Joel Landau of The Allure Group: Five Things I Wish Someone Told Me Before I Became A CEO
An Interview With Doug Noll
Decision-Making Holds a Lot of Weight. The responsibility and impact of your choices can be overwhelming at times. With every decision you make, you can have a direct impact on the success of your organization, on your employees, on your stakeholders, and, like me, on the older adults you care for. You aren’t always going to make everyone happy, and that’s just the reality of leadership. As long as your intentions are good, you will make good decisions that will positively enhance your company.
As a part of our series called ‘Five Things I Wish Someone Told Me Before I Became A CEO’ we had the pleasure of interviewing Joel Landau.
Joel Landau, founder and chairman of The Allure Group, a network of six New York City-based skilled nursing facilities, is a highly successful entrepreneur whose passion is creating and supporting the development of innovative, transformative healthcare programs. Joel, keenly focused on serving high-risk elderly and underserved populations, has partnered with healthcare leaders to grow companies that have profoundly improved lives. Joel Landau’s unique insights and boundless energy make him a source of inspiration for all who associate with him.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Before we dig in, our readers would like to get to know you a bit more. Can you tell us a bit about your “backstory”? What led you to this particular career path?
Back when I was taking care of my elderly grandfather, I found myself becoming incredibly frustrated every day at all of the deficiencies I saw in eldercare that my grandfather was experiencing first-hand. He has since passed, but at that moment, and ever since, I knew there had to be a better way. The nonprofit nursing homes I saw claimed to provide top-quality care, but the staff was not responsive to my grandfather’s needs. They were unable to provide him with the personalized, culturally-sensitive care he should have had access to. My grandfather deserved better and so do all the future residents that will one day find themselves in a senior care facility. Since this experience, I’ve approached my entrepreneurial endeavors to solve problems that were so common throughout the senior care industry. I founded The Allure Group to be a network of skilled nursing facilities that provide a better model of care to seniors and their families. While I have a business stake in my organization, I also have a personal stake in its success, as many of The Allure Group’s beneficiaries have been personal friends and relatives.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began leading your company?
I don’t have one single story to share, but rather hundreds. And I’m not sure if I would call them “interesting” stories, but rather impactful stories that have all served as reminders for why I started The Allure Group in the first place. Every time a resident and their loved ones or families step through our doors, I get to witness their care from beginning to end. I’ve seen how our facilities have made their lives better while they were in our care, but nothing has been as inspirational as hearing how much of an impact our staff and facilities have made on the families themselves. That, alone, is what has made my life and career so fulfilling since founding The Allure Group.
Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
I wouldn’t call this a ‘funny mistake’ necessarily, but I’ve realized throughout my career that when you’re putting together your team at work, it’s important to hire the best people. You should be able to provide direct feedback to your team members for their growth and development, which will make them more passionate employees, but will also ensure they’re focused on your company’s objectives to help your organization achieve long-term success.
None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?
I am grateful to my late grandfather for showing me what senior care facilities should look like and how SNF staff should act. Through my experience caring for him, I have helped to change the lives of residents and their families in my care so they don’t have to experience the same deficiencies and frustrations we did. Also, I am and always will be so grateful for my staff members as well. I couldn’t imagine running The Allure Group without them. They’ve helped me bring my ideas to life and their feedback has been immensely helpful in making The Allure Group the best possible version of itself.
Leadership often entails making difficult decisions or hard choices between two apparently good paths. Can you share a story with us about a hard decision or choice you had to make as a leader?
Not to be too repetitive, but the same answer as the funniest mistake also applies here. It’s never easy having to tell your friends or family members that it’s not the best decision to work together. As you might imagine, that can often lead to hurt feelings.
Ok, thank you for that. Let’s now jump to the primary focus of our interview. Most of our readers — in fact, most people — think they have a pretty good idea of what a CEO or executive does. But in just a few words can you explain what an executive does that is different from the responsibilities of the other leaders?
CEOs hold a distinctive position within an organization, carrying a set of responsibilities that differentiates them from other leaders. While various leaders contribute to the success of a company, CEOs have a unique role that encompasses several key aspects.
CEOs carry a much larger and more diverse set of responsibilities than other leaders. They’re ultimately accountable for the overall performance and success of the organization. They bear the responsibility of setting the strategic direction, defining the company’s mission, and establishing ambitious goals that drive the business forward. Unlike other leaders, the CEO’s role is to ensure that all efforts align with the overarching vision and lead to the achievement of long-term objectives.
In other words, CEOs wear many hats. This is what makes this role unique and fun, but it can also add a lot of pressure to the role as well. It’s not for the faint of heart.
What are the “myths” that you would like to dispel about being a CEO or executive? Can you explain what you mean?
There are three myths I’d like to dispel.
The first myth is that CEOs have a glamorous and stress-free lifestyle. Being a CEO or executive can be extremely demanding and stressful. The responsibilities and expectations placed on us are significant, often requiring long working hours, high-pressure decision-making, and the need to balance multiple priorities. The glamorous portrayal of CEOs in popular media tends to overlook the hard work, challenges, and personal sacrifices that truly come with the role.
The second myth is that CEOs are solely focused on profits. While financial performance is undoubtedly important, CEOs are responsible for the overall success and sustainability of the organization. They must consider a broader range of factors, including employee satisfaction, customer experience, ethical practices, corporate social responsibility, and long-term growth strategies. Balancing financial objectives with the interests of stakeholders and the greater good is a critical aspect of the CEO’s role.
And the third myth is that CEOs have a linear and predetermined career path. The path to becoming a CEO is not predetermined or guaranteed. It varies greatly among individuals and can involve diverse experiences and backgrounds. While some CEOs may follow a traditional career trajectory within a company, others may come from different industries, entrepreneurial backgrounds, or even non-profit sectors. The journey to CEO often involves a combination of hard work, continuous learning, seizing opportunities, and demonstrating leadership qualities.
What is the most striking difference between your actual job and how you thought the job would be?
When I first started The Allure Group, I think I had assumed that I would eventually become a more hands-off leader after I got the organization in a good spot and hired the right people to put behind the wheel. However, I quickly realized that while that was possible, it isn’t what I really wanted. I am still actively involved in the day-to-day operations of my company and take the time to get to know and interact with all of my employees. I like to know what’s going on and want to be a part of the continued growth of the company along with the rest of my team.
Do you think everyone is cut out to be an executive? In your opinion, which specific traits increase the likelihood that a person will be a successful executive and what type of person should avoid aspiring to be an executive? Can you explain what you mean?
No. I don’t believe everyone is cut out to be an executive.
Successful entrepreneurs should possess strong leadership qualities, which include the ability to inspire and motivate others. They should have a high degree of emotional intelligence and self-awareness. They must have the ability to adapt at a moment’s notice and must be resilient in the face of change and adversity.
Professionals who are more focused on profits, who aren’t passionate about what they do, who are risk-averse, and who have poor interpersonal skills should not aspire to be CEOs.
What advice would you give to other business leaders to help create a fantastic work culture? Can you share a story or an example?
As a business leader, it’s essential to clearly articulate a vision that inspires and energizes employees. This vision should align with the organization’s values and long-term goals. It’s also important to lead by example and embody the values and behaviors you wish to see in your employees. Acting with integrity, demonstrating respect, and fostering an inclusive and collaborative environment are how you can set the standard for others to follow. Leaders should also prioritize employee well-being and ensure that the work environment they’ve created also values the well-being of employees. This involves encouraging work-life balance, promoting a healthy work environment, and providing appropriate resources and support,
Open communication is also powerful for creating a positive work culture. Business leaders should establish a culture that fosters open communication, both top-down and across different levels of the organization. Additionally, it’s important for leaders to recognize and celebrate achievements. You should always acknowledge and appreciate the contributions of your employees, taking the time to recognize individual and team accomplishments, whether through verbal appreciation, rewards, or opportunities for growth, which fosters a sense of pride and fulfillment.
How have you used your success to make the world a better place?
I have worked hard to create a network of skilled nursing facilities that put older residents first. My staff is committed to creating personalized and culturally-sensitive care tactics to make sure that every single resident within our walls feels heard and seen. At The Allure Group, our residents have access to the best care services that help improve their quality of life while giving their loved ones and families peace of mind along the way.
Fantastic. Here is the primary question of our interview. What are your “Five Things I Wish Someone Told Me Before I Became A CEO” and why?
1 . Decision-Making Holds a Lot of Weight. The responsibility and impact of your choices can be overwhelming at times. With every decision you make, you can have a direct impact on the success of your organization, on your employees, on your stakeholders, and, like me, on the older adults you care for. You aren’t always going to make everyone happy, and that’s just the reality of leadership. As long as your intentions are good, you will make good decisions that will positively enhance your company.
2 . Self-Care Is Important For Us Too. It’s important that leaders take care of themselves, both physically and mentally. You can surround yourself with a reliable support network of mentors, advisors, and peers who can provide guidance and perspective on your journey as a CEO. You can take time off to travel with your family. You can stop your tasks at 5:00 pm so you can make it home in time for dinner. You can get up early and exercise. It doesn’t matter what invigorates you, it just matters that you take time for yourself.
3 . Failure Is Inevitable, So Embrace It. You are going to make mistakes. There are going to be hurdles to attaining your goals and there will be times when nothing feels like it’s going your way. Yet, these moments don’t define you — it’s how you respond and learn from them that matters. Embrace failure as a valuable learning opportunity and create a culture that encourages innovation, experimentation, and resilience.
4 . Trust Your Gut. While data and analysis are important, there will be moments when you face complex decisions with limited information. In such situations, trust your intuition and listen to your inner voice. Your years of experience, insights, and instincts can guide you toward making bold and decisive choices that may lead to significant breakthroughs. Cultivate the ability to listen to your gut, combine it with rational thinking, and make informed decisions that align with your vision and values.
5 . Put People Above Profits. Profitability is essential for the success of any business, but it should never come at the expense of the well-being and happiness of your employees, customers, and communities. By focusing on creating a positive and supportive work environment, investing in employee development and engagement, and delivering value to customers, you lay the foundation for sustainable growth and long-term success. When you prioritize the needs and interests of your people, they become more engaged, motivated, and loyal, resulting in enhanced productivity and customer satisfaction. Remember, profits are an outcome of a thriving and people-centered business, not the sole objective.
You are a person of great influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good for the greatest number of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger.
If I could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good for the greatest number of people, it would be a movement centered around empathy and kindness. This movement would encourage individuals to practice empathy in their daily lives, fostering a deep understanding and compassion for others, regardless of their backgrounds or circumstances.
My hope is that this would create a more inclusive and understanding society, where people genuinely listen to one another, seek to understand different perspectives, and act with compassion. This movement would inspire acts of kindness, both big and small, that have the power to uplift individuals, strengthen communities, and bridge divides.
Through this movement, we would promote empathy in education, workplaces, and public spaces, emphasizing the importance of treating others with dignity and respect. It would encourage volunteerism, community service, and collective efforts to address social issues and promote equality and justice.
Imagine a world where empathy and kindness are the guiding principles in our interactions, where we recognize and embrace our shared humanity. Such a movement has the potential to bring about positive change, improve mental well-being, foster stronger connections, and create a more harmonious and compassionate society for the greatest number of people.
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
“Doing well is the result of doing good” by Ralph Waldo Emerson. To me, this perfectly sums up the duty that entrepreneurs have to do good in the world.
We are very blessed that some very prominent names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this if we tag them.
He’s not alive anymore, but Alexander Hamilton. He was an extraordinary man who managed to inspire, shape, and define the structure of the federal government and the underlying principles of the U.S. Treasury. Orphaned at an early age, he grew to be one of the most influential founders of our country. This is a great example of triumph over adversity through hard work, focus, and extraordinary determination.
Thank you for these fantastic insights. We greatly appreciate the time you spent on this.
About the Interviewer: Douglas E. Noll, JD, MA was born nearly blind, crippled with club feet, partially deaf, and left-handed. He overcame all of these obstacles to become a successful civil trial lawyer. In 2000, he abandoned his law practice to become a peacemaker. His calling is to serve humanity, and he executes his calling at many levels. He is an award-winning author, teacher, and trainer. He is a highly experienced mediator. Doug’s work carries him from international work to helping people resolve deep interpersonal and ideological conflicts. Doug teaches his innovative de-escalation skill that calms any angry person in 90 seconds or less. With Laurel Kaufer, Doug founded Prison of Peace in 2009. The Prison of Peace project trains life and long terms incarcerated people to be powerful peacemakers and mediators. He has been deeply moved by inmates who have learned and applied deep, empathic listening skills, leadership skills, and problem-solving skills to reduce violence in their prison communities. Their dedication to learning, improving, and serving their communities motivates him to expand the principles of Prison of Peace so that every human wanting to learn the skills of peace may do so. Doug’s awards include California Lawyer Magazine Lawyer of the Year, Best Lawyers in America Lawyer of the Year, Purpose Prize Fellow, International Academy of Mediators Syd Leezak Award of Excellence, National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals Neutral of the Year. His four books have won a number of awards and commendations. Doug’s podcast, Listen With Leaders, is now accepting guests. Click on this link to learn more and apply.
