July 14, 2022

In Memory of Will Friend - Former CEO of Bisnow. An episode we did together in 2019 that exemplifies what leading a team looks like and many other great lessons.

1 hour 36 minutes

If there was ever a leader to celebrate it is Will Friend. Chris and Will became good friends over the years and talked frequently about the opportunities and challenges in their business and across the real estate industry. Will was an infectious leader who cared deeply about the success of the people around him. He will be dearly missed. In 2019, we were able to record an episode together that is timeless and provides an amazing lesson for us all to learn from.

Will was the CEO of Bisnow, an online real estate publication and event firm, where he implemented an incredible culture through Bisnow’s Mission, Vision, and Values. Will and Chris discuss the journey of becoming the CEO of a company and why there's no "step-by-step" process, company structure as a family versus a team, why it is important to love what you do, and Chris reflects on this conversation and his role at Fort Capital.

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(01:50) — Will’s Journey Before Bisnow, Growing Up in the UK, The Desire for the American Dream, and Moving to America
(09:23) — The Journey to Becoming a CEO at 27 Years Old
(16:50) — How do you see your experience as CEO so far?
(19:33) — What did you expect to be part of the role as CEO that actually are not?
(22:22) — Level Up Talent
(23:20) — How can you know if you’ll keep the role? How do you evaluate yourself and the organization?
(24:10) — Team vs. Family
(26:40) — Were these values already set or was it an “ah-ha!” moment?
(31:05) — Deciding on a Vision and Values for Bisnow
(40:50) — How do you make your Vision and Values a habit?
(46:15) — Are these open to be debated and changed?
(47:54) — How is a private equity buy-out a learning experience for everyone? Is this the right thing for everyone?
(52:40) — What do private equity firms do for family-owned businesses?
(53:04) — 3 Failures That Changed the Way Will Thinks
(1:00:50) — How does culture affect a company’s bottom line?
(1:04:00) — Hitting a Sales Mark
(1:08:50) — What does it take for an issue to make it to your desk?
(1:12:42) — What is it like to run a sales team? What makes a successful salesperson?
(1:16:46) — What do you say to people who are not doing what they love?
(1:19:49) — What advice would you give to your 21-year-old self? What is your favorite interview question?
(1:27:20) — How Chris Critiques Himself and What Makes a Company's Mission, Vision, and Values Work