Leading Voices in Real Estate

Brad Korman and Lea Anne Welsh of Korman Communities share the meaning and tradition that drive their high touch, fifth-generation family apartment business to success.

Michael Levy, CEO of Crow Holdings, shares insights from a legacy rooted in the Trammell Crow real estate businesses. He discusses how Dallas transformed its architectural landscape, balancing history with modern needs. Levy highlights the importance of community and intellectual engagement in shaping their new office campus. He reflects on moving from Wall Street to family values, fostering a collaborative culture, and strategic investments, especially in renewable energy and sustainable developments amidst changing economic climates.

Shannon Loew, Vice President of Global Workforce Solutions at Amazon, leads real estate for a 350,000-strong office workforce. He discusses the shifts in workplace culture post-COVID and the challenges of returning to the office. Shannon highlights Amazon's emphasis on diversity, community engagement, and innovative workspace design, which integrates nature and flexibility. He shares insights on urban revitalization and the importance of corporate responsibility, while reflecting on his unique journey from architecture to real estate leadership.

Owen Thomas, Chairman and CEO of Boston Properties, shares insights on the office sector's dynamic landscape amid return-to-office trends. He discusses the shifting occupancy rates influenced by new work patterns and the revitalization of downtown economies. Owen delves into the rise of co-working spaces, emphasizing the importance of flexible environments for attracting talent. He also highlights sustainability efforts in real estate and the strategic necessity of environmentally friendly practices, showcasing innovative initiatives like green buildings.

Don Kuemmeler, Co-founder and Senior Managing Partner of PCCP, has a rich background in real estate investment, while Bryan Thornton has been critical to the firm’s success for over two decades. They discuss the evolution and strategic focus of PCCP, emphasizing the importance of strong relationships in capital markets. The duo explores the burgeoning build-for-rent sector, the impact of technology in investment strategies, and how adaptability shapes the industry's future, highlighting mentorship for emerging professionals.

Jeff Giller, Partner and Global Head of StepStone Real Estate, and Margaret McKnight, Partner and Head of Portfolio Solutions, share insights on guiding institutional investors in the complex real estate market. They discuss strategies to navigate current challenges such as high interest rates, declining valuations, and recapitalization opportunities. Their conversation dives into the contrast between public and private investments, emphasizing tailored strategies for diverse client needs. They also highlight the importance of team dynamics, technology in decision-making, and the evolving landscape of real estate investments.

Neil Slater, CEO of Redevco, leads a pan-European real estate investment house with a focus on retail and mixed-use properties. He discusses the transformation of Redevco and the shift from traditional retail to urban mixed-use developments, emphasizing sustainability and community engagement. Slater shares experiences from Japan, where cultural differences shaped leadership strategies. He also advocates for balancing profit with social responsibility, promoting philanthropy in real estate and inspiring new professionals in the industry.

Gilda Perez-Alvarado, Chief Strategy Officer of Accor Hotels and President of Accor’s Orient Express luxury brand, returns as a guest on Leading Voices to talk about the hospitality business generally and starting up a luxury hotel and leisure brand.

Jeff DeBoer, Founding President and CEO of The Real Estate Roundtable, shares his extensive experience in lobbying for the real estate sector. He discusses the importance of public policy in promoting energy efficiency without mandates and the need for collaboration across political lines. The conversation highlights the housing crisis, advocating for government incentives and zoning reforms to balance affordability and new construction. DeBoer also calls for interagency cooperation to address housing and infrastructure challenges, underscoring the industry's evolving landscape.

Steve Rosenberg, Founder and CEO of Greystone, shares his inspiring journey from a challenging childhood in Miami Beach to leading a top multifamily lender. He discusses the importance of resilience and mentorship in forging a path to success. The conversation delves into the creative problem-solving that emerged during moments of adversity, including innovative HUD-insured loans. Additionally, Steve offers valuable insights for young professionals on mentorship and the significance of aligning with supportive employers in the real estate sector.