Afleveringen

  • In this episode, Nick Carman is joined by Derek Williams, Managing Director for Investor Relations at the Valesco Group. Derek shares his journey from his early days in research to his senior roles in investment management with companies like Landsec, Global Student Accommodation, and Rothschild, leading up to his current position at Valesco Group. The conversation covers his career milestones, the challenges he faced, his leadership philosophy, and his continuous quest for learning and growth.

    Come and join our LinkedIn community: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9054319/Leave a review on the platform of choice if you've enjoyed this episode

    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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  • Accelerating Careers in Real Estate: Neil Young's Journey with Nick Carman


    In this ESPRESSO episode of Accelerating Careers in Real Estate, host Nick Carman revisits his conversation with Neil Young from 2020, one of the pioneering figures in the UK's multifamily sector. Neil recounts his early career moves, the inception of Young London, and the establishment of the £2 billion REIT, Get Living. From his initial roles in hospitality and finance to his visionary step into real estate, Neil shares valuable insights and lessons learned from his journey.


    "I remember we took on some service officers in Euston, which had about 70 desks. I remember going in there on the first day. And, um, sat in the corner with four of us and looked and there was no one else there."


    00:00 Introduction

    00:58 Early Career

    03:29 Starting Young London

    05:58 Building Get Living

    09:29 Reflections and Future Trends


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  • This evening I sat down with Martyn Evans, Creative Director for LandSec U&I. Martyn has travelled the path least travelled hailing from a marketing background in high street retail. Martin recounts his inspiring journey from his beginnings working in retail in Cardiff to becoming a prominent figure in the real estate industry. He shares his experiences working with notable figures like Anita Roddick of The Body Shop and subsequent rise in the property development sector, focusing on regeneration projects. Martin discusses the importance of having a moral compass in business, the challenges and successes of working on complex real estate projects, and his continuous drive to inspire and lead effectively, even within a large corporate setting. This conversation highlights the value of creativity, resilience, and ethical practices in building a successful and impactful career.


    "Martin is always up for changing the world. You never hear him say, that will do. And that is so infectious and people join in because they believe they can move mountains"


    00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

    00:35 Early Life and Career Beginnings

    01:22 University and Early Career Experiences

    02:55 Working with Anita Roddick and The Body Shop

    04:48 Transition to Property Development

    05:57 Joining Cathedral Group and Career Growth

    09:20 Challenges and Successes in Real Estate

    14:07 Reflections on Leadership and Learning

    17:13 Joining Landsec and Current Role

    23:43 Personal Reflections and Future Outlook

    35:21 Conclusion and Final Thoughts


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  • In this ESPRESSO edition of my conversation with Charlie Walsh from 2020 I get to interview Charlie Walsh, a leader with a global reputation in luxury residential sales. Charlie opens up about his career evolution, his time in the Middle East, and how he approaches risks and challenges. This episode provides valuable insights into the importance of resilience, continuous learning, and the critical support of loved ones in achieving career success. At the time of the recording Charlie was the Director for Sales for Lodha UK.


     Introduction

     Starting a Career in Real Estate

     Key Lesson: Choose a Tangible Industry


     Experience in the Middle East

     Key Lesson: Embrace Market Fluctuations


     Handling Risks and Setbacks

     Key Lesson: Continuous Challenge


     Source of Optimism

     Key Lesson: Seek External Perspectives


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  • This evening I am joined by Lucinda Mitchell, Investment Director for Legal General Capital, L&G's alternative asset origination arm. Lucinda's responsibility is working across direct development through to sitting on the board of their JV partners, Bruntwood Scitech. She's built her career in major regeneration development, spending 11 years with the regeneration specialist, Socious. We talk about career development, continuous development, the benefit of a plan and the power of silence to get your point across.


    If you enjoyed this episode please:

    Come and join our LinkedIn community: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9054319/Leave a review on the platform of choice

    Here are the key messages from this episode:


    1. **Career Journey and Development**: Lucinda Mitchell's career began unexpectedly in real estate while temping at a development site, which sparked her interest in the industry. She emphasizes the importance of discovering and exploring different career paths.


    2. **Importance of Networking and Relationships**: Lucinda stresses that real estate is a people-focused career. Building relationships and networking are crucial for career success in this field.


    3. **Embracing Challenges**: Lucinda conveys how taking on projects with planning challenges and working through them with communities can lead to significant professional satisfaction and success.


    4. **Continuous Learning and Growth**: Throughout her career, Lucinda highlights the significance of continually learning, whether through hands-on experience or further education such as her master’s degree in real estate.


    5. **Strategic Career Moves**: The transition from First Base to Legal & General Capital was a strategic decision for Lucinda, aimed at broadening her experience to encompass corporate-level roles and responsibilities.


    6. **Adapting Communication Styles**: Lucinda advises that being authentic and adapting one’s communication style to different audiences is key. She suggests using silence effectively and ensuring contributions add value to conversations.


    7. **Mentorship and Support**: Lucinda underscores the importance of mentorship and seeking guidance from others to navigate career paths and overcome challenges.


    8. **Work-Life Balance**: Lucinda acknowledges that career progression can have periods of acceleration and plateauing. She stresses the importance of giving oneself grace during different life phases, such as raising young children.


    9. **Future Goals and Lifelong Learning**: Lucinda plans to continue developing her expertise in real estate while gaining more corporate finance knowledge to grow her career further.


    10. **Redefining Success**: Over time, Lucinda’s definition of success has shifted from solely job titles to encompassing the breadth of experiences and personal growth throughout her career.


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  • This latest espresso episode is a condensed version of my conversation with Jonathan Beswick, co-founder of Adventuring Architecture, a polar explorer, and an architect. Discover insights, challenges, and lessons shared by Jon throughout his career and expeditions.


    If you enjoyed this episode please:

    Come and join our LinkedIn community: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9054319/Leave a review on the platform of choice

    Introduction

    You're listening to Accelerating Careers in Real Estate with Nick Carman, brought to you by MacDonald Co. So in this episode, I once more dial the clock back to the summer of 2020. Time to prep that espresso or put the kettle on. With John Beswick, I get an episode unlike I had recorded before. Or since....


    A Mad Idea to Africa

    It started on a mad idea. We spent nine months driving down the West coast of Africa, crossed 33 countries, 33, 000 kilometers....


    Formation of the Company

    We found we'd met enough mining companies and expats and despots and everyone else that all promised us work that, uh, we started our own company as soon as we got back to London....


    Lessons Learned and Business Growth

    I think one of the lessons learned on these expeditions is to keep things simple. So I think in terms of my career aspirations, I'm not going to set out a career over the next 20 years and try and stick to it....


    Setting Objectives and Resilience

    setting yourself up. You set yourself an objective, you train, you plan, and then you, you know, whatever happens, you have to make that objective....


    Overcoming Challenges with a Team

    none of these have been done alone. They've all been done. Whether you see it or not, there's always a team involved, whether it's the team that you're doing it with or there's a team in the background....


    World's Highest Dinner Party

    a Guinness World Record holder for the highest black tie dinner party on Mount Everest at just over 7, 000 meters....


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  • This evening I'm joined by Victoria Hill, Executive Coach and founder of ProMind. ProMind is a business whose focus is unlocking potential through coaching professionals specifically in the real estate sector. 


    Victoria is going to share a toolkit with us all that she's honed as a mentor to programs such as Pathways to Property and Propel, as well as a mentor to members of the PropTech Disruptor Fund, PiLabs.


    If you enjoyed this episode please:

    Come and join our LinkedIn community: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9054319/Leave a review on the platform of choice

    The conversation delves into the importance of self-awareness, identifying career plateaus, and taking proactive steps to accelerate career growth. It emphasizes the value of self-reflection, goal-setting, and aligning actions with personal values for success in professional endeavours.


    Importance of Self-Awareness

    The conversation delves into the importance of self-awareness, identifying career plateaus, and taking proactive steps to accelerate career growth. It emphasizes the value of self-reflection, goal-setting, and aligning actions with personal values for success in professional endeavours....


    Recognizing and Addressing Career Plateaus

    The dialogue underscores the significance of recognizing career plateaus and understanding the early warning signs. It discusses ways to self-assess career stages and navigate transitions towards growth and fulfilment....


    Strategies for Career Acceleration

    Venturing into strategies for career acceleration, the discussion highlights the need for clear goal-setting, self-investment, and continuous self-reflection. It encourages individuals to focus on personal development and aligning actions with long-term career aspirations....


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

  • In our latest series of ESPRESSO episodes, I dive back to my conversations with Brian De'Ath, Director of Sales for Canary Wharf Group in 2020. Brian shares insights on luck, seizing opportunities, and projecting humility in success. Tune in for valuable career advice and inspiration!


    "I've always put myself in the place to be lucky, and if that has happened to then cross my path, I've taken it as an opportunity. I think people are all given the same opportunities. Some people just choose not to see them."


    If you enjoyed this episode you can hear the full episode using the links here:

    https://open.spotify.com/episode/1xtTzk5vTNalpn19oD7RQk?si=ib6dpKEiSyqxjaiI04vwRQ

    https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-4-brian-death/id1506496352?i=1000479605464


    If you enjoyed this ESPRESSO episode please:

    Come and join our LinkedIn community: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9054319/

    Leave a review on the platform of choice


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

  • 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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  • 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:

    Come and join our LinkedIn community: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9054319/

    Leave a review on the platform of choice


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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.


    If you enjoyed this episode please:

    Come and join our LinkedIn community: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9054319/

    Leave a review on the platform of choice


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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


    If you enjoyed this episode please:

    Come and join our LinkedIn community: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9054319/

    Leave a review on the platform of choice



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

  • 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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  • 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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  • 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:

    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.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.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.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.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.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.


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

  • 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:

    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.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.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.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.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.


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

  • 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, 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 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 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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