into multifamily

04:04 - 06:05: Challenges faced and overcoming obstacles

06:05 - 07:41: The importance of representation in leadership

07:41 - 09:24: Ricky’s impactful panel discussion at AAKC

09:24 - 11:49: Continuing the conversation on diversity and representation

11:49 - 12:24: Spotlight on Ricky’s diverse and dynamic team

12:24 - 14:59: Ricky’s leadership style and empowering his team

14:59 - 17:32: Vanessa's personal experiences and appreciation for Ricky’s leadership

17:32 - 19:07: The importance of having representation in executive leadership

19:07 - 20:42: Ricky's advice for future leaders and emphasizing perseverance

20:42 - 23:04: Recognizing the support from influential leaders and making a difference

23:04 - 24:52: Final thoughts and gratitude from Ricky and Vanessa

Sponsored by Chadwell Supply, a leading provider of maintenance supplies and solutions for the multifamily industry.

For more episodes and insights, visit MultifamilyMediaNetwork.com.

Call to Action:

If you enjoyed this episode, please like, share, and subscribe to our channel for more inspiring stories and industry insights.

Comment below with your thoughts on the importance of diversity and representation in leadership.

Visit https://www.MultifamilyMediaNetwork.com for more episodes and resources.

NAA Apartmentalize, The Unconventional Project, Vanessa Grayson, Ricky McRoy, Chadwell Supply, multifamily industry, diversity in leadership, representation, overcoming obstacles, empowering teams, property management, leadership success, multifamily media network

Hashtags:

#NAAApartmentalize #TheUnconventionalProject #MultifamilyMediaNetwork #VanessaGrayson #RickyMcRoy #DiversityInLeadership #RepresentationMatters #EmpoweringTeams #PropertyManagement #LeadershipSuccess

Equity and Opportunity: Tiana Heath’s Journey in Multifamily Leadership

Empowering Leadership in the Multifamily Industry with host Vanessa Grayson and featuring guest Dominique Pierce - The Unconventional Project