Manoucher Sarbaz

Manoucher Sarbaz, a visionary corporate executive, community leader, and philanthropist, has left an indelible mark on the urban landscapes of Los Angeles. Born and educated in Iran, with a Bachelor of Economics and Insurance from the University of Tehran, Sarbaz embarked on a transformative journey to the United States in 1979. Settling in Los Angeles, California, he channeled his passion for development and excellence into a thriving career in property development. Sarbaz’s work is distinguished by his commitment to creating sustainable, vibrant communities that enhance the quality of life for their residents. Beyond his professional achievements, he is a fervent supporter of the Farhang Foundation, actively promoting Iranian art and culture. An avid cyclist, Sarbaz finds parallels between the resilience required in sports and the perseverance needed in business. His story is a testament to the power of vision, dedication, and community engagement in shaping a better world.

What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?

My typical day starts early with a morning cycling session; it’s my way of clearing my mind and preparing for the day ahead. I then review my schedule, focusing on key projects and meetings. Productivity for me comes from prioritizing tasks and dedicating specific times to focus on them without distractions. I also make it a point to engage with my team regularly to stay updated and motivated.

How do you bring ideas to life?

Bringing ideas to life involves a process of visualization, planning, and collaboration. I start by visualizing the end goal, then break it down into actionable steps. Collaboration with my team is crucial; brainstorming sessions help refine the idea and develop a roadmap for execution. Finally, persistence and adaptability are key as we work to turn the vision into reality.

What’s one trend that excites you?

The trend towards sustainable development excites me. The idea of creating spaces that are not only economically viable but also environmentally friendly and socially responsible resonates with my vision for the future of urban development.

What is one habit that helps you be productive?

Setting daily goals is a habit that significantly boosts my productivity. It helps me stay focused and ensures that I’m always working towards tangible outcomes, both in the short term and for long-term projects.

What advice would you give your younger self?

I would advise my younger self to embrace patience and perseverance. Success takes time and resilience; it’s about the journey as much as it is about the destination. I’d also emphasize the importance of building strong relationships and networking from the start.

Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?

I believe that true success in business comes not from competition but from collaboration. Many see business as a zero-sum game, but I’ve found that partnerships and collaborations often yield far greater results than going it alone.

What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?

Reflect on your day. Taking time each evening to reflect on what you’ve accomplished, what challenges you faced, and how you can improve or tackle tasks differently tomorrow is invaluable for personal and professional growth.

When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?

I go for a long bike ride. Cycling helps me clear my mind, refocus, and gain a new perspective on whatever is causing stress or distraction.

What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?

Maintaining a strong network has opened doors and provided invaluable support and opportunities.

What is one failure in your career,  how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?

I once took on a project that was beyond my team’s current capabilities, leading to significant challenges. I overcame this by seeking mentorship, investing in my team’s development, and learning to better assess our capabilities against potential projects. The lesson was clear: growth requires understanding your limits and pushing them responsibly.

What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?

A platform that connects local artists and urban developers. This could facilitate the integration of public art into new developments, enriching communities and giving artists a platform for exposure and collaboration.

What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?

Slack has become an indispensable tool for me and my team. It facilitates seamless communication, allowing us to quickly share updates, collaborate on projects, and maintain a continuous flow of information without the need for constant meetings or lengthy email threads. We use it to create channels for different projects, which helps in keeping discussions organized and accessible. This efficiency in communication significantly enhances our productivity, ensuring that we stay aligned and can respond swiftly to any issues or opportunities that arise.

Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?

One book that has profoundly impacted my approach to both life and business is “Mindset: The New Psychology of Success” by Carol S. Dweck. It explores the power of our mindset and how possessing a growth mindset — the belief that our abilities are not fixed but can be developed over time — can lead to success. This concept has transformed the way I approach challenges, learning, and growth, encouraging a more resilient and adaptive perspective in both personal endeavors and my work in property development and philanthropy.

What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?

I recently enjoyed “The Founder,” which tells the story of Ray Kroc and the expansion of McDonald’s. It’s a fascinating study in perseverance, vision, and the complexities of entrepreneurship.

Key learnings:

• Embrace Challenges with a Growth Mindset
• The Significance of Teamwork and Communication
• Philanthropy as a Cultural Bridge