The Human Side of Real Estate

In this episode of The Human Side of Real Estate, we dive into the spectacular world of Richard Hallward, the CEEQA founder & chairman, entrepreneur, and producer, who has mastered the tension between art and commerce.

Richard, who began his career in the arts and events scene before CEEQA, shares his journey and the secrets behind CEEQA's famed production value. We explore whether the event's annual themes are spontaneous moments of inspiration or deliberately curated to reflect global issues.

Crucially, we tackle the challenge at the heart of "The Business of Art": How do you balance artistic integrity with commercial expectations when so many talented people struggle to adapt their vision for an investor, a record label, or a patron? Richard, whom we view as an artist first and a businessperson second, offers candid insight into how he's navigated this tension over the years, and what he sees for the future of events.

Tune in for a deep dive into creativity, enterprise, and spectacle. Join the conversation: How do you manage to bring your artistic vision to life without compromising commercial demands?

This week, we have the immense pleasure of welcoming Tatiana Spencer, a true trailblazer in the Polish real estate market. With a career spanning over two decades, she is a pioneering force who has advised many retail clients in Poland.

Tatiana's story is one of innovation and leadership. We dive into her journey from her early days at Jones Lang LaSalle to becoming Head of Retail, a Director at King Sturge, and ultimately founding her own successful boutique brokerage, ASPENN, in 2011.

In this episode, we explore:

➡️ The Rise of Women in Leadership: What has genuinely driven the notable increase in women ascending to senior positions in CEE real estate over the last decade? And, we tackle the controversial question: has the drive for gender balancing led to some eyebrow raising appointments?

• 
  

  ➡️ The Entrepreneurial Leap: Tatiana shares the pivotal moment she left the corporate world to launch ASPENN. Is the recent wave of corporate veterans starting their own agencies a sign of a broader shift in mindset—perhaps a growing skepticism and mistrust of the corporate environment?

• ➡️ Looking Ahead: Finally, Tatiana shares her vision for the future, discussing a balanced lifestyle, new ventures, and the plan to pass the torch at ASPENN.

Tatiana was one of the first senior women to make a significant impact in Polish real estate, and her insights on career, corporate culture, and the entrepreneurial spirit are truly motivating

Tune in for a powerful discussion on forging a path in a tough industry.

Ever wonder what it's like to build a life abroad for two decades, and then return to your homeland? In our latest episode, "A 21-Year Round Trip Home with Jason Sharman," we get into just that!My guest, Jason Sharman, European Director at Chancerygate, spent 21 incredible years immersed in Polish life and business before making the move back to the UK with his family. We unpack his unique journey:The surprising realities of reacclimatizing to UK life after 21 years in Poland.His pivotal role in shaping the careers of many successful real estate professionals in Poland.And the significant leap from brokerage to development, now operating across the UK, Spain, and Portugal!This is a great listen for anyone interested in expat life, career transitions, and the fascinating world of international real estate.Tune in and hear Jason's incredible story! #Podcast #RealEstate #Poland #UK #CareerJourney #Chancerygate #UKRealEstate #CareerAdvice #ExpatLife #Leadership

In this episode I'm joined by James Turner, Group Managing Director at Balmain Group, a true veteran with 32 years of experience in the property industry. James has been involved with over €10 billion of shopping centre assets, and his insights are invaluable.

During our talk we delve into:

-James's creative and innovative approach to the real estate world.

-The journey of professional reinvention and how to stay true to your core.

-The importance of mental well-being in leadership.

-James's passion for mentoring the next generation of PropTech startups.

Join us and get inspired by James Turner's wisdom and unique perspective.

In this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with a true legend of the central European real estate world, Tomasz Klodowski , AKA TK. 

We began with TK's journey to reconnect with his Polish ancestral roots, a fascinating story that involved the iconic Bill Marriott.

We then explore TK's remarkable 22-year tenure leading Stewart Title's European operations, a period that cemented his reputation as not only a highly effective leader but also one of the most well-regarded individuals in the sector. We discussed his influence in transforming Stewart Title's business approach here in Poland.

We delved into a crucial aspect of the industry: the vital role of professional services in real estate.  

Finally TK gave us his thoughts on balancing a fulfilling life with continued drive as he embarks on his next chapter. Life after Stewart Title and we speak about some of the societal nuances at life over 65

I have no doubt you will enjoy this as much as I did.

In this episode, I'm joined by Hamish Potts, Head of JLL`s Tricity office. It was a very casual Saturday afternoon chat and a lot of fun getting to know Hamish better. We spoke about his move from the UK to Poland in 2006, and then his move from Warsaw to Sopot in 2019 in search of a better quality of lifestyle. We discussed how he is doing in his new role as Head of JLLs Tricity office, his love for music and much, much more. So join us for a fantastic conversation with one of JLL's most popular figures

Get ready for a candid conversation about a topic rarely discussed in the real estate world: Alcohol.

In this episode I'm joined by Natalia Sobecka who is seasoned International Real Estate retail expert; she has worked with companies like Unibail, Rituals, CBRE, and JLL. Natalia is also an Alcohol-Free Coach and Wellness Guide. She brings a unique perspective, combining her extensive industry experience with her passion for helping others live healthier, alcohol-free lives.We're diving deep into the often unspoken "epidemic" of alcohol in the real estate industry, exploring its impact on professionals. We discuss the constant stream of social events, from awards ceremonies to networking gatherings, and the pressure many feel to participate in the drinking culture. Is it truly necessary for success?This was not an easy discussion, both Natalia and I share our personal experiences with alcohol. This was definitely the most personal conversation I have had in this series. Natalia offers actionable tips for real estate professionals who want to attend industry events without feeling pressured to drink. Discover how to build genuine connections and close deals without relying on alcohol as a social lubricant.Finally we discuss a brighter future, as we explore the shifting attitudes of younger generations towards alcohol and discuss the role companies should play in promoting responsible drinking. Natalia shares her vision for a healthier, more balanced real estate industry, where professionals prioritize their well-being alongside their careers.#realestate #alcoholfree #wellbeing #mentalhealth #sobriety #business #networking #property #podcast #newepisode

In this episode we are not only discussing the Human Side of Real Estate but also the Machine side of Real Estate, AI.  I'm joined by Tom Ogrodzki, CEO and Founder of REDD, the leading market intelligence platform in CEE. 

In the discussion with Tom we'll explore:

• The Evolution of Real Estate Tech: Discover how REDD is helping the industry by addressing critical data challenges.
• The Impact of AI on Real Estate: Uncover the potential of AI to revolutionize property management, investment decisions, and tenant experiences.
• AI's Role in Augmenting Human Capabilities: Learn how AI can enhance productivity and performance within real estate organizations.
• The Future of Real Estate: Discuss the skills and expertise needed to thrive in an AI-driven industry.

For anyone interested in AI but not sure where to start understanding its capabilities in real estate, this is a good place to start, it was for me anyway!!

Thank you for listening!

In this episode we get into the theme of being comfortable with being uncomfortable! Lucyna is someone who is no stranger to pushing herself to the limits mentally and physically and embracing the uncomfortable.

From globe-trotting adventures with her kids to conquering Ironman challenges, Lucyna's energy is infectious.

We dive into her journey from the retail world to the construction industry, and uncover the cultural quirks that come with such a big career switch.

So, sit back and get ready to be inspired by this incredible woman!