Employee Spotlight: Taju Sanusi, Head of Launch

Q&A with Taju Sanusi, Rove's Head of Launch

Can you tell us a bit about your background and what brought you to Rove?

I attended Northwestern University for undergraduate majoring in Industrial Engineering, then went on to work at Coca-Cola in their supply chain team before getting my MBA at the University of Texas. After b-school I worked in consulting, but ultimately saw myself at the intersection of operations, technology, and the consumer. This led me to hospitality and Proptech at Kasa Living, which is ultimately how I was introduced to other players in the market such as Rove. Rove really interested me because I really liked the idea of a luxury STR brand that curated beautifully designed spaces with the functionality required to work remotely. I find that as I have traveled and worked remotely more as a result of the pandemic, Rove’s product is something that I related to personally and wanted to help grow.

Olas Villas by Rove Travel in Fort Lauderdale, FL

How do you see your background fitting into your role at Rove?

My experiences in both operations and  now proptech have given me valuable insights into what guests want from their accommodations. At Rove, I'm able to create value for our guests by leveraging my Operations and Supply chain background while tapping into my passion  for design & technology to create unforgettable experiences.

How would you describe your role and responsibilities at Rove to someone outside of the company?

My team sets the design and execution strategy for new homes that are added to our portfolio. We're responsible for ensuring that these homes meet the high standards expected of the Rove brand while also balancing factors like speed and cost. It's a challenging but rewarding role that requires a lot of coordination, communication, and attention to detail.

Olas Villas by Rove Travel in Fort Lauderdale, FL

Can you walk us through a typical day on the Launch team?

There really is no typical day on my team - every day brings new challenges and opportunities to learn. Some of my daily tasks include connecting with vendors and homeowners to develop strategies, project managing multiple property launches, and analyzing our progress against our goals. I also partner with real estate and other departments to balance  brand needs with financial implications of a deal.

What does Onboarding entail, and why is it such an important step in building a successful brand?

Think of us as the pioneers of all new Rove properties. We're often the first ones to visit a new property and gather information needed to ensure that it meets our brand standards. From there, we work on designing the space and coordinating everything from furniture delivery to photography. Onboarding is critical because it can set the tone for how guests perceive our properties - from their first impression based on staging and photography to the information provided about the home.

What do you enjoy most about working at Rove?

I love that we're a young company in an exciting industry, which means there are always new challenges to tackle and opportunities to innovate. It's a fast-paced environment where I'm constantly learning and growing.

Olas Villas by Rove Travel in Fort Lauderdale, FL

What advice would you give to someone looking to join your team?

Embrace uncertainty as an opportunity to be creative and innovative. Onboarding involves solving unique challenges, so it's important to approach problems with an open mind and a willingness to try new things.

Is there a particular accomplishment in your role that you're particularly proud of?

I'm proud of the new processes we've developed to ensure consistency across all of our onboarding projects. These processes help us identify issues and bottlenecks more quickly, which ultimately leads to better outcomes for our guests. I'm also proud of the thoughtful way we execute on our brand promise and explore partnerships with vendors who share our vision.

Finally, what's the best advice you've ever received?

Recently, I heard a quote from a Texas football coach that really resonated with me: "Be a thermostat, not a thermometer." This means taking control over your attitude and approach to situations rather than simply reflecting the environment around you. It's a powerful reminder that we have agency over our own mindset and can choose to approach challenges with positivity and resilience.

Olas Villas by Rove Travel in Fort Lauderdale, FL