Podcast
MIT/CRE Meet the Visionaries
Solutions and voices for real estate’s evolution
In this semimonthly podcast, MIT Center for Real Estate students interview industry leaders to uncover the insights, strategies, and stories from the visionaries who are shaping the industry. Join us as we explore the ever-evolving landscape of real estate, from innovative technology and finance models to the latest sustainable practices. Tune in to gain valuable perspectives and be inspired by the visionaries who are leading the way into the future of real estate development. Subscribe to receive reminders on future episodes.
Season 2
S.2 EP. 3 | Collaborative Development
How can we create cities where people truly thrive? In this episode, Thure Krarup, Head of Global Stakeholder Relations at Urban Partners, joins us from Copenhagen to explore how meaningful, big-picture partnerships can drive lasting change at scale. Hosted by Soala Lolia Ajienka, a dual-degree Architecture and Real Estate Development student at MIT, this conversation delves into the transformative potential of networks, trust, and a shared vision for cities that put people first.
Thure unpacks Urban Partners’ ambitious initiatives, like “Green and Thriving Neighborhoods”, in collaboration with C40 Cities, redefining sustainability with a focus on livability, equity, and health. We also discuss their “Leaders of the Urban Future” project, uniting global investors to build resilience into real estate and push the sector towards higher standards and clearer incentivization. Listen in as Thure shares insights on navigating the complex realities of public-private partnerships to ensure cities not only function but truly thrive, even amid shifting political landscapes and long-term uncertainties.
Interview by: Soala Lolia Ajienka / MSRED Candidate
S.2 EP. 2 | Shift to a Non-Linear World
In this episode, we host Dror Poleg, Economic Historian and award-winning author of Rethinking Real Estate. Dror is an insightful voice on the evolving intersection of technology, work, and urban environments. Hosted by Larry Deng, a student at the MIT Center for Real Estate, this episode offers a fascinating deep dive into the forces reshaping how we live, work, and build.
Dror shares his perspective on the future of work based on historic reference and its profound implications for the design and function of cities. He explores how shifts in technology, corporate strategy, and individual preferences are impacting real estate and how cities themselves might physically transform in response. From the decentralization of office spaces to the growing demand for flexible, hybrid environments, Dror reveals the new opportunities and challenges facing developers, investors, and policymakers alike.
Interview by: Larry Deng / MSRED Candidate
S.2 EP. 1 | Climate Impact and Rewarding Returns
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
SEASON TWO PREMIERE
S.1 EP. 8 | Practicing Real Estate with Purpose
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
SEASON ONE FINALE
S.1 EP. 7 | Leadership for Sustainable Real Estate
In this episode, 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
S.1 EP. 6 | Exploring Climate Resilience in Real Estate
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.
S.1 EP. 5 | Pioneer, New Frontier
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
S.1 EP. 4 | A Better Working World
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
S.1 EP. 3 | Building a Greener Future
In this latest podcast episode featuring Luis Claudio Garcia de Souza, CEO and Founder of Finvest we explore how investments impact green innovations in the real estate sector, and their potential for transformative climate action. Hosted by Daniela Morales, student at the MIT Department of Urban Studies and Planning, this episode highlights Luis Claudio’s lifelong experience building successful enterprises, environmental impacts of real estate development, and Brazil’s potential role in addressing climate change.
Throughout Luis Claudio’s interview, he highlights the importance of strong partnerships, the role of investment on cultural shifts in real estate, and how Latin America can be a key player in the future of climate action. As an MIT alumni and recent MIT visiting scholar Luis Claudio shares anecdotes and learnings from his time on campus and how they influenced his career. Listen in as we dive into environmental challenges and opportunities in the current real estate landscape, and learn more about what Luis Claudio envisions for the future of the industry.
Interview by: Daniela Morales /MCP Candidate ’25
S.1 EP. 2 | Decentralized Housing Model
Explore real estate innovation and community building in the latest podcast episode featuring Qian Wang, a seasoned real estate professional and visionary founder of Collab. Hosted by Jason Ng, student at the MIT Center for Real Estate, this episode unfolds Qian’s journey through his career to developing Collab: a groundbreaking decentralized student housing real estate asset management platform that reimagines community ownership and engagement.
From the transformative role of technology and data analytics in real estate to the empowering shift towards community-based practices, Qian shares valuable perspectives and experiences that redefine the future of the industry. Join us as we navigate crowdfunding dynamics, address challenges in traditional property management, and explore Collab’s sustainable initiatives, offering a thought-provoking glimpse into the intersection of innovation and community in the real estate landscape.
Interview by: Jason Ng, MSRED/MCP Candidate ’24
S.1 EP. 1 | Data, Climate and Real Estate: Overcoming Challenges with Cutting-Edge Technology
In an era marked by climate volatility and global uncertainty, the quest to future-proof capital investment has never been more vital. Join us for a thought-provoking interview with Michael Ferrari, Chief Scientific & Chief Investment Officer at AlphaGeo, a pioneering AI-powered location analytics platform. Their objective? To revolutionize how we assess and price the future of geography in a rapidly changing world.
Michael sits down for an exclusive conversation with MIT’s Center for Real Estate to delve deep into AlphaGeo’s remarkable journey. Learn about the challenges they’ve encountered along the way and how they’re overcoming them with cutting-edge technology. Uncover their innovative approach as they navigate the path toward empowering their clients to strategically allocate capital into climate-resilient real and financial assets, ensuring a brighter, more sustainable future.
Interview by: Viet Nguyen MSRED Candidate ’24
