Leading Voices in Real Estate

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.

Cedric Bobo, Co-Founder and CEO of Project Destined, and Adrian Foley, Managing Partner in Brookfield’s Real Estate Group, discuss how his training and education nonprofit has transformed lives and businesses through real world experience.

Originally recorded and released in the Fall of 2022, Ross Perot Jr., Chairman of the HillwoodCompanies, talks about his varied businesses, inside and outside of real estate, including thedevelopment of the giant Alliance project in Fort Worth, developing public private partnershipprojects in the US and abroad, and about his father’s legacy.

Jon Lin, EVP and General Manager of Data Center Services at Equinix, leads the conversation on the dynamic data center landscape. He delves into how private interconnection enhances enterprise infrastructure and discusses Equinix's vital role in global digital infrastructure. Jon emphasizes the impact of AI on data centers and the need for sustainable practices. He also shares insights on the challenges of modernizing aging infrastructure while addressing community concerns, highlighting the balance between technology and real estate investment.

Mike Kingsella, President of Up for Growth, explains how basic supply and demand drives the housing crisis in our country, how multiple levels of public policy have exacerbated the situation, and suggestions for how we, as an industry and advocates for housing supply, can turn this around.

Matt Kelly, CEO of JBG Smith and Current Chair of NAREIT, tells the story of his company’s winning Amazon HQ2 for their National Landing site and shares his wisdom on corporate ethos, placemaking, and winning deals.

Steve Wechsler, the President and CEO of the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts, shares insights into the evolution of REITs from a niche sector to a vital player in the global economy. He discusses the significance of transparency and governance in public real estate markets, as well as the bipartisan dynamics shaping investment strategies. Wechsler highlights how REITs enhance economic stability and accessibility, while stressing the urgent need for innovative housing solutions and mentorship for young professionals in the industry.

Andy Lubershane, Partner and Head of Research at Energy Impact Partners, breaks down how real estate and climate tech can work towards creating a clean energy future.