Accelerating Careers in Real Estate

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 this evening we have a very important episode, I set up the pod to draw a straight line between accelerating in your career with constant learning, so today we have a critical lesson to share. How to be a confident ally is rarely tackled, despite universal support for a more inclusive sector, yet what we can ALL do to improve this is too often throttled by fear.In the first of the two-part ‘DE&I Allyship’ exclusive series of the Accelerating Careers in Real Estate podcast, guest, Sue Brown, Managing Director of Real Estate Balance, hosts the conversation where first-hand experiences, issues, and solutions to foster more inclusive workplaces are discussed. Episode one features Faith Locken, founder of We Rise In and former Development Manager at Countryside and JLL, conferring with Gafar Fashola, Chair of BPF Futures and Vanessa Murray, Founder of The Circle Partnership.Connect with our panel:linkedin.com/in/sue-brown-62a19415linkedin.com/in/faith-locken-710b2263linkedin.com/in/gafar-fashola-6b6636112linkedin.com/in/vanessa-murray-9b03276300:00 Introduction to the Podcast00:53 Meet the Panelists01:46 Gafar's Journey into Real Estate03:05 Vanessa's Unique Path05:16 Faith's Story and We Rise In06:23 Challenges in Real Estate Diversity12:06 Strategies for Inclusion20:34 Navigating Career Challenges and Seeking Mentorship22:00 The Importance of Sponsorship in Career Advancement23:36 Diversity and Inclusion: From Grad Level to Senior Management25:02 Real Estate Education and Industry Representation27:08 The Role of Senior Managers in Promoting Diversity27:53 Rethinking Qualifications and Career Paths in Real Estate30:26 Personal Experiences and Microaggressions in the Workplace33:51 Mentorship Differences and Confidence Building37:32 The Importance of Allyship and Active Support40:30 Final Thoughts and Reflections

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

Jan Trbizan: From Ljubljana to London's Super Prime Real EstateIn this episode, I recap my conversation with Jan Trbizan from 2020. At the time, Jan was the Technical and Design Director for Northacre, a brand synonymous with London's super prime properties. Jan's journey began in Ljubljana, Slovenia, with aspirations of becoming a surgeon before pivoting to architecture. He navigated through the tight-knit professional circles of Slovenia and made a bold move to London in 2009 amidst a hiring freeze due to recession. Through perseverance, including sending nearly 1000 CVs and making direct appeals to firms, he landed a role at Squire and Partners, where he built a successful career. Jan discusses the differences between working as a consultant versus client-side, emphasizing the broader perspective and appreciation he gained for the complexity of real estate projects. This episode highlights Jan's determination, adaptability, and growth as an architect and developer in the real estate industry.00:00 Introduction to the Podcast00:19 Jan Trbizan's Early Career in Slovenia01:19 Challenges in the Slovenian Professional Scene02:04 Breaking into the London Architecture Scene02:22 The Struggle to Find a Job in 200903:03 A Creative Approach to Job Hunting04:39 Landing the Job at Squire and Partners06:36 Transition to Northacre and Client-Side Insights07:18 The Broader Perspective of Architecture08:51 Conclusion and Podcast Outro

Building Affordable Housing: Colm Lacey's Journey in Real EstateIn this episode, of Accelerating Careers in Real Estate, I get to sit down with Colm Lacey, Founder and Director of Soft Cities, Chair of London's CLT, and Group Director of Capital Projects for New City College. Colm discusses his impressive career in housing and regeneration, sharing insights from his time at Brick by Brick, Lambeth, Newham, and Croydon Council. Colm talks with honesty about periods of huge growth, and success but also how he handled a very public downfall of Brick by Brick. Colm also reflects on his educational background, the challenges of delivering affordable housing, and his passion for improving public sector processes. The conversation offers a detailed look at Colm's professional journey, his vision for urban development, and the lessons learned along the way.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 Guest: Colm Lacey01:00 Colm's Early Life and University Days02:02 First Steps in the Professional World03:14 Transition to Regeneration Projects04:32 Master's Degree and Career Realization07:57 Challenges and Successes in Brixton12:48 Strategic Role at Homes and Communities Agency18:11 Return to Newham and Olympic Legacy24:55 Transforming Croydon with Brick by Brick30:41 Career Challenges and Successes31:37 Brick by Brick: Context and Controversy33:41 Ambitions and Achievements36:25 Public Criticism and Reflection38:35 Political and Economic Challenges48:36 Transition to Soft Cities48:58 Quickfire Questions and Insights56:59 Future Plans and Final Thoughts

In this episode of Accelerating Careers in Real Estate, I got to revisit, an interview from autumn 2020 with Caroline Harper, then Chief Planning Director for Be First. Caroline shares her unique path into real estate, driven by academia and a PhD, and discusses the personal traits that set her apart. She recounts her transition from private sector roles at CBRE and Jones Lang LaSalle to the public sector, including what her peers thought of her move. Followed by her responsibilities at Be First, and reflects on the blend of public and private sector strategies. Caroline also delves into how her motivations have evolved while emphasising her commitment to meaningful urban regeneration and community development.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 Caroline Harper's Early Career and Unique Traits02:30 Role and Responsibilities at Be First03:38 Transition from Private to Public Sector05:39 Current Drivers and Personal Growth08:19 Making leaps in your learning09:07 Closing Remarks