Accelerating Careers in Real Estate

Navigating Career Success in Real Estate Development with John MoffatIn this episode of 'Accelerating Careers in Real Estate,' host Nick Carman interviews John Moffat, Managing Director of Capital & Centric. John shares his career journey from a novice in property development to leading significant regeneration projects in the UK. The episode covers his early influences, biggest career challenges, including crisis management and dealing with unplanned events, and his passion for social impact in urban regeneration. John also discusses the skills and mindset necessary for success in property development, and his future ambitions for scaling social impact across the UK.Come and join our LinkedIn community: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9054319/Connect with John at linkedin.com/in/john-moffat-b9559b48Leave a review on the platform of choice if you've enjoyed this episode00:00 Introduction and Early Career Struggles00:29 Welcome and Guest Introduction01:04 Misconceptions and Major Decisions01:59 Career Challenges and Worst Days02:43 Passion Projects and Daily Life04:45 Early Career and Education06:55 First Job and Learning the Ropes12:04 Navigating the Credit Crunch20:19 Emergence of Built to Rent21:36 Joining Capital Centric26:14 Leadership and Management Insights33:57 Future Goals and Conclusion

So welcome back to another episode of Accelerating Careers in Real Estate. I'm your host Nick Carman and today I sit down with James Raynor, Chief Executive of Grosvenor Property UK, to dive into his extensive and dynamic career. From his unexpected start at RBS to building a successful business in Paris, and transitioning to Grosvenor in 2004, James shares the pivotal decisions and challenges that shaped his path. We discuss his experiences managing through the global financial crisis, navigating diverse European markets, and leading through the COVID-19 pandemic. James reflects on the importance of seizing opportunities, fostering team collaboration, and adapting to change. He provides valuable insights into leadership, strategic decision-making, and personal growth within the real estate industry. Join us for an inspiring conversation with James Raynor as he shares his journey and the lessons learned along the way.00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview01:21 Quickfire Questions with James Raynor02:51 James Raynor's Early Career at RBS08:54 Transition to Grosvenor Property UK11:05 Navigating Challenges and Learning from the GFC15:33 Expanding Horizons in Asia19:03 Navigating Diverse Markets and Cultures20:25 Transition to Grosvenor UK20:52 Facing Personal and Professional Risks24:46 The Impact of COVID-1933:20 Current Leadership and Strategy36:30 Work Ethic and Team Dynamics39:18 Embracing Discomfort for Growth41:08 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this second episode of the "DE&I Allyship" series on the Accelerating Careers in Real Estate podcast, the focus shifts from personal journeys to how we can all foster advocacy and allyship in real estate. Chair Jane Hollinshead leads a discussion on the essential role hiring and line managers play in creating a more inclusive workplace. Joining the conversation are industry experts Priya Shah, Ceri Moyers, and Sarah Hayford, who share insights on how inclusion efforts impact retention, recruitment, and creating supportive environments.This episode delves into practical strategies for tackling tough DE&I topics, reducing biases in leadership, and how organisations can embed DE&I into their core values, rather than treating it as a separate initiative. Real-life experiences are shared to demonstrate how conscious efforts in allyship can transform career trajectories and workplace cultures.Connect with the Panel:Jane Hollinshead: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jane-hollinshead-60283a16/Priya Shah: https://www.linkedin.com/in/priya-aggarwal-shah-b1719469/ Ceri Moyers: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ceri-moyers-79619a15/Sarah Hayford: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahhayford/Episode Breakdown:00:00 – Introduction by Nick Carman, framing the importance of DE&I01:00 – Jane Hollinshead introduces the panel and the episode's focus on early career advocacy02:00 – Priya Shah on creating inclusive environments and addressing systemic issues03:00 – Ceri Moyers shares strategies to retain mid-level women in real estate05:00 – Sarah Hayford discusses outreach to underrepresented youth and early career support06:00 – Addressing socioeconomic barriers to entry in real estate09:00 – Understanding bias in hiring and how to challenge assumptions12:00 – The role of line managers in shaping inclusive workplace cultures16:00 – Emotional intelligence in management: understanding different work styles18:00 – Supporting women in leadership and addressing performance biases22:00 – Managing sensitive DE&I conversations in the workplace26:00 – Priya Shah on handling microaggressions and exclusionary language30:00 – Importance of allyship and addressing fear of "getting it wrong"36:00 – Exploring the backlash against DE&I initiatives and rethinking approaches40:00 – Final thoughts: creating a culture of learning, empathy, and active support for diversity

In this episode of Accelerating Careers in Real Estate ESPRESSO, host Nick Carman revisits the career journey of Mark Woodrow recorded in the winter of 2020, then joint Managing Director of Packaged Living. The discussion reflects on Woodrow's experience during the 2008 financial crisis while working at Grainger, where he witnessed significant challenges but also embraced opportunities that shaped his career. Mark and co-founder Ed Ellerington navigated these tumultuous times, leading to the establishment of Packaged Living, a leading BTR development investment company. The episode highlights Woodrow's resilience, the evolution of the build-to-rent sector, and the strategic growth ambitions of Packaged Living, set against the backdrop of the 2020 pandemic.00:00 Introduction to Accelerating Careers in Real Estate00:45 Mark Woodrow's Early Career and the 2008 Recession03:07 Grainger's Recovery and the Rise of Build to Rent06:42 The Formation of Packaged Living08:42 Ambitions and Future of Packaged Living10:06 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

So welcome back to another Espresso episode of Accelerating Careers in Real Estate. I'm your host Nick Carman and today I get to revisit one of our most popular episodes of all time. Amelia Bright, Executive Director of the London Estate for Grosvenor.At the time of recording in 2020, Amelia had built a career of 13 years with the same employer, working in London and San Francisco. So how would she manage to maintain that steep learning curve whilst navigating the obstacles impeding her growth? The conversation highlights her journey from biochemistry student to real estate professional, the critical lessons learned about influencing without direct control, and her leadership philosophy focused on empowering her team. Amelia also reflects on the importance of hard work, seizing opportunities, and the non-linear path to success.Come and join our LinkedIn community: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9054319/Leave a review on the platform of choice if you've enjoyed this episode00:00 Introduction to the Episode00:40 Amelia Bright's Early Career and University Days01:57 Transition to Real Estate and Career Growth03:07 Challenges and Lessons in Development04:57 Leadership and Management Insights07:09 Secrets to Career Success07:56 Reflections and Future Plans

In this episode of 'Accelerating Careers in Real Estate,' I interview Emily Hamilton, the Chief Sustainability Officer for Savills's Investment Management. Emily shares her inspiring journey from an early passion for nature to leading sustainability initiatives in the real estate investment sector. She discusses her transformative experience volunteering in Ecuador, her early career steps, significant roles at Grosvenor, and her current position at Savills Investment Management, where she aims to make a lasting environmental and social impact. Emily emphasizes the importance of storytelling, leadership, and community engagement in driving sustainability initiatives.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:44 Emily's Early Passion for Nature02:51 First Steps in Sustainability04:35 Building a Career in Environmental Consultancy05:41 University of East London Experience07:36 Joining Grosvenor and Early Challenges12:39 Transformational Leadership at Grosvenor23:17 Transition to Savills Investment Management32:34 Current Role and Future Aspirations34:56 Conclusion and Reflections

In this espresso edition, recorded in Autumn 2020, I get to revisit my conversation with Matt Townend, to discuss his impressive career spanning nearly two decades with major London developers. Townend shares candid reflections on early set-backs, professional growth, dealing with stress, and the importance of balance in life. Highlights include his impactful tenure at Battersea Power Station and his shift from technical expertise to people management. This episode dives deep into the personal and professional evolution of a real estate leader and the lessons learned along the way.00:00 Introduction to the Episode00:38 Meet Matt Townend: Career Highlights01:04 Early Career Struggles and Lessons Learned02:25 The Importance of Balance and Mindfulness03:52 Insights from Colleagues and Mentors05:50 Battersea Power Station: A Landmark Project10:20 Evolving Leadership Skills13:39 Personal Reflections and Legacy15:59 Conclusion and Closing Remarks

In this episode of 'Accelerating Careers in Real Estate,' I sit down with John Forrester, the Chair of Innovo Real Estate Development and former group CEO of Cushman & Wakefield, once described as a fire axe placed behind the emergency glass. John shares his humble beginnings, initially wanting to become a vet but ultimately finding his way into real estate after working as an estate agent. He candidly discusses his meteoric career trajectory, pivotal moments, and the importance of learning from failures. With a career spanning over three decades, John also delves into the challenges and successes of managing and merging major real estate firms through turbulent times. As he transitions to his current role focusing on real estate development, John reflects on the lessons learned and his drive to continue making an impact in the industry.00:00 Introduction and Proudest Achievement01:10 Early Career Beginnings03:00 Rising Through the Ranks03:54 Key Lessons and Turning Points05:44 Leadership and Team Dynamics09:01 Navigating Challenges and Growth10:44 Becoming CEO and Facing Bankruptcy19:42 Decisions and Loyalty24:49 Harnessing Fearlessness for Team Success25:03 Navigating Tough Times as a CEO25:46 The UGL Acquisition and Strategic Growth25:54 The Role of Management in Successful Acquisitions27:17 UGL's Strategic Shift and Financial Challenges28:31 The Sale to Private Equity and Global Expansion32:04 Lessons from Past Acquisitions35:42 Leadership and Personal Growth41:57 Reflecting on Career Achievements and Challenges44:52 Future Endeavors and Personal Goals47:41 Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks