Accelerating Careers in Real Estate (Macdonald & Company)

In this episode I sit down with Jon Beswick, Founder of Adventure in Architecture. Jon right from the gun set out on a unique career path and didn’t subscribe to what many others consider to be our measures of success. Jon has built an architectural and now development practice to accommodate his other true passion in life and that is conquering the impossible feats across the globe. Jon’s sense of success is different to many and balancing these two passions and fusing them to mean that both flourish is what gives him his drive. In this episode you will hear us discuss how he established his business based on lessons he learnt from exploring Africa in a Defender, through to a ski to the south pole to his world record breaking exploits including the World’s Highest Dinner Party held at 6,500m.

Contact: ncarman@macdonaldandcompany.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickcarman

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In this episode I am joined By Charlie Walsh, Director of Sales for Lodha Group, international development company responsible for One Grosvenor Square one of the world's finest residential super prime projects. Charlie and I discuss his career to date from Bristol, London, Dubai and back to London now responsible for sales strategy for this +£bn portfolio of luxury residential homes.

Charlie is incredibly humble and open in our interview, but I think you can't miss that Charlie doesn't let external factors impact him in the same way others might. He has a way of always turning it into a positive.

Contact: ncarman@macdonaldandcompany.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickcarman

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In this episode we sit down with Neil Young, he is credited with pioneering the Build to Rent sector in the UK, he established a £2bn residential REIT and did it as a property inductee part way through his career as an accountant. Neil has continued to reinvent himself and explore ways to keep inventing and innovating meaning he has established, scaled and exited two highly coveted residential businesses and now he and his co-founders Sylvana and David are now supporting others to do the same.

Contact: ncarman@macdonaldandcompany.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickcarman

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In this interview I sit down with James Pellatt, Director of Workplace and Innovation for Great Portland Estates. In the interview James and I discuss his career in developing several of London's best known office developments, his ambition in his earlier career to move closer to the ultimate decision makers and what had been occasionally construed as mischievous curiosity in his earlier career chapters eventuality led him to a very unique role searches for answers to several of the biggest questions affecting the office sector. James' ability to accelerate his career is credited to his curiosity, frustration and motivation to deliver a better solution. Not one to let the market status quo dictate this ultimate constraints. He shows how he accelerates in each chapter to learn by searching more influence in decisions. James is now a leading voice, not only in his employer but the industry in how it imagines the office in 2030.

Contact: ncarman@macdonaldandcompany.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickcarman

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Will began a career in politics before pivoting to real estate. He built a blistering 15 year career with Grosvenor in the UK and Paris ending his journey as the Executive Director for the London Portfolio with £5bn AUM. He chose to leave that behind to begin a role that needed to really benefit society and not simply to pay a shareholder a dividend. He found it when he agreed to become the CEO of Retirement Villages Group. Will describes his career through successive stages of achievements, deep personal tragedy and thoroughly steep learning curve.

Contact: ncarman@macdonaldandcompany.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickcarman

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Caroline Harper is the Chief Planning Director for Be First, Barking and Dagenham’s urban regeneration company. Caroline tells a great story of life in academia, commercial planning consultancy, public sector myths and truths. But ultimately a great story of hard work, determination and an appetite to keep pushing herself into new territories and areas for growth.

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In this episode I sit down with Jan Trbizan, Design and Technical Director for the luxury development company Northacre. Jan is a Slovene architect who joined the London architectural scene in 2010 establishing himself at Squires before joining Northacre as a technical manager and being recognised as a rising talent and quickly promoted to lead the design department. Jan speaks very candidly and openly about his early obstacles in securing his first role in London, how he set himself apart and how he continues to hone his skills in what is developing to be a leading light in the design of some of London’s most aspirational homes. Jan’s appetite for testing himself, for speaking his mind and his incredible work ethic may have gotten him in some occasional hot water but ultimately they got him noticed and these traits continue to set him apart.

Contact: ncarman@macdonaldandcompany.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickcarman

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In this episode I sit down with Matt Townend, Chief Operating Officer, EcoWorld London. Matt has led a career with some of the biggest names and largest developments in London under his belt including Berkeley, Riverlight and BPSDC, Battersea Power Station. He talks about what he has learnt from these experiences, how the Power Station re-wrote the manual for selling apartments globally and how he has learnt to take a step back and find balance in his work. As he progressed from development director to MD and now COO he shares the lessons he learnt as he was forced to take a hands off approach and empower his teams. Matt broached some tough topics like mental health, family, work and people with real humour and insight; for anyone aspiring to be a leader or facing a crossroads it is an excellent listen.

Contact: ncarman@macdonaldandcompany.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickcarman

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In this episode I get a chance to sit down with Amelia Bright, Executive Director of the London Estate for Grosvenor UK&I. Responsible for assets of £5bn in Mayfair and Belgravia. Amelia's career to the passerby may seem straightforward in that she has been with the same employer for 13 years. However within that time she has taken responsibility for asset management, investment, development and placemaking; in the UK and US. For me she really embodied the character of an accelerator, someone who was very conscious of her own development and a drive to keep learning and to be challenged. She wouldn't admit it but all the more impressive to have created and seized these opportunities within a single employer in such a short period of time.

Contact: ncarman@macdonaldandcompany.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickcarman

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In this episode I sit down with Mark Woodrow, Joint Managing Director of Packaged Living. In just two years Packaged Living has 2,000 build to rent homes in the pipeline with a further 1,000 as DM partner and having launched a £100m single family home fund with the support of Fiera Real Estate. Mark’s career began as a civil engineer, project manager, development manager and now company owner. He is an excellent example of that accelerating model, someone who is looking for new opportunities to learn and understand the wider implications of his role and impact. He tells his story with humility and energy about what he and Ed Ellerington have in store for the build to rent market.

Contact: ncarman@macdonaldandcompany.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickcarman

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In this episode I sit down with Sammie Steele, Managing Director of Placemaking and Regeneration for Places for People. Sammie has built a career with DTZ, HCA, Crest Nicholson and now Places for People. Sammie describes her career working in residential development through commercial consultancy, public sector, plc housebuilder and now in the affordable housing sector facing up to private sector competition. She was open and honest and able to share how she made decisions in her career moves. She shares the impact of a change in mindset and self confidence had on accelerating her career unlocking a successful next chapter.

Contact: ncarman@macdonaldandcompany.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickcarman

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Good evening everyone... This is a break from the normal fortnightly episode routine but also a rather exciting one. I am very proud to announce that moving forward the ACCELERATING CAREERS IN REAL ESTATE PODCAST will now be in partnership with the Urban Land Institute (ULI). In this episode I am joined by Lisette van Doorn, ULI Europe CEO, to talk through the partnership and why we make such a great team.

We want everyone to benefit from our combined communities and as such if you wish to find out more about the ULI and its benefits visit: www.uli.org/join remembering to use the promo code ACRE.

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In this episode I sit down with Warwick Hunter, Managing Director for Asset and Development Management for Henley Investments. Warwick shares a fascinating story. A story that includes highlights working for several of the most revered employers beginning as a graduate intake with Drivers Jonas, CO-RE, Great Portland Estates, Qatari Diar and now Henley Investments. Warwick describes the lessons learnt from his project experience including the former US Embassy Gardens in Grosvenor Sq and Chelsea Barracks and woven into this we learn about his own development including his first move to the client, key transitions from manager to director and then managing director. There are some great insights into his attitudes on risk and pushing yourself and finally what is next for this young MD.

The Accelerating Careers Podcast is in Partnership with Urban Land Institute. We want everyone to benefit from our combined communities and as such if you wish to find out more about the ULI and its benefits visit: www.uli.org/join remembering to use the promo code ACRE.

Contact: ncarman@macdonaldandcompany.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickcarman

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Our first guest from Asia and I doubt I could have spoken to a more inspiring and driven individual. Varoon is the CoFounder of Princeton Digital Group a Warbus Pincus backed investor, developer and operator of data centres.

Varoon shares a story that travels from India, London, New York and Singapore. A career which has began in one sector and morphed into another by seizing an opportunity. Finally his entrepreneurial spark led to a whole new chapter. Its unique to our other guests yet touches on similar obstacles and milestones.

Varoon speaks very eloquently about one of the themes of the podcast: being open to new opportunities.

The Accelerating Careers Podcast is in Partnership with Urban Land Institute. We want everyone to benefit from our combined communities and as such if you wish to find out more about the ULI and its benefits visit: www.uli.org/join remembering to use the promo code ACRE.

Contact: ncarman@macdonaldandcompany.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickcarman

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Our first US guest, Nelson talks us through his career up to now when he leads Endeavors Multi-Family programme for more than $2bn.

Nelson shares a story of being born into a real estate family yet someone who has carved out his own path. A path that has stemmed from analytical background leading to entrepreneurial risk taking leaving behind the safety of big names and starting out on a course to be the Principal.

The Accelerating Careers Podcast is in Partnership with Urban Land Institute. We want everyone to benefit from our combined communities and as such if you wish to find out more about the ULI and its benefits visit: www.uli.org/join remembering to use the promo code ACRE.

Contact: ncarman@macdonaldandcompany.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickcarman

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Steven Skinner is the CEO for HB Reavis UK. Hired originally as Acquisition Director for the commercial developer who only landed in London 4 years ago, he was quickly promoted to CEO for the UK at the age of 34. Steven’s earlier career includes some equally time defying promotions within Savills City Investment and BNP City and West End offices. He was a great guest, embodying the attitude of the accelerating career, very honest and humble and not at all sure what all the fuss is about. We do touch on a topic I think is very interesting, what are the consequences of having this hunger for development and what it means for the people around these characters.

The Accelerating Careers Podcast is in Partnership with Urban Land Institute. We want everyone to benefit from our combined communities and as such if you wish to find out more about the ULI and its benefits visit: www.uli.org/join remembering to use the promo code ACRE.

Contact: ncarman@macdonaldandcompany.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickcarman

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This evening I sit down with Jonathan Goldstein, CEO and Co-Founder for Cain International. Jonathan and I discuss his earlier career in law, which includes him rising to managing partner at the age of 32 of ‘Law Firm of the Year’ Olswang. Despite this success in the legal profession he seemingly was not content and starts again in a new industry as he joins Gerald Ronson in his real estate development business Heron, as deputy CEO. I quiz Jonathan on where his drive comes from, what he has learnt and what have been his toughest challenges over the years for his personal development.

The Accelerating Careers Podcast is in Partnership with Urban Land Institute. We want everyone to benefit from our combined communities and as such if you wish to find out more about the ULI and its benefits visit: www.uli.org/join remembering to use the promo code ACRE.

Contact: ncarman@macdonaldandcompany.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickcarman

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In this episode I sit down with Lee Stentiford, Director of Development Management and leader for their Leadenhall Street scheme "Gotham City".

Lee has been continually challenging himself to develop throughout his career from chartered engineer, consultant project manager and now development manager for the worlds 5th largest Real Estate investor. He shares the lessons he learnt from working for consultant, contractor and client and what he still has to learn despite reaching this height in his career.

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4 weeks ago I was honoured to sit down with Mark Castle as all the news was buzzing about him stepping down from Mace Construction as their COO. Mark joined Mace in 2005 to set up Mace’s fixed price construction business. With over 35 years’ experience, Mark has managed UK and USA based organisations. He and Gareth Lewis have built the Mace Construction business to a £1.7bn turnover business from just £100m when Mark started.

He is humble to a fault, incredibly calm and collected over what has to be one of the biggest success stories in our industry. I don't care if you get your hands dirty, wear steel capped boots or not this is a story about looking for how can we do better and a real inspiration to anyones career.

The Accelerating Careers Podcast is in Partnership with Urban Land Institute. We want everyone to benefit from our combined communities and as such if you wish to find out more about the ULI and its benefits visit: www.uli.org/join remembering to use the promo code ACRE.

Contact: ncarman@macdonaldandcompany.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickcarman

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Tom and I sit down to discuss his career within real estate advisory having spent 19 years in commercial real estate and 18 of those years in Asia Pacific, specifically Hong Kong, Mainland China, Taiwan, Macau, Singapore and Thailand. I really wanted to hear from Tom how these new cultures, geographies and challenges had shaped his career. Tom speaks about the need to stay humble and absorb cultures and influences, as a consequence he has garnered a superb reputation. A reputation that ultimately led him to his most recent role leading CBRE’s 1,200 employees in Hong Kong.

The Accelerating Careers Podcast is in Partnership with Urban Land Institute. We want everyone to benefit from our combined communities and as such if you wish to find out more about the ULI and its benefits visit: www.uli.org/join remembering to use the promo code ACRE.

Contact: ncarman@macdonaldandcompany.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickcarman

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This is a really important milestone for me and the podcast. One year since we began to release the episodes of the Accelerating Careers Podcast.

In that time the podcast has grown a global audience and explored the traits of 24 successful careers. I am extremely grateful for our guests sharing their personal career stories but so too for each and every listener.

I will continue to explore these traits and hope to diagnose the building blocks to establishing and maintaining an Accelerating Career in Real Estate.

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In this episode I sit down with Galyna Permyakova, Director of Real Estate Development for Patrizia, Netherlands. Galyna is Ukrainian born, who started her career in international law, transitioning to finance to be a hedge fund manager for the largest dutch pension fund before making her move to real estate establishing the offices of Greystar in Holland and on to Patricia to establish their local development team. Galyna makes light work of these transitions and the extents to which she studied to facilitate these opportunities by completing 5 masters, (2 simultaneously) as she saw this being the best way to open these doors. Its an inspiring story of someone who felt they needed to prove she was better than the local, more convenient candidate. She has accomplished all this alongside being an active member of the ULI and now Chairs their NEXT committee focused on the ages of 35-45. An extracurricular role she is quick to credit to playing a big part in her career development.

Linkedin Group:

https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9054319

Contact details

Ncarman@macdonaldandcompany.com

ULI

The Accelerating Careers Podcast is in Partnership with Urban Land Institute. We want everyone to benefit from our combined communities and as such if you wish to find out more about the ULI and its benefits visit: www.uli.org/join remembering to use the promo code ACRE.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I get to sit down with Nick Cuff, Chief Commercial Officer for Pocket Living. Nick's career began in politics, spending 12 years as an elected councillor including 4 years chairing Wandsworth Planning Commitee during the birth of nine elms development region and approving the Battersea Power Station masterplan.

Nick shares his story including the influence his parents had on his career choices, transition to property and working for two disruptors in the london residential market.

Linkedin Group:

https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9054319

Contact details

Ncarman@macdonaldandcompany.com

ULI

The Accelerating Careers Podcast is in Partnership with the Urban Land Institute. We want everyone to benefit from our combined communities and as such if you wish to find out more about the ULI and its benefits visit: www.uli.org/join remembering to use the promo code ACRE.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this epiosde I am joined by Hala El Akl. Hala is a Director at PLP Architecture and Founding Director of PLP Labs. With over twelve years’ experience, Hala directs teams on commercial, life-science, residential, retail and mixed-use projects across the UK, Europe, the Middle East and Asia. At PLP Labs, she leads teams exploring new ideas for future cities. Hala shares her story of school in Beirut, Paris and London. What it was like being part of PLP in the earliest days through to her finding her voice and carving out a niche to flourish.

Hala is the former chair for the Urban Art Forum, member of the executive commitee for ULI UK and sits on the board of the Cambrige University Land Economy board.

In 2020, she was the first recipient of the ULI European Talent Award 2020.

Linkedin Group:

https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9054319

Contact details

Ncarman@macdonaldandcompany.com

ULI

The Accelerating Careers Podcast is in Partnership with Urban Land Institute. We want everyone to benefit from our combined communities and as such if you wish to find out more about the ULI and its benefits visit: www.uli.org/join remembering to use the promo code ACRE.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I sit down with Will Chambers, Acquisitions Director for Perseus Land, a regional developer and investor focused in the care and later living sector. Will is part of our next generation leaders mini series looking at what building blocks have these individuals put into place followed by the challenges they face in their next chapters of growth.

Will has built a successful career in real estate working with King Sturge, JLL and Barwood Capital. However what he is best known for is a founding member of PropSki, which now 10 years on is a main feature in the real estate networking calendar.

Will shares his career from agent to principal, City to regional and how establishing his own networking series has impacted his career and development.

Linkedin Group:

https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9054319

Contact details

Ncarman@macdonaldandcompany.com

ULI

The Accelerating Careers Podcast is in Partnership with Urban Land Institute. We want everyone to benefit from our combined communities and as such if you wish to find out more about the ULI and its benefits visit: www.uli.org/join remembering to use the promo code ACRE.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I get to sit down with Tom Goodall, Partner and Head of Residential for Argent Related. Tom is responsible for a pipeline of 8,000 homes covering Kings Cross, Tottenham Hale and Brent's Cross Town.

Tom shares his career story starting with the influence of a stranger on his career choices to Chartered Architect, Project Manager to Development Manager. He gives his views on having the space and confidence to aim for excellence.

Linkedin Group:

https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9054319

Contact details

Ncarman@macdonaldandcompany.com

ULI

The Accelerating Careers Podcast is in Partnership with Urban Land Institute. We want everyone to benefit from our combined communities and as such if you wish to find out more about the ULI and its benefits visit: www.uli.org/join remembering to use the promo code ACRE.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I sit down with Matthew Lusty, Construction Director for the historic landmark project: Old War Offices. The scheme is a once in a lifetime, yet for Matthew it is one of a series of mega projects he has led.

Matthew has built a career focused in major projects in London having worked at Stanhope, Battersea Power Station Development Company and now OWO.

He answers questions on how he built the foundations to his career, through to the lessons he has learnt from leading some of the most complex projects seen in London.

Linkedin Group:

https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9054319

Contact details

Ncarman@macdonaldandcompany.com

ULI

The Accelerating Careers Podcast is in Partnership with Urban Land Institute. We want everyone to benefit from our combined communities and as such if you wish to find out more about the ULI and its benefits visit: www.uli.org/join remembering to use the promo code ACRE.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This evening I am sat with Alex Jezeph Senior Property Development Manager for Transport for London, 11 years with JLL within the Planning and Capital Markets divisions. Former Co-Chair of the ULI UK Young leaders committee and Non-Executive director for Bright Blue, an independent think tank and pressure group for liberal conservatism.

Alex shares her career journey as she has continued to test herself with the transition from planner to capital markets to development manager.

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This evening I am sat with Russ Edwards, Head of Residential Product for Lend Lease Europe, Russ has responsibility for a pipeline of 30,000 homes across the UK and Europe. Prior to joining Lendlease Russ was Design Director for Pocket Living, Head of Residential for DRMM and an Architect with Design Engine Architects.

In this episode Russ shares his story starting in architecture, transitioning to the developer and how he aims to be a good client.

Linkedin Group:

https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9054319

Contact details

Ncarman@macdonaldandcompany.com

ULI

The Accelerating Careers Podcast is in Partnership with Urban Land Institute. We want everyone to benefit from our combined communities and as such if you wish to find out more about the ULI and its benefits visit: www.uli.org/join remembering to use the promo code ACRE.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This evening I am sat with Sarah Cary, Executive Director of Place, Enfield Council. Sarah is responsible for a workforce of more than 1500 people in the built environment services for the council. A relative newcomer to the public sector, Sarah shares her experience growing up in Dallas, moving to London, gaining her PhD and building a 10 year career in development with British Land culminating in the role as Head of Sustainability.

Linkedin Group:

https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9054319

Contact details

Ncarman@macdonaldandcompany.com

ULI

The Accelerating Careers Podcast is in Partnership with Urban Land Institute. We want everyone to benefit from our combined communities and as such if you wish to find out more about the ULI and its benefits visit: www.uli.org/join remembering to use the promo code ACRE.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This evening I am sat with Ciara Keeling, CEO for Bruntwood Works the North West and Midlands commercial developer and investor. Ciara has spent her 16 years career with Bruntwood, developing skills in leadership and asset management through chapters featuring the GFC, Northern Power House and recently the pandemic to become the CEO in 2018 for this regional goliath of commercial property. 

Linkedin Group:

https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9054319

Contact details

Ncarman@macdonaldandcompany.com

ULI

The Accelerating Careers Podcast is in Partnership with Urban Land Institute. We want everyone to benefit from our combined communities and as such if you wish to find out more about the ULI and its benefits visit: www.uli.org/join remembering to use the promo code ACRE.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This evening I am joined by Eric Schaffer, CEO for Asia Pacific for Essensys. The leading provider for technology to the flexible office space. Eric’s education begins in the US but he starts his career in China establishing himself in the office capital markets with Colliers, Cushmans and establishing a new business Core Capital before joining WeWork as their Head of APAC Advisory. In 2021 he joins the ranks of the booming PropTech sector with one of the market leaders and as he describes “looking for that next rocket with which to strap himself to”.

Linkedin Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9054319

Contact details Ncarman@macdonaldandcompany.com

ULI

The Accelerating Careers Podcast is in Partnership with Urban Land Institute. We want everyone to benefit from our combined communities and as such if you wish to find out more about the ULI and its benefits visit: www.uli.org/join remembering to use the promo code ACRE.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

So today's episode is a little different, in fact, the next few episodes are going to be a little different. Over the past 12 months since the depths of the pandemic I have noticed with increasing frequency individuals choosing to "go it alone", leave the corporate ladder and start their own company. It got me thinking, how often does this feature in the career playbook? So over the coming few episodes I will be talking to some of the brightest start-ups in real estate and proptech markets and asking their founders what they are doing, why they are doing it, what has been the greatest challenge and what advice might they have for anyone aspiring to do the same.

In today's episode, I am joined by Ed Ellerington of Packaged Living, Ben Orchard-Smith of Hedge RE and Angelica Donati of Donati Immobiliare Group.

Linkedin Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9054319

Contact details Ncarman@macdonaldandcompany.com

ULI

The Accelerating Careers Podcast is in Partnership with Urban Land Institute. We want everyone to benefit from our combined communities and as such if you wish to find out more about the ULI and its benefits visit: www.uli.org/join remembering to use the promo code ACRE.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In part 2 of the mini-series we continue our look into the drives, ambitions and challenges of starting a new company in real estate. In this episode we hear from Riccardo Tessaro, Co-Founder of Gravity Co-Living, Holly Porter, Co-Founder of Urbane London and Justin Shee, Founder of Citizen G.

Linkedin Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9054319

Contact details Ncarman@macdonaldandcompany.com

ULI

The Accelerating Careers Podcast is in Partnership with Urban Land Institute. We want everyone to benefit from our combined communities and as such if you wish to find out more about the ULI and its benefits visit: www.uli.org/join remembering to use the promo code ACRE.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In part 3 of the mini-series we continue our look into the drives, ambitions and challenges of starting a new company in real estate. In this episode, we hear from Peter Hall Co-Founder of Situu, Ieva Dvilinskiene Co-Founder of Flow Space and Hannah Bruce Founder of Dissideo. I ask our guests what drove them to the decision to start up their own company, when did they know they were on the right track, what challenges have they faced and what advice might they have for any other budding entrepreneur in real estate.

Linkedin Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9054319

Contact details Ncarman@macdonaldandcompany.com

ULI

The Accelerating Careers Podcast is in Partnership with Urban Land Institute. We want everyone to benefit from our combined communities and as such if you wish to find out more about the ULI and its benefits visit: www.uli.org/join remembering to use the promo code ACRE.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This marks our fourth and final instalment of our Self-Starters mini-series. Today I am joined by Chris Monkman, founder of Neighbourhood, Camilla Topham, Co-founder of Distrkt and Paul Clark, Co-Founder of Stories.

The series was introduced to look at the options to accelerate your career through starting your own business not developing within someone else’s. However, over the course of the 12 interviews, I have learnt a lot more about the drivers of our entrepreneurs, the challenges they faced and they have been good enough to share with us their advice to anyone aspiring to be a self-starter. 

We will be watching with interest how they shape not only their careers but those of many others I am sure.

Linkedin Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9054319

Contact details Ncarman@macdonaldandcompany.com

ULI

The Accelerating Careers Podcast is in Partnership with Urban Land Institute. We want everyone to benefit from our combined communities and as such if you wish to find out more about the ULI and its benefits visit: www.uli.org/join remembering to use the promo code ACRE.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This evening I am joined by Charlotte Constance, Founder of Conductor. Charlotte and her team focus on bringing science and soul to spaces and places. This means bringing data, insights, marketing and customer experience to bear thereby unlocking the potential of developments. At Conductor, they start every project with the people that will be influenced and affected by the spaces and places they come into contact with, with the purpose of enabling them to thrive, so that economic and social returns can be realised for all stakeholders. From a marketing background Charlotte has developed from a real estate newbie to a main board director for one of the best known residential brands and is now the founder of her own consultancy. Charlotte shares her views on the changing place of data, marketing and brand in the real estate cycle and how that has affected her career. 

Linkedin Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9054319

Contact details Ncarman@macdonaldandcompany.com

ULI

The Accelerating Careers Podcast is in Partnership with Urban Land Institute. We want everyone to benefit from our combined communities and as such if you wish to find out more about the ULI and its benefits visit: www.uli.org/join remembering to use the promo code ACRE.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This evening I get to sit down with Californian native JP Newman, CEO of Thrive FP based in Austin, Texas. JP tells a great story of his career from pre-law at UCLA to being an executive at a children’s toy company to Sony production and producing his own films. But then comes an eventual flip from the creative industries to real estate lending in Austin Texas. He kindly shares the stories and lessons learnt from these career transitions as today he now leads one of the largest lenders and investors in the multi-family sector of Texas.

Linkedin Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9054319

Contact details Ncarman@macdonaldandcompany.com

ULI

The Accelerating Careers Podcast is in Partnership with Urban Land Institute. We want everyone to benefit from our combined communities and as such if you wish to find out more about the ULI and its benefits visit: www.uli.org/join remembering to use the promo code ACRE.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This evening I am sat with David Twohig, Founding Partner of MurrayTwohig. MurrayTwohig is a real estate consultancy business focused on vision, place and execution strategy. They have advised on over 300 million square feet of development globally.

David is no stranger to megaprojects as between the years 2008 to 2017 he was the Chief Development Officer, Head of Design and Placemaking for Battersea Power Station Development Company. David began his career with Treasury Holdings in Dublin before leading them into China and then back to London to begin their work on the power station in 2008. 

Linkedin Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9054319

Contact details Ncarman@macdonaldandcompany.com

ULI

The Accelerating Careers Podcast is in Partnership with Urban Land Institute. We want everyone to benefit from our combined communities and as such if you wish to find out more about the ULI and its benefits visit: www.uli.org/join remembering to use the promo code ACRE.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This evening I am sat with Tom Venner, Managing Director of The Euston Partnership. Responsible for the multi-billion pounds of investment into transformational infrastructure and real estate change at Euston. This was a role he gained after spending 3.5 years as the Commercial Development Director for HS2 responsible for 3.4 million square metre development pipeline around the 8 stations, a property portfolio with a GDV of £5bn along the HS2 routes. Prior to joining HS2 Tom cut his teeth at Land Securities, across both the Retail and London portfolios.

Linkedin Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9054319

Contact details Ncarman@macdonaldandcompany.com

ULI

The Accelerating Careers Podcast is in Partnership with Urban Land Institute. We want everyone to benefit from our combined communities and as such if you wish to find out more about the ULI and its benefits visit: www.uli.org/join remembering to use the promo code ACRE.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Yair has 20+ years' experience in real estate development with a career including some of London's largest projects including Elizabeth House and 22 Bishopsgate.

As former Partner at Lipton Rogers Developments, and Development Director at Chelsfield, Yair has been responsible for delivering £5bn+ of mixed-use projects, from initial concept through planning, to construction and disposal. In this pod he shares his plans for the future as a founder of one of the newest developers managers in London.

He is a mentor at the ULI and Pi-Labs, and lecturer at Oxford and Cambridge universities.  

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This evening I am sat with Simon Harding-Roots, Managing Director of the London Portfolio for The Crown Estate. With 10 million square feet of office, retail, dining, leisure and residential space in London, The Crown Estate is one of the West End’s largest property owners, with a diverse customer base and portfolio currently valued at £7.7 billion. Simon has led a career across global locations with some of the most renowned developers and investors. He shares his stories of leading teams and projects from this multicultural perspective.

Linkedin Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9054319

Contact details Ncarman@macdonaldandcompany.com

ULI

The Accelerating Careers Podcast is in Partnership with Urban Land Institute. We want everyone to benefit from our combined communities and as such if you wish to find out more about the ULI and its benefits visit: www.uli.org/join remembering to use the promo code ACRE.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This evening I sat down with Clare Hebbes, Director of Development at the London Legacy Development Corporation, responsible for the delivery of c2,500 homes.

Clare has over 20 years’ experience working on some of the most significant urban regeneration with several of London’s most prominent developers including Argent and the redevelopment of King’s Cross, Battersea Power Station Development Company and Lend Lease’s Elephant Park. We talk what she has learnt from each of these, how she needed to adapt and how she managed to follow up such great landmark schemes.

Linkedin Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9054319

Contact details Ncarman@macdonaldandcompany.com

ULI

The Accelerating Careers Podcast is in Partnership with Urban Land Institute. We want everyone to benefit from our combined communities and as such if you wish to find out more about the ULI and its benefits visit: www.uli.org/join remembering to use the promo code ACRE.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In episode 50 I take the chance to look back at the last 25 episodes and reflect on how our guests have built "accelerating careers". As well as sharing some of my hopes for how I plan to spend the next 50 episodes.

We all experience the same phases of our career, but why does it feel like some careers go up like a rocket yet others struggle to launch.

Linkedin Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9054319

Contact details Ncarman@macdonaldandcompany.com

ULI

The Accelerating Careers Podcast is in Partnership with Urban Land Institute. We want everyone to benefit from our combined communities and as such if you wish to find out more about the ULI and its benefits visit: www.uli.org/join remembering to use the promo code ACRE.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 51 and I am talking to not one but three guests and I have something very exciting to announce. I will get to fulfil the ambition to record a podcast with a live audience on May 4th. IN today's episode I am talking to three members of the PropSki Committee about its up and coming reunion as well as asking them about their personal career lessons.

I am talking to Laura Shields, Sales Director for Uncommon, Rachel Leigh, Senior Development Manager for Trivallis and Rupert Parker, CEO and Founder of Building Passport.

I will be joining as support act to the Propski reunion on May 4th at Uncommon's Liverpool Street venue, to get your ticket you will need to register here: PropSki Reunion 2022 | Elifar Foundation (enthuse.com)

If you haven't attended a Propski event in the past and are curious to hear more then please go and check out their mission: PROPSKI – Meet, compete & network

Linkedin Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9054319

Contact details Ncarman@macdonaldandcompany.com

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So after two years of me beating the Accelerating Careers drum of three repeating chapters in our careers, patterns I have seen over and over again in more than 1000 interviews I have conducted in real estate, I was really looking forward to putting these to the test with an expert whose experience spans 25 years across all commercial sectors.

Dr Catherine Sandler, founded the Sandler Consulting practice and as one of the first in the industry, led the field of executive coaching. Catherine has taught at leading educational institutions including London Business School where she coached groups between 1992 and 2001. From 2000 she coached at INSEAD’s Global Leadership Centre and was visiting faculty on its flagship programme, Coaching and Consulting for Change.

Dr Catherine shares her experience of Accelerating Careers using real-world examples and best practice to launch or relaunch your career.

Linkedin Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9054319

Contact details Ncarman@macdonaldandcompany.com

For enquiries about Sandler Consulting’s coaching services or the Talented Women’s Impact Programme, please contact our practice manager Beth Thompson on beth.thompson@sandlerconsulting.co.uk

Website is: www.sandlerconsulting.co.uk

LinkedIn page is: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sandler-consulting-ltd/

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In this episode, I am joined by Ian Morrison Co-Founder of Beyond a young and entrepreneurial developer of mixed-use projects. Ian began his career as a QS with EC Harris and has moved his career and reinvented his skills moving through the roles of QS to PM, DM and Director and now Co-Founder. Ian spent 14 years with Grosvenor eventually leading their London development team and a development pipeline of £3bn, followed by leading the international developer Craigewan as CEO before establishing Beyond in 2019. In the episode, you will hear a very modest account from someone who has played a very active role, in their own career, aware when they aren't learning and doing something to return to an accelerating phase of their career.

Linkedin Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9054319

Contact details Ncarman@macdonaldandcompany.com

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In this episode, I get to interview Chris Davies, CEO of Uncommon a flex office provider with 7 buildings owned and operated by Uncommon. Chris is a self-confessed non-conformist in real estate and has led an incredible career over a steep trajectory to running a portfolio of 250k sq/ft worth £350m. Chris shared his thoughts on his own career and answered the questions of our audience on the topics of mentoring, where to find help and how he assesses risks vs opportunities. Oh did I mention we recorded this in front of 150 people strong audience at Uncommon's Liverpool Street largest and newest offering?

Linkedin Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9054319

Contact details Ncarman@macdonaldandcompany.com

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In this episode, I get to sit down with Helen Martin, a seasoned leader in construction and development, who is now MD of the central region of Wates Construction. A former engineer, Helen has built a career on the fundamentals of honesty, direct communication and ultimately not allowing external forces to dictate her path. In the episode, Helen describes her path from engineer to contractor, turned developer and leader of Skanska's development company to returning to contracting in 2021.

Linkedin Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9054319

Contact details Ncarman@macdonaldandcompany.com

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This evening I am sitting with Tom Pocock, Central London MD for Berkeley Group St Edward, Tom has spent 17 out of his 18-year career inside the Berkeley Group beginning as a land graduate to a series of MD designate titles including for West London at just 30 followed by MD of its strategic land business in Central and West London and now MD of Berkeley’s St Edward Central London. I’m always fascinated by those who can create opportunities for themselves in a single business and I’m very much looking forward to hearing how Tom has done this so expertly. 

Linkedin Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9054319

Contact details Ncarman@macdonaldandcompany.com

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This evening I am sat with Cedric Bucher, CEO of Hearthstone Investments a real estate investment manager 100% focused on UK suburban private rented housing or as the US call it Single Family. Cedric is not a real estate native, he was born in Switzerland began his career in Switzerland with Mckinsey and worked within in multi-asset investment and finance for Barclays Wealth and Architas to name just a few. So I am curious how he settled on this last venture leading a business investment business in an asset class he was less than familiar with.

Linkedin Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9054319

Contact details Ncarman@macdonaldandcompany.com

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This evening I am sat with Richard Bourne, Managing Director of Martin’s Property a mixed use £350m private PropCo focused in London and the SE. Richard has established a career in development whether for private family offices or listed plc development companies and shares the highs and the "booms" of his career so far.

To read more of Richard's charity Abling, please go to ablinguk.com

Linkedin Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9054319

Contact details Ncarman@macdonaldandcompany.com

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In this episode, I am sat with John Kenny, Executive Vice President of Operations for RealStar. John has built a career in operational assets, such as flex office space, student accommodation, or most recently, rent.

Realstar’s UK residential portfolio is £1.5bn and over 3,500 apartments across 16 properties of which 11 are operated under its UNCLE brand. It is part of the Real Star Group, a Canadian investment and operator with total assets of $9bn.

John has never stood still and always sought out new challenges to stretch himself and you can see this in the variety of his experience and asset class.

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In this episode, I am joined by Katherine Russell, former Head of Property for John Lewis Partnership and now Head of Build to Rent the retailer's gargantuan efforts to build 10,000 homes across their portfolio. Katherine was described as someone who put the people before the properties and we dug into this mentality and her career from the lows of redundancy to securing her first role on the client side to moving through the traditional ranks of management and having the ambition and confidence to take her employer into unchartered territory.

Linkedin Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9054319

Contact details Ncarman@macdonaldandcompany.com

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This evening I am once more on my globe-trotting travels, looking to test our theory of accelerating careers in new markets. Today I am talking to Uwe Hellendahl, based in Dusseldorf and he is one of the co-founders of COLCAP independent investment boutique and a pioneer in sustainable real estate investments. COLCAP took over the real estate activities of the Duxton Group in Germany in 2019. Uwe shares his career with us filled with unique personalities, opportunities, and pitfalls made all the more enjoyable by being a relative newcomer to real estate with his fresh perspective.

Linkedin Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9054319

Contact details Ncarman@macdonaldandcompany.com

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This evening I am sat with Professor Sadie Morgan OBE, founding director of Stirling Prize-winning architecture practice dRMM, alongside Alex, Philip and latterly joined by Jonas, Judith and Saskia. Sadie’s involved in a number of advisory roles including chairing the Independent Design Panel for High Speed Two, and a series of accolades including but not limited to being the youngest ever president of the Architectural Association, New Londoner of the Year by the NLA in 2017, Female Architectural Leader of the Year at the BD awards and AJ100 Contribution to the Profession. In the New Years' Honours 2020 she was awarded an OBE by the Queen for services to design advocacy in the built environment. That’s quite an intimating resume, but I need not have been worried as Sadie was down to earth and incredibly humble. She shared not only personal stories of loss and illness mixed in with some absolutely hilarious stories of some of the biggest moments in her career.

Linkedin Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9054319

Contact details Ncarman@macdonaldandcompany.com

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This evening I am sat with Alastair Skinner, Managing Director of The Hargreaves Group of Companies. The group holds over 2.5m sqft of commercial property plus 100 homes and is a private investment and development company focused in the south east. Alastair has built a career in asset and investment management often for private businesses and I am very much looking forward to hear how these entrepreneurs have shaped Alastair’s earlier career and outlook on what's in store for him in the future.

Linkedin Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9054319

Contact details Ncarman@macdonaldandcompany.com

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This evening I am sat with Phillippa Prongue, Managing Director of LinkCity UK, responsible for 26 live projects and 4,500 homes. Phillippa was previously COO of an Airspace developer Apex. Earlier in her career, she spent 15 years with Kier Property in their development team and latterly in their corporate development including global M&A dealings. Someone described by one of our sources as "naturally goal-orientated and incredible at bringing people with her on the journey".

Linkedin Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9054319

Contact details Ncarman@macdonaldandcompany.com

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This evening I am joined by Rob Deck, Executive Vice President and Head of Development, Google Development Ventures at Lendlease. Rob is no stranger to major projects, he has 30 years of experience in some of the world's most significant developments. Having led development teams for Athlete's Village for London 2012, Elephant Park London, Darling Harbour Sydney, Bangaroo South Sydney he is now in Silicon Valley leading the development of a new project in partnership with Google.

During our conversation, Rob talks about the importance of building the right teams, how to manage those teams, the benefits of saying yes to new opportunities and how his mindset has changed on key personal topics such as success.

Linkedin Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9054319

Contact details Ncarman@macdonaldandcompany.com

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This evening I am sitting with Luka Vukotic, Development Director at Art Invest Real Estate. Luka is someone who has experienced a meteoric rise in his career and personal development working for several of the biggest and most highly regarded institutions in the UK market: Arup, Lend Lease, Argent before joining German powerhouse Art-Invest on their first foray into London major projects.  If you aren’t immediately familiar with ART-Invest, they recently completed one of the largest and fastest planning permissions of 2022 the 1.5m sq/ft development at Canada Water. 

Luka tells his career story from the perspective of an ambitious engineer who thrives on the detail and curiosity of why development happens in the way it does.

Linkedin Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9054319

Contact details Ncarman@macdonaldandcompany.com

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So over the course of the next three episodes, I have handed over hosting responsibilities to the newest generation of real estate professionals. They will be interviewing each other on what first got them attracted to the industry, what value have they to offer, what they need from their managers and leaders, what's been their brightest and darkest days so far and what they predict is in store for their careers in the future.

In this episode we hear from Lawrence Owho, Graduate Development Manager with Lend Lease and Kemika Duncan, Chartered Surveyor with Cushman & Wakefield.

Linkedin Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9054319

Contact details Ncarman@macdonaldandcompany.com

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So over the course of the next three episodes, I have handed over hosting responsibilities to the newest generation of real estate professionals. They will be interviewing each other on what first got them attracted to the industry, what value they have to offer, what they need from their managers and leaders, what's been their brightest and darkest days so far and what they predict is in store for their careers in the future.

In this episode, we hear from Rebecca Ogunmodede from Clarion Housing, Max Andrews from Avison Young and Peter Joaki from Arcadis.

Linkedin Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9054319

Contact details Ncarman@macdonaldandcompany.com

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So our third and final instalment of our mini-series focused on Reverse Mentoring, I have handed over hosting responsibilities to the newest generation of real estate professionals. They will be interviewing each other on what first got them attracted to the industry, what value they have to offer, what they need from their managers and leaders, what's been their brightest and darkest days so far and what they predict is in store for their careers in the future.

In this episode, we hear from Rachael Currie at Avison Young, Hebe Mottershead Davies at Arcadis, Fola Olaleye at Future Cities Catapult and Melissa Love at LocatED.

Linkedin Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9054319

Contact details Ncarman@macdonaldandcompany.com

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This evening I am joined by James Sheppard, Managing Director UK&I for Kadans Science Partners. Kadans is a dutch based life science real estate developer, owned by AXA since Dec 2020. Now I’m very much looking forward to this discussion for two reasons, first: life sciences has been at the forefront of the real estate psyche since the pandemic and seen a huge explosion of new and existing real estate players in the UK launching life science real estate solutions BUT second James is one of my favourite types of guests to have on the show – he is not a real estate native but someone who has chosen a career in real estate later in life.

Linkedin Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9054319

Contact details Ncarman@macdonaldandcompany.com

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This evening I am sitting with Chris Mcdermott, CEO of VERB a new brand in commercial development. The latest addition to their highly-successful portfolio of sister companies owned by Cathexis Holdings. VERB was born out of the principle of investment in emerging and high-growth sectors, focusing on hi-tech assets and making a meaningful contribution to de-carbonising the real estate sector. Chris tells the story of a very ambitious driven individual who has won the support of a substantial backer to achieve what many only dreams of, establishing a disruptor to the real estate sector.

Linkedin Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9054319

Contact details Ncarman@macdonaldandcompany.com

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This evening I wrap up our mini-series of hearing from three leaders in the UK life sciences sector. I am sat with Jenny Gardner, newly appointed Director of Development and Construction for Brookfields life science business ARC. ARC’s portfolio consists of 1.6 million square feet of existing assets and 7 million square feet of development potential across the U.K.’s Golden Triangle and includes Harwell Science and Innovation Campus – a joint venture with the UK Government, alongside wholly owned sites – ARC Oxford, ARC Uxbridge, and ARC West London.

Jenny joined from JLL where she was responsible for life sciences project delivery in London but she hails from the US working with the likes of Unibail and Alexandria Real Estate Equities. She shares a story of a medical student, turned real estate professional, working for the global leader in life science real estate on the West Coast of the US before a junction in her career and life creates an opportunity to bring her significant life science experience to the fledging UK market.

Linkedin Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9054319

Contact details Ncarman@macdonaldandcompany.com

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This evening I am sat with Giles Pendleton, Executive Director of Development for what has in recent times been the most talked about development in the world. A scheme which is intended to accommodate 9 million people, 170 km long, 500m tall but just 200m wide. It is of course The Line, part of the wider NEOM Masterplan in Saudia Arabia. Giles is no stranger to mega projects so I am very excited to hear what he has learnt about himself and the tools necessary to succeed when the stakes are so large. 

We talk about a career not held back by geographic boundaries, major projects and the importance of mentors.

Linkedin Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9054319

Contact details Ncarman@macdonaldandcompany.com

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This evening I am sitting with Chris Hunt, Co-Founder of V7. For anyone not familiar, V7 is a commercial property development company specialising in value add projects across the UK. Working solely in the workspace sector. They work with a small number of investors as an operating partner, delivering full investment, asset and development management services. Chris tells a very inspiring story with candour and self-deprecating humour. He shares stories of the power of planning and staying the course of your plans as well as the importance of professional relationships.

No matter if you are a budding entrepreneur or intrapreneur you will benefit from the stories and lessons Chris has to share.

Linkedin Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9054319

Contact details Ncarman@macdonaldandcompany.com

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This evening I am sat with David Ainsworth, Executive Chairman of CO-RE London, best known for its focus on high-quality commercial development. Developers for the former ITV studios on the South Bank, Landsdowne House Berkeley Sq and 20 Ropemaker Place. David was one of three founding partners for CO-RE which stands for City Office Real Estate.

In our discussion, David opens up about the earliest parts of his career, including feeling out of sorts in the agency world, feeling much more at home in the development space as well as his thoughts on the traits of a great developer. David, a former President of the City Property Association, a renowned pillar of commercial development in London YET confesses to still having occasional imposter syndrome as the young lad from the NE.

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This evening I am sat with Lisa Gledhill, Managing Director of Development for Eco World London. Lisa has a career spanning 25 years in development and project management in London and Singapore. Lisa oversees EcoWorld London’s existing portfolio. This includes the developer’s 600m Build to Rent development at Kew Bridge and its partnership with Poplar HARCA on the 20-year-long transformation of Aberfeldy Village, East London.

Lisa shares her experiences and thoughts from when she first started out through to the impression she now hopes to leave on colleagues and teams.

Linkedin Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9054319

Contact details Ncarman@macdonaldandcompany.com

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This evening I am sat with Sascha Lewin, CEO of W.RE a London-based commercial developer and retrofit enthusiast. With over 20 years of commercial real estate experience Sascha founded W.RE in 2013 with a clear focus on value added investment opportunities. Prior to establishing W.RE Sascha was a partner at Stenham Property. In this real estate PE fund, he managed value-added strategies with a volume in excess of £1.5bn across Germany, USA, Switzerland and the UK.

Sascha tells a great story of a non-real estate native; how the entrepreneur flames were lit and how he measures success for the future business.

I talk at the head of the episode about how I am looking to build an advisory council for our podcast, if you would like to hear more please get in touch with me on LinkedIn or using my email: ncarman@macdonaldandcompany.com

Linkedin Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9054319

Contact details Ncarman@macdonaldandcompany.com

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So welcome back to another episode of the ACRE podcast, I am your host Nick Carman but I am joined by not one but 6 guests today for something a little different. It is our 80th Episode!

I've worked hard so far on trying to make the most of the platform you the listeners have given me, I've tried to think who and what you want to listen to and how I can share the stories of many of the leaders of the development and investment worlds. BUT inevitably there is a limit to how far I can go on my own – so I asked for some help and these guys answered my cry.

I want to introduce you to the founding members of the early careers advisory council for the podcast. These guys will be my north star for the pod and hold me accountable to our pillars to broaden the podcast's reach and be more inspirational and educational.

So welcome:

Hebe Mottershead-Davies

Peter Joaki

Lawrence Owho

Rebecca Ogunmodede

Catalina Chivite Iturrioz

Oliver Hardwick 

If you want to be more involved, or as we discussed ask questions to our future guests please send in your voice notes using whatsapp to 07863-155-400

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This evening I sat with Paul Lloyd, CEO of the largest 3rd party loan servicer in Europe, Mount Street Group. Paul has a 30-year career in servicing of European debt products. In 1997, Paul launched Morgan Stanley Mortgage Servicing, then Europe’s first CMBS servicer. During the years that past he ran similar departments for Deutsche Bank’s and CBRE. In 2013, together with Ravi Joseph, Paul founded Mount Street, and has been Global Head of Financial & Business Services since inception prior to becoming CEO of Mount Street Group.

In this episode, Paul shares how he began a career in banking, and how he established himself in some of the largest investment banks in the industry. Before setting up his own company and acquiring his former department from one of these major institutions coming full circle.

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Sowgol Zarinchang is the Managing Director of Way of Life, a third-party management platform for the build-to-rent sector, part of the Long Harbour Group. Prior to joining Long Harbour, Sowgol was the Director of Serviced Apartments at JLL where she oversaw operational activities and advised both residential and serviced apartment operators. 

Sowgol shares her story with the golden thread of the importance of the customer journey. As well as her attitude to taking on new responsibilities and seizing opportunities that others would shy away from.

DO YOU WANT TO BE MORE INVOLVED? Please send voice note questions for our future guests to 07863155400

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Contact details Ncarman@macdonaldandcompany.com

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Now today I get to interview one of my favourite types of guests, those who have discovered real estate later in life. Darren Gardner less than 10 years ago was an executive for Carphone Warehouse and today he is CEO of Nido a management and operator of Student Accommodation with over 7000 beds across Europe. 

Darren shares his personal story from life in Africa, getting settled in the UK, rising through the ranks of one of the best-known names on the high street to pivoting and conquering another industry. he shares his thoughts on leadership and transferable skills in a wide-ranging interview.

DO YOU WANT TO BE MORE INVOLVED? Please send voice note questions for our future guests to 07863155400

Linkedin Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9054319

Linkedin Follow: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/98173068

Contact details Ncarman@macdonaldandcompany.com

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This evening I am joined by Sunil Gomes, Senior Vice President and leader for Giga Projects in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, former CEO of Dubai’s Gemini Properties and Chief Development Officer for Nakheel’s Palm Jumeriah. 

Sunil Gomes, a prominent figure in the real estate industry, engages in an illuminating discussion with host Nick Carman. Gomes' exceptional journey unfolds as he shares his experiences from around the world.

Gomes emphasizes the significance of cultural nuances when doing business internationally, particularly in regions like the Middle East. He delves into his time in Dubai during the transformative era under Sheikh Mohammed's leadership. Gomes' pivotal role in monumental projects like Palm Jumeirah showcases his adaptability and strategic acumen.

The conversation delves into Gomes' role as a leader. He offers insights on effective leadership, stressing the importance of respect, logical argumentation, and the avoidance of anger in professional interactions. Gomes also reflects on the evolving drivers of his career, which has shifted from personal growth and challenges to a focus on imparting knowledge and planning for retirement.

The narrative takes a turn toward Gomes' recent journey in Saudi Arabia. He highlights the incredible transformation taking place in the country and the privilege of being part of such a momentous shift.

The episode concludes with a thought-provoking listener question about traits that good leaders should avoid. Gomes emphasizes the significance of maintaining respect, avoiding anger, and presenting coherent arguments, crucial elements in effective leadership.

Sunil Gomes' remarkable journey from a humble beginning to a pivotal figure in the real estate industry serves as an inspiring testament to the power of embracing diverse experiences, cultural understanding, and unwavering leadership principles.

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This evening, I am joined by Geoff Willetts, Chief Operating Officer, Europe at Lendlease.

Geoff has had a career seemingly strapped to a rocket that has intertwined several industries not just property and construction, but unique to this podcast Geoff is NOT the person getting the building designed, built or occupied he has had a very different role which I will let him explain….

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Please keep your questions and voicenotes coming. It is best to contact me on LinkedIn.

Key takeaways

In this insightful podcast transcript featuring Geoff Willetts, COO of Lend Lease Europe, and hosted by Nick Carman, several key takeaways emerge:

1. Adaptability and Seizing Opportunities: Geoff's journey from New Zealand to the UK underscores the importance of adaptability and seizing opportunities that come your way, even when initially fighting for recognition.
2. Core Skill Set and Competency: In the early stages of his career, Geoff focused on developing a core skill set and demonstrating his competency in that area. This approach helped him gain recognition within his organization.
3. Networking and Cross-Industry Connections: Networking, even across industries, played a pivotal role in Geoff's career growth. Building connections with the right people can open doors to new opportunities.
4. Resilience and Strategic Thinking: Geoff's story highlights the power of resilience and strategic thinking in navigating challenging situations and accelerating a successful career in real estate.
5. Diverse Experiences: Geoff's career spanned various industries and roles, including strategy, M&A, commercial, and leadership positions. Embracing diverse experiences contributed to his growth and adaptability.
6. Consider Options Thoroughly: When facing career or business decisions, Geoff recommends considering various options thoroughly and understanding the implications of each. Write down clear bullet points to help make informed choices.
7. Effective Communication: Tailor your communication to your audience's needs. Sometimes, simplifying complex information can be more effective in conveying recommendations.
8. Learn from All Experiences: Regardless of whether a decision turns out differently, focus on learning from the experiences and making the most of the decisions you've made. Geoff's journey demonstrates the value of adaptability, strategic thinking, networking, and continuous learning in accelerating a successful career in real estate or any field.

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This evening, I am joined by Patrick Flaton Managing Partner for Avignon Capital, a real estate investment and asset management firm creating and driving opportunities in the European real estate market.

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In the world of real estate, Patrick Flaton, Managing Partner of Avignon Capital, shares invaluable wisdom gleaned from his journey. His top 5 takeaways offer a roadmap to success:

1. Early Passion: Early exposure to the industry can ignite a lifelong passion. Flaton's roots in his father's building company shaped his career from the start.

2. Networking Power: Networking and mentorship are non-negotiable. Building relationships and finding mentors can be your secret weapon.

3. Tech Revolution: Embrace PropTech and data analytics. Stay ahead by leveraging technology and data for informed decisions.

4. Market Savvy: Understand market cycles. Knowing when to act is key in real estate investment.

5. Lifelong Learning: Adaptation is crucial. Always seek new knowledge, be open to change, and surround yourself with the right team.

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This evening I am joined by Tomáš Jurdák, Managing Partner at MiddleCap, a private equity firm that focuses on value-added investments in Europe and the US. Prior to Tomas joining MiddleCap he was the CEO of HB Reavis the noisy upstart to shake up the oligarch in London commercial development.

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 highlights include:

1. **Transition and Exploration:** Tomas Jurdak's career journey began as a trained architect in London. Dissatisfied with the limitations of architectural freedom, he embarked on a period of self-discovery and travelled the world, eventually venturing into entrepreneurship by establishing and managing hostels.

2. **Entrepreneurial Spirit:** Jurdak's entrepreneurial venture with hostels highlighted the importance of freedom and emotion in decision-making. He faced financial challenges and learned valuable lessons about hard work and perseverance, shaping his understanding of business.

3. **Shift to Real Estate Development:** Realizing his passion for creating environments and communities, Jurdak transitioned into real estate development. He learned that successful development projects require meticulous planning, financial analysis, and collaboration among various professionals.

4. **Adaptability and Learning:** Despite initial challenges, Jurdak adapted to the demands of the real estate industry, showcasing his ability to work hard and continuously learn. He emphasized the importance of curiosity, willingness to learn, and the ability to work diligently to achieve goals.

5. **Global Expansion and Challenges:** Jurdak's entry into the UK market marked a significant shift. Overcoming initial scepticism, he stressed the importance of empathy, respect for local practices, transparency, and building trust when entering new markets.

6. **Strategic Decision-Making:** Jurdak's career trajectory showcased a transition from emotional decision-making in entrepreneurship to strategic, long-term planning in real estate development. He emphasized the need for structured processes and a deep understanding of all aspects involved in large-scale projects.

7. **Recognizing Limits and Moving Forward:** Jurdak highlighted the importance of recognizing when progress slows down and making difficult decisions to move forward. This adaptability and strategic decision-making are crucial for navigating challenges and ensuring sustained growth in the real estate industry.

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This evening, I am joined by Emma Cariaga, from British Land she jointly leads the development of Canada Water, a 53 acre development project in Central London. And has been a member of the Executive Committee since 2019. Previously working for LandSec, Crest Nicholson and Barratt

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Emma Cariaga's journey in the real estate and property development industry is indeed impressive. She highlights several key points and lessons that can be valuable for anyone looking to enhance their self-awareness and succeed in their career:

1.   Set Goals and Hold Yourself Accountable: Regularly reflecting on your goals and writing them down can be an effective way to hold yourself accountable. Even if nobody else sees your goals, it can help you track your progress and stay focused on your objectives.

2.   Embrace Challenges: Emma mentions that she loves a challenge, and she acknowledges the importance of facing and overcoming them. Challenging situations often present opportunities for growth and development.

3.   Continuous Learning: Emma's ability to adapt and succeed in various roles within the industry demonstrates the importance of continuous learning. Being open to new experiences and learning from them is crucial for personal and professional growth.

4.   Build a Diverse Team: Emma emphasizes the significance of having a diverse team. Different perspectives and viewpoints can lead to more creative problem-solving and a well-rounded approach to projects.

5.   Communication Skills: Emma's identified superpower is her communication skills. Effective communication is essential in any role, as it allows you to convey your ideas, build relationships, and lead teams effectively.

6.   Be Explicit in Your Expectations: When working with others, it's crucial to communicate your expectations clearly. Don't assume that people will understand your intentions without explicit communication.

7.   Find Complementary Collaborators: Recognize your strengths and weaknesses, and seek out collaborators who complement your skill set. Working with others who have skills or knowledge that you lack can lead to more well-rounded and successful outcomes.

8.   Maintain Momentum: Particularly in large-scale projects, it's essential to maintain momentum and not lose sight of the project's goals. Avoid lengthy delays that can diminish a project's impact.

9.   Stay Open-Minded: As circumstances and the world evolve, it's important to stay open-minded and adapt your approach to changing conditions. Be willing to reconsider and adjust your strategies when necessary.

Emma Cariaga's insights can serve as inspiration and guidance for individuals seeking to progress in their careers and navigate complex, long-term projects in the real estate and development sector. Whether you're an aspiring professional or already working in the field, these lessons can help you thrive in your chosen career path.

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This evening, I am joined by Paul Clark, Head of European Property for AustralianSuper. AustralianSuper manages £125bn of assets under management, and has made prolific investments in the UK development including Related Argent’s Kings Cross and British Land’s Canada Water. Prior to joining AustralianSuper Paul was the Chief Investment Officer for The Crown Estate and held the reins for the 8.5bn portfolio of the Church Commissioners.    

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Please keep your questions and voicenotes coming. It is best to contact me on LinkedIn

These takeaways reflect the key themes and insights shared by Paul Clark in the podcast, offering valuable lessons for leadership and success in the real estate sector and beyond:

1.   Purpose and Values-Driven Leadership: Paul emphasises the importance of working in organisations that have a clear sense of purpose and are values-led. It's essential to align your personal values with the values of the organization you work for.

2.   Team Management: Leadership involves being authentic, showing interest in people, and building trust. Maintain transparency, accountability, and encourage an open and honest environment within your team.

3.   Business Focus: When leading a team or organisation, it's crucial to maintain clarity in your strategy and purpose. This helps in decision-making, goal setting, and creating a cohesive vision for the team.

4.   Focus on Excellence: In real estate and business in general, focus on doing a few things exceptionally well. Specialisation and in-depth expertise in specific sectors or geographies can provide a competitive advantage.

5.   Cultural Alignment: When engaging in joint ventures or partnerships, cultural alignment between organisations is a critical factor for success. Ensuring that both parties have a similar long-term perspective and values can lead to productive collaborations.

6.   Consistency and Honesty: Leaders should be consistent in their messaging and actions. Honesty and clarity are essential, and it's crucial to say what you genuinely believe while being respectful in communication.

7.   Adaptation and Continual Learning: Throughout Paul's career, he highlighted the importance of adaptation and learning. When taking on new roles or challenges, be open to learning and evolving to meet new demands and environments.

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This evening, I am joined by Emma Osmundsen, CEO of Sixty Bricks. Emma was appointed as its Chief Executive in January 2023, having joined Sixty Bricks from Exeter City Living. Raised in Wales with Norwegian roots, Emma has more than 25 years in the construction industry and is one of the leading global voices in the development and delivery of low-energy, healthy and climate resilient homes and buildings.

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

Emma's journey underscores the significance of perseverance, finding purpose, and prioritizing the impact of one's work on communities while facing personal and professional challenges.

1.   Passion for Innovation: Emma's drive and energy fueled her ambition to push boundaries, delivering groundbreaking projects like the world's first Passive House, Climate Ready, Building Biology Compliant Leisure Centre.

2.   Challenges as a Pioneer: As a disruptor in her field, Emma faced resistance and discomfort from those not aligned with her vision. Achieving recognition and success sometimes led to jealousy and insecurities among peers.

3.   Transitioning to New Challenges: Despite her significant achievements in Exeter, Emma felt the need for a change. She sought a new challenge and ultimately joined Sixty Bricks, driven by the desire for a fresh start and new ambitions.

4.   Ambitions in New Role: Emma aims to scale up innovative housing solutions, making them accessible and equitable across social and private housing sectors. Her goal is to demonstrate that building better homes is feasible and financially viable.

5.   Navigating Public Sector Challenges: Running a local authority development company presents hurdles like bureaucratic processes, differing risk appetites, and aligning shareholder ambitions. Emma believes these companies are part of the solution to housing crises but require better understanding and alignment with the public sector.

6.   Finding Purpose and Resilience: Emma emphasizes the importance of discovering one's purpose. Her personal battle with cancer reinforced her belief that being in a supportive environment allows individuals to navigate challenges, contributing positively to the workplace.

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This evening, I am joined by David Kosky, Co-Founder of Co-Working business Work.Life. Co-Founders David and Elliot started Work.Life in 2015 because they believe everyone should feel happy in their work lives. Now, Work.Life is made up of 15 coworking spaces with 19 projected by the end of the year, and over 6,000 members.

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.

During the conversation, David delivered key insight into several topics including:

1.   Evolution of Coworking Spaces: He discussed how the concept of coworking spaces has evolved over the years, from being a tough market to a more institutionalized and accepted asset class. The sector has seen significant growth and investment from big landlords and institutional money.

2.   Trusting Instincts: David emphasised the importance of trusting one's instincts, especially when faced with scepticism from others. Despite warnings and doubts from experienced individuals in the real estate industry, he and his co-founder, Elliot, trusted their instincts and pursued their vision.

3.   Complimentary Skill Sets: David highlighted the importance of having a co-founder with complementary skills. His focus was more on business development and growth, while Elliot excelled in detail orientation, team-building, and management.

4.   Challenges in Running a Business: David acknowledged the challenges of running one's own business, from starting small and doing everything themselves to scaling up and building a team. He mentioned that persistence, positivity, and creative problem-solving are crucial in navigating the ups and downs of entrepreneurship.

5.   WeWork's Impact on the Industry: David recognized WeWork's significant impact on pushing the coworking industry forward but also highlighted the challenges WeWork faced due to rapid expansion and shaky real estate foundations. Despite WeWork's issues, David expressed confidence in the long-term trajectory of the coworking sector beyond WeWork's influence.

6.   Dealing with Setbacks: When asked about recovering from setbacks, David emphasized the importance of not taking setbacks personally, compartmentalizing work from personal life, and focusing on problem-solving and learning from mistakes.

7.   Encouragement for Entrepreneurs: David encouraged individuals interested in entrepreneurship, particularly in the real estate sector, highlighting the opportunities for innovation and disruption in this market.

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This evening, I am joined by Matt Walker, CEO for Student Housing UK Portfolio on behalf of Singaporean Global Asset Manager Mapletree. Matt originally from Oklahoma, has risen through the ranks of residential operations in the States, South America and the UK. And we catch him as he is just settling in to his most recent role and employer. 

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.

Matt Walker discusses his career journey, starting from his early years in Oklahoma to his current role as the CEO of Student Accommodation with Mapletree. Emphasises taking less travelled paths, stepping away from safety and security, and betting on oneself at key milestones in his career.

Career Path & Decision-Making

·        Highlights the importance of leaving an organization respectfully, avoiding burning bridges, and maintaining relationships.

·        Talks about taking risks and the confidence derived from knowing that learned skills can be applied elsewhere if things go wrong.

·        Emphasizes the significance of having a backup plan, staying grounded, and considering the worst-case scenario in career decisions.

Strengths & Strategic Thinking

·        Discusses feedback received about his strengths, particularly focusing on relentless drive, strategic thinking, and remaining calm under pressure.

·        Stresses that there wasn't a master plan but an acceptance of ambiguity and opportunities that led to growth.

·        Shares insights about seizing opportunities in the moment and having a flexible, strategic approach to career choices.

Current Role & Change

·        Talks about joining Maple Tree, a Singapore-based organization, and becoming the CEO of their global student housing business, expanding into multiple continents.

Task Management & Focus

·        Reflects on feedback about being extremely driven, focused, and efficient in completing tasks without procrastination.

·        Discusses personality traits inherited from family and learning to be efficient while balancing tactical and strategic work.

·        Emphasizes the importance of decision-making speed and avoiding getting bogged down by tactical details in a fast-paced industry.

Creating Work-Life Balance

·        Acknowledges past challenges in achieving work-life balance but shares learned strategies.

·        Encourages accepting personal growth, setting clear boundaries, and finding ways to disconnect from work after hours.

·        Advises creating psychological comfort with being offline and employing practical tricks to separate work and personal life.

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This evening, I am joined by not one but two guests: Matthew Neal and Richard Servidei founders of Alternative Real Estate Advisors (AREA). A leading independent firm of commercial real estate advisors specialising in the alternative property sectors.

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 from the combined conversation between Nick Carman, Matthew Neal, and Richard Servidei:

1.    Origins of Entrepreneurship: Matthew Neal was content working for a salary until Richard pitched the idea of working together. Richard, on the other hand, developed a passion for entrepreneurship in his mid-thirties when he realized his love for his job and the desire to create a business that implemented positive practices.

2.    Founding AREA: AREA was conceived when Richard seized the opportunity at a mutual friend's wedding to pitch the idea to Matthew's wife about their partnership potential. Matthew was attracted to the prospect of providing more nuanced, bespoke advice rather than just standard market data.

3.    Realities of Entrepreneurship: Running AREA proved to be challenging and demanded versatility. They faced unexpected tasks like HR, finance, and even menial tasks like fetching milk for the office. They found themselves wearing multiple hats and learned to navigate the uncertainties that come with running a business.

4.    Emphasis on People and Culture: The founders emphasized the importance of their team and nurturing a positive workplace culture. They believed that a thriving team translates to a successful business. They fostered an environment where people wanted to come into the office, focusing on collective success rather than treating employees as cogs in a machine.

5.    Challenges and Future Outlook: AREA has established itself as a provider of high-quality advice but aims to expand its expertise across various alternative sectors. They seek to become known as the best across all alternative sector workstreams. Richard looks forward to the opportunities that will arise and sees value in being adaptable to new ideas that push the business forward.

6.    Continuous Evolution: Both founders embrace the unknown and anticipate that challenges will arise. They value the ability to adapt and evolve, believing that each challenge brings new opportunities for growth and development.

7.    Success in Independence: The journey of two individuals who had the idea of entrepreneurship and transformed it into a successful venture intrigued the audience, highlighting the significance of individual initiatives and success stories.

Overall, the conversation showcased the challenges, triumphs, and ongoing aspirations of the founders in creating and developing AREA, emphasizing adaptability, teamwork, and a forward-thinking approach to succeed in the world of entrepreneurship. 

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This evening, I am joined by Nick Hayes, Co-Founder and MD of RG Real Estate. Nick joins RG a main contractor with an established track record as construction partner to the living sector, but who now wish to be both developer and delivery partner. Prior to joining RG group Nick led the development, investment and asset management of the Unite portfolio as their Property Director, a portfolio, home for 70,000 students in the UK.

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.

Our conversations covers:

1.   Seize Opportunities Early: Don't wait for complete readiness before pursuing career advancement. Embrace challenges and new roles to grow and evolve professionally.

2.   Cultivate Strong Relationships: Building trust and strong relationships with the right people and organizations is crucial for mutual benefit and long-term success in business.

3.   Prioritize Personal Satisfaction: Find work that energizes and interests you. Happiness and fulfillment in your career significantly impact performance and overall life satisfaction.

4.   Embrace Agility in Business: Consider the potential for growth and innovation in smaller, agile businesses versus larger corporations. Smaller companies can capitalize on opportunities and adapt more swiftly in certain sectors.

5.   Real Estate Sector Opportunities: Despite challenges in the real estate sector, particularly for large corporations, there is potential for tremendous growth, especially in smaller, more adaptable companies. The future might involve significant changes and M&A activities.

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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.

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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.

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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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.

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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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.

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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/1

Mark 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..."

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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!

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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/2

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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.

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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-C7bg

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-3-morwenna-hall/id1506496352?i=1000477400501

If you enjoyed this ESPRESSO episode please:

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This evening, I am joined by Geeta Nanda OBE, CEO of Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing. Geeta is the former Chair of the G15 and during her 16 year stewardship of the UK’s 6th largest housing association her accomplishments included the merger of Metropolitan and Thames Valley Housing, she oversaw the launch and sale of the lauded build-to-rent provider Fizzy Living, sits on a series of boards including Redrow preceding their merger with Barratt and navigated a 2,000 person strong business, with 60,000 homes through the numerous economic, political and financial crisis over the last two decades.

Geeta Nanda, OBE, talks about her dynamic career trajectory - from her initial foray into real estate to becoming a chief executive who steered major housing initiatives. The conversation reveals challenges faced, milestones achieved, and Geeta’s philosophy on leadership, innovation, and making impactful decisions.

00:02 Introduction to Accelerating Careers in Real Estate

00:59 The Formative Years: Gita Nader's Journey Begins

03:33 Stepping Stones into Real Estate

06:29 First Challenges and Balancing Act

09:37 Rising Through the Ranks: Leadership and Learning

18:25 Innovating in Housing: The Fizzy Living Success Story

22:53 Leadership Philosophy: Building Teams and Vision

26:02 The Merger of Metropolitan and Thames Valley

33:53 Reflecting on a Pioneering Career and What's Next

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