Growing Great Leaders Q&A with Paulita and David

At Block by Block, we pride ourselves on investing in and cultivating great talent. We strive to promote internally every chance we get because with nearly 3,000 employees nationwide, chances are that our next great manager is already here.

In fact, many of our leaders began at Block by Block as frontline Ambassadors — including this month’s Culture Club highlights, Paulita Elliott and David Aguilar. Both Paulita and David are approaching work anniversaries — 20 years and 15 years, respectively. In honor of these impressive milestones, we asked them to share a bit about their experience and advice they have for employees aiming to build lifelong careers with Block by Block.

Paulita began as a Safety Ambassador in 2005 with our program in Downtown Long Beach, Calif. Over the years, she was promoted to Team Leader, Operations Manager, Director of Operations, Regional Director of Operations and General Manager. As General Manager, she oversees three prominent Ambassador Programs in San Francisco.

In 2010, David, like Paulita, started at Block by Block as a Safety Ambassador in Downtown Long Beach. He is currently a Regional Vice President but was previously a Regional Director of Operations, an Operations Manager and an Operations Supervisor.  

P denotes Paulita’s responses, while D denotes David’s.

How has your leadership style changed over the years?

P: If I am being honest – not much – still a straight shooter. I believe that I am pretty black and white related to rules, but over the last 3 years or so, I can give a little grey. The rules are there for a reason. I believe in leading by example and not asking anyone to do anything that I have not done or am not willing to do. This has not changed.

D: My leadership style has remained consistent over the years, but I have refined it based on my experiences. I strongly believe in empowering others to make decisions using their knowledge, training, moral compass and the advice of their peers. Mistakes are inevitable, no one is perfect, but what matters is recognizing them and learning from them. My role as a leader is to provide support and guidance, ensuring that my team grows both personally and professionally.

What advice would you give someone aspiring to hold a leadership position or become a Regional Vice President?

P: Work on your people skills because our people are our product. The way we treat and train them is how they will represent and work for us.

D: It’s okay to ask for help! Block by Block’s senior leadership has done a phenomenal job of building a strong support system for those in leadership roles. You don’t have to do it alone. Remember, you’re surrounded by experienced and knowledgeable people who are always willing to help. Leverage that support, learn from others, and grow together.

Have you had any mentors along the way? Who were they and how did they help you?

P: Derreck Hughes when he was my RVP for my region way back in the day. He gave me true feedback even when I may have not wanted to hear it and worked on strategies to resolve challenges at my account.

D: I’ve had the privilege of working alongside some incredible people within Block by Block, as well as outside the organization, many of whom have become mentors and role models over the years. Two individuals who stand out are Kris Zagyva and Paulita Elliot. I first had the pleasure of working for them and later alongside them. While their management styles are vastly different, some might even say complete opposites, both have played a significant role in shaping my own leadership approach. They taught me the importance of setting high standards, fostering accountability, leading with integrity, encouraging collaboration, and, most importantly, making work enjoyable.

Do you have a perspective or mindset that you attribute to helping you succeed?

P: Mindset is everything and hard work always pays off.

D: I’ve placed a strong emphasis on the importance of self-care. Throughout my career, I’ve faced countless stressful situations, and I quickly realized that it’s hard to perform at your best if you don’t take care of yourself. Having an outlet, whether mental or physical, is essential for maintaining balance and sustaining long-term success.

What excites you most about the future leadership at Block by Block?

P: I am excited to see the growth and change and to see more frontline employees grow and develop into higher positions and to be able to share their journey with others.

D: There’s a wealth of untapped creativity within Block by Block. I love engaging with OMs and Ambassadors during my visits. It’s always exciting to hear about new initiatives and creative solutions to unique challenges. These conversations reinforce just how much innovation and ingenuity exist throughout the organization.

What has been your biggest challenge and how did you overcome it?

P: Being a woman in charge can be considered a big challenge at times, but no matter who you are, your work stands for itself. I think being myself and working hard.

D: Like many, managing my time and stress has been one of my biggest challenges. While I wouldn’t say I’ve completely mastered either, I’ve made significant progress. Relying heavily on my calendar for alerts, reminders and scheduling has helped me stay organized and manage my time effectively. For stress management, physical activities like hitting the gym and practicing Muay Thai have been invaluable in keeping me balanced and focused.

If you could turn back time, (cue Cher) what advice would you give your past self?

P: Continue on a regular workout regimen because once you stop; it’s hard to go back. Continue learning Excel – we are still not quite friends…

D: Don’t be too hard on yourself, no one is perfect. Set your pride aside and don’t be afraid to ask for help or lean on the resources around you. You won’t always have all the answers, and that’s okay. Growth comes from learning, collaborating and embracing the support available to you.

What are some of the changes you’ve seen in this company over your time here?

P: Improved training and processes and more support infrastructure.

D: I’ve witnessed countless changes over the years, and Block by Block has continuously evolved to provide more support both in the field and at our corporate office. We’ve expanded our Project Management team, strengthened our recruiting efforts and grown our corporate support team. We’ve also created development groups, introduced professional coaching and taken a creative approach to building a strong workplace culture. Through initiatives like the Culture Club, we’ve fostered a fun and engaging environment that makes BBB an even better place to work.

You’ve been here a very long time. What is one of your favorite memories at Block by Block?

P: Too many to name… Always enjoy annual, or now every other year, manager’s meetings.

D: I’ve had many unforgettable moments throughout my years with Block by Block. From winning the Rookie of the Year award as a new OM to earning MVP and the Regional Impact Award for Region 909, and even receiving the Community Impact Award from the City of West Hollywood. Each achievement has been meaningful. However, my most memorable moment was winning the gold medal at the first-ever Block by Block Olympics in Houston, TX, during our 2022 Connect and Share OM Conference. Watching OMs from across the country compete by region was an incredible experience, but seeing Region 909 take home the victory made it even more rewarding.

To learn more about their experiences at Block by Block, click here to hear from Paulita and here to hear from David.