Surveying The Future – Details, episodes & analysis

In our latest episode of Surveying the Future, Immediate Past Master David Reynolds speaks with Alderman Alison Gowman – a passionate advocate for sustainability in the City of London, and founder of the Livery Climate Action Group (LCAG), which now boasts the largest membership of any cross-livery initiative. Together they explore the origins of LCAG, its rapid growth to more than 80 livery companies, and how shared values, professional expertise and collaboration are accelerating meaningful climate action across the Square Mile. Alison also discusses the City's role as a global hub for green finance, the importance of retrofit over rebuild, and the crucial influence surveyors have on shaping a lower-carbon built environment. Tune in now for an inspiring 20 minutes exploring how tradition and innovation can come together to build a more sustainable future.

In this latest episode, our host and Master David Reynolds talks to James Young – a proud and active Liveryman, Court Assistant, and President of Markets for APAC & EMEA at Cushman & Wakefield. Together, they explore James's remarkable career journey from surveyor to global leadership, the contrasting dynamics of Asia and Europe's markets, and the lessons we can learn from across different regions. They also tackle some of the biggest issues shaping the profession today – from attracting new talent and showcasing the purpose of surveying, to sustainability, technology, and the forces driving the future of real estate. James shares his insights on leadership, the role of the Livery, and his advice for the next generation of surveyors. It's an inspiring conversation full of global perspective, practical wisdom, and forward-looking ideas. Tune in now to be inspired.

In our latest episode of Surveying the Future, our Master David Reynolds sits down with Ashley Wheaton, Vice-Chancellor of the University of the Built Environment, Chair of Cycling UK, and a proud Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Chartered Surveyors. Together they explore the bold new vision behind the UK's first dedicated university for the real estate sector, the evolving role of surveyors in a fast-changing industry, and how active travel is reshaping our towns and cities.   From inspiring the next generation to designing spaces that work for both people and the planet, this is a conversation packed with fresh ideas and future-focused insight. Tune in now to be inspired.

In this latest episode of Surveying The Future, we're joined by an inspirational figure who bridges the spiritual and the professional – the Reverend John Kronenberg.   Once a Chartered Surveyor himself, John now serves as Chaplain to the Worshipful Company of Chartered Surveyors and talks to our host David Reynolds, Master of the Company, about his personal journey from construction sites to the cloth.   They also explore together the role of the Chaplain within a modern Livery Company, how spirituality can offer support, clarity and connection in professional life, and why tradition and ritual still matter in fast-changing industries. John also wraps up this insightful episode by offering a few words of hope for anyone facing uncertainty or change.   Whether you're deeply faithful, gently curious, or simply looking for a fresh perspective – this episode offers quiet insight and timely encouragement. Tune in now to reflect and be inspired.

In this inspiring episode of Surveying The Future, host David Reynolds sits down with John Woodman—Past Master of the Worshipful Company of Chartered Surveyors and Chairman of Hollis—for a powerful conversation about leadership, legacy and resilience in the face of profound personal challenge.   From his early days in surveying to guiding Hollis through industry transformation, John reflects on four decades of leadership within the built environment. But this episode goes deeper than a career retrospective. Following a diagnosis of Stage 4 glioblastoma, John has responded with extraordinary courage and taken on a mad and very tough challenge: skinning up and skiing down the equivalent of the 8848m height of Mount Everest over four days in the Alps to raise awareness and funds for brain cancer research.   You can donate to The Brain Tumour Charity 2025 Woodman ascent here:   https://www.justgiving.com/team/teameverestinthealps2025    Tune in for a story of grit, generosity, and the pivotal moments from a remarkable career.

What do investment property and the Armed Forces have in common? More than you might think! In our latest episode, we sit down with Richard Davies, Head of Property Portfolio Management at M&G Real Estate, Commissioned Officer in the Royal Navy, and fellow Liveryman, for a fascinating discussion on leadership, strategy, and decision-making—the critical skills that drive success in both careers.

 

Ahead of our military affiliates-themed Spring Dinner on 1 April, Richard shares his top tips for keeping teams motivated, empowered and resilient, the key qualities of effective leadership, and some of the biggest lessons he's learned throughout his unique career.

 

Tune in for an insightful and inspiring conversation that bridges the worlds of real estate, leadership, and service.

Join us for an insightful conversation with Michaela Bygrave, Managing Director of Pointe Michel, in which she discusses diversity and inclusion within the built environment industry and the complexities of the social and affordable housing sectors.

 

Tune in to hear Michaela's take on the power of inspirational mentors, overcoming the barriers to access and inclusion and what businesses should be prioritising here, as well as her top tips on forging a career within the industry. We also delve into the need for greater support for the social housing sector and greater government focus on starter homes, shared ownership and affordable rented properties.

Join us for an insightful conversation with Justin Sullivan, the newly appointed President of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). In this wide-ranging discussion, we explore the power of mentoring, his key priorities as RICS President, and how the Institute is driving innovation and leadership in the built environment.

We alsodelve into the critical steps needed to tackle the industry's skills shortage and attract talent from diverse backgrounds—including RICS' generous £90,000 investment in the Worshipful Company of Chartered Surveyors' bursary programme.

Tune in to gain valuable insights into the future direction of RICS and hear Justin's personal career highlights.