Accelerating Careers in Real Estate

In this episode of 'Accelerating Careers in Real Estate,' I, have the pleasure of interviewing Rob Heasman, who takes us through his fascinating journey in the real estate world. From the early influences of his family to impactful roles in major property development firms, Rob's story is both inspiring and educational. He starts with his work experiences during his teens and meticulously moves through his career trajectory, including pivotal roles at Redrow Homes and the Berkeley Group. Rob delves into the nitty-gritty of key projects like Elephant Park with Lend Lease, the challenges of Euston Station redevelopment and shares significant decisions that led to his current role as Chief Executive at Earl's Court Development Company. Throughout our conversation, Rob opens up about his learnings, leadership style, and the vision that has driven his successful track record in urban planning and management.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 Accelerating Careers in Real Estate00:14 Early Influences and Family Background01:18 University Life and Early Career Choices03:21 First Professional Steps at Red Row Homes06:25 Transition to Barclay Group13:36 Joining Lendlease and Initial Challenges22:40 Building a Driven Team23:23 Master Planning and Early Phases24:10 Adapting to a New Environment26:29 Leadership and Vision27:38 Transitioning Roles29:08 Team Dynamics and Vision32:05 Reflecting on Career Moves33:46 Taking on New Challenges37:20 Joining Ells Court42:29 Lessons from Industry Leaders45:08 Final Thoughts and Reflections

In my latest ESPRESSO edition, I got to revisit my conversation with Gary McCluskey from 2020, he is the Managing Director, Global Design for Greystar, an architect for 25 years, his past catalogue as Strategic Design Advisor has covered nearly $5 billion worth of GDV. Gary shares a story filled with adventures in design and architecture across the living sector and his intense passion and inquisitive nature led him down paths many wouldn't have thought of. 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 episodeYou can listen to the full episode at:https://open.spotify.com/episode/2rcWkcJKseOaxRPD6IiG1J?si=k3a8Rl2TS5GXU5OMUUCTRAhttps://podcasts.apple.com/ug/podcast/episode-9-gary-mcluskey/id1506496352?i=1000490011243Key Highlights:Early Career and Success:[00:00:28] Gary McCluskey reflects on his 25-year career as an architect and Strategic Design Advisor, managing projects worth nearly £5 billion GDV.[00:01:00] Started in architecture after discovering a passion for drawing as a child. Early on, he realised the importance of enjoying his work environment and the projects he worked on.Career Evolution:[00:03:37] From starting at a young architect's practice to becoming a Strategic Design Advisor handling major projects across London. Gary emphasises the importance of enjoying work and the people you work with.Transition to Interior Design:[00:05:22] A pivotal moment at a house party led Gary to join Johnson Naylor as a director, bridging the gap between architecture and interior design. Notable projects include South Bank Place and Canary Wharf.Joining Greystar:[00:09:00] Recruited by Greystar after working with them as a client, Gary now leads design efforts in a company of 10,000 people across 15 countries. His focus is on global expansion and collaborative design.Lessons Learned:[00:10:30] Gary shares insights on time management and prioritising meaningful work throughout his career.Conclusion:[00:10:48] Nick Carman concludes with a reflection on Gary's journey, emphasising the importance of passion and purpose in career success.

This evening I am joined by Jai Patel, Managing Director and Co-Head of Real Estate Debt for ICG. Jai shares his journey from a curious student to a key player in the real estate debt sector, providing valuable lessons and strategies for career growth in the industry. His career has traversed Lehman Brothers, Barclays, Amro Partners in debt, equity in UK and European Real Estate. Jai Patel's journey offers a blueprint for aspiring real estate professionals, highlighting the importance of adaptability, continuous learning, and building meaningful relationships. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to navigate and accelerate their career in the real estate industry."As a debt investor, you're a support partner. As an equity investor, you're driving the bus." [00:24:33]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 episodeEarly Beginnings: [00:00:51]Initial Career Steps: [00:02:17]Impact of the 2008 financial crisis and Lehman Brothers' collapse on his career.Returning to Barclays and finding his niche in structured property finance.Developing Expertise: [00:07:35]Challenges and growth in structured property finance.Mentorship and influential figures, like Richard Payne, in shaping his career.Expanding Horizons: [00:13:57]Transition to Longbow Real Estate Partners and subsequent acquisition by ICG.Learning the nuances of property investment and equity.Entrepreneurial Ventures: [00:21:00]Joining Amro Partners and building a business in student housing and built-to-rent sectors.Experiences in international markets, including a significant project in Spain.Return to ICG: [00:29:00]Becoming a portfolio manager and later co-head of European debt efforts.Emphasising the importance of building and managing a talented team.Maintaining inquisitiveness and listening as key leadership traits.Personal Insights: [00:34:43]The balance between personal life and career.Strategies for managing risk and making career decisions.The significance of building strong relationships and understanding stakeholders.Quick Fire Round: [00:35:05]How the industry has changed over Jai's career.Personal challenges and areas for improvement.Managing personal risk in career decisions.Key Takeaways:The importance of mentorship and learning from experienced professionals. [00:07:35]Balancing career ambitions with personal well-being. [00:13:05]The evolving nature of roles in real estate finance and the value of adaptability. [00:29:00]Building and maintaining strong professional relationships as a cornerstone for success. [00:34:43]Connect with Us:Host: Nick Carman on LinkedInGuest: Jai Patel on LinkedInSponsors:Macdonald & Company: The global real estate recruiter.Subscribe and listen to "Accelerating Careers in Real Estate" on your favourite podcast platform!

So welcome back to another episode of Accelerating Careers in Real Estate ESPRESSO series. Back in the autumn of 2020 I got to sit down with James Pellatt who at the time of talking was Innovation Director for one of London's largest commercial landlords Great Portland Estates, a title he had carved out based on what he had learnt and thought he could better contribute following a career as the project leader for delivering world-class buildings.James shares his experiences from his initial steps as a chartered building surveyor to his influential role in shaping London's commercial real estate landscape. He reflects on the challenges and triumphs of managing significant projects, the evolution of his career, and his insights into the future of workspace innovation."I was so far out of my depth. It was late, had all sorts of issues, but everything I learned from that project, I have applied to my career ever since, even to this day." - James PellattCome and join our LinkedIn community: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9054319/Leave a review on the platform of choice if you've enjoyed this episodeKey ChaptersIntroductionThe Early Days and First Project Management ExperienceThe Northcliffe House Project and Lessons in ResilienceCareer Progression and the Desire for InfluenceOvercoming Stress and Personal ChallengesThe Analogy of Stress and PersistenceTrusting the Team and Embracing InnovationThe Decision to Leave Comfort for GrowthThe Impact of Innovation and Smart Buildings

In this episode, Nick Carman is joined by Derek Williams, Managing Director for Investor Relations at the Valesco Group. He has raised and deployed (either as a principal or advisor) circa $8 billion of capital over his career to date, which has been invested across real estate and private market strategies in Europe, the US and Asia-Pacific. Derek shares his journey from his early days in research to his senior roles in investment management with companies like Landsec, Global Student Accommodation, and Rothschild, leading up to his current position at Valesco Group. The conversation covers his career milestones, the challenges he faced, his leadership philosophy, and his continuous quest for learning and growth.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 episodeKey Points:Introduction to Derek Williams (00:00:00)Nick introduces Derek Williams and provides an overview of his career.Early Career and Interest in Real Estate (00:00:32)Derek discusses his initial interest in the real estate market during his school days in the 1980s.Learning from Mentors (00:03:16)Derek reflects on the values and professionalism he learned from his early mentors.Transition to Investment Management (00:04:16)Derek explains his move to investment management and his decision to pursue a master's degree at Cass Business School.Joining IPD and Early Management Experience (00:06:42)Derek discusses his role at IPD, managing a team, and the challenges he faced in his early management days.Role at Land Securities (00:09:13)Derek talks about his transition to Land Securities, working with Francis Solway, and the lessons he learned during this period.Expanding Horizons to Global Markets (00:14:00)Derek shares his desire to globalize his experience and his subsequent move to Russell Investments.Experiences at Russell Investments (00:16:00)Derek discusses launching global REIT products, his mentors, and his leadership experiences in the US.Entrepreneurial Ventures (00:21:00)Derek talks about reconnecting with his entrepreneurial spirit and his roles at B Finance and Global Student Accommodation.Current Role at Valesco Group (00:28:27)Derek describes his current role at Valesco Group, the company's unique approach, and his focus on growth and team spirit.Personal Reflections on Success (00:30:11)Derek shares his thoughts on success, the importance of learning, and maintaining personal relationships in his career.Conclusion: Derek Williams shares valuable insights into his career journey, highlighting the importance of continuous learning, mentorship, and taking calculated risks. His experiences offer a blueprint for aspiring real estate professionals looking to accelerate their careers.Sponsor: This podcast is brought to you by MacDonald and Company, the global real estate recruiter. Don't forget to click follow and leave a rating to ensure you never miss an episode.

Accelerating Careers in Real Estate: Neil Young's Journey with Nick CarmanIn this ESPRESSO episode of Accelerating Careers in Real Estate, host Nick Carman revisits his conversation with Neil Young from 2020, one of the pioneering figures in the UK's multifamily sector. Neil recounts his early career moves, the inception of Young London, and the establishment of the £2 billion REIT, Get Living. From his initial roles in hospitality and finance to his visionary step into real estate, Neil shares valuable insights and lessons learned from his journey."I remember we took on some service officers in Euston, which had about 70 desks. I remember going in there on the first day. And, um, sat in the corner with four of us and looked and there was no one else there."00:00 Introduction00:58 Early Career03:29 Starting Young London05:58 Building Get Living09:29 Reflections and Future Trends

This evening I sat down with Martyn Evans, Creative Director for LandSec U&I. Martyn has travelled the path least travelled hailing from a marketing background in high street retail. Martin recounts his inspiring journey from his beginnings working in retail in Cardiff to becoming a prominent figure in the real estate industry. He shares his experiences working with notable figures like Anita Roddick of The Body Shop and subsequent rise in the property development sector, focusing on regeneration projects. Martin discusses the importance of having a moral compass in business, the challenges and successes of working on complex real estate projects, and his continuous drive to inspire and lead effectively, even within a large corporate setting. This conversation highlights the value of creativity, resilience, and ethical practices in building a successful and impactful career."Martin is always up for changing the world. You never hear him say, that will do. And that is so infectious and people join in because they believe they can move mountains"00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction00:35 Early Life and Career Beginnings01:22 University and Early Career Experiences02:55 Working with Anita Roddick and The Body Shop04:48 Transition to Property Development05:57 Joining Cathedral Group and Career Growth09:20 Challenges and Successes in Real Estate14:07 Reflections on Leadership and Learning17:13 Joining Landsec and Current Role23:43 Personal Reflections and Future Outlook35:21 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this ESPRESSO edition of my conversation with Charlie Walsh from 2020 I get to interview Charlie Walsh, a leader with a global reputation in luxury residential sales. Charlie opens up about his career evolution, his time in the Middle East, and how he approaches risks and challenges. This episode provides valuable insights into the importance of resilience, continuous learning, and the critical support of loved ones in achieving career success. At the time of the recording Charlie was the Director for Sales for Lodha UK.  Introduction Starting a Career in Real Estate Key Lesson: Choose a Tangible Industry Experience in the Middle East Key Lesson: Embrace Market Fluctuations Handling Risks and Setbacks Key Lesson: Continuous Challenge Source of Optimism Key Lesson: Seek External Perspectives

This evening I am joined by Lucinda Mitchell, Investment Director for Legal General Capital, L&G's alternative asset origination arm. Lucinda's responsibility is working across direct development through to sitting on the board of their JV partners, Bruntwood Scitech. She's built her career in major regeneration development, spending 11 years with the regeneration specialist, Socious. We talk about career development, continuous development, the benefit of a plan and the power of silence to get your point across. 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 choiceHere are the key messages from this episode:1. **Career Journey and Development**: Lucinda Mitchell's career began unexpectedly in real estate while temping at a development site, which sparked her interest in the industry. She emphasizes the importance of discovering and exploring different career paths.2. **Importance of Networking and Relationships**: Lucinda stresses that real estate is a people-focused career. Building relationships and networking are crucial for career success in this field.3. **Embracing Challenges**: Lucinda conveys how taking on projects with planning challenges and working through them with communities can lead to significant professional satisfaction and success.4. **Continuous Learning and Growth**: Throughout her career, Lucinda highlights the significance of continually learning, whether through hands-on experience or further education such as her master’s degree in real estate.5. **Strategic Career Moves**: The transition from First Base to Legal & General Capital was a strategic decision for Lucinda, aimed at broadening her experience to encompass corporate-level roles and responsibilities.6. **Adapting Communication Styles**: Lucinda advises that being authentic and adapting one’s communication style to different audiences is key. She suggests using silence effectively and ensuring contributions add value to conversations.7. **Mentorship and Support**: Lucinda underscores the importance of mentorship and seeking guidance from others to navigate career paths and overcome challenges.8. **Work-Life Balance**: Lucinda acknowledges that career progression can have periods of acceleration and plateauing. She stresses the importance of giving oneself grace during different life phases, such as raising young children.9. **Future Goals and Lifelong Learning**: Lucinda plans to continue developing her expertise in real estate while gaining more corporate finance knowledge to grow her career further.10. **Redefining Success**: Over time, Lucinda’s definition of success has shifted from solely job titles to encompassing the breadth of experiences and personal growth throughout her career.