The Walker Webcast

Jon Gray, President and COO at Blackstone, shares his remarkable journey in finance, reflecting on his 33 years with the firm. He discusses Blackstone's strategic shift to single-family rentals and the creation of Invitation Homes, alongside insights into the multifamily market and data centers. Jon dives into the importance of AI in enhancing operational efficiency and the rise of private credit. Along the way, he offers invaluable advice for young professionals and emphasizes resilience and authenticity in leadership.

Joanna Zabriskie, CEO of BH Management, transforms the multifamily property sector with her innovative leadership. She shares insights on the current market landscape, discussing challenges and the critical role of trustworthy management partnerships. Joanna emphasizes the importance of data visualization for informed decision-making and how technology integration can drive success. Listeners will learn about BH Management’s growth, strategic use of data, and the implications of their recent acquisition by Pretium, enhancing the future of residential housing.

Michelle Herrick, Head of Commercial Real Estate at JPMorgan Chase, shares her expertise in navigating commercial banking. She discusses powerful leadership principles that drive accountability and success in large organizations. Herrick dives into the emergence of private credit and its impact, while also addressing the future of office spaces in a post-pandemic world. Her insights on client relationships, economic fluctuations, and innovative strategies for financing data centers reveal a dynamic and evolving landscape in commercial real estate.

Join Jim Millstein, Co-Chairman of Guggenheim Securities and expert in financial restructuring, Jim Parrott, Owner of Parrott Ryan Advisors with deep ties to housing finance, and Mark Zandi, Chief Economist at Moody's Analytics, as they explore the pressing question of whether Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac should be privatized. The trio debates the potential economic impacts, analyzes the intricacies of the mortgage market, and discusses the critical role these agencies play in stabilizing housing finance. Their insightful conversation sheds light on the delicate balance between government support and market dynamics.

Scott Rechler, CEO and Chairman of RXR Realty, is a pivotal figure in New York's real estate scene. In this conversation, he shares his optimistic outlook on the U.S. economy and discusses the impact of rising interest rates on the commercial real estate market. Rechler highlights innovative strategies his firm employs in multifamily housing development, the challenges of the NYC office sector, and trends in workplace evolution. He also delves into creative solutions for transforming outdated malls into vibrant community spaces.

David Barry, President and CEO of Pursuit, shares his remarkable journey from ski instructor to a leader in hospitality and adventure tourism. He discusses how his background influences his leadership style and the culture at Pursuit, emphasizing humility and the importance of building connections. Barry highlights the transformation of ski resorts post-crisis and the essential values of safety and guest experience at Pursuit. He also offers insightful advice for young professionals and reflects on the unique experiences that drive a love for the outdoors.

David Hunt, the President and CEO of PGIM, shares insights from his more than a decade of leadership at a major global asset management firm. He discusses the exciting convergence of public and private markets and the implications for risk assessment and volatility. David dives into how technology and AI are reshaping investment strategies. He also reflects on the shifting dynamics of commercial real estate and emphasizes the importance of delivering superior investment returns while fostering strong client relationships.

Bill Ferguson, Co-Chairman and CEO of Ferguson Partners, is a leader in executive search for the real assets industry. He discusses key indicators of successful hires, emphasizing cultural fit and interview techniques that reveal strengths. Bill shares insights on the importance of executive leadership in enhancing company value and offers advice for young professionals in commercial real estate. He also examines how shifting generational priorities impact workforce dynamics and the need for diversity and adaptability in hiring practices.

Ivy Zelman, EVP and Co-Founder of Zelman & Associates, shares her sharp insights on the housing market. She discusses the impact of tariffs on construction costs and the challenges homebuilders face, particularly in California's tightening market. Ivy highlights the 'lock-in effect' limiting inventory and dives into the complexities of affordability that buyers encounter. The conversation also touches on the potential privatization of Fannie and Freddie and the ripple effects of recent disasters on housing dynamics.

Dr. Peter Linneman, a leading economist and Professor Emeritus at The Wharton School, shares his expertise on economic forecasts and the commercial real estate market. He discusses the implications of political shifts, interest rates, and the fallout from recent California wildfires on insurance costs. Linneman analyzes how global conflicts, like the war in Ukraine, impact the U.S. economy and explores the relationship between tariffs, inflation, and real estate dynamics, while providing insight on investment strategies for various sectors.