In this episode, I sit down with Todd Carter, Managing Director - Southeast for EQT Real Estate, who oversees acquisitions, development, and leasing across the Southeast. Todd has more than twenty five years in the industrial sector and has been involved in over one hundred million square feet of transactions. I wanted to understand how that volume of experience shaped his leadership approach, and Todd delivered with complete honesty, humour, and depth.
We talk about early career discipline, tough mentors, stress, mistakes, and the unexpected moments that shaped him. Todd explains why he still loves being in the deal flow today and shares the traits he looks for in the next generation of leaders. This is a practical, candid mentoring session packed with lessons for anyone serious about building a real estate career.
00:00 I welcome listeners to the episode
I introduce the show and set the stage for a leadership focused conversation with Todd.
Todd gives an overview of the Southeast region and the one hundred million square foot portfolio he’s responsible for.
02:00 When leadership first found him
Todd shares how he began leading long before he ever held a formal title.
03:45 Why waiting for a promotion is a mistake
We talk about seizing responsibility early and how that creates opportunity.
04:15 What drove Todd in the early days
Todd gives an honest answer: money. We unpack how that shaped his early work ethic.
05:00 Early leadership challenges
He explains the resistance he faced, especially around age and credibility.
06:40 How he overcame those barriers
Todd talks about results, consistency, and treating people with respect.
08:00 The mentors who shaped him
From Wall Street work ethic to industrial fundamentals, Todd’s early mentors left a big mark.
10:20 Learning to think through the deal
Todd explains why accountability and ownership sharpened his decision making.
12:45 What he chose not to adopt
We discuss the traits he saw in leaders above him that he refused to carry forward.
16:00 Mistakes that shaped him
Todd reframes mistakes as learning, not something to haunt you.
17:50 The capital call lesson
He tells the story of a painful early ownership experience that changed his perspective forever.
20:00 What colleagues say about him
I share insights from my research, including his reputation for a calm, lighthearted style.
21:45 How he manages stress today
Todd talks about humour, staying grounded, and avoiding premature panic.
We explore why composure and humility often outperform loud leadership.
25:30 Joining EQT with a big reputation
Todd describes the pressure of coming in as a major hire and how he handled it.
Why simply doing the work and producing results won people over.
30:00 What Todd looks for in future leaders
He explains why he focuses on how people treat others.
32:00 What drives him now
Still motivated by money, but now also by meaning, fun, and paying it forward.
33:30 Why he still works deals
Todd explains why staying close to the action keeps him sharp.
35:00 His advice for future leaders
This business isn’t complicated, but it is tough. Stay disciplined and pay it forward.
I close the episode and reflect on the insights Todd shared.
