Desert Island Risks

In a change from our usual podcast format – today, Emily revisits her conversation with Richard Croft, Executive Chairman and founder of M7 Real Estate, three years’ on from their original conversation over zoom, during the Covid pandemic. This time, we hear from Richard about M7’s recent deal with Oxford Properties, discuss his departure from the business’ executive leadership team and dig deeper into his thoughts on leadership, futureproofing a business and putting your best foot first when approaching investment opportunities. We also hear from Richard’s backers and friends on the unique impact he has had on the industry, as well as revisiting a few old gems from the Desert Island Risk vaults – of course we couldn’t miss the opportunity to return to the infamous story of “The Marble” …!

In our tenth episode, Emily meets Joanne McNamara, Head of Europe at Oxford Properties. Having joined Oxford in 2010 as an Investment Analyst (and as one of the first of three employees in the team) Jo rose through the ranks as Oxford grew its AUM to $10bn and its headcount to 40 people. She played a central role in Oxford’s merger with M7 Real Estate in 2021 and was awarded PERE industry figure of the year in the deals aftermath. In this episode, we learn Joanne’s thoughts on what it takes to step up as a leader in business, how to approach risks and challenges with thoughtfulness and respect, and why more offices should take up team sports (or just Netball, according to Jo!). We also hear from Joanne’s business partners, mentors, family and longstanding friends on why she stands out from the rest, Jo’s ability to back herself through challenging times and how she has found balance between business leadership and family.

In our ninth podcast episode, Emily talks to James Thornton, former CEO and current Non-Executive Chairman of Mayfair Capital. After 20 years working on the advisory side with Jones Lang Wooton and Savills, James took the leap in setting up Mayfair Capital with his former JLW colleague, Guy Brogden, in 2002. Since then, he has helped the business to invest hundreds of millions of pounds of capital, culminating in the sale of Mayfair to Swiss Life in 2016. In this episode, we hear from James on the challenges of setting up your own business, how to deal with unexpected market changes, albeit a war, global pandemic, financial crisis or Brexit, the secret to building trust with your investors and why the people behind the real estate still matter so much. We also hear from James’ family, friends and former colleagues on why he has stood out in the market, his unflappable attitude in a crisis and his secret penchant for soppy films! 

In our eighth podcast episode, Emily meets Mark Robinson, co-founder of Ellandi, the UK’s leading owner-operator of retail and town centre spaces. He is an award-winning entrepreneur and one of the market’s leading advocates for placemaking and community creation. Mark’s success has been recognised through a number of accolades including being chosen as President of Revo and his Government appointment as Chair of the High Street Task Force in 2020. Having begun his career in retail 28 years ago, Mark took the leap in founding his own platform in 2008. He recounts how he set up his business in the wake of the financial crisis, the initial struggles and how they built a successful company with diversity, inclusion, community and sustainability at its forefront. On a more personal level Mark, tells us about his recent life changing experience, and how it has transformed (for the better) his approach to life, the business and taking risks. We will also hear from friends and colleagues of Mark who share their stories including his co-founder of Ellandi Morgan Garfield, COO Alysoun Stewart and Matthew Weiner. 

In our sixth episode, Emily meets Helen Gordon, CEO of Grainger, the largest, listed residential landlord in the UK. No stranger to adversity, Helen has navigated some of the toughest crises to hit the real estate industry to date, including running RBS’ Global Asset Management team in the wake of the global financial crisis and managing the sale of Railtrack’s real estate assets following the collapse and government takeover of the British Railway system in 2001. Helen shares her views on the best way to tackle trying situations, how to maximise and cultivate skills within a team and, infamous for her excellent sense of humour, how to stay positive in a crisis. A strong advocate for equal opportunities and diversity, Helen also gives her insight on how to encourage a more inclusive industry where those from all backgrounds are given the training and confidence to grow. We additionally hear from family, friends and colleagues of Helen who have watched her challenge the status-quo and rise to the many challenges throughout her career. 

In our fifth episode of Desert Island Risks, we meet Ian Marcus, powerhouse of the advisory world and arguably one of real estate's best-connected individuals. Ian has spent almost 40 years working across banking and real estate, redefining the value of independent advisors in the industry. It’s no surprise that earlier this year he was awarded an OBE in the Queen’s birthday honours list in recognition of his outstanding contribution to real estate and the economy as a whole. A past President of the British Property Federation, Chairman of the Bank of England Property Forum and advisor to some of real estate’s greats including Redevco, Eastdil Secured and the Crown Estate, Ian gives priceless insight on how to navigate a competitive and challenging market whether a service provider or investor. We also hear from Ian’s friends and colleagues, who share their first-hand experience of Ian transforming their businesses and the industry, as well as sharing some moving anecdotes proving that if you back the people behind the assets, your impact can be immense. 

In our fourth podcast episode, we meet Roger Orf, Partner & Vice-Chairman of Apollo Global Management’s European Principal Finance and Real Estate businesses. Born and raised on a Missouri farm, Roger was the first in his family to attend university - a risk he credits as one of the most important of his career - before kickstarting his rise through the real estate world and joining the first American pioneers on their venture into Europe. In this podcast, Roger talks about the value of human relationships, why investing in your education is so important and, a veteran of both the tech and global financial crises, how to weather multiple economic downturns and use them as an opportunity to have impact. We also hear from Roger's, colleagues, friends and family who have stood by him in and outside the boardroom, and at the Arsenal, of course!

In our third episode, Emily “meets" Richard Croft, founder and Executive Chairman of M7 Real Estate. Despite strict lockdown measures, Bohill Partners spent a morning with Richard over video call to hear the story behind the making of two real estate businesses, one formed in the midst of the financial crisis and now arguably one of the most successful pan-European players in the market today. Learn about the best (and worst!) ways to win over investors, how success can come from the most unlikely of places and why valuing those you work with is the most important thing of all. During the podcast, we hear from Richard's colleagues, friends and backers who have supported, challenged and trusted him along the way.