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Bob Knakal, Chairman and CEO of BKREA, explores the importance of passion in his latest Commercial Observer article, “Passion: The First Ingredient in the ‘DNA of Success.’” Drawing on more than 42 years of experience in New York City commercial real estate investment sales, Knakal explains why genuine enthusiasm for one's work is the foundation for sustained achievement, professional growth, and effective leadership.
The article introduces the first of five characteristics in Knakal's “DNA of Success” framework: passion, discipline, curiosity, expertise, and becoming. He argues that passion fuels the other four characteristics, transforming effort into opportunity and helping individuals persevere through challenges, rejection, and changing market conditions.
Knakal emphasizes that genuine passion creates the motivation to continue learning, improving, and pursuing excellence. After more than four decades in investment sales, his enthusiasm for the business remains as strong as when he began his career in 1984.
People who genuinely enjoy their work view challenges as opportunities for growth rather than obligations. This mindset encourages deeper engagement, additional preparation, and consistent improvement over time.
Small actions, including asking additional questions, developing relationships, and dedicating extra time to learning, compound over the years. Passion makes these efforts feel rewarding rather than burdensome.
Leaders who demonstrate authentic enthusiasm can motivate others to participate, learn, and improve. Similarly, clients recognize when professionals genuinely believe in their work, helping establish credibility and lasting relationships.
Excitement often depends on favorable circumstances, but passion endures through recessions, rejection, disappointing results, and market downturns. It sustains the commitment necessary to keep progressing when immediate rewards are limited.
Rather than replacing discipline, passion strengthens it. Individuals who love the process of achieving success are more likely to maintain consistent habits even when recognition, compensation, or results are delayed.
Knakal explains that passion encourages curiosity, expertise, and personal development. Success is not simply about reaching a destination; it is also about continually becoming a better professional and person.
Knakal's article highlights a fundamental principle of professional success: lasting achievement begins with a genuine connection to the work itself. In commercial real estate, where relationship building, market knowledge, persistence, and consistent prospecting are essential, passion provides the motivation to maintain these efforts over decades.
His perspective also reinforces BKREA's emphasis on disciplined execution, continuous learning, and developing professionals who are committed to long-term excellence.
According to Knakal:
“Passion is not the entire ‘DNA of Success.’ But it is the spark that brings the other four characteristics to life.”
The article explores:
Read “Passion: The First Ingredient in the ‘DNA of Success’” by Bob Knakal in Commercial Observer.
What is Bob Knakal's “DNA of Success”?
It is a framework identifying five characteristics that contribute to extraordinary achievement: passion, discipline, curiosity, expertise, and becoming.
Why does passion come first?
Knakal believes passion provides the motivation that makes discipline sustainable, encourages curiosity, drives expertise, and supports continuous personal growth.
How does passion create a competitive advantage?
Passionate professionals are more likely to invest additional time in learning, preparation, networking, and improving their skills. Over time, these incremental efforts compound into meaningful advantages.
What is the difference between passion and excitement?
Excitement is often temporary and influenced by immediate results. Passion is a deeper commitment that persists through challenges, setbacks, and periods when rewards are limited.
How does passion benefit leaders and teams?
Authentic enthusiasm can inspire employees, strengthen organizational culture, encourage learning, and help build trust with clients and colleagues.
What is the main message of the article?
Find work that genuinely captures your interest and commit to improving at it. Passion does not guarantee success, but it provides the motivation to persist, learn, and pursue meaningful achievement over the long term.
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