In this episode we welcome Tess McNamara, AIA, a Senior Sustainability Consultant at Arup and faculty member at the Yale School of Architecture. Tess shares her journey that propelled her to the intersection of research, design, and implementation, where she is driving advancements in sustainable built environments.   She offers insights into her role at Arup, where her research informs strategies designed to integrate a whole-life carbon perspective into projects. The conversation also explores her Yale course, Bad Buildings: Decarbonization through Reuse, Retrofit, and Proposition, which equips the next generation of architects with tools to tackle the challenges of sustainable, smart design.   As the challenges of sustainability in our buildings grows more complex, Tess reflects on the opportunities for architects and developers to collaborate in shaping resilient, future-ready spaces. Tune in to learn how Tess McNamara is inspiring meaningful change at the forefront of sustainable design and education.    Interview by: Robby Mulcahy / MSRED Candidate 2025 Music from #Uppbeat License code: KQAWWN4CWQXDF01E

In this episode, we sit down with Jill Brosig, Senior Managing Director and Chief Impact Officer at Harrison Street, a global investment management firm headquartered in Chicago. With a background as a physicist at Argonne National Laboratory, KMS Fusion, and Motorola, Jill brings a unique perspective to the pursuit of aggressive sustainability goals in real estate. As a pioneer in environmental initiatives, she is unlocking new opportunities to drive value through ESG-focused strategies. Our conversation delves into Harrison Street's expertise in identifying, acquiring, and managing alternative real assets, exploring how leadership is navigating the current market cycle. We discuss the evolving landscape of ESG in the built environment, highlighting Harrison Street's role in fostering partnerships that create operational and sustainable synergies. Around the world, project leaders are finding innovative ways to scale capacity for the growing technology and data sectors, and Harrison Street is at the forefront of these transformations. Tune in to discover how forward-thinking leaders like Jill Brosig are shaping the future of real estate — one bold initiative at a time. Interview by: Dean Firouzian / MSRED Candidate Produced by: Lacey Cochran Music from ⁠#Uppbeat⁠ License code: KQAWWN4CWQXDF01E

Thure Krarup, Head of Global Stakeholder Relations at Urban Partners, discusses creating sustainable, livable cities. He dives into collaborative initiatives like 'Green and Thriving Neighborhoods' with C40 Cities, focusing on equity and health. The conversation highlights the importance of trust in public-private partnerships. Thure also addresses the 'Leaders of the Urban Future' project, advocating for resilience in real estate. Explore innovative solutions for urban transformation and the urgency of creating 15-minute cities to enhance community living.

In this engaging discussion, Dror Poleg, an Economic Historian and author of Rethinking Real Estate, shares insights into how technology is transforming work and urban environments. He discusses the shift to a nonlinear economy influenced by the entertainment industry and the importance of adaptability in business strategies. Dror emphasizes the need for flexible real estate regulations to accommodate changing demands and explores the dual challenges and opportunities that arise from decentralization and emerging technologies in the industry.

In our season premiere, we welcome Joe Sumberg, Head of Real Estate, and Nicolette Jaze, Head of ESG and Sustainability for Real Estate at Galvanize Real Estate. Together, they share the innovative sustainability principles that underpin Galvanize’s distinctive approach to real estate investment. Hosted by Sam Jakshtis, a student in the MIT Center for Real Estate, this episode showcases how Galvanize is reshaping asset value through a commitment to environmental responsibility. Throughout the conversation, Joe and Nicolette offer valuable insights into the strategic initiatives designed to enhance asset performance while reducing environmental impact. They discuss their leadership philosophies, the significance of collaboration in cultivating an inclusive company culture, and the metrics Galvanize uses to assess the effectiveness of its sustainability initiatives. Join us as we delve into the cutting-edge strategies being adopted in the current real estate landscape and uncover Joe and Nicolette’s vision for the industry’s future. Interview by: Sam Jakshtis / MSRED Candidate Narrated by: Kelly Cameron, EdD Production by: Lacey Cochran Music from #Uppbeat: License code: KQAWWN4CWQXDF01E

Onay Payne is a Senior Managing Director and Portfolio Manager at Manulife Investment Management, leading the firm’s ESG impact investment strategy. She works with various teams to screen investments, identify ESG risks and opportunities, optimize portfolios, enhance asset performance, maximize returns, and set ESG benchmarks. She is part of the global real estate leadership team. Join us as Onay shares her inspiring journey from immigrating to the U.S. from Jamaica to becoming a leader in real estate investment. Onay delves into her role at Manulife, focusing on ESG strategy and development, and discusses the importance of sustainable and inclusive investment. Discover how Onay and Manulife are driving positive environmental and social impacts while achieving market-rate returns. Don’t miss this insightful conversation about the future of real estate, the importance of diversity in the industry, and how innovative strategies are shaping more equitable outcomes. Interview by: Viet Nguyen, MSRED Candidate ’24 Narrated by: Dr. Kelly Cameron Produced by: Lacey Cochran PODCAST music: Music from #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/mark-july/dance-with-me License code: KQAWWN4CWQXDF01E

What do we need in transitional and uncertain times? Leaders. On this episode of Meet the Visionaries, we have the pleasure of interviewing Mahbod Nia, CEO of Veris Residential. We explore the sustainability values Veris Residential holds under Mahbod’s leadership, and learn more about how the company has undergone a strategic transformation. Hosted by Daniela Morales, student at the MIT Center for Real Estate, this episode highlights Mahbod’s decades-long real estate experience across multifamily and office investment, as well as management, financing, and advisory roles. Throughout Mahbod’s interview, he talks about his personal leadership style as a CEO, the role of his team in creating and maintaining an inclusive company culture, and ways Veris Residential measures the impact of its initiatives. Listen in as we dive into strategic ideas being implemented in the current real estate landscape, and learn more about what Mahbod sees for the future of the industry. Interview by: Daniela Morales /MCP Candidate ’25 Narrated by: Kelly Cameron, EdD Production: Lacey Cochran Music from #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/mark-july/dance-with-me License code: KQAWWN4CWQXDF01E

In this episode, join us as Viet Nguyen of MIT’s Center for Real Estate interviews Natalie Ambrosio Preudhomme, Associate Director at Moody’s Analytics CRE, a provider of innovative commercial real estate solutions for investors, lenders, and brokers. In her role, Natalie conducts research and outreach on the implications of climate risk, resilience and ESG on real estate markets and the built environment. From discussing the tangible impacts of climate events on real estate assets to dissecting the evolving regulatory landscape, we learn more about the challenges and opportunities shaping the industry. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of how climate considerations are transforming the future of real estate. Narrated by: Dr. Kelly Cameron Music from #Uppbeat License code: KQAWWN4CWQXDF01E

In this episode, join us alongside Peter Merrigan (MSRED ’93), CEO and Managing Partner of Taurus Investment Holdings, as he engages in a dynamic conversation with Viet Nguyen at MIT’s Center for Real Estate. Explore Peter's remarkable trajectory in the real estate industry, from his formative time in MIT's MSRED program to pioneering his first major deal and beyond.  Delve into the rich history of Taurus, a journey guided by Peter's leadership since 1997, marked by the successful completion of over 250 deals, surpassing $10 billion in value across 70 million square feet globally. Discover Peter's visionary insights into the future of real estate and sustainability, as he shares his perspectives on shaping a more sustainable and innovative industry future. Join us for an enlightening discussion on the evolution of Taurus. Interview by: Viet Nguyen, MSRED Candidate '24 PODCAST music: Music from #Uppbeat License code: KQAWWN4CWQXDF01E

In this episode, Ernst & Young (EY) industry leader Mark Grinis sits down with host Jason Ng at the MIT Center for Real Estate to discuss the ever-changing real estate, hospitality, and construction sector, and how EY fits into it. From Mark's early experiences in accounting to his current role managing a multi-billion dollar business at EY, listeners will gain valuable insights into his journey and leadership philosophy. Together, they dive into topics such as the impact of digital transformation and AI on real estate, the future of work, and social and environmental initiatives, offering listeners a comprehensive view of the industry's evolving landscape.  Interview by: Jason Ng, MSRED/MCP Candidate '24 Narration by: Dr. Kelly Cameron Produced by: Lacey Cochran Music from #Uppbeat License code: KQAWWN4CWQXDF01E