Accelerating Careers in Real Estate

This evening, I am joined by Matt Walker, CEO for Student Housing UK Portfolio on behalf of Singaporean Global Asset Manager Mapletree. Matt originally from Oklahoma, has risen through the ranks of residential operations in the States, South America and the UK. And we catch him as he is just settling in to his most recent role and employer. 

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Matt Walker discusses his career journey, starting from his early years in Oklahoma to his current role as the CEO of Student Accommodation with Mapletree. Emphasises taking less travelled paths, stepping away from safety and security, and betting on oneself at key milestones in his career.

Career Path & Decision-Making

·        Highlights the importance of leaving an organization respectfully, avoiding burning bridges, and maintaining relationships.

·        Talks about taking risks and the confidence derived from knowing that learned skills can be applied elsewhere if things go wrong.

·        Emphasizes the significance of having a backup plan, staying grounded, and considering the worst-case scenario in career decisions.

Strengths & Strategic Thinking

·        Discusses feedback received about his strengths, particularly focusing on relentless drive, strategic thinking, and remaining calm under pressure.

·        Stresses that there wasn't a master plan but an acceptance of ambiguity and opportunities that led to growth.

·        Shares insights about seizing opportunities in the moment and having a flexible, strategic approach to career choices.

Current Role & Change

·        Talks about joining Maple Tree, a Singapore-based organization, and becoming the CEO of their global student housing business, expanding into multiple continents.

Task Management & Focus

·        Reflects on feedback about being extremely driven, focused, and efficient in completing tasks without procrastination.

·        Discusses personality traits inherited from family and learning to be efficient while balancing tactical and strategic work.

·        Emphasizes the importance of decision-making speed and avoiding getting bogged down by tactical details in a fast-paced industry.

Creating Work-Life Balance

·        Acknowledges past challenges in achieving work-life balance but shares learned strategies.

·        Encourages accepting personal growth, setting clear boundaries, and finding ways to disconnect from work after hours.

·        Advises creating psychological comfort with being offline and employing practical tricks to separate work and personal life.

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This evening, I am joined by David Kosky, Co-Founder of Co-Working business Work.Life. Co-Founders David and Elliot started Work.Life in 2015 because they believe everyone should feel happy in their work lives. Now, Work.Life is made up of 15 coworking spaces with 19 projected by the end of the year, and over 6,000 members.

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During the conversation, David delivered key insight into several topics including:

1.   Evolution of Coworking Spaces: He discussed how the concept of coworking spaces has evolved over the years, from being a tough market to a more institutionalized and accepted asset class. The sector has seen significant growth and investment from big landlords and institutional money.

2.   Trusting Instincts: David emphasised the importance of trusting one's instincts, especially when faced with scepticism from others. Despite warnings and doubts from experienced individuals in the real estate industry, he and his co-founder, Elliot, trusted their instincts and pursued their vision.

3.   Complimentary Skill Sets: David highlighted the importance of having a co-founder with complementary skills. His focus was more on business development and growth, while Elliot excelled in detail orientation, team-building, and management.

4.   Challenges in Running a Business: David acknowledged the challenges of running one's own business, from starting small and doing everything themselves to scaling up and building a team. He mentioned that persistence, positivity, and creative problem-solving are crucial in navigating the ups and downs of entrepreneurship.

5.   WeWork's Impact on the Industry: David recognized WeWork's significant impact on pushing the coworking industry forward but also highlighted the challenges WeWork faced due to rapid expansion and shaky real estate foundations. Despite WeWork's issues, David expressed confidence in the long-term trajectory of the coworking sector beyond WeWork's influence.

6.   Dealing with Setbacks: When asked about recovering from setbacks, David emphasized the importance of not taking setbacks personally, compartmentalizing work from personal life, and focusing on problem-solving and learning from mistakes.

7.   Encouragement for Entrepreneurs: David encouraged individuals interested in entrepreneurship, particularly in the real estate sector, highlighting the opportunities for innovation and disruption in this market.

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This evening, I am joined by Emma Osmundsen, CEO of Sixty Bricks. Emma was appointed as its Chief Executive in January 2023, having joined Sixty Bricks from Exeter City Living. Raised in Wales with Norwegian roots, Emma has more than 25 years in the construction industry and is one of the leading global voices in the development and delivery of low-energy, healthy and climate resilient homes and buildings.

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Emma's journey underscores the significance of perseverance, finding purpose, and prioritizing the impact of one's work on communities while facing personal and professional challenges.

1.   Passion for Innovation: Emma's drive and energy fueled her ambition to push boundaries, delivering groundbreaking projects like the world's first Passive House, Climate Ready, Building Biology Compliant Leisure Centre.

2.   Challenges as a Pioneer: As a disruptor in her field, Emma faced resistance and discomfort from those not aligned with her vision. Achieving recognition and success sometimes led to jealousy and insecurities among peers.

3.   Transitioning to New Challenges: Despite her significant achievements in Exeter, Emma felt the need for a change. She sought a new challenge and ultimately joined Sixty Bricks, driven by the desire for a fresh start and new ambitions.

4.   Ambitions in New Role: Emma aims to scale up innovative housing solutions, making them accessible and equitable across social and private housing sectors. Her goal is to demonstrate that building better homes is feasible and financially viable.

5.   Navigating Public Sector Challenges: Running a local authority development company presents hurdles like bureaucratic processes, differing risk appetites, and aligning shareholder ambitions. Emma believes these companies are part of the solution to housing crises but require better understanding and alignment with the public sector.

6.   Finding Purpose and Resilience: Emma emphasizes the importance of discovering one's purpose. Her personal battle with cancer reinforced her belief that being in a supportive environment allows individuals to navigate challenges, contributing positively to the workplace.

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This evening, I am joined by Paul Clark, Head of European Property for AustralianSuper. AustralianSuper manages £125bn of assets under management, and has made prolific investments in the UK development including Related Argent’s Kings Cross and British Land’s Canada Water. Prior to joining AustralianSuper Paul was the Chief Investment Officer for The Crown Estate and held the reins for the 8.5bn portfolio of the Church Commissioners.    

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These takeaways reflect the key themes and insights shared by Paul Clark in the podcast, offering valuable lessons for leadership and success in the real estate sector and beyond:

1.   Purpose and Values-Driven Leadership: Paul emphasises the importance of working in organisations that have a clear sense of purpose and are values-led. It's essential to align your personal values with the values of the organization you work for.

2.   Team Management: Leadership involves being authentic, showing interest in people, and building trust. Maintain transparency, accountability, and encourage an open and honest environment within your team.

3.   Business Focus: When leading a team or organisation, it's crucial to maintain clarity in your strategy and purpose. This helps in decision-making, goal setting, and creating a cohesive vision for the team.

4.   Focus on Excellence: In real estate and business in general, focus on doing a few things exceptionally well. Specialisation and in-depth expertise in specific sectors or geographies can provide a competitive advantage.

5.   Cultural Alignment: When engaging in joint ventures or partnerships, cultural alignment between organisations is a critical factor for success. Ensuring that both parties have a similar long-term perspective and values can lead to productive collaborations.

6.   Consistency and Honesty: Leaders should be consistent in their messaging and actions. Honesty and clarity are essential, and it's crucial to say what you genuinely believe while being respectful in communication.

7.   Adaptation and Continual Learning: Throughout Paul's career, he highlighted the importance of adaptation and learning. When taking on new roles or challenges, be open to learning and evolving to meet new demands and environments.

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This evening, I am joined by Emma Cariaga, from British Land she jointly leads the development of Canada Water, a 53 acre development project in Central London. And has been a member of the Executive Committee since 2019. Previously working for LandSec, Crest Nicholson and Barratt

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Emma Cariaga's journey in the real estate and property development industry is indeed impressive. She highlights several key points and lessons that can be valuable for anyone looking to enhance their self-awareness and succeed in their career:

1.   Set Goals and Hold Yourself Accountable: Regularly reflecting on your goals and writing them down can be an effective way to hold yourself accountable. Even if nobody else sees your goals, it can help you track your progress and stay focused on your objectives.

2.   Embrace Challenges: Emma mentions that she loves a challenge, and she acknowledges the importance of facing and overcoming them. Challenging situations often present opportunities for growth and development.

3.   Continuous Learning: Emma's ability to adapt and succeed in various roles within the industry demonstrates the importance of continuous learning. Being open to new experiences and learning from them is crucial for personal and professional growth.

4.   Build a Diverse Team: Emma emphasizes the significance of having a diverse team. Different perspectives and viewpoints can lead to more creative problem-solving and a well-rounded approach to projects.

5.   Communication Skills: Emma's identified superpower is her communication skills. Effective communication is essential in any role, as it allows you to convey your ideas, build relationships, and lead teams effectively.

6.   Be Explicit in Your Expectations: When working with others, it's crucial to communicate your expectations clearly. Don't assume that people will understand your intentions without explicit communication.

7.   Find Complementary Collaborators: Recognize your strengths and weaknesses, and seek out collaborators who complement your skill set. Working with others who have skills or knowledge that you lack can lead to more well-rounded and successful outcomes.

8.   Maintain Momentum: Particularly in large-scale projects, it's essential to maintain momentum and not lose sight of the project's goals. Avoid lengthy delays that can diminish a project's impact.

9.   Stay Open-Minded: As circumstances and the world evolve, it's important to stay open-minded and adapt your approach to changing conditions. Be willing to reconsider and adjust your strategies when necessary.

Emma Cariaga's insights can serve as inspiration and guidance for individuals seeking to progress in their careers and navigate complex, long-term projects in the real estate and development sector. Whether you're an aspiring professional or already working in the field, these lessons can help you thrive in your chosen career path.

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This evening I am joined by Tomáš Jurdák, Managing Partner at MiddleCap, a private equity firm that focuses on value-added investments in Europe and the US. Prior to Tomas joining MiddleCap he was the CEO of HB Reavis the noisy upstart to shake up the oligarch in London commercial development.

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The key highlights include:

1. **Transition and Exploration:** Tomas Jurdak's career journey began as a trained architect in London. Dissatisfied with the limitations of architectural freedom, he embarked on a period of self-discovery and travelled the world, eventually venturing into entrepreneurship by establishing and managing hostels.

2. **Entrepreneurial Spirit:** Jurdak's entrepreneurial venture with hostels highlighted the importance of freedom and emotion in decision-making. He faced financial challenges and learned valuable lessons about hard work and perseverance, shaping his understanding of business.

3. **Shift to Real Estate Development:** Realizing his passion for creating environments and communities, Jurdak transitioned into real estate development. He learned that successful development projects require meticulous planning, financial analysis, and collaboration among various professionals.

4. **Adaptability and Learning:** Despite initial challenges, Jurdak adapted to the demands of the real estate industry, showcasing his ability to work hard and continuously learn. He emphasized the importance of curiosity, willingness to learn, and the ability to work diligently to achieve goals.

5. **Global Expansion and Challenges:** Jurdak's entry into the UK market marked a significant shift. Overcoming initial scepticism, he stressed the importance of empathy, respect for local practices, transparency, and building trust when entering new markets.

6. **Strategic Decision-Making:** Jurdak's career trajectory showcased a transition from emotional decision-making in entrepreneurship to strategic, long-term planning in real estate development. He emphasized the need for structured processes and a deep understanding of all aspects involved in large-scale projects.

7. **Recognizing Limits and Moving Forward:** Jurdak highlighted the importance of recognizing when progress slows down and making difficult decisions to move forward. This adaptability and strategic decision-making are crucial for navigating challenges and ensuring sustained growth in the real estate industry.

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This evening, I am joined by Patrick Flaton Managing Partner for Avignon Capital, a real estate investment and asset management firm creating and driving opportunities in the European real estate market.

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In the world of real estate, Patrick Flaton, Managing Partner of Avignon Capital, shares invaluable wisdom gleaned from his journey. His top 5 takeaways offer a roadmap to success:

1. Early Passion: Early exposure to the industry can ignite a lifelong passion. Flaton's roots in his father's building company shaped his career from the start.

2. Networking Power: Networking and mentorship are non-negotiable. Building relationships and finding mentors can be your secret weapon.

3. Tech Revolution: Embrace PropTech and data analytics. Stay ahead by leveraging technology and data for informed decisions.

4. Market Savvy: Understand market cycles. Knowing when to act is key in real estate investment.

5. Lifelong Learning: Adaptation is crucial. Always seek new knowledge, be open to change, and surround yourself with the right team.

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This evening, I am joined by Geoff Willetts, Chief Operating Officer, Europe at Lendlease.

Geoff has had a career seemingly strapped to a rocket that has intertwined several industries not just property and construction, but unique to this podcast Geoff is NOT the person getting the building designed, built or occupied he has had a very different role which I will let him explain….

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Key takeaways

In this insightful podcast transcript featuring Geoff Willetts, COO of Lend Lease Europe, and hosted by Nick Carman, several key takeaways emerge:

1. Adaptability and Seizing Opportunities: Geoff's journey from New Zealand to the UK underscores the importance of adaptability and seizing opportunities that come your way, even when initially fighting for recognition.
2. Core Skill Set and Competency: In the early stages of his career, Geoff focused on developing a core skill set and demonstrating his competency in that area. This approach helped him gain recognition within his organization.
3. Networking and Cross-Industry Connections: Networking, even across industries, played a pivotal role in Geoff's career growth. Building connections with the right people can open doors to new opportunities.
4. Resilience and Strategic Thinking: Geoff's story highlights the power of resilience and strategic thinking in navigating challenging situations and accelerating a successful career in real estate.
5. Diverse Experiences: Geoff's career spanned various industries and roles, including strategy, M&A, commercial, and leadership positions. Embracing diverse experiences contributed to his growth and adaptability.
6. Consider Options Thoroughly: When facing career or business decisions, Geoff recommends considering various options thoroughly and understanding the implications of each. Write down clear bullet points to help make informed choices.
7. Effective Communication: Tailor your communication to your audience's needs. Sometimes, simplifying complex information can be more effective in conveying recommendations.
8. Learn from All Experiences: Regardless of whether a decision turns out differently, focus on learning from the experiences and making the most of the decisions you've made. Geoff's journey demonstrates the value of adaptability, strategic thinking, networking, and continuous learning in accelerating a successful career in real estate or any field.

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This evening I am joined by Sunil Gomes, Senior Vice President and leader for Giga Projects in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, former CEO of Dubai’s Gemini Properties and Chief Development Officer for Nakheel’s Palm Jumeriah. 

Sunil Gomes, a prominent figure in the real estate industry, engages in an illuminating discussion with host Nick Carman. Gomes' exceptional journey unfolds as he shares his experiences from around the world.

Gomes emphasizes the significance of cultural nuances when doing business internationally, particularly in regions like the Middle East. He delves into his time in Dubai during the transformative era under Sheikh Mohammed's leadership. Gomes' pivotal role in monumental projects like Palm Jumeirah showcases his adaptability and strategic acumen.

The conversation delves into Gomes' role as a leader. He offers insights on effective leadership, stressing the importance of respect, logical argumentation, and the avoidance of anger in professional interactions. Gomes also reflects on the evolving drivers of his career, which has shifted from personal growth and challenges to a focus on imparting knowledge and planning for retirement.

The narrative takes a turn toward Gomes' recent journey in Saudi Arabia. He highlights the incredible transformation taking place in the country and the privilege of being part of such a momentous shift.

The episode concludes with a thought-provoking listener question about traits that good leaders should avoid. Gomes emphasizes the significance of maintaining respect, avoiding anger, and presenting coherent arguments, crucial elements in effective leadership.

Sunil Gomes' remarkable journey from a humble beginning to a pivotal figure in the real estate industry serves as an inspiring testament to the power of embracing diverse experiences, cultural understanding, and unwavering leadership principles.

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Now today I get to interview one of my favourite types of guests, those who have discovered real estate later in life. Darren Gardner less than 10 years ago was an executive for Carphone Warehouse and today he is CEO of Nido a management and operator of Student Accommodation with over 7000 beds across Europe. 

Darren shares his personal story from life in Africa, getting settled in the UK, rising through the ranks of one of the best-known names on the high street to pivoting and conquering another industry. he shares his thoughts on leadership and transferable skills in a wide-ranging interview.

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