What does success look like beyond a paycheck? In this episode of Beyond the Resume, hosts Lisa Flicker and Chris Papa welcome Bob Sessa to explore career development, institutional real estate investing, leadership, and finding purpose in professional life.
From competitive swimming and public accounting to managing real estate investments for a public pension fund, Bob shares the experiences that shaped his career. He discusses turning down a banking opportunity offering three times the salary, choosing work-life balance over financial gain, and how volunteering transformed his perspective on success.
Bob also offers valuable career advice on intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, mentorship, and the importance of resilience. Through personal stories and professional insights, he demonstrates why meaningful careers are built on more than technical expertise.
Whether you're an aspiring real estate investor, young professional, or experienced leader, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on building a fulfilling career.
CHAPTERS
(01:15) Early Influences and Career Beginnings
(04:00) Lessons from Public Accounting
(05:20) Volunteering and Finding Purpose
(09:25) Choosing Work-Life Balance Over Salary
(11:50) Inside Institutional Real Estate Investing
(16:00) Discipline, Resilience and Critical Thinking
(18:30) The Hot Seat: Books and Personal Interests
(20:50) Meditation and Staying Grounded
(22:50) Hiring, Leadership and Intellectual Curiosity
(24:35) Mentorship and Lessons for the Next Generation
YouTube: https://youtu.be/1oxQrqxOmjQ
