The TreppWire Podcast: A Commercial Real Estate Show 363. WeWork CEO John Santora on the Power of Flexibility & Real Estate Cycles
Nov 18, 2025
John Santora, the new CEO of WeWork, brings a wealth of experience from nearly five decades with Cushman & Wakefield. He discusses the significant shifts in commercial real estate, emphasizing the impacts of globalization and technology. John outlines WeWork’s adaptive strategy in the hybrid work era and highlights the importance of operational discipline for growth. He shares insights on rebuilding trust with landlords and the necessity of a strong community training initiative, aiming to redefine WeWork as a pivotal player in flexible office solutions.
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From Boiler Room To Global Ops
- John Santora started at Cushman & Wakefield as an engineer's helper in 1977 and rose through property management to global operations.
- He spent 47 years there before joining WeWork in 2024 to lead its turnaround.
Real Estate Is Cyclical
- Real estate is inherently cyclical with downcycles driven by overbuilding or broader economic shocks.
- Cycles vary in length but recur within roughly four to ten years and shape strategy.
WeWork Is A Real Estate Business
- Santora frames WeWork as a real estate company that uses technology and hospitality to enable flexibility.
- He emphasizes disciplined leasing and profitability over sheer scale.