Accelerating Careers in Real Estate

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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In this episode of 'Accelerating Careers in Real Estate,' I, have the pleasure of interviewing Rob Heasman, who takes us through his fascinating journey in the real estate world. From the early influences of his family to impactful roles in major property development firms, Rob's story is both inspiring and educational. He starts with his work experiences during his teens and meticulously moves through his career trajectory, including pivotal roles at Redrow Homes and the Berkeley Group. Rob delves into the nitty-gritty of key projects like Elephant Park with Lend Lease, the challenges of Euston Station redevelopment and shares significant decisions that led to his current role as Chief Executive at Earl's Court Development Company. Throughout our conversation, Rob opens up about his learnings, leadership style, and the vision that has driven his successful track record in urban planning and management.

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00:00 Introduction to Accelerating Careers in Real Estate

00:14 Early Influences and Family Background

01:18 University Life and Early Career Choices

03:21 First Professional Steps at Red Row Homes

06:25 Transition to Barclay Group

13:36 Joining Lendlease and Initial Challenges

22:40 Building a Driven Team

23:23 Master Planning and Early Phases

24:10 Adapting to a New Environment

26:29 Leadership and Vision

27:38 Transitioning Roles

29:08 Team Dynamics and Vision

32:05 Reflecting on Career Moves

33:46 Taking on New Challenges

37:20 Joining Ells Court

42:29 Lessons from Industry Leaders

45:08 Final Thoughts and Reflections

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In my latest ESPRESSO edition, I got to revisit my conversation with Gary McCluskey from 2020, he is the Managing Director, Global Design for Greystar, an architect for 25 years, his past catalogue as Strategic Design Advisor has covered nearly $5 billion worth of GDV. Gary shares a story filled with adventures in design and architecture across the living sector and his intense passion and inquisitive nature led him down paths many wouldn't have thought of.

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You can listen to the full episode at:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/2rcWkcJKseOaxRPD6IiG1J?si=k3a8Rl2TS5GXU5OMUUCTRA

https://podcasts.apple.com/ug/podcast/episode-9-gary-mcluskey/id1506496352?i=1000490011243

Key Highlights:

• Early Career and Success:
• [00:00:28] Gary McCluskey reflects on his 25-year career as an architect and Strategic Design Advisor, managing projects worth nearly £5 billion GDV.
• [00:01:00] Started in architecture after discovering a passion for drawing as a child. Early on, he realised the importance of enjoying his work environment and the projects he worked on.
• Career Evolution:
• [00:03:37] From starting at a young architect's practice to becoming a Strategic Design Advisor handling major projects across London. Gary emphasises the importance of enjoying work and the people you work with.
• Transition to Interior Design:
• [00:05:22] A pivotal moment at a house party led Gary to join Johnson Naylor as a director, bridging the gap between architecture and interior design. Notable projects include South Bank Place and Canary Wharf.
• Joining Greystar:
• [00:09:00] Recruited by Greystar after working with them as a client, Gary now leads design efforts in a company of 10,000 people across 15 countries. His focus is on global expansion and collaborative design.
• Lessons Learned:
• [00:10:30] Gary shares insights on time management and prioritising meaningful work throughout his career.

Conclusion:

• [00:10:48] Nick Carman concludes with a reflection on Gary's journey, emphasising the importance of passion and purpose in career success.

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This evening I am joined by Jai Patel, Managing Director and Co-Head of Real Estate Debt for ICG. Jai shares his journey from a curious student to a key player in the real estate debt sector, providing valuable lessons and strategies for career growth in the industry. His career has traversed Lehman Brothers, Barclays, Amro Partners in debt, equity in UK and European Real Estate. Jai Patel's journey offers a blueprint for aspiring real estate professionals, highlighting the importance of adaptability, continuous learning, and building meaningful relationships. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to navigate and accelerate their career in the real estate industry.

"As a debt investor, you're a support partner. As an equity investor, you're driving the bus." [00:24:33]

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• Leave a review on the platform of choice if you've enjoyed this episode

1. Early Beginnings: [00:00:51]
2. Initial Career Steps: [00:02:17]
3. Impact of the 2008 financial crisis and Lehman Brothers' collapse on his career.
4. Returning to Barclays and finding his niche in structured property finance.
5. Developing Expertise: [00:07:35]
6. Challenges and growth in structured property finance.
7. Mentorship and influential figures, like Richard Payne, in shaping his career.
8. Expanding Horizons: [00:13:57]
9. Transition to Longbow Real Estate Partners and subsequent acquisition by ICG.
10. Learning the nuances of property investment and equity.
11. Entrepreneurial Ventures: [00:21:00]
12. Joining Amro Partners and building a business in student housing and built-to-rent sectors.
13. Experiences in international markets, including a significant project in Spain.
14. Return to ICG: [00:29:00]
15. Becoming a portfolio manager and later co-head of European debt efforts.
16. Emphasising the importance of building and managing a talented team.
17. Maintaining inquisitiveness and listening as key leadership traits.
18. Personal Insights: [00:34:43]
19. The balance between personal life and career.
20. Strategies for managing risk and making career decisions.
21. The significance of building strong relationships and understanding stakeholders.
22. Quick Fire Round: [00:35:05]
23. How the industry has changed over Jai's career.
24. Personal challenges and areas for improvement.
25. Managing personal risk in career decisions.

• The importance of mentorship and learning from experienced professionals. [00:07:35]
• Balancing career ambitions with personal well-being. [00:13:05]
• The evolving nature of roles in real estate finance and the value of adaptability. [00:29:00]
• Building and maintaining strong professional relationships as a cornerstone for success. [00:34:43]

• Host: Nick Carman on LinkedIn
• Guest: Jai Patel on LinkedIn

• Macdonald & Company: The global real estate recruiter.

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So welcome back to another episode of Accelerating Careers in Real Estate ESPRESSO series. Back in the autumn of 2020 I got to sit down with James Pellatt who at the time of talking was Innovation Director for one of London's largest commercial landlords Great Portland Estates, a title he had carved out based on what he had learnt and thought he could better contribute following a career as the project leader for delivering world-class buildings.

James shares his experiences from his initial steps as a chartered building surveyor to his influential role in shaping London's commercial real estate landscape. He reflects on the challenges and triumphs of managing significant projects, the evolution of his career, and his insights into the future of workspace innovation.

"I was so far out of my depth. It was late, had all sorts of issues, but everything I learned from that project, I have applied to my career ever since, even to this day." - James Pellatt

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Key Chapters

Introduction

The Early Days and First Project Management Experience

The Northcliffe House Project and Lessons in Resilience

Career Progression and the Desire for Influence

Overcoming Stress and Personal Challenges

The Analogy of Stress and Persistence

Trusting the Team and Embracing Innovation

The Decision to Leave Comfort for Growth

The Impact of Innovation and Smart Buildings

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