

People Property Place
Matthew Watts
Powered by Rockbourne, the central intention of this podcast is to share the stories, views, opinions, and career journeys of the movers, shakers, innovators, and leaders in the real estate investment management industry.
Whether you are an existing real estate professional, aspiring to break into the space, or just want to know more about this fascinating sector this podcast is for you.
New episodes of The People Property Place Podcast will be released regularly and you will be able to find them for free on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or any App that supports podcasts.
Oh, and one last thing - in every episode, I will be asking each guest who are the People, what Property, and which Place they would be looking to invest, should they have £500m at their disposal.
www.rockbourne.com
Whether you are an existing real estate professional, aspiring to break into the space, or just want to know more about this fascinating sector this podcast is for you.
New episodes of The People Property Place Podcast will be released regularly and you will be able to find them for free on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or any App that supports podcasts.
Oh, and one last thing - in every episode, I will be asking each guest who are the People, what Property, and which Place they would be looking to invest, should they have £500m at their disposal.
www.rockbourne.com
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 21, 2025 • 1h 12min
#139 Kevin Mofid, Head of Industrial & Logistics Research at Savills
Kevin Mofid, Head of Industrial & Logistics Research at Savills, joins me on the People Property Place Podcast 🎙️ this week. We discuss his journey into real estate, the evolution of research in the sector, and key insights into the UK and European logistics markets. Kevin shares his data-driven view of market trends, rental growth dynamics, build-to-suit versus existing stock, and the increasing importance of supply-side fundamentals when making investment decisions. If you're active in the industrial or logistics real estate market across the UK & Europe, and you're interested in data-driven decision-making, or the forces shaping demand and supply in the sector, this episode is for you. Key Topics Covered in This Episode: · Kevin’s unconventional path into real estate, and his pivotal early career moves · The evolution of research from a back-office function to a front-line, strategic, in demand tool · What the UK logistics data is really showing, and why build-to-suit deals are under pressure · Rising vacancy in a market with strong demand, and what that disconnect tells us · Speculative development trends, and how they’re shaping short-term supply risks · Why second-hand stock is growing fast, and how much of it is actually usable · The real drivers of industrial demand, and why retail still dominates · Nearshoring, reshoring, and how they are reshaping long-term European strategy · Rental growth that’s defying historic vacancy relationships, and why · The evolving role of AI in warehousing and supply chain decision-making · Why smart investors are prioritising supply-side data over demand forecasts · Kevin’s take on the biggest risk facing the sector today, and the data point he’s watching most closely Enjoying the show? Follow and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode. The People Property Place Podcast 🎙️ is powered by Rockbourne: Giving real estate investors a difficult choice, who to hire. If you're serious about hiring top real estate talent in 2025 and want to do it differently, DM me on LinkedIn. #realestate #property #podcast #logistics #data #industrial

Aug 14, 2025 • 1h 19min
#138 Philip Stott, Co-Founder & CEO of Caisson IO
Philip Stott, Co-Founder and CEO of Caisson IO, joins me on the People Property Place Podcast this week. We discuss his early career journey to co-founding Caisson IO, a boutique investment management firm that integrates data and technology to, invest and manage multi-let industrial assets across the UK. Philip shares valuable insights on the role of data in real estate, building a tech-enabled investment platform, and how their approach to asset management has evolved. If you're interested in real estate investment management, data-driven strategies, or scaling a specialised platform in the industrial sector, this episode is for you. Key Topics Covered in This Episode: · Early exposure to real estate and how Philip’s family business influenced his entrepreneurial mindset · How Philip’s career evolved from traditional surveying to tech sales and then pivoting into investment management · Insights from his experience at Yardi, including building their European platform and understanding financial systems and applying this learing to the investment management space · How they launched the business - raising capital from friends and family · How data-driven insights help Caisson IO identify market trends and opportunities in multi-let industrial assets · The resilience and appeal of multi-let industrial assets as a stable income-generating asset class · Building a strong, collaborative team and fostering a culture of empowerment for business growth · Caisson IO’s plans for future growth, leveraging specialixed expertise and data-backed strategies And finally... With £500m to invest, which People, what Property, and which Place would Philip choose? Enjoying the show? Follow and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode. The People Property Place Podcast 🎙️ is powered by Rockbourne: Giving real estate investors a difficult choice, who to hire. If you're serious about hiring top real estate talent in 2025 and want to do it differently, DM me on LinkedIn.

Aug 7, 2025 • 1h 16min
#137 Philip Gadsden - Managing Partner at Orchard Street Investment Management
Philip Gadsden, Managing Partner at Orchard Street Investment Management, brings over 40 years of real estate expertise. He shares insights into his journey from corporate roles to founding Gatehouse. The discussion dives into impact investing, emphasizing the shift toward ESG and decarbonization. Philip highlights the importance of shorter leases, active management, and future-proofing second-hand assets. With £500m to invest, he reflects on strategic choices in the evolving property landscape, showcasing the exciting opportunities in sustainable and residential markets.

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Jul 31, 2025 • 1h 20min
#136 Marcus Meijer - Founder and CEO of MARK
Marcus Meijer, the Founder and CEO of MARK, dives into his journey in real estate, shaped by a family legacy and experiences at Goldman Sachs. He shares insights on platform creation and market timing, emphasizing the shift towards sector-specific investments. Topics include the success behind building VR Outlets into a €1bn platform, navigating challenges in mid-market investments, and opportunities in urban logistics. Meijer also discusses his vision for the future of real estate and what legacy and success mean to him.

Jul 24, 2025 • 1h 20min
#135 Jon Lurie - Founder of Realty Corporation
Jon Lurie, founder of Realty Corporation, is a seasoned expert in real estate investment, having previously managed billions at Goldman Sachs and Blackstone. He shares his journey from accidental landlord to launching his own firm. Lurie discusses navigating financial cycles and the necessity for conviction-led investment strategies rooted in thorough research. He also reflects on the change in real estate’s status within institutional portfolios and underscores the importance of adaptability in the evolving market. Plus, he muses on where he would invest £500m!

Jul 17, 2025 • 1h 8min
#134 Gawain Smart - CEO of International Campus Group
Gawain Smart, CEO of International Campus Group and a legal expert with a background in Canada and Wall Street, shares insights from transitioning to real estate leadership. He discusses the intricacies of scaling a private equity-backed business and emphasizes the importance of building strong teams. Gawain explores the evolving European student accommodation market, the role of AI in reshaping decision-making, and the shifting capital flows into Europe. His journey highlights balancing people management with profits and the importance of adaptability in leadership.

Jul 10, 2025 • 1h 2min
#133 Dean Harrison, Founder of Harleyford Capital
Dean Harrison, the mastermind behind Harleyford Capital, shares his inspiring journey from motocross fanatic to real estate entrepreneur. He discusses what shaped his early ambitions and the lessons learned from a decade at InfraRed Capital Partners. Dean candidly addresses the brutal challenges of launching his platform and the importance of discipline, emotional intelligence, and work ethic in his team. He also dives into strategic investments in new economy real estate and how he adapted his lifestyle for personal productivity to scale rapidly, successfully deploying over £250m in just 18 months.

Jul 3, 2025 • 12min
#132 RECAP with Morwenna Hall - Chief Operating Officer - Related Argent
Revisiting: How Developers Are Becoming City Builders – with Morwenna Hall, COO, Related Argent In this special recap episode, we revisit one of our most thought-provoking conversations — with Morwenna Hall, Chief Operating Officer at Related Argent. As we reflect on the highlights from this episode, we explore how Morwenna redefines the role of the modern developer — far beyond bricks, leases, and rent reviews. From rebuilding schools and delivering healthcare infrastructure to cultural placemaking and tenant matchmaking, her insights challenge outdated models of real estate and asset management. 💡 Key themes in this recap: • Why developers now have civic responsibilities • The rise of cross-disciplinary teams in real estate • How to stay relevant in a rapidly evolving industry • Why curiosity and flexibility matter more than qualifications • What makes someone indispensable in modern placemaking If you missed the full conversation, this recap will give you a powerful snapshot. And if you’ve heard it before, this is your chance to revisit the big ideas — and reflect on how much the industry has already shifted. Got any thoughts or questions about this podcast? Feel free to share them in the comments, I’m always up for a chat! And if you’re enjoying what I’m putting out, don’t forget to hit subscribe and turn on the notification bell so you’ll never miss out on the next podcast. 🎧 Listen On: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6oCDnwWSTP685l6sn8F0a6 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/people-property-place/id1652694140 The People Property Place Podcast is powered by Rockbourne – Recruiting Leadership & Future Leadership hires for Real Estate Funds, Owners, Investors & Developers. You can also connect with me on social media, I’d love to hear from you there too. Thanks again for hanging out with me! 🔊 LIKE ➡ SHARE ➡ SUBSCRIBE ►Rockbourne Website: www.rockbourne.com ►PPP Podcast LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/people-property-place-podcast/about/?viewAsMember=true ►Matthew Watts LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-watts-51575a57/ ►Business Enquiries: mwatts@rockbourne.com #RealEstate #Placemaking #UrbanDevelopment #Leadership #RelatedArgent #MorwennaHall #Proptech #PodcastRecap #CityBuilding #ModernDeveloper

Jun 26, 2025 • 54min
#131 Natan Lempert, Co-Founder and CEO of Built AI
Natan Lempert, Co-Founder and CEO of Built AI, shares his impressive journey from investment banking to revolutionizing real estate with AI. He discusses the inefficiencies in traditional underwriting and how Built AI transforms deal analysis for investors. Natan's insights on technology adoption and the future of AI in real estate highlight the potential for enhanced efficiency and streamlined decision-making. He also provides valuable advice for investors considering tech integration, envisioning a new era for investment management.

Jun 19, 2025 • 1h 5min
#130 RECAP with Keith Breslauer- MD & Senior Partner at Patron Capital
Keith Breslauer, Managing Director & Senior Partner at Patron Capital Partners, joins me on the People Property Place Podcast this week. Please note that this conversation was originally released on the 18th July 2024, and we have decided to re-release it given the recent news that Mitsubishi Estate Co. has acquired a majority stake in European private equity property fund manager Patron Capital. In this conversation, we trace Keith’s journey from a self-funded entrepreneur in New York to building one of Europe’s leading opportunistic real estate investment firms - Patron Capital Partners, with over €5.4bn raised across 17 countries. Keith is honest, reflective, and deeply driven by purpose. He doesn’t shy away from the challenges and lessons learned from nearly three decades in private equity real estate. If you’re interested in real estate fund management, distressed investing, fundraising, or leadership driven by long-term thinking and values, this episode is jammed packed full of wisdom. Key Topics Covered In This Episode: • Early career lessons and building a software business to fund his education • How a career in secured credit at Lehman Brothers led him into European real estate • Why he left Lehman to start Patron and how he raised his first fund • What made Patron’s hybrid local partner model so effective across Europe • Alignment between LPs, Patron’s internal team, and local operating partners • Why discipline on leverage preserved Patron’s position through GFC and COVID • What he learned from raising and deploying seven funds • We discuss the most recently €860m raise for Fund VII • The opportunity set today - distress, ESG, supply-demand mispricing • Fund structure, deal sizing, and where specifically Patron deploys it capital • The evolution of his investor base and the shift away from US LPs • How political and macro uncertainty is affecting decision-making • Reflections on legacy, purpose, and why charity work has become so central to him And finally… With £500m to invest – which People, what Property, and which Place would he choose? Enjoying the show? Follow and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode. The People Property Place Podcast is powered by Rockbourne – Giving Real Estate Investors a difficult choice of who to hire. If you’re serious about adding game-changing talent in 2025 and are open to doing it differently, DM me on LinkedIn. #realestate #privateequity #property #fundmanagement #podcast