Sean Aloise is the Associate Director for Administration & Communications within Facilities Services at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). With over fifteen years of experience at UCSF, Sean has been instrumental in driving innovation and enhancing the efficiency of the university’s facilities operations. Born and raised in Daly City, California, Sean’s early passion for creativity and community engagement laid the foundation for his successful career in facilities management and communications.
Throughout his tenure at UCSF, Sean has held various key roles, including Communications Coordinator and Communications and Special Projects Manager. His work has significantly impacted the university’s ability to support critical research initiatives, particularly through the development and implementation of the Lab Services Initiative. This program has improved research support by reducing equipment downtime and ensuring the reliability of lab infrastructure.
Sean is known for his strong leadership skills, his commitment to continuous learning, and his ability to foster positive work relationships. He regularly attends conferences and workshops to stay ahead of industry trends and to bring fresh ideas back to his team. His dedication to creating a collaborative and respectful work environment has earned him several awards and recognition within the UCSF community.
In addition to his professional achievements, Sean Aloise is deeply committed to personal growth and professional development, consistently seeking new ways to enhance his skills and contribute to the success of his organization. His career at UCSF reflects a blend of innovation, leadership, and a deep commitment to excellence.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
My typical day starts early. I like to arrive at the office before most people because it gives me some quiet time to plan the day ahead. I start by reviewing my calendar, prioritizing tasks, and checking any urgent emails. The mornings are usually spent in meetings, whether they’re with my team, other departments, or external partners. I make it a point to keep meetings focused and efficient, ensuring we leave with clear action items. Afternoons are more flexible, often dedicated to project work, strategic planning, or catching up on communication. To stay productive, I rely on a combination of good time management, clear priorities, and regular breaks to stay energized throughout the day.
How do you bring ideas to life?
Bringing ideas to life starts with understanding the problem or need. I like to gather input from different perspectives—whether it’s from my team, other departments, or even industry research. Once I have a clear picture, I start mapping out a plan, breaking down the idea into actionable steps. Collaboration is key; I involve the relevant stakeholders early on to get their buy-in and refine the idea. Then, it’s about execution—staying organized, setting milestones, and regularly reviewing progress to make sure we’re on track. I believe in testing and iterating, being open to feedback, and making adjustments as needed.
What’s one trend that excites you?
One trend that excites me is the growing emphasis on sustainability in facilities management. It’s no longer just about efficiency and cost savings; there’s a real push towards creating greener, more sustainable environments. From energy-efficient buildings to waste reduction programs, the opportunities to innovate in this area are endless. It’s exciting to see how technology is being integrated to make facilities not only more efficient but also more environmentally friendly. This trend aligns with broader societal values and offers a chance to make a significant impact.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
One habit that helps me stay productive is time blocking. I schedule specific blocks of time for different tasks throughout the day. This helps me stay focused on one thing at a time rather than getting distracted by the multitude of tasks that need attention. For example, I might block off time in the morning for strategic planning and use the afternoon for meetings or follow-ups. Time blocking not only helps me manage my workload but also ensures that I allocate time for important tasks that require deep focus.
What advice would you give your younger self?
If I could give advice to my younger self, I’d say, “Take your time and be patient.” Early in my career, I often felt the need to rush through tasks and move on to the next challenge. But I’ve learned that taking the time to fully understand a situation, gather insights, and plan carefully leads to better outcomes. I’d also tell myself to embrace all experiences, even those that seem unrelated to your main goals. You never know how those experiences might contribute to your growth later on.
Tell us something you believe that almost nobody agrees with you on.
I believe that sometimes, doing less is more productive than doing more. In a world that glorifies busyness, I’ve found that focusing on fewer tasks and doing them exceptionally well can be more effective than spreading yourself too thin. Many people believe that success comes from taking on as much as possible, but I’ve seen the benefits of strategic focus and prioritization. It’s about working smarter, not harder, and making sure your energy is directed where it will have the most impact.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
One thing I do repeatedly and recommend to others is to regularly review and reflect on your goals. It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day grind and lose sight of the bigger picture. By taking the time to reflect on your goals—whether they’re personal or professional—you can make sure you’re still on the right path. This practice helps you stay aligned with your long-term vision and make necessary adjustments. I find it helps keep me motivated and focused on what truly matters.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
When I feel overwhelmed or unfocused, I take a step back and try to clear my mind. Sometimes this means taking a short walk, other times it’s just sitting quietly and breathing deeply for a few minutes. Once I’ve had a moment to reset, I’ll make a list of what’s on my mind, breaking down the tasks or issues that are causing stress. Prioritizing and tackling them one by one usually helps me regain focus and feel more in control. It’s also important to remind myself that it’s okay to ask for help or delegate when needed.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career? Please explain how.
One strategy that has helped me advance in my career is building strong relationships across different departments. In large organizations, it’s easy to become siloed, but by actively reaching out and collaborating with other teams, I’ve been able to drive more effective projects and initiatives. This cross-departmental collaboration has not only broadened my understanding of the organization as a whole but has also opened up new opportunities for growth. It’s all about being proactive, communicating clearly, and showing that you’re a team player.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
One notable failure in my career was a communication campaign that didn’t resonate with its intended audience. We had put a lot of effort into it, but the response was lukewarm at best. It was a humbling experience. To overcome it, we went back to the drawing board and sought feedback from the very people we were trying to reach. We realized we needed to simplify our message and make it more relevant to their needs. The experience taught me the importance of truly understanding your audience and being willing to pivot when things don’t go as planned.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
One business idea I’m willing to share is creating a platform that connects professionals with micro-learning opportunities. In today’s fast-paced world, many people don’t have time for lengthy courses but still want to keep their skills sharp. A platform that offers bite-sized lessons, videos, and interactive content on various topics could be a great way to meet this need. It could also include community features where users can share insights and collaborate on projects, making learning both flexible and engaging.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
One piece of software that I find incredibly helpful is Trello. I use it to organize tasks, track project progress, and collaborate with my team. Trello’s visual boards and lists make it easy to see what needs to be done and prioritize tasks accordingly. It’s also great for managing long-term projects, as I can break them down into smaller, manageable tasks and set deadlines. The flexibility of Trello allows me to adapt it to different types of projects, making it an essential tool for staying organized and productive.
What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why? (personal or professional)
The best $100 I recently spent was on a high-quality ergonomic chair cushion. I spend a lot of time at my desk, and comfort is crucial for staying focused and productive. The cushion provides great support and has made a noticeable difference in how I feel at the end of the day. It’s a small investment, but it’s had a big impact on my daily comfort and overall productivity.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast (or both) from which you’ve gotten much value, and why?
One of my favorite books is “Atomic Habits” by James Clear. It’s a practical guide to building good habits and breaking bad ones, and it’s had a significant impact on how I approach both my personal and professional life. The book emphasizes the importance of small, incremental changes and how they can lead to big results over time. I’ve applied many of the principles in the book to my daily routine, and they’ve helped me become more disciplined and focused.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I recently enjoyed watching the series “Ted Lasso.” It’s not just entertaining but also offers valuable lessons in leadership, empathy, and perseverance. The show is a great reminder that kindness and positivity can be powerful tools in both personal and professional life. I found the characters relatable, and the storylines often resonated with real-life challenges we all face. It’s a feel-good series that also makes you think, which is why I appreciated it so much.
Key Takeaways
- Effective communication is crucial for achieving organizational goals and fostering a collaborative work environment.
- Continuous learning and adaptability are essential for staying relevant and advancing in your career.
- Prioritizing tasks and managing time effectively can significantly enhance productivity and reduce stress.