Very few people grow up dreaming of becoming a strata manager. Nobody imagines themselves running an annual general meeting (AGM) or explaining to an owner why their renovation isn’t allowed. Yet here they are. Professionals from diverse backgrounds, drawn into a career that often feels like it chose them as much as they chose it.
Katharine Olson, from Groundbreaking Strata, and Kinga Rybkowski, a newly licensed manager, recently shared their perspectives on the rewarding and challenging world of strata management. What it takes to succeed in one of real estate’s most misunderstood professions.
Becoming a strata manager: barriers and opportunities
Becoming a strata manager isn’t as simple as it looks. The licensing process through UBC’s Sauder School of Business is demanding, and the exam is tough. Even after passing, new licensees quickly realize the expectations from employers, owners, and strata councils are extremely high.
In recent years, more managers have entered the field, but another challenge emerges: the common requirement for “two to five years’ experience” that some brokerages want.
For rookies, it’s easy to feel lost. The solution? Persistence and networking. Opportunities rarely appear out of nowhere. Those who reach out, network and follow up consistently are the ones who tend to succeed in finding opportunities.
Confidence, boundaries, and presence
From the outside, strata management looks straightforward in the form of contracts, budgets, and maintenance schedules. But insiders know the real work requires so much more. The ability to “command the room,” whether at an AGM, a council meeting, or even a site visit, comes from confidence and preparation.
For some managers, confidence comes from research and planning. Others take that a step further an add in affirmations, meditation, or even a motivational playlist. Looking the part matters. Professional attire helps, but it’s not enough on its own.
Boundaries are essential. Burnout is real without them. Knowing when to say no and separating personal from professional life is key to avoiding burnout and unnecessary stress.
Networking and industry culture
Modern strata management is collaborative by nature. Industry associations like PAMA, CHOA, and BOMA provide education and networking opportunities, while brokerage events and webinars foster the kind of professional relationships that the licensing course doesn’t cover.
Not all brokerages are equal, some are large firms with big portfolios and others are small and boutique. Determining the right fit comes down to how the brokerage fits with the manager’s values. The best way to figure this out it through asking questions from the leadership and networking within the industry. And sometimes all that networking opens doors more effectively than simply replying to job postings.
Survival, burnout, and emotional resilience
Strata management is an exercise in high emotional intelligence (EQ). Managers balance the practical demands of the job with the emotional weight of people’s homes and investments.
With portfolios often in excess of 10 buildings and hundreds of owners, the workload can feel overwhelming. Managers carry the brunt of the workload, including complaints when things don’t go as planned.
Real resilience requires more than “thick skin.” It comes from fair compensation, ongoing training, and strong brokerage support systems that help managers recharge. As Katharine notes, “Emotional intelligence isn’t just a skill in strata management. It’s the superpower that helps you manage people, politics, and property all at once.”
Technology’s role in strata management
While technology won’t solve the demands put on strata managers, it can provide an important tool for maximizing efficiency. Document portals, reporting tools, and AI-powered platforms can streamline time-consuming tasks. This give manages more time to focus on the people aspect of the role.
Platforms like OctoAI’s Eli Report show what’s possible. By analyzing hundreds of pages of condo documents, Eli Report helps realtors and buyers spot key risks and costs at a glance. For strata managers, similar tools can highlight expenses or benchmark costs against comparable properties.
Technology is most powerful when it empowers people, not replaces them.
Lessons every new strata manager should know
Katharine shared a few takeaways that every new strata manager should keep in mind:
- Inbox zero doesn’t exist. Emails multiply from day one. The key is managing expectations not chasing an empty inbox.
- Relationships often matter more than resumes. Networking and connections often open doors faster than resumes.
- Emotional intelligence is essential. In an industry where homes, investments, and personal lives overlap, empathy and boundaries are critical.
- Be authentic. Professional attire and confidence help, but honesty and approachability matter more.
The path ahead for strata management
The industry isn’t easy, but it doesn’t have to be difficult either. Expectations from brokerages, owners, and councils are high. But persistence pays off. Understanding the Strata Property Act, volunteering at industry events, and practicing consistent communication all build confidence and competence.
The future of strata management is bright. Demand is growing for professionals who combine technical knowledge with emotional intelligence. As the industry becomes more diverse and innovative, opportunities will expand for managers to shape not just buildings, but communities.
The realities of strata management are demanding, but the lessons are clear: confidence, boundaries, networking, emotional resilience, and smart use of technology pave the way to success.
For homeowners, strata councils, and aspiring managers alike, the takeaway is simple: this role is about more than budgets and bylaws. It’s about building stronger, more resilient communities.