Beyond the Resume

Ada Arevalo’s career demonstrates how the right opportunity, mentor or unexpected pivot can completely change a professional trajectory.

In this episode of Beyond the Resume, Chris Papa and Lisa Flicker sit down with Ada, interim Chief Operations Officer of the Los Angeles County Affordable Housing Solutions Agency, or LACAHSA. Ada explains how the agency is creating a collaborative platform for jurisdictions across Los Angeles County to work together to address homelessness and the lack of affordable housing.

She discusses her role in building the operational, technological and investment systems that allow LACAHSA to deploy capital and execute its mission. Ada also explains how sales tax funding, social bonds and future capital allocations can support the development and preservation of affordable housing throughout Los Angeles County.

The conversation follows Ada’s journey from being born and raised in Mexico and immigrating to the United States at age 10 to studying finance, beginning her career in public accounting and joining a startup investment management firm. She shares how an unexpected choice between a CFO path and capital raising launched her into capital markets, investor relations and fund management.

Ada breaks down what capital raising actually involves, describing it as a relationship-driven and educational role rather than simply a sales function. She explains why financial fluency builds investor trust and why professionals must learn how to communicate value, listen with curiosity and develop meaningful networks.

The episode also explores mentorship, Latinx representation in commercial real estate and Ada’s work as the founding chair of the Real Estate Association of Latinx Professionals. She discusses the need to create clearer pathways into real estate investment roles, particularly for Latino and Latina professionals who remain underrepresented in the industry.

Ada also shares her leadership philosophy, including setting high expectations, building accountability systems, creating psychological safety and asking her team for feedback. She explains why leaders must be willing to reassess their ideas, let go of the need to be right and focus on helping their teams succeed.

This episode is a powerful conversation about affordable housing, impact investing, capital raising, professional networking, mentorship, representation and the people who change careers by recognizing potential and acting on it.

CHAPTERS

(00:00) Meet Ada Arevalo and LACAHSA

(03:36) Building a Startup Government Agency

(04:33) A Countywide Affordable Housing Strategy

(08:22) From Mexico to Public Accounting

(10:20) Choosing Capital Markets Over the CFO Track

(18:53) What Capital Raising Actually Involves

(23:48) Why Your Network Outlasts Your GPA

(27:29) Representation, Leadership and Recognizing Potential

LINKS

YouTube: https://youtu.be/6euQ3uvki6I

Spotify: https://bit.ly/beyondtheresume-spotify

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3I3nkG9

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KEYWORDS

Ada Arevalo, LACAHSA, affordable housing, Los Angeles County housing, capital raising, impact investing, Latinx professionals, commercial real estate, executive leadership, professional networking

In this episode of we speak with Rodger Brown, Managing Director of Real Estate Development at Preservation of Affordable Housing, about his unconventional career path and decades of leadership in affordable housing and community development.

Rodger explains how Preservation of Affordable Housing grew from approximately 800 units into a nonprofit with roughly 14,000 homes across 14 states and Washington, D.C. He discusses the organization’s origins in preserving Section 8 housing, its use of HUD financing tools, and its evolution from rehabilitation projects into comprehensive neighborhood transformation.

The conversation centers on the organization’s work in Chicago’s Woodlawn community, where a distressed housing development became the foundation for new affordable homes, workforce training, a grocery store, youth programming, senior housing, local businesses, and transit-oriented development.

Rodger also shares his journey from IBM to Boston City Hall, MIT, and nonprofit real estate development. His advice for aspiring developers emphasizes financial fluency, communication, relationship-building, collaboration, and learning by doing.

He reflects on supporting developers of color, hiring mission-driven teammates, asking for help, learning from mentors, and pursuing work that leaves communities better than he found them.

CHAPTERS

(00:00) Rodger Brown and Preservation of Affordable Housing

Rodger introduces the organization, its mission, and its origins.

(02:25) Preserving Section 8 Housing

How nonprofit ownership and HUD financing helped protect affordable homes.

(05:00) Growing to 14,000 Homes

The organization expands across 14 states and Washington, D.C.

(07:17) Transforming Chicago’s Woodlawn Community

A distressed property becomes the foundation for neighborhood revitalization.

(12:05) Housing, Jobs, Education, and Opportunity

Rodger discusses workforce training, youth programming, retail, and mixed-use development.

(16:55) Leading Real Estate Development

Rodger explains how he deploys resources, supports teams, and responds to changing policies.

(19:18) From IBM to Affordable Housing

His path through City Hall, MIT, and early nonprofit development work.

(24:05) Skills Every Developer Needs

Financial knowledge, communication, relationships, and learning by doing.

(30:33) Purpose, Resilience, and Giving Back

Rodger reflects on meaningful work, failure, and charitable cycling.

(35:07) Collaboration, Hiring, and Mentorship

Why mission alignment, humility, teamwork, and mentors matter.

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YouTube: https://youtu.be/rxvhyH4FLvw

Spotify: https://bit.ly/beyondtheresume-spotify

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3I3nkG9

In this episode of *Beyond the Resume*, we sit down with Allen Feliz, Vice President of Affordable and Public Housing Solutions at MRI Software, for a conversation about affordable housing, public housing, real estate technology, leadership, and mission-driven career growth.

Allen explains how MRI Software supports organizations that build, finance, manage, and operate housing communities. From property management and compliance tools to asset management software, data insights, and housing authority program administration, Allen describes the role technology can play in helping affordable housing professionals make better decisions and work more efficiently.

The episode also traces Allen’s personal and professional journey: growing up in the South Bronx as the son of Dominican immigrant parents, earning a scholarship to boarding school, studying political science at Brown, beginning his career in affordable housing finance, helping grow TCAM, and eventually stepping into a leadership role at MRI Software after TCAM’s acquisition.

Along the way, Allen reflects on AI, PropTech, change management, compliance, data reporting, mentorship, civic engagement, and what it takes to build a meaningful career in housing. He also shares practical advice for anyone looking to enter the field, including the value of Excel, comfort with numbers, strong communication skills, humility, and a genuine commitment to the mission.

CHAPTERS

(00:45) Meet Allen Feliz and MRI Software

(03:48) Investment Central, TCAM, and Asset Management

(05:15) Allen’s Bronx Origin Story

(08:56) Starting Out in Affordable Housing Finance

(10:27) AI, Innovation, and Real Estate Technology

(11:46) Moving From Real Estate Into PropTech

(15:51) Technology Adoption and Change Management

(19:44) Compliance, Data, and Reporting Tools

(22:00) Career Advice for Breaking Into Housing

(24:54) Baseball, Family, and the Hot Seat

(28:14) Book and Podcast Recommendations

(34:23) How Personal History Shapes the Mission

(36:27) Mentorship, Leadership, and Paying It Forward

YouTube: https://youtu.be/MijmCzmhH8Q

Spotify: https://bit.ly/beyondtheresume-spotify

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3I3nkG9

In this episode of *Beyond the Resume*, we sit down with Judy Herbstman, President of Settlement Housing Fund, for a conversation about affordable housing, mission-driven leadership, nonprofit development, and building a career rooted in public service.Judy shares how Settlement Housing Fund continues its work as a nonprofit affordable housing developer serving residents across the Bronx, Manhattan, and Brooklyn, while also expanding into supportive housing and resident services. She reflects on her path from mental health advocacy to housing, including formative experiences at HUD, graduate school at NYU, and early affordable housing development work in New York City.The conversation also explores Judy’s transition from running real estate development to leading an organization, the learning curve of executive leadership, the value of project management, and the importance of clear communication, collaboration, and mission alignment. Judy offers thoughtful advice for young professionals entering the affordable housing field, emphasizing respect for residents, understanding personal strengths, and developing the skills needed to contribute meaningfully.Chris and Judy also discuss hiring, mentorship, direct feedback, work-life balance, and the leaders who helped shape Judy’s approach to management and service.CHAPTERS(00:45) Meet Judy Herbstman and Settlement Housing Fund(02:55) Serving residents and expanding supportive housing(04:25) Moving from development leader to president(06:40) Learning executive leadership on the job(08:45) A mission-driven path shaped by service(10:55) From mental health advocacy to housing(12:50) HUD, NYU, and learning affordable housing development(15:35) Nonprofit vs. for-profit affordable housing work(17:35) Collaborative leadership and stakeholder trust(20:00) Growth, preservation, and the future of affordable housing(21:15) Advice for emerging affordable housing professionals(23:50) Books, routines, parenting, and staying grounded(26:15) Hiring for mission alignment and respect for residents(27:40) Mentorship, feedback, and leadership lessonsYouTube: https://youtu.be/hPTtcUz0rY4Spotify: https://bit.ly/beyondtheresume-spotifyApple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3I3nkG9

In this episode of Beyond the Resume, Chris Papa and Lisa Flicker sit down with Ken Clark, COO of Columbia Residential, for a thoughtful conversation about affordable housing, leadership, career pivots, mixed-income development, AI, mentorship, and the deeper purpose behind mission-driven work.

Ken shares the winding path that led him from Morehouse College to law firm operations, accounting, the Atlanta Housing Authority, consulting, and eventually Columbia Residential, where he now helps lead one of the Southeast’s major affordable and mixed-income housing organizations. He reflects on the influence of Columbia Residential founder Noel Khalil, whose belief that the company builds “cathedrals for God’s children” continues to shape the organization’s commitment to quality housing.

The conversation also explores Atlanta’s transformation, the role of public housing authorities, the future of mixed-income housing, and why the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit remains one of the most reliable tools for affordable housing development. Ken also discusses how AI may improve routine processes in housing while emphasizing that people, judgment, and human-centered leadership remain essential.

In one of the episode’s most personal moments, Ken opens up about the loss of his son in 2014 and how that tragedy deepened his commitment to service, family, and helping people thrive. He also shares the routines that keep him grounded, the mentors who shaped his leadership, and the books and podcasts that continue to influence how he leads.

CHAPTERS

(01:00) Columbia Residential’s mission and affordable housing work

(03:10) Ken’s unexpected path into business, real estate, and housing

(06:05) From Atlanta Housing Authority to real estate and consulting

(09:40) A personal tragedy that deepened Ken’s sense of purpose

(12:20) What a COO actually does: people, process, systems, and execution

(15:30) AI, affordable housing, and why people still matter

(18:10) Mixed-income housing, tax credits, and financing challenges

(22:25) Resident services, relocation, and supporting communities

(24:15) How Atlanta has transformed through housing and redevelopment

(28:10) Ken’s personal connection to public housing revitalization

(29:30) The Hot Seat: books, podcasts, mindfulness, and daily routines

(34:25) Mentorship, service, and investing in people

(37:00) Closing reflections and lifelong relationships

LINKS --

YouTube: https://youtu.be/ijJfuIQmUI8

Spotify: https://bit.ly/beyondtheresume-spotify

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3I3nkG9

In this episode of Beyond the Resume, hosts Chris Papa and Lisa Flicker sit down with Jennifer Litwak, President and CEO of PEP Housing, a nonprofit affordable housing development company headquartered in Sonoma County. Jennifer shares how her path from law, child advocacy, and policy work led her into affordable housing, and why she sees housing not just as real estate, but as a matter of social justice, health, education, stability, and human dignity.

The conversation explores PEP Housing’s 48-year legacy, its 23-property portfolio, and its deep expertise in senior affordable housing. Jennifer discusses the growing urgency around senior homelessness in California, the gap between independent affordable housing and affordable assisted living or skilled nursing, and the policy and funding reforms needed to create a more complete continuum of housing for aging residents. She also breaks down the operational realities of senior affordable housing, from long waitlists and resident services to compliance, maintenance, and aging-in-place challenges.

The episode also moves into Jennifer’s leadership outside of PEP Housing, including her work with ULI, Globe Street Women of Influence, women-led investment groups, giving circles, and efforts to elevate more women into corporate boardrooms.

To close, Jennifer shares her personal grounding practices, including daily meditation, gratitude, and sailing, before offering direct career advice for young professionals: be prepared, do your research, send the thank-you note, and show employers that you understand both the role and the organization.

CHAPTERS

(02:31) Affordable Housing as Social Justice

Jennifer explains how her background as an attorney and child advocate connects to her belief that housing is a human right and that safe, affordable, stable housing shapes health, education, and life outcomes.

(05:14) From Big Law to Housing Policy

Jennifer reflects on leaving the traditional law firm path, moving into housing and homelessness policy work, and realizing that affordable housing developers needed to be part of the solution-oriented conversations around homelessness.

(08:42) The Senior Housing Cliff

The conversation turns to senior homelessness, affordable senior housing, and the gap that appears when residents need more support than independent living can provide but cannot afford assisted living or skilled nursing.

(13:11) HUD, Assisted Living and Policy Reform

Jennifer discusses her “magic wand” idea: revisiting programs and funding models that could help convert certain HUD-funded senior housing into assisted living and create more affordable options across the senior housing continuum.

(16:27) The Reality of Operating Senior Housing

Jennifer explains the operational complexity of senior affordable housing, including seven-year average waitlists, resident services, compliance, in-unit modifications, maintenance needs, and the importance of experienced long-term ownership.

(25:09) Women, Capital and Leadership Access

Jennifer talks about advancing women in commercial real estate through Globe Street Women of Influence, women-led investment groups, giving circles, and corporate board advocacy, while Lisa and Chris discuss mentorship, sponsorship, and male allies.

(32:11) Gratitude, Sailing, Hiring and Mentorship

In the hot seat, Jennifer shares podcast recommendations, her daily meditation and gratitude practices, her love of sailing, what she looks for when hiring, and the mentors who shaped her leadership.

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Jennifer Litwak, PEP Housing, Beyond the Resume podcast, affordable housing, senior affordable housing, workforce housing, senior homelessness, housing policy, women in commercial real estate, ULI

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YouTube: https://youtu.be/SwowwurzBxA

Spotify: https://bit.ly/beyondtheresume-spotify

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3I3nkG9

In this episode of Beyond the Resume, we sit down with Jennifer Clausen, Partner at LEM, for a wide-ranging conversation about commercial real estate, capital raising, investor relations, value-add multifamily investing, leadership, succession planning, workforce housing, and the relationships that drive long-term success in real estate private equity.

Jennifer shares how her career moved from communications and Hispanic studies to currency trading, office brokerage, hedge fund capital raising, and ultimately into multifamily investing at LEM. She explains why capital raising is less about quick wins and more about building cycle-resilient relationships that can last 10 to 20 years. From investor transparency and bespoke presentations to quarterly investor letters and understanding the needs of high-net-worth investors versus public pensions, Jennifer breaks down what it actually takes to earn trust in the capital markets.

The conversation also explores LEM’s evolution from a founder-led firm to the next generation of leadership, including the challenges of moving from peer to leader, building culture inside a 20-person firm, and executing succession planning in a thoughtful way. Jenniferalso discusses LEM’s focus on value-add multifamily, growth markets, workforce housing, lowercase affordable housing, and why housing supply remains central to the affordability conversation. The episode closes with Jennifer’s perspective on hiring, mentorship, women in real estate, relationship-driven leadership, and why “DPI is the new IRR.”

CHAPTERS

(01:32) From Fund IV To Fund VII

Jennifer introduces her role at LEM, where she became a partner in 2022 after nearly a decade with the firm, leading capital raising, investor relations, and operations.

(02:32) LEM’s Value-Add Multifamily Focus

Jennifer explains LEM’s 25-year history, its shift from structured debt to equity after the GFC, and its focus on value-add multifamily investments in growth markets.

(03:40) From Romance Languages To Real Estate

Jennifer traces her path from communications and Hispanic studies to currency trading for a Mexican bank, office brokerage in San Diego, hedge fund capital raising, and eventually LEM.

(07:29) Capital Raising Is An Ultra-Marathon

Jennifer breaks down why capital raising is not a quick transaction, but a long-term process built on trust, transparency, investor education, and relationships that can last decades.

(12:02) Learning The Product, Leading The Team

Jennifer discusses why asset management or portfolio management can be a powerful foundation for capital raising, and how she learned by asking questions and staying curious.

(13:14) Founder Culture To Next-Gen Leadership

Jennifer shares how LEM evolved from a founder-led culture into the next generation of leadership, including the challenge of moving from peer to leader and building a collaborative team culture.

(24:38) Workforce Housing, NOAA, And Supply

Jennifer discusses LEM’s growth markets, workforce housing renter profile, lowercase affordable housing, municipal tax structures, and why supply is central to the national affordability challenge.

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Jennifer Clausen, Beyond the Resume, LEM, commercial real estate, capital raising, investor relations, value-add multifamily, workforce housing, affordable housing, real estate private equity, succession planning, women in real estate

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YouTube: https://youtu.be/tZ0uwcwklpI

Spotify: https://bit.ly/beyondtheresume-spotify

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3I3nkG9

In this episode of Beyond the Resume, we sit down with Pamela West, Head of U.S. Affordable Housing & Portfolio Manager at Nuveen, for a conversation about affordable housing investment, institutional capital, impact investing, leadership, and career growth in real estate.

Pamela discusses her role leading Nuveen’s U.S. affordable housing platform, including acquisitions, asset management, portfolio strategy, and long-term investment performance. She explains how Nuveen’s work connects to TIAA’s legacy of helping people retire with dignity, and why that mission created a natural bridge into responsible investing and housing that serves working families and communities.

The conversation traces the evolution of Nuveen’s affordable housing strategy, from early debt financing to fund investments, direct ownership, and the strategic value of managing investments from acquisition through operations and responsible exit. Pamela also shares why affordable housing has become more attractive to institutional investors, pointing to durable cash flows, strong demand, government support, lower turnover, and the growing recognition that impact and returns do not have to be in conflict.

Pamela also reflects on her unconventional path into real estate. Raised in North Carolina in a family of educators, she began as an eighth-grade language arts teacher before moving into multifamily investment sales at CBRE, earning her MBA, and ultimately finding a role at TIAA and Nuveen that connected her investment career with her personal sense of purpose.

The episode also covers leadership, hiring, mentorship, women’s professional networks, and what makes someone successful in real estate.

CHAPTERS

(00:00) TIAA’s Affordable Housing Origin Story

Pamela explains how TIAA’s mission of helping people retire with dignity helped shape its early investment in affordable housing through responsible investing.

(02:23) Stumbling Into a Specialized Sector

Pamela shares how affordable housing became her niche after starting in multifamily, working across real estate sectors, and recognizing the potential of the platform.

(04:33) From Financing to Direct Ownership

The conversation turns to the evolution of the portfolio, including early investments, emerging managers, direct acquisitions, and the strategic thinking behind the Omni platform.

(06:50) No Typical Day in Affordable Housing

Pamela describes the variety of her work, from real estate investing and resident services to public-private partnerships and community-level problem-solving.

(08:30) High Expectations, Clear Feedback

Pamela breaks down her leadership style: hiring smart people, giving autonomy, being direct, creating lessons from mistakes, and recognizing strong performance.

(12:40) Institutional Capital Enters the Market

The discussion explores how institutional investment has changed affordable housing by improving operations, addressing deferred maintenance, and professionalizing the market.

(16:00) From Teacher to Real Estate Investor

Pamela reflects on growing up in North Carolina, teaching eighth-grade language arts, discovering real estate through CBRE, earning her MBA, and finding purpose at TIAA.

(23:00) The Future of Affordable Housing

Pamela discusses affordable housing as a “purple issue,” the maturation of the sector, and why returns may normalize as the market becomes more efficient.

(27:09) The Hot Seat: Books, Family, Hiring, and Mentors

Pamela talks about biographies, East of Eden, her family, women’s networks, what she looks for when hiring, and the mentors who have helped shape her career.

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affordable housing, Pamela West, Beyond the Resume, real estate investing, impact investing, institutional capital, TIAA, Nuveen, affordable housing finance, real estate leadership, multifamily investing, career development

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YouTube: https://youtu.be/Xm2py2kNI2o

Spotify: https://bit.ly/beyondtheresume-spotify

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3I3nkG9

In this episode of Beyond the Resume, hosts Chris Papa and Lisa Flicker speak with AJ Jackson, President of Leo Impact Capital, about investing in the missing middle through naturally occurring affordable housing, mixed-income communities, and resident-centered operating strategies. AJ explains how Leo Impact Capital focuses on everyday working renters: teachers, first responders, service technicians, clerks, IT workers, and others who often earn too much to qualify for subsidized housing but still struggle to afford market rents in high-opportunity neighborhoods.AJ breaks down Leo’s investment approach, including the role of NOAH preservation, long-term affordability, social connection, rent reporting, credit building, tax abatement, sustainability investments, and partnerships with local nonprofits like The Lotus Campaign. The conversation also explores AJ’s career path from Capitol Hill and GSA to real estate development and impact investing, along with broader reflections on career exploration, mental health, leadership, hiring, mentorship, and why thriving communities cannot afford to lose the middle.Chapters(00:00) Meet AJ Jackson and Leo Impact CapitalAJ introduces Leo Impact Capital and explains the firm’s focus on financial mobility for everyday working renters through real estate investment, strong locations, and social connection.(00:54) Investing in the Missing MiddleAJ defines the “missing middle” renter: people who are over income for public housing support but still financially pressed by rent, transportation, healthcare, student loans, and other costs.(04:21) Solving the Housing CliffLisa connects AJ’s work to the benefits cliff, and AJ explains how mixed-income properties can create flexibility for residents as their income rises.(05:39) Charlotte, Credit Building and Resident ImpactAJ walks through Leo’s Charlotte investment, its partnership with The Lotus Campaign, units reserved for residents at risk of homelessness, and the power of rent reporting to help residents build credit.(11:39) Tax Abatement, Sustainability and NOAH PreservationThe conversation turns to tax abatement, energy audits, capital planning, and why AJ sees naturally occurring affordable housing as a critical but under-recognized part of the housing affordability landscape.(15:36) From Alabama to Real Estate InvestmentAJ reflects on attending the University of Alabama, beginning his career in politics, working at GSA, going to business school, and eventually finding his way into development and impact investing.(20:24) Career Lessons, Flexibility and Mental HealthAJ shares the skills that have shaped his career, including moving between big-picture strategy and small details, knowing where passion and talent intersect, and protecting energy, mood, and mental health.(25:54) Making the Middle InvestableAJ discusses the investment case for NOAH, the challenge of helping investors understand the asset class, and why stable, well-located, affordable housing for middle-income renters remains a major opportunity.(29:20) The Hot Seat: Books, Podcasts and HabitsAJ shares what he listens to, including The Rest Is History, Founders, and MeatEater, while reflecting on the patterns and habits that show up across successful entrepreneurs and leaders.(35:29) Hiring for Writing, Grit and Critical ThinkingAJ explains what he looks for when hiring: strong writing, entrepreneurial drive, hunger for the work, and the ability to think through problems rather than simply chase the “right” answer.(37:19) Mentorship, Purpose and the MiddleAJ closes by reflecting on the mentors who shaped his sense of purpose-driven work, win-win solutions, and why communities need the middle in order to thrive.--AJ Jackson, Leo Impact Capital, missing middle housing, naturally occurring affordable housing, NOAH preservation, impact investing, affordable housing, mixed-income housing, financial mobility

In this episode of Beyond the Resume, hosts Chris Papa and Lisa Flicker speak with AJ Jackson, President of Leo Impact Capital, about investing in the missing middle through naturally occurring affordable housing, mixed-income communities, and resident-centered operating strategies. AJ explains how Leo Impact Capital focuses on everyday working renters: teachers, first responders, service technicians, clerks, IT workers, and others who often earn too much to qualify for subsidized housing but still struggle to afford market rents in high-opportunity neighborhoods.AJ breaks down Leo’s investment approach, including the role of NOAH preservation, long-term affordability, social connection, rent reporting, credit building, tax abatement, sustainability investments, and partnerships with local nonprofits like The Lotus Campaign. The conversation also explores AJ’s career path from Capitol Hill and GSA to real estate development and impact investing, along with broader reflections on career exploration, mental health, leadership, hiring, mentorship, and why thriving communities cannot afford to lose the middle.Chapters(00:00) Meet AJ Jackson and Leo Impact CapitalAJ introduces Leo Impact Capital and explains the firm’s focus on financial mobility for everyday working renters through real estate investment, strong locations, and social connection.(00:54) Investing in the Missing MiddleAJ defines the “missing middle” renter: people who are over income for public housing support but still financially pressed by rent, transportation, healthcare, student loans, and other costs.(04:21) Solving the Housing CliffLisa connects AJ’s work to the benefits cliff, and AJ explains how mixed-income properties can create flexibility for residents as their income rises.(05:39) Charlotte, Credit Building and Resident ImpactAJ walks through Leo’s Charlotte investment, its partnership with The Lotus Campaign, units reserved for residents at risk of homelessness, and the power of rent reporting to help residents build credit.(11:39) Tax Abatement, Sustainability and NOAH PreservationThe conversation turns to tax abatement, energy audits, capital planning, and why AJ sees naturally occurring affordable housing as a critical but under-recognized part of the housing affordability landscape.(15:36) From Alabama to Real Estate InvestmentAJ reflects on attending the University of Alabama, beginning his career in politics, working at GSA, going to business school, and eventually finding his way into development and impact investing.(20:24) Career Lessons, Flexibility and Mental HealthAJ shares the skills that have shaped his career, including moving between big-picture strategy and small details, knowing where passion and talent intersect, and protecting energy, mood, and mental health.(25:54) Making the Middle InvestableAJ discusses the investment case for NOAH, the challenge of helping investors understand the asset class, and why stable, well-located, affordable housing for middle-income renters remains a major opportunity.(29:20) The Hot Seat: Books, Podcasts and HabitsAJ shares what he listens to, including The Rest Is History, Founders, and MeatEater, while reflecting on the patterns and habits that show up across successful entrepreneurs and leaders.(35:29) Hiring for Writing, Grit and Critical ThinkingAJ explains what he looks for when hiring: strong writing, entrepreneurial drive, hunger for the work, and the ability to think through problems rather than simply chase the “right” answer.(37:19) Mentorship, Purpose and the MiddleAJ closes by reflecting on the mentors who shaped his sense of purpose-driven work, win-win solutions, and why communities need the middle in order to thrive.--AJ Jackson, Leo Impact Capital, missing middle housing, naturally occurring affordable housing, NOAH preservation, impact investing, affordable housing