Accelerating Careers in Real Estate – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode of 'Accelerating Careers in Real Estate,' I sit down with John Forrester, the Chair of Innovo Real Estate Development and former group CEO of Cushman & Wakefield, once described as a fire axe placed behind the emergency glass. John shares his humble beginnings, initially wanting to become a vet but ultimately finding his way into real estate after working as an estate agent. He candidly discusses his meteoric career trajectory, pivotal moments, and the importance of learning from failures. With a career spanning over three decades, John also delves into the challenges and successes of managing and merging major real estate firms through turbulent times. As he transitions to his current role focusing on real estate development, John reflects on the lessons learned and his drive to continue making an impact in the industry.

00:00 Introduction and Proudest Achievement

01:10 Early Career Beginnings

03:00 Rising Through the Ranks

03:54 Key Lessons and Turning Points

05:44 Leadership and Team Dynamics

09:01 Navigating Challenges and Growth

10:44 Becoming CEO and Facing Bankruptcy

19:42 Decisions and Loyalty

24:49 Harnessing Fearlessness for Team Success

25:03 Navigating Tough Times as a CEO

25:46 The UGL Acquisition and Strategic Growth

25:54 The Role of Management in Successful Acquisitions

27:17 UGL's Strategic Shift and Financial Challenges

28:31 The Sale to Private Equity and Global Expansion

32:04 Lessons from Past Acquisitions

35:42 Leadership and Personal Growth

41:57 Reflecting on Career Achievements and Challenges

44:52 Future Endeavors and Personal Goals

47:41 Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks

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Jan Trbizan: From Ljubljana to London's Super Prime Real Estate

In this episode, I recap my conversation with Jan Trbizan from 2020. At the time, Jan was the Technical and Design Director for Northacre, a brand synonymous with London's super prime properties. Jan's journey began in Ljubljana, Slovenia, with aspirations of becoming a surgeon before pivoting to architecture. He navigated through the tight-knit professional circles of Slovenia and made a bold move to London in 2009 amidst a hiring freeze due to recession. Through perseverance, including sending nearly 1000 CVs and making direct appeals to firms, he landed a role at Squire and Partners, where he built a successful career. Jan discusses the differences between working as a consultant versus client-side, emphasizing the broader perspective and appreciation he gained for the complexity of real estate projects. This episode highlights Jan's determination, adaptability, and growth as an architect and developer in the real estate industry.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:19 Jan Trbizan's Early Career in Slovenia

01:19 Challenges in the Slovenian Professional Scene

02:04 Breaking into the London Architecture Scene

02:22 The Struggle to Find a Job in 2009

03:03 A Creative Approach to Job Hunting

04:39 Landing the Job at Squire and Partners

06:36 Transition to Northacre and Client-Side Insights

07:18 The Broader Perspective of Architecture

08:51 Conclusion and Podcast Outro

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In this episode, Nick Carman is joined by Derek Williams, Managing Director for Investor Relations at the Valesco Group. He has raised and deployed (either as a principal or advisor) circa $8 billion of capital over his career to date, which has been invested across real estate and private market strategies in Europe, the US and Asia-Pacific. Derek shares his journey from his early days in research to his senior roles in investment management with companies like Landsec, Global Student Accommodation, and Rothschild, leading up to his current position at Valesco Group. The conversation covers his career milestones, the challenges he faced, his leadership philosophy, and his continuous quest for learning and growth.

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Key Points:

• Introduction to Derek Williams (00:00:00)
• Nick introduces Derek Williams and provides an overview of his career.
• Early Career and Interest in Real Estate (00:00:32)
• Derek discusses his initial interest in the real estate market during his school days in the 1980s.
• Learning from Mentors (00:03:16)
• Derek reflects on the values and professionalism he learned from his early mentors.
• Transition to Investment Management (00:04:16)
• Derek explains his move to investment management and his decision to pursue a master's degree at Cass Business School.
• Joining IPD and Early Management Experience (00:06:42)
• Derek discusses his role at IPD, managing a team, and the challenges he faced in his early management days.
• Role at Land Securities (00:09:13)
• Derek talks about his transition to Land Securities, working with Francis Solway, and the lessons he learned during this period.
• Expanding Horizons to Global Markets (00:14:00)
• Derek shares his desire to globalize his experience and his subsequent move to Russell Investments.
• Experiences at Russell Investments (00:16:00)
• Derek discusses launching global REIT products, his mentors, and his leadership experiences in the US.
• Entrepreneurial Ventures (00:21:00)
• Derek talks about reconnecting with his entrepreneurial spirit and his roles at B Finance and Global Student Accommodation.
• Current Role at Valesco Group (00:28:27)
• Derek describes his current role at Valesco Group, the company's unique approach, and his focus on growth and team spirit.
• Personal Reflections on Success (00:30:11)
• Derek shares his thoughts on success, the importance of learning, and maintaining personal relationships in his career.

Conclusion: Derek Williams shares valuable insights into his career journey, highlighting the importance of continuous learning, mentorship, and taking calculated risks. His experiences offer a blueprint for aspiring real estate professionals looking to accelerate their careers.

Sponsor: This podcast is brought to you by MacDonald and Company, the global real estate recruiter. Don't forget to click follow and leave a rating to ensure you never miss an episode.

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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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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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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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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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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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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 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

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