Accelerating Careers in Real Estate

So this evening we have a very important episode, I set up the pod to draw a straight line between accelerating in your career with constant learning, so today we have a critical lesson to share. How to be a confident ally is rarely tackled, despite universal support for a more inclusive sector, yet what we can ALL do to improve this is too often throttled by fear.

In the first of the two-part ‘DE&I Allyship’ exclusive series of the Accelerating Careers in Real Estate podcast, guest, Sue Brown, Managing Director of Real Estate Balance, hosts the conversation where first-hand experiences, issues, and solutions to foster more inclusive workplaces are discussed. Episode one features Faith Locken, founder of We Rise In and former Development Manager at Countryside and JLL, conferring with Gafar Fashola, Chair of BPF Futures and Vanessa Murray, Founder of The Circle Partnership.

Connect with our panel:

linkedin.com/in/sue-brown-62a19415

linkedin.com/in/faith-locken-710b2263

linkedin.com/in/gafar-fashola-6b6636112

linkedin.com/in/vanessa-murray-9b032763

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:53 Meet the Panelists

01:46 Gafar's Journey into Real Estate

03:05 Vanessa's Unique Path

05:16 Faith's Story and We Rise In

06:23 Challenges in Real Estate Diversity

12:06 Strategies for Inclusion

20:34 Navigating Career Challenges and Seeking Mentorship

22:00 The Importance of Sponsorship in Career Advancement

23:36 Diversity and Inclusion: From Grad Level to Senior Management

25:02 Real Estate Education and Industry Representation

27:08 The Role of Senior Managers in Promoting Diversity

27:53 Rethinking Qualifications and Career Paths in Real Estate

30:26 Personal Experiences and Microaggressions in the Workplace

33:51 Mentorship Differences and Confidence Building

37:32 The Importance of Allyship and Active Support

40:30 Final Thoughts and Reflections

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So welcome back to another Espresso episode of Accelerating Careers in Real Estate. I'm your host Nick Carman and today I get to revisit one of our most popular episodes of all time. Amelia Bright, Executive Director of the London Estate for Grosvenor.

At the time of recording in 2020, Amelia had built a career of 13 years with the same employer, working in London and San Francisco. So how would she manage to maintain that steep learning curve whilst navigating the obstacles impeding her growth? The conversation highlights her journey from biochemistry student to real estate professional, the critical lessons learned about influencing without direct control, and her leadership philosophy focused on empowering her team. Amelia also reflects on the importance of hard work, seizing opportunities, and the non-linear path to success.

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00:00 Introduction to the Episode

00:40 Amelia Bright's Early Career and University Days

01:57 Transition to Real Estate and Career Growth

03:07 Challenges and Lessons in Development

04:57 Leadership and Management Insights

07:09 Secrets to Career Success

07:56 Reflections and Future Plans

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In this episode of 'Accelerating Careers in Real Estate,' I interview Emily Hamilton, the Chief Sustainability Officer for Savills's Investment Management. Emily shares her inspiring journey from an early passion for nature to leading sustainability initiatives in the real estate investment sector. She discusses her transformative experience volunteering in Ecuador, her early career steps, significant roles at Grosvenor, and her current position at Savills Investment Management, where she aims to make a lasting environmental and social impact. Emily emphasizes the importance of storytelling, leadership, and community engagement in driving sustainability initiatives.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:44 Emily's Early Passion for Nature

02:51 First Steps in Sustainability

04:35 Building a Career in Environmental Consultancy

05:41 University of East London Experience

07:36 Joining Grosvenor and Early Challenges

12:39 Transformational Leadership at Grosvenor

23:17 Transition to Savills Investment Management

32:34 Current Role and Future Aspirations

34:56 Conclusion and Reflections

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In this espresso edition, recorded in Autumn 2020, I get to revisit my conversation with Matt Townend, to discuss his impressive career spanning nearly two decades with major London developers. Townend shares candid reflections on early set-backs, professional growth, dealing with stress, and the importance of balance in life. Highlights include his impactful tenure at Battersea Power Station and his shift from technical expertise to people management. This episode dives deep into the personal and professional evolution of a real estate leader and the lessons learned along the way.

00:00 Introduction to the Episode

00:38 Meet Matt Townend: Career Highlights

01:04 Early Career Struggles and Lessons Learned

02:25 The Importance of Balance and Mindfulness

03:52 Insights from Colleagues and Mentors

05:50 Battersea Power Station: A Landmark Project

10:20 Evolving Leadership Skills

13:39 Personal Reflections and Legacy

15:59 Conclusion and Closing Remarks

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In this episode of 'Accelerating Careers in Real Estate,' I sit down with John Forrester, the Chair of Innovo Real Estate Development and former group CEO of Cushman & Wakefield, once described as a fire axe placed behind the emergency glass. John shares his humble beginnings, initially wanting to become a vet but ultimately finding his way into real estate after working as an estate agent. He candidly discusses his meteoric career trajectory, pivotal moments, and the importance of learning from failures. With a career spanning over three decades, John also delves into the challenges and successes of managing and merging major real estate firms through turbulent times. As he transitions to his current role focusing on real estate development, John reflects on the lessons learned and his drive to continue making an impact in the industry.

00:00 Introduction and Proudest Achievement

01:10 Early Career Beginnings

03:00 Rising Through the Ranks

03:54 Key Lessons and Turning Points

05:44 Leadership and Team Dynamics

09:01 Navigating Challenges and Growth

10:44 Becoming CEO and Facing Bankruptcy

19:42 Decisions and Loyalty

24:49 Harnessing Fearlessness for Team Success

25:03 Navigating Tough Times as a CEO

25:46 The UGL Acquisition and Strategic Growth

25:54 The Role of Management in Successful Acquisitions

27:17 UGL's Strategic Shift and Financial Challenges

28:31 The Sale to Private Equity and Global Expansion

32:04 Lessons from Past Acquisitions

35:42 Leadership and Personal Growth

41:57 Reflecting on Career Achievements and Challenges

44:52 Future Endeavors and Personal Goals

47:41 Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks

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Jan Trbizan: From Ljubljana to London's Super Prime Real Estate

In this episode, I recap my conversation with Jan Trbizan from 2020. At the time, Jan was the Technical and Design Director for Northacre, a brand synonymous with London's super prime properties. Jan's journey began in Ljubljana, Slovenia, with aspirations of becoming a surgeon before pivoting to architecture. He navigated through the tight-knit professional circles of Slovenia and made a bold move to London in 2009 amidst a hiring freeze due to recession. Through perseverance, including sending nearly 1000 CVs and making direct appeals to firms, he landed a role at Squire and Partners, where he built a successful career. Jan discusses the differences between working as a consultant versus client-side, emphasizing the broader perspective and appreciation he gained for the complexity of real estate projects. This episode highlights Jan's determination, adaptability, and growth as an architect and developer in the real estate industry.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:19 Jan Trbizan's Early Career in Slovenia

01:19 Challenges in the Slovenian Professional Scene

02:04 Breaking into the London Architecture Scene

02:22 The Struggle to Find a Job in 2009

03:03 A Creative Approach to Job Hunting

04:39 Landing the Job at Squire and Partners

06:36 Transition to Northacre and Client-Side Insights

07:18 The Broader Perspective of Architecture

08:51 Conclusion and Podcast Outro

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Building Affordable Housing: Colm Lacey's Journey in Real Estate

In this episode, of Accelerating Careers in Real Estate, I get to sit down with Colm Lacey, Founder and Director of Soft Cities, Chair of London's CLT, and Group Director of Capital Projects for New City College. Colm discusses his impressive career in housing and regeneration, sharing insights from his time at Brick by Brick, Lambeth, Newham, and Croydon Council. Colm talks with honesty about periods of huge growth, and success but also how he handled a very public downfall of Brick by Brick.

Colm also reflects on his educational background, the challenges of delivering affordable housing, and his passion for improving public sector processes. The conversation offers a detailed look at Colm's professional journey, his vision for urban development, and the lessons learned along the way.

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00:00 Introduction to the Guest: Colm Lacey

01:00 Colm's Early Life and University Days

02:02 First Steps in the Professional World

03:14 Transition to Regeneration Projects

04:32 Master's Degree and Career Realization

07:57 Challenges and Successes in Brixton

12:48 Strategic Role at Homes and Communities Agency

18:11 Return to Newham and Olympic Legacy

24:55 Transforming Croydon with Brick by Brick

30:41 Career Challenges and Successes

31:37 Brick by Brick: Context and Controversy

33:41 Ambitions and Achievements

36:25 Public Criticism and Reflection

38:35 Political and Economic Challenges

48:36 Transition to Soft Cities

48:58 Quickfire Questions and Insights

56:59 Future Plans and Final Thoughts

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In this episode of Accelerating Careers in Real Estate, I got to revisit, an interview from autumn 2020 with Caroline Harper, then Chief Planning Director for Be First. Caroline shares her unique path into real estate, driven by academia and a PhD, and discusses the personal traits that set her apart. She recounts her transition from private sector roles at CBRE and Jones Lang LaSalle to the public sector, including what her peers thought of her move. Followed by her responsibilities at Be First, and reflects on the blend of public and private sector strategies. Caroline also delves into how her motivations have evolved while emphasising her commitment to meaningful urban regeneration and community development.

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00:00 Introduction to the Episode

00:40 Caroline Harper's Early Career and Unique Traits

02:30 Role and Responsibilities at Be First

03:38 Transition from Private to Public Sector

05:39 Current Drivers and Personal Growth

08:19 Making leaps in your learning

09:07 Closing Remarks

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The Power of Saying Yes: Honor Barratt, CEO Birchgrove on Career Transformation and Innovation in Real Estate

In this episode of Accelerating Careers in Real Estate, I am joined by Honor Barratt, Chief Executive of Birchgrove. Honor shares her journey from working at McDonald's at 15, to selling timeshares, and a successful executive career in media before being approached to disrupt the later living sector of real estate. We delve into the transformative moments of her career, the importance of saying yes, and her fresh to later living solutions. Honor also reflects on the challenges of balancing work with personal life and the inherent sacrifices of being a CEO.

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00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:38 Honor Barratt's Early Career

01:09 The Timeshare Experience

03:40 Post-Graduation Adventures

04:03 The Power of Saying Yes

06:14 Challenges in the First Agency

08:41 Building a Global Creative Agency

10:51 Private Equity and Compromise

14:10 The Law of the Jungle in Business

16:59 Seeking New Challenges

19:42 The Drive to Evolve and Innovate

20:55 The Value of Executive Education

22:55 Embracing Private Equity

24:39 The Power of Saying Yes

28:41 Recognizing and Overcoming Blind Spots

30:37 The Birchgrove Vision

34:22 Balancing Career and Parenthood

36:33 The Future of Housing for the Elderly

37:58 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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In my latest ESPRESSO edition, I revisit my episode with Will Bax, who was then CEO of Retirement Villages Group, recorded in autumn 2020. Will shares his unique career journey, from leaving politics to making significant strides in the real estate sector, culminating in a leadership role overseeing a £5 billion London portfolio. Will discusses the importance of adaptability, resilience, and learning from personal tragedies, such as an avalanche accident that profoundly impacted his life and career. The episode highlights his approach to leadership, the challenges of managing larger teams, and his mindset towards seizing every opportunity and making the most of life.

"I love learning new things. I love innovating and I'm easily inspired"

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00:00 Introduction to Accelerating Careers in Real Estate

00:13 Revisiting Will Bax's Career Journey

00:45 The Importance of Career Planning

01:06 Early Career Reflections and Politics

03:03 Developing Flexibility and Resilience

06:09 Personal Tragedy and Career Impact

09:42 Leadership Challenges and Growth

12:03 Transition to Chief Executive

13:24 Conclusion

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