Accelerating Careers in Real Estate

So time to grab that coffee, two more stops on the tube or however else you choose to spend the next 15 minutes as I wind back the clock and revisit my conversation with Morwenna Hall, COO of Related Argent from mid 2020. Morwenna delivered one of the most eye-catching elements of the award-winning Kings Cross scheme Coal Drops Yard with just 12 months development management experience under her belt rising through the ranks in the business to become their COO at the time of our recording. She displays incredible passion for her projects and the physical elements of real estate, yet we get to dig into her drives and measures for success and find someone who is constantly considering how to broaden her horizons and challenges what she thought possible. If you enjoyed this episode you can hear the full episode using the links here:https://open.spotify.com/episode/4RBmRAaXCfp8NXkFakxlH8?si=sRtIcmtVReOLUw9Qa-C7bghttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-3-morwenna-hall/id1506496352?i=1000477400501If you enjoyed this ESPRESSO episode please:Come and join our LinkedIn community: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9054319/Leave a review on the platform of choice

This evening, I am joined by Tom Redmayne, Managing Director & Head of Europe at Industrious. Industrious began its journey as a co-working, flex office operator in 2013 opening its doors in Chicago and today it has 160 locations globally. Whilst flex is very much a fresh concept in real estate, it is almost a homecoming for Tom to return to real assets after leaving Cushmans in 2015 he joined one of the pioneers of the proptech boom Wired Score spending 8 years with the business in the UK, Ireland and New York. We explore his remarkable journey through the real estate and technology sectors. From the initial steps out of university into uncertain territories to leading roles at WiredScore and now Industrious, Tom shares invaluable insights into navigating career pivots, embracing technology in real estate, and the pivotal moments that have shaped his career trajectory."Honestly, they (early years in the real estate market) were a bit of a disaster." A candid revelation of the initial setbacks and the steep learning curb in the transition from academics to professional life. - "I've always been fascinated by technology... But it wasn't actually until I met a lady called Juliette Morgan... that I really realized how real estate and technology could interact." Highlighting the lightbulb moment that propelled him into the intersection of real estate and technology.Tom's narrative is not just a roadmap for burgeoning professionals in real estate and tech but also a testament to the dynamism of the professional landscape, emphasising adaptability, continuous learning, and the importance of mentorship. Join us as we unravel the lessons from Tom Redmayne's journey — insights that resonate far beyond the thresholds of real estate, echoing in the realms of entrepreneurship, leadership, and personal growth.If you enjoyed this episode please:Come and join our LinkedIn community: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9054319/Leave a review on the platform of choice

I got to sit down with Roger Madelin CBE in 2020 as only my second episode of the series, overlooking Argent's Kings Cross scheme from the studio we had a lot of laughs. Some know him as an engineer, an avid pilot, someone with an incredible power to bring people on a journey but most of all the biggest name in Urban Regeneration. I have distilled some of my favourite parts of the discussion but make sure you revisit the full episode as this will only whet your appetite. Roger Madelin emphasises teamwork, clear communication, and learning from mistakes as key to his success in urban regeneration. His leadership style values collaboration over titles and encourages open dialogue across all levels. His three rules—plan ahead, respect team contributions, and decisively act—guide his project management approach.This is a highlight reel of our conversation back in early 2020. You can listen to the first episode by clicking this link:https://shows.acast.com/accelerating/episodes/2If you enjoyed this episode please:Come and join our LinkedIn community: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9054319/Leave a review on the platform of choice

In this episode of Accelerating Careers in Real Estate, Nick Carman is joined by the remarkable Jonathan Emery, the CEO of Aldar Development. Jonathan shares his fascinating journey from grammar school to leading the largest and most diversified real estate development company in the Middle East, Aldar Development. He opens up about his early influences, career risks, and the serendipitous moments that shaped his path.You can join in the discussion using our LinkedIn group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9054319/Please keep your questions and voicenotes coming. It is best to contact me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickcarman/**Highlights from the episode:**- **Beginnings at Home:** Jonathan’s introspective look back at his humble beginnings, the influence of his father's career shift, and how lessons from his family and schooling fueled his drive and ambition.- **The Journey through Real Estate:** From cutting sandstone in Stamford to overseeing a portfolio of over $10 billion, Jonathan narrates his ascension through the ranks of the real estate development world.- **Pushing Boundaries:** Whether it's advocating for youth and fresh ideas in a traditionally conservative industry or making bold moves across international borders, Jonathan has consistently challenged the status quo.- **Dealing with Setbacks:** Jonathan discusses facing and overcoming setbacks, including not being chosen for a role he coveted, and how it led to self-reflection and realizing the importance of aligning one’s skills with the needs of the moment.- **Leadership and Influence:** The art of asking the right questions – A look into Jonathan’s leadership style, focusing on empowerment through inquiry rather than instruction.- **The Harmony of Success:** Identifying the ‘hum’ of a winning team and the importance of pushing beyond comfort zones for personal and professional growth.Jonathan's career is a testament to the power of resilience, the willingness to take calculated risks, and the importance of continual learning and adaptation. Join us as we delve into the mind of a leader who's not only succeeded in navigating the complex terrain of real estate development but has also left an indelible mark on every team he's been part of.Listeners will find inspiration in Jonathan’s story, gaining valuable insights into managing career transitions, embracing risk, and the significance of fostering a team's collective success over individual achievement.Don't forget to subscribe to Accelerating Careers in Real Estate to stay updated with the journeys of more industry leaders like Jonathan Emery. Thank you for listening!

Marc was our very first guest on the ACRE podcast, so it seems fitting he closes out our first century of episodes. This is a highlight reel of our conversation back in early 2020. You can listen to the first episode by clicking this link: https://shows.acast.com/accelerating/episodes/1Mark Vlessing discusses the importance of affordable housing in cities, Mark's unique career journey, the founding of Pocket Living, and key insights for entrepreneurs and individuals looking to stand out in their careers. As well as a technique to find that role that suits your unique strengths."I genuinely don't see how a world city can survive unless people on modest incomes can survive..."

This evening, I am joined by Freddie Fforde, Founder of Patch, Commuter Co-Working Clubs and chief proponent of the working near home era. A former management consultant he has landed in real estate intent on solving one of the biggest challenges affecting real estate – what do we need from an office? You can join in the discussion using our LinkedIn group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9054319/Please keep your questions and voicenotes coming. It is best to contact me on LinkedIn.Key Takeaways:Passion for Access to Opportunity: Freddie's inspiration for Patch stems from his desire to provide access to opportunity for more people. Drawing from his experiences in university, working at Bain, and navigating the startup world, Freddie recognised the need to address challenges related to access to opportunity, particularly for working parents.Confluence of Experiences: Patch emerged from a confluence of Freddie's diverse experiences, including his involvement in events at university, his observations of the challenges faced by working parents, and his exploration of technology's societal impacts. These experiences led him to envision a solution that combines technology, community, and real estate to create opportunities for people.Challenging Traditional Notions: Freddie challenges traditional notions of real estate by launching Patch without prior real estate experience. He emphasises the importance of bringing new perspectives and ideas to an industry that often lacks innovation, highlighting the value of his startup mentality in driving change.Mission and Values: Patch's mission is to create opportunities for people, work, and community on every UK high street. Rooted in values of nearness, balance, and sustainability, Patch aims to go beyond traditional coworking spaces to become centres of local life and work, fostering belonging and celebrating community.Diversity and Inclusion: Freddie recognises the importance of diversity and inclusion within Patch and the broader real estate industry. He believes that embracing diverse perspectives and backgrounds can lead to better outcomes in urban planning and community development.Future Growth: With three locations already open and plans to expand to more high streets across the UK, Patch is poised for growth. Freddie envisions Patch becoming a platform for talent and opportunity, serving diverse communities and challenging the status quo in real estate.Overall, Freddie's passion, vision, and commitment to creating positive change through Patch offer inspiration and insight into the future of real estate and community development.

This evening, Emma Fletcher, Low Energy Homes Director for Octopus Energy, joins me. Emma began her career in real estate advisory with Bidwells, before moving to a big name in regional housebuilding Hill Group. So how is it that she now finds herself at the cutting edge of policy and sustainability of our utilities? Emma has had a diverse and impactful career journey, from real estate development to agri-tech projects, housing associations, and now into the energy and utilities sector. Here are some key takeaways from the conversation:Passion and Purpose: Emma emphasizes the importance of following one's passions and finding purpose in work. She highlights the need to align personal values and interests with professional endeavours to find fulfilment in one's career.Adaptability and Innovation: Throughout her career transitions, Emma demonstrates adaptability and a willingness to embrace innovation. She discusses the importance of being open to new ideas, technologies, and approaches to problem-solving, particularly in industries undergoing significant change.Leadership and Team Building: Emma's leadership style focuses on fostering collaboration, building cohesive teams, and inspiring others to work towards a shared vision. She emphasizes the importance of creating a sense of community and purpose within organizations to drive success.Resilience and Learning from Setbacks: Emma acknowledges the challenges and setbacks she has faced, such as unsuccessful planning appeals and project rejections. However, she views these experiences as opportunities for personal growth, resilience-building, and learning valuable lessons that she can apply to future endeavours.Community Engagement and Social Impact: Beyond her professional roles, Emma actively engages in community initiatives, such as community land trusts and addressing local issues like access to utilities. She highlights the importance of making a positive impact beyond the workplace and contributing to broader societal goals.Overall, Emma's career journey exemplifies the value of passion, adaptability, resilience, and community engagement in achieving professional success and personal fulfilment. Her insights offer valuable lessons for individuals navigating their own career paths and seeking to make a meaningful difference in their respective fields.

This evening, I sat with Charlie Baxter, Founder of new venture Moffat Baxter. He shares his journey in real estate, as former Managing Director and Co-Founder of Alchemi Group a big name in design-led residential development in central London. Despite building this business over 20 years, including managing a portfolio worth £1.4bn, someone has closed this business. We catch him now at the precipice of starting a whole new venture focused on Sustainability benefitting from his early efforts in being a considerate London developer. You can join in the discussion using our LinkedIn group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9054319/Please keep your questions and voicenotes coming. It is best to contact me on LinkedIn."Listening to my intuition... has always guided me in the right direction."Charlie recounts his real estate journey, from smaller projects to larger-scale developments as Alchemi Group grew to one of the names best associated with high-value design-led homes in the capital. Charlie emphasises mentorship's role and navigating challenges like economic downturns and contractor issues. He highlights his commitment to environmental sustainability, transitioning to retrofitting with his new venture Moffitt Baxter. Throughout, he stresses adaptability, resilience, and integrity, crediting intuition and gratitude for his success.

This evening, I am joined by Michael Morris, CEO of Picton, a commercial UK REIT with more than £750 million diversified UK commercial property portfolio, invested across 49 assets and with around 400 occupiers. A REIT who have outperformed MSCI since their launch. You can join in the discussion using our LinkedIn group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9054319/Please keep your questions and voicenotes coming. It is best to contact me on LinkedIn.The key chapters in our conversation:1.        Exploration and Career Shift:•          Initially considered the RAF and civil engineering but shifted focus to the financial and managerial aspects of real estate.•          Completed a civil engineering degree but later pursued a master's in real estate.2.        Financial Crisis Challenges:•          Played a pivotal role in managing a significant portfolio acquisition during the 2007 financial crisis.•          Developed resilience and earned investor trust amid challenging market conditions.3.        Entrepreneurial Leap and Leadership Style:•          Founded an internally managed fund management subsidiary for Picton in 2010, contributing to sustained growth.•          Michael's leadership emphasizes having a plan, prioritizing tasks, and staying focused on essential objectives.4.        Legacy and Mentoring:•          Ambitions evolve with personal and professional growth; Michael aims to positively impact individuals.•          Recognizes the importance of mentoring, both within and outside the industry, for career and personal development.5.        Balancing Career and Personal Legacy:•          Stresses the significance of family, friends, and personal legacies beyond professional achievements.6.        Continuous Learning and Adaptability:•          Highlights the value of continuous learning through additional qualifications and participation in mentoring programs.