Fernando De Leon, Founder and CEO of Leon Capital Group, shares insights from his impressive journey, from a humble upbringing as the youngest of six to leading a $10 billion portfolio. He discusses the importance of cultural roots, entrepreneurial spirit, and overcoming obstacles in his career. De Leon reveals how he pivoted his real estate focus from distressed retail to thriving industrial properties driven by e-commerce. He also highlights the significance of teamwork in multifamily developments and the role of technology in shaping future growth strategies.

Dr. Peter Linneman, a leading economist and Professor Emeritus at The Wharton School of Business, dives into the complexities of today’s economic landscape. He discusses how political narratives clash with actual data, highlighting the need for objective metrics in investment decisions. Dr. Linneman also examines consumer confidence versus economic indicators, sheds light on U.S. debt dynamics, and analyzes the effects of rising interest rates on various sectors. Listen to his unique predictions for the economy and learn how upcoming elections could influence the workplace.

Mike Johnston, the Mayor of Denver, and Egon Terplan, an urban policy strategist, dive deep into Denver's post-pandemic urban revitalization. They discuss the critical challenges of homelessness and crime, highlighting innovative housing solutions and community strategies. The conversation also touches on the impact of technology on urban safety and planning, alongside the city's shift toward reindustrialization. With an eye on the future, they explore the urgent need for accessible housing and the revitalization of public transit to enhance urban living.

General David Petraeus, a retired four-star U.S. Army general and former CIA director, brings his insights on global security. He reflects on how near-death experiences reshaped his leadership perspective. The strategic planning behind the Bin Laden raid is highlighted, showcasing the importance of meticulous training. Petraeus also tackles modern threats like U.S.-China relations and the role of drone technology in warfare. With a blend of military and corporate leadership strategies, he emphasizes the need for agility in response to today’s challenges.

Robert Reffkin, the Founder and CEO of real estate tech company Compass, shares his inspiring journey from a humble background to entrepreneurial success. He reflects on pivotal career moments, resilience during the financial crisis, and the drive behind Compass's investment in technology. The discussion highlights the intricacies of real estate commissions, market trends, and the importance of fostering a supportive company culture among agents. Reffkin also envisions a tech-driven future in real estate by 2032, emphasizing client relationships and innovative tools.

Priscilla Almodovar, President and CEO of Fannie Mae, shares her deep commitment to creating an accessible housing market for all, particularly the 'credit invisible.' She discusses her diverse career path, from law to housing finance, and how her experiences shape her vision for affordable housing. Almodovar also dives into mortgage rate predictions and the strategic initiatives Fannie Mae is implementing to tackle the affordability crisis. Her insights emphasize the importance of innovation and collaboration in transforming communities and ensuring stability in housing.

Willy was joined by Matthew Weinzierl, Senior Associate Dean and Chair of the MBA Program at Harvard Business School and an economist whose research focuses on economic policy and the commercialization of space.They discussed Matthew’s intellectual pursuits and his experience as a student at HBS, his pivot from a focus on tax policy to the new frontier of space, the curriculum at HBS and their focus on leadership over strictly business, why your company needs to have a space strategy, the adoption of AI and tech to propel HBS forward, and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the Walker Webcast, we featured an interview between Gary Pinkus, McKinsey & Company’s Chairman of North America, and Strauss Zelnick, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc., from W&D’s 2024 Summer Conference.They touched on Strauss’ approach to business and leadership, his origin story – from childhood ambitions of running a movie company and toying with the notion of being a performer to deciding to run a business in the creative space – milestones of his career including greenlighting the movie Dirty Dancing, the ins and outs of the largest industry, in the entertainment world: gaming, his breakdown of AI and its future impact on the workforce, what he’s experiencing as a CRE investor, and what to expect in 2025. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Willy was joined by Diane Hoskins and Andy Cohen, global co-chairs of the world’s most influential architecture design planning firm with over $2 billion annually in revenue, Gensler. They covered ways to drive meaningful change through the power of design, creating office spaces of the future, ways they’re working to lower emissions, how Gensler has secured their place as an industry leader, how AI and autonomous vehicles will change the face of our cities, building a culture of collaboration, and how to stay ahead of the curve in a constantly shifting environment. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Willy Walker, Chairman and CEO of Walker & Dunlop, shares his insights on the resilience of the U.S. economy amid uncertainty. He discusses key topics like consumer confidence, housing market trends, and the influence of climate change on financial outcomes. Walker also dives into the significance of AI in shaping the future of real estate and highlights the importance of infrastructure investments. His reflections on historical economic challenges and the evolving geopolitical landscape offer a compelling view of navigating today's complex market.