Spotlight: Victoria Fisher, Area Maintenance Manager

“Lead by empathy, inspire by action” is the guiding principle for Victoria Fisher, a leader at Cushman & Wakefield. As an Area Maintenance Manager for the Amazon account, Victoria oversees operations across six sites in Long Island and New Jersey, where she manages a team of 25 technicians. She is also temporarily supporting the LA AMZL node, comprising five sites across the Central California region. This temporary assignment has expanded her responsibilities to leading 50 technicians and 5 Reliability and Maintenance Engineering Planners. Her role encompasses vendor management, financial oversight, and people management. Victoria’s career is characterized by a relentless pursuit of growth and excellence, a drive that ultimately led her to earn an MBA in Engineering Management. Her commitment to continuous improvement exemplifies Cushman & Wakefield’s ethos that better never settles.

What led you to your current role at C&W?

My career journey has been quite diverse. Initially drawn to law, I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science with a double minor in Pre-Law and Public Administration. However, I soon realized that law school wasn’t the right fit for me. I was uncertain about my next steps, but I was determined to find a career that would offer both purpose and challenge.

I started at ABM Industries working on the Bloomberg account, where I managed their work order system and developed a training curriculum that was implemented globally. It was here that I transitioned into engineering, gaining valuable insights into data centers and critical infrastructure. I also had the opportunity to work with a mentor, who was instrumental in shaping my engineering career.

After four years at Bloomberg, I pursued a new challenge with a management role on the Amazon account under CBRE. This was a significant leap into people management, and it was one of the most daunting career moves I’ve made. Embracing this opportunity was both exciting and intimidating, but I kept in mind a favorite quote of mine: “If your dreams don’t scare you, they aren’t big enough.” This perspective has been a guiding force for me.

Following two and a half years at Amazon, I reached a point where I felt there were limited growth opportunities, so I decided to pursue an MBA in Engineering Management, which I just completed in February. Once I graduated, I started looking for new opportunities that would challenge me further, leading me to the Area Maintenance Manager position at Cushman & Wakefield. I'm excited about this role, especially since it’s on the Amazon account, and I've enjoyed diving back into the action!

Congratulations on recently completing your Master’s! How has the additional education impacted your career and personal growth?

The coursework in my MBA program focused on analyzing and solving complex business and organizational issues, which directly applies to my work at C&W. At global organizations like C&W and Amazon, managing change is challenging yet essential.

The program deepened my understanding of the "why" behind decisions, which is crucial for effective leadership. An example of this is addressing employee performance issues with a comprehensive approach, rather than defaulting to performance improvement plans. My education, along with the C&W and Amazon principles, reinforced the importance of understanding underlying causes, which helps in supporting employees more effectively. Ultimately, while business operations and financial success are important, it's the people who drive and sustain the organization.

Having worked at several facility management companies throughout your career, what similarities and differences have you noticed among them?

One of the greatest challenges in facility management, especially with third-party providers, is managing diverse stakeholders. I firmly believe in the principle that the client is king, but it's equally important to ensure that everyone is treated fairly and that we adhere to both company principles and expectations.

Cushman & Wakefield excels in fostering a culture of excellence. We are dedicated to identifying top talent who not only meet the technical requirements but also embody a “better never settles” mindset. This approach is crucial when working with a major client like Amazon, and I believe C&W manages this balance exceptionally well.

What has your experience been like working on the Amazon account?

Working on the Amazon account has been an incredible experience because of the unwavering support from all levels of the organization. Everyone is willing to assist, regardless of the time or the request. Feeling supported and valued is something I cherish, and I’m grateful for the positive environment within the organization and the account.

My favorite aspect of this role on the Amazon account is the people management and the opportunity to work closely with a diverse group of individuals. One of the unique challenges on this account is managing a 24-hour operation, which involves supporting both day and night shifts equally, ensuring that every team member feels valued and appreciated. Whether it's celebrating personal milestones or addressing their daily needs, building strong connections is crucial. I truly missed this aspect during the time I was away from Amazon, where I didn’t have a managerial role.

Overall, Amazon's culture of striving for excellence resonates deeply with me. The push to continually improve and exceed expectations aligns with my values. There are days when the work is demanding, and late-night calls are unavoidable, but there are also times when I can enjoy flexibility, like having lunch with family. Autonomy is something I appreciate.

What is your “why?” What motivates you to come to work each day?

I’m motivated by the ability to make a meaningful, long-term impact on others and contribute value to the organization. I truly feel that my work matters and that my role is appreciated here. Having experienced both jobs that merely pay the bills and those that offer genuine engagement and challenge, I’ve learned that pursuing a career solely for financial reasons can be unfulfilling. Instead, doing what you’re passionate about makes work more rewarding. At C&W and Amazon, I’m fortunate to have the opportunity to make a significant impact and feel truly valued.

What are your career aspirations for the next couple of years?

My goal is to become CEO of the universe! If that’s not an option, I hope to reach the executive or C-suite level within an organization, ideally in engineering, though I’m open to other sectors. I want to influence large organizations by promoting a leadership style that values respect and empathy at every level. For me, it’s crucial to treat everyone with the same respect, whether they are a CEO or a team member in a support role. At C&W, I’ve seen firsthand the value of authentic, empathetic leadership and the effect that permeates throughout the rest of the organization. 

What advice would you give to someone who is just starting in this field?

Firstly, you are your greatest advocate when it comes to your own career. Don’t hesitate to speak up for yourself and seek the support and compensation you deserve. Being prepared and understanding your professional worth are keys to success. For instance, at the beginning of my career, I moved from a temporary role to a permanent one and tripled my salary within two years simply by asking for what I knew I was worth.

In closing, push yourself to grow continuously. As I often say, “Growth and comfort are never in the same room.” Embrace challenges and view setbacks as opportunities for advancement. Success often lies just beyond our fears, so don’t be afraid to take bold steps toward your goals.