Exploring the rise of diversity in commercial real estate leadership, the challenges faced by DEI programs, political backlash affecting progress, and the optimism of young leaders in the industry despite obstacles

Jim Simmons, Executive at Asland Capital, discusses the importance of mixed-use developments, raising money from diverse sources, and getting affordable housing built. The podcast also explores the ongoing demand for affordable housing, the intersection of economics and doing good, the financing of deals with a focus on equity from people of color, diversifying investment opportunities, and the debate on underrepresentation of women and people of color in leadership positions.

John Kim, BMO Capital Markets senior analyst covering U.S. REITs, speaks about the third quarter earnings season. Read more: Vornado Pulling Out Of New York City Casino SweepstakesDespite Outperforming Sector, SL Green Stock Being Heavily ShortedSL Green's Sluggish Leasing Sends Stock Tumbling As REIT Readies For Turnaround

Distress in real estate is prevalent in industry chatter – and in the headlines, but when it comes to sales, it is still not much of a factor. bIn fact, less than 2% of sales are distressed asset sales in the U.S., according to Jim Costello who is the chief economist at investment research firm MSCI’s Real Assets team. Read more: CRE Loan Distress Hits 10-Year High As Office Debt Crisis AcceleratesREPORT: Regional Banks See Big Jump In Nonperforming CRE Loans, Related LossesVolume Of Distressed Asset Sales On Mute As Owners Battle A New Type Of CrisisLuck And Guts Might Not Be Enough To Ride This Real Estate Cycle

JLL's CTO Yao Morin on JLL's generative artificial intelligence model, JLL GPT,  and how she thinks AI can improve the lives of brokers and help them do their job. She also discusses the widespread angst about AI, its dangers and the concerns that it will push people out of employment.Read more: ‘There’s A Degree Of Wonder’: Why New AI Tools May Finally Be The Tech That Shakes Up Real Estate

Explore the financial troubles and potential bankruptcy of co-working company 'Weed Work'. Discover the decline and pullback of WeWork's presence in London. Discuss the potential outcomes of a WeWork bankruptcy, including advantages for WeWork and concerns for subtenants. Analyze the departure of San Diep Muthrani and the challenges faced by WeWork. Delve into WeWork's financial struggles, failed cost-cutting efforts, and the impact of the pandemic on their revenue.

Danielle Lombardo, Chair of Lockton's global real estate practice, discusses the escalating insurance costs in the real estate industry and the need for a solution. They explore the changing mindset towards insurance, the impact of volatility on real estate deals, challenges of property insurance in Florida, growing demand for risk management consulting, and the outlook for reinsurance in 2024.

CBRE's Richard Barkham, global chief economist, discusses the US economy's resilience, inflation's impact on interest rates, cap rates and IRRs stabilization trend, low retail vacancy rates, and the effects of global turmoil on commercial real estate and cross-border investments.

Thomas Yoo, the CEO of Willow River Capital Management, talks about the shifts in Asian investment into USA real estate, managing different cultural approaches to business, and the environment for loan sales.

Bill Rudin, CEO of Rudin Management Company, shares insights from his extensive experience in New York City real estate. He discusses the challenges of office occupancy and the conversion of 55 Broad into housing. Rudin also addresses the impacts of the migrant crisis on urban housing and the importance of collaboration for long-term solutions. He reflects on historical parallels of New York's economic challenges, emphasizing the role of federal support, and highlights the potential of strategic partnerships in fostering growth.