Beyond the Resume

2025 is coming to a close! Join Chris Papa and Lisa Flicker as they reflect on the past year both at Jackson Lucas and on the podcast. From capital raising to the challenges faced in the affordable housing sector the dynamic duo explore the importance of mentorship, personal growth, and staying grounded in a fast-paced world.

We take a look back at their favorite episodes and interviews of the year and end 2025 with the hottest Hot Seat to date!

Chapters

(02:35) Trends in Capital Raising

(05:03) Affordable Housing Challenges

(07:39) Podcast Highlights and Guest Reflections

(12:02) The Importance of Mentorship and Community Engagement

(14:45) Navigating Change: Compensation and Workplace Dynamics

(17:26) Personal Growth and Mindfulness Practices

(20:05) The Role of AI in Business Efficiency

(22:49) Hiring Trends and Candidate Expectations

(25:25) Reflections on Mentorship and Company Growth

YouTube: https://youtu.be/73wDGGMxgD4

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

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

In this Gratitude Throwback episode of Beyond the Resume, host Chris Papa revisits a powerful conversation with Timothy Henkel, SVP and Partner at Pennrose, one of the nation’s leading affordable housing developers. Recorded during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the episode explores Tim’s winding career path—from civil engineering to affordable housing development—and the deep sense of purpose that has defined his more than 20 years at Pennrose.

Tim offers an inside look at how affordable housing development works, including how Low-Income Housing Tax Credits are awarded, why competition for them is so intense, and how developers must align public policy, community needs, and financial feasibility. He shares stories of complex projects, including a transformative redevelopment in Meriden, Connecticut, and discusses the role of collaboration with municipalities, nonprofits, and residents.

Throughout the conversation, gratitude emerges as a central theme: gratitude for partners, mentors, communities, and the opportunity to do work that genuinely improves people’s lives. Tim reflects on why affordable housing is foundational to health, stability, and opportunity—and why so many people in the field see it as their life’s work. The episode closes with personal reflections, career advice, and a reminder that empathy and perspective matter just as much as technical skill.

Chapters

(01:06) Meet Tim Henkel and an overview of Pennrose’s history and growth

(03:58) Affordable housing vs. market-rate development and how tax credits shape projects

(08:47) Competing for Low-Income Housing Tax Credits and navigating public policy

(11:04) Community resistance, consensus-building, and where affordable housing gets built

(13:26) A standout project: Meriden, Connecticut and the power of collaboration

(20:36) Why affordable housing is life’s work and its impact on residents’ health and stability

(32:39) Tim’s career journey, gratitude for partnership, and advice for future developers

YouTube: https://youtu.be/_3KoZIHZQvw

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

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

In this Gratitude Throwback episode of Beyond the Resume, host Lisa Flicker sits down with Carl Shannon, who spent 26 impactful years at Tishman Speyer before shifting his focus to teaching, civic engagement, and giving back to the San Francisco community. Carl reflects on the unexpected breaks that shaped his career, the mentors who guided him, and the philosophy that kept him grounded through economic cycles and major development projects.

They discuss serendipity, authenticity, long-term commitment, and why gratitude is a crucial professional skill — especially for young people entering real estate, development, or any career where relationships matter. Carl also shares insights on today’s market cycles, how to build a meaningful career, and why stepping into a life of service is his next chapter.

Chapters

(02:15) The Serendipity of Career Breaks – A chance meeting at Salomon Brothers leads to a pivotal opportunity and launches Carl into real estate.

(06:36) Early Lessons & Advice for Emerging Professionals – Be flexible, choose people over prestige, and be ready to “dig ditches” on day one.

(09:55) Why Loyalty Matters More Than Job-Hopping – Carl explains how long-term commitment led to deeper skills, trust, and opportunities.

(13:08) Cycles, Setbacks & Career Pivots – What he learned navigating downturns, including the early ’90s when development halted.

(15:19) The Big Reveal: Retirement & Reinvention – Carl opens up about leaving Tishman Speyer, his love for San Francisco, and redefining purpose.

(21:19) The Future of Office & Housing Development – A grounded look at where the market is headed and why housing demand will persist.

(24:51) Legacy Projects, Mentorship & Building Teams – From Mission Rock to assembling diverse teams, Carl reflects on the work that mattered most.

YouTube: https://youtu.be/qMSizzGgsWM

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

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

In this special Gratitude Series episode of Beyond the Resume, hosts Chris Papa and Lisa Flicker sit down with Daniel Carr, Co-Founder of Alpaca Real Estate, to explore career pivots, entrepreneurial risk-taking, and the future of innovative real estate investing.

Dan walks us through his journey from Brooklyn Tech to JPMorgan, Ares, and eventually launching Alpaca Real Estate—a platform built on trust, long-term relationships, and the power of integrating real estate with climate tech and innovation.

You'll hear how Dan identified a once-in-a-generation investment opportunity, the importance of choosing the right business partner, lessons from mentors, and how passion and grit shape great teams. Dan also shares insights on EV charging infrastructure, industrial distribution, built-to-rent trends, and creating positive community impact through thoughtful development.

Perfect for anyone interested in real estate private equity, career growth, entrepreneurship, or understanding how technology is reshaping the built environment.

Chapters

(01:55) From JPMorgan & Ares to Entrepreneurship

(07:40) Spotting a Once-in-a-Generation Market Opportunity

(09:22) Launching Alpaca Real Estate & Choosing the Right Partner

(10:50) Innovation in Real Estate: EV Charging & Climate Tech

(16:36) Power Constraints, Land Strategy & Industrial Distribution

(21:25) Brooklyn Roots, Career Evolution & Early Influences

(24:59) Advice for Students, Internships & Skill Development

(27:14) A Day in the Life: Family, Work & Building a Firm

(31:04) Community Impact Project in Brooklyn & Long-Term Vision

YouTube: https://youtu.be/iwk8j5LUib4

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

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

In this episode, we visit our conversation with Michelle Militello, the Vice President, Equity Asset Management at The Community Development Trust. Michelle shares her extensive background in affordable housing, detailing her transition from banking to community development. She emphasizes the importance of asset management in preserving affordable housing and discusses the skills necessary for success in the industry. Michelle also highlights her commitment to mentoring women in affordable housing and reflects on the leadership lessons she has learned throughout her career.

Chapters

(02:03) Career Path: From Banking to Affordable Housing

(12:34) Role at Community Development Trust (CDT) and Its Mission

(18:58) The Importance of Asset Management in Affordable Housing

(22:45) Skills for Success in Affordable Housing

(31:23) Mentorship and Leadership Lessons

(36:02) Conclusion and Future Collaborations

Michelle Militello brings a rich, personal history to her work in affordable housing, a field she entered after transitioning from a career in banking to community development. Shaped early on by her family’s connection to real estate, and strengthened through formal education—including an MBA—Michelle has developed a deep understanding of the sector, especially the vital role asset management plays in preserving long-term affordability. At the Community Development Trust (CDT), she is driven by a clear mission to protect and preserve affordable housing across the country. She speaks often about the importance of mentorship, particularly for women navigating the industry, and models the power of genuine, values-driven leadership. Above all, Michelle’s passion for collaboration fuels her work, reinforcing her belief that the most meaningful progress in affordable housing comes from working together.

YouTube: https://youtu.be/up3jgFm5Xe0 • Spotify: https://bit.ly/4oUQ62r

In this episode, Jamie Smarr, CEO of the New York City Housing Partnership, joins Chris Papa to explore how affordable housing can revitalize communities and empower residents. Jamie shares lessons from his 30-year career in government and nonprofit leadership, emphasizing the power of project management, writing, and mentorship. From the Bronx’s burning buildings to today’s homeownership initiatives, this conversation dives into the evolution of housing policy, the importance of innovation, and what keeps Jamie motivated to make housing more human.

Chapters

(02:50) The Origins and Mission of the Housing Partnership

(05:29) Affordable Housing in Modern New York

(07:57) Jamie Smarr’s Path from Government to Nonprofit Leadership

(10:51) Skills That Build Careers (and Homes)

(13:41) How Government Drives Housing Policy

(16:19) Future Housing Challenges and Opportunities

(19:05) Personal Insights and Career Advice

(21:57) Memorable Projects and Impactful Developments

YouTube: https://youtu.be/up3jgFm5Xe0

Spotify: https://bit.ly/4oUQ62r

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

Web: https://www.jacksonlucas.com/podcast/jamie-smarr

YouTube: https://youtu.be/86yt8WvdBr8 • Spotify: https://bit.ly/4oUQ62r

In this inspiring episode of Beyond the Resume, hosts Chris Papa and Lisa Flicker sit down with Emily Kurtz, Chief Housing & Development Officer at RiseBoro Community Partnership, to explore her 20-year journey in affordable housing and community development. Emily shares how a sociology degree and a curiosity for cities led her to urban planning, and eventually to leading one of New York’s most impactful housing organizations.

They discuss the evolution of RiseBoro, the realities of nonprofit housing development, and the personal balance required to thrive in mission-driven work. Emily also reflects on mentorship, leadership, and how organizations like Women in Housing and Finance have shaped her career.

If you’re passionate about affordable housing, career growth in the nonprofit sector, or finding purpose in your work, this episode delivers real-world lessons and personal insight.

Chapters

(02:23) RiseBoro’s Mission and Community Roots

(05:13) From Tenant Advocacy to Housing Development

(07:48) Emily’s Path from Sociology to Urban Planning

(10:15) Career Lessons: From IBM to Affordable Housing

(13:20) Finding Fulfillment Through Curiosity and Adaptability

(19:56) Breaking into Nonprofit Real Estate

(21:21) The Challenges Facing Affordable Housing in NYC

(23:38) The Human Cost of Federal Cuts and SNAP Benefits

(26:45) Leadership, Mentorship, and Building Strong Teams

(30:01) Parenting, Perspective, and Career Growth

(31:45) Book & Podcast Recommendations

(32:09) Work-Life Balance and Daily Rituals

(33:21) What Emily Looks for When Hiring

(34:58) Final Reflections: Mission, Community, and Resilience

YouTube: https://youtu.be/86yt8WvdBr8

Spotify: https://bit.ly/4oUQ62r

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

Web: https://www.jacksonlucas.com/podcast/emily-kurtz

YouTube: https://youtu.be/fUiwpBCzMrw • Spotify: https://bit.ly/4oUQ62r

In this episode of Beyond the Resume, hosts Chris Papa and Lisa Flicker sit down with Sarah Berman, Founder and President of The Berman Group, one of the leading public relations firms in the real estate and construction industries.

Sarah shares how her early studies in urban planning led her into the fast-paced world of communications, ultimately inspiring her to launch her own firm nearly 20 years ago. She opens up about what it takes to build a PR powerhouse—from crafting compelling client stories and navigating industry challenges to cultivating a company culture rooted in hard work, empathy, and excellence.

This conversation is packed with insights on entrepreneurship, brand building, client trust, and leadership, offering valuable lessons for anyone looking to make an impact in real estate or communications.

Chapters

(02:10) From Urban Planning to Public Relations

(04:35) Building a PR Powerhouse from the Ground Up

(07:00) What It Takes to Succeed in PR

(09:45) Earning Trust and Managing Tough Clients

(12:20) Finding a Niche: PR for Construction & Real Estate

(15:00) Growth Through Reputation and Referrals

(18:00) Balancing Family, Leadership, and Entrepreneurship

(19:00) Building Culture and Empowering a Team

(22:00) Optimism and Innovation in Real Estate

(25:40) Most Memorable Projects and Partnerships

(29:10) Mentorship, Hiring, and the Next Generation of PR

(33:00) Advice for Future Entrepreneurs

YouTube: https://youtu.be/fUiwpBCzMrw

Spotify: https://bit.ly/4oUQ62r

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

Web: https://www.jacksonlucas.com/podcast/sarah-berman

In this episode of Beyond the Resume, host Chris Papa talks with Jim Mather, President and CEO of Century Housing.

Jim’s story is anything but ordinary — from editing a dirt bike magazine to leading one of the state’s top affordable housing lenders, his career path proves that purpose and curiosity can fuel lifelong impact.

Together, Chris and Jim dive into the origins of Century Housing, the pivotal role of CDFIs and capital markets in community development, and what makes a truly mission-driven leader. Jim also shares how coffee, cooking, and calm focus shape his daily routine — and his leadership style.

If you’re passionate about affordable housing, nonprofit leadership, and social impact, this conversation goes beyond titles and résumés to reveal the real story behind the work.

Chapters

(02:45) The Century Freeway Lawsuit That Built a Legacy

Jim explains the unique origin story of Century Housing and how a major legal settlement led to lasting community development.

(07:58) From Dirt Bikes to Development

How Jim’s early career as a magazine editor and construction worker sparked a lifelong passion for urban planning and housing.

(14:35) Inside the World of CDFIs

A breakdown of what community development financial institutions do — and how they fund affordable housing across California.

(20:18) Leadership Lessons from the Top

Jim shares what it’s like to lead an organization with three business arms — and how he balances impact with innovation.

(24:50) Hiring for Heart and Mission

What Jim looks for in candidates: curiosity, adaptability, intelligence, and a genuine drive to make a difference.

(28:35) Books, Coffee, and Calm

Jim talks about his daily rituals, from pour-over coffee to cooking, and how they keep him grounded as a leader.

(32:10) Looking Ahead: The Future of Affordable Housing

Reflections on policy, capital, and the people who make housing happen every day.

Links

YouTube: https://youtu.be/pt4tPDA6QhY

Spotify: https://bit.ly/4oUQ62r

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

Web: https://www.jacksonlucas.com/podcast/jim-mather

👀 YouTube: https://youtu.be/71orqzeqIoo • 👂 Spotify: https://bit.ly/4oUQ62r

In this episode of Beyond the Resume podcast, we chat with Sharif Mitchell, a seasoned real estate entrepreneur and the co-founder and CEO of Northern Liberties. Sharif shares his inspiring journey from being a Morehouse College scholarship recipient to a thriving real estate mogul. He emphasizes the role of mentorship, the importance of risk management, and his mission to create workforce housing and foster community impact. Sharif discusses the power of daily structure, understanding customers, and building a strong network. He also provides valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, stressing the significance of long-term vision and calculated steps toward success.

Chapters

(04:15) Defining Moments and Risks in Entrepreneurship

(09:36) Building a Purpose-Driven Real Estate Business

(14:14) Daily Habits and Structure for Success

(18:29) Overcoming Setbacks and Learning from Failures

(22:57) The Importance of Mentorship and Community

(26:23) Art as a Reflection of Success

(29:58) Advice for Aspiring Real Estate Professionals

Links

YouTube: https://youtu.be/71orqzeqIoo

Spotify: https://bit.ly/4oUQ62r

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

Web: https://www.jacksonlucas.com/podcast/sharif-mitchell