Deal making to building a business - Jai Patel, Co-Head, Real Estate Debt at ICG Real Estate Ep 114

This evening I am joined by Jai Patel, Managing Director and Co-Head of Real Estate Debt for ICG. Jai shares his journey from a curious student to a key player in the real estate debt sector, providing valuable lessons and strategies for career growth in the industry. His career has traversed Lehman Brothers, Barclays, Amro Partners in debt, equity in UK and European Real Estate. Jai Patel's journey offers a blueprint for aspiring real estate professionals, highlighting the importance of adaptability, continuous learning, and building meaningful relationships. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to navigate and accelerate their career in the real estate industry.

"As a debt investor, you're a support partner. As an equity investor, you're driving the bus." [00:24:33]

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1. Early Beginnings: [00:00:51]
2. Initial Career Steps: [00:02:17]
3. Impact of the 2008 financial crisis and Lehman Brothers' collapse on his career.
4. Returning to Barclays and finding his niche in structured property finance.
5. Developing Expertise: [00:07:35]
6. Challenges and growth in structured property finance.
7. Mentorship and influential figures, like Richard Payne, in shaping his career.
8. Expanding Horizons: [00:13:57]
9. Transition to Longbow Real Estate Partners and subsequent acquisition by ICG.
10. Learning the nuances of property investment and equity.
11. Entrepreneurial Ventures: [00:21:00]
12. Joining Amro Partners and building a business in student housing and built-to-rent sectors.
13. Experiences in international markets, including a significant project in Spain.
14. Return to ICG: [00:29:00]
15. Becoming a portfolio manager and later co-head of European debt efforts.
16. Emphasising the importance of building and managing a talented team.
17. Maintaining inquisitiveness and listening as key leadership traits.
18. Personal Insights: [00:34:43]
19. The balance between personal life and career.
20. Strategies for managing risk and making career decisions.
21. The significance of building strong relationships and understanding stakeholders.
22. Quick Fire Round: [00:35:05]
23. How the industry has changed over Jai's career.
24. Personal challenges and areas for improvement.
25. Managing personal risk in career decisions.

Key Takeaways:

• The importance of mentorship and learning from experienced professionals. [00:07:35]
• Balancing career ambitions with personal well-being. [00:13:05]
• The evolving nature of roles in real estate finance and the value of adaptability. [00:29:00]
• Building and maintaining strong professional relationships as a cornerstone for success. [00:34:43]

Connect with Us:

• Host: Nick Carman on LinkedIn
• Guest: Jai Patel on LinkedIn

Sponsors:

• Macdonald & Company: The global real estate recruiter.

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