Podcast

Take a page out of Jon Martin’s playbook and learn how to approach internal networking, growth, and opportunity within an organization. Jon reviews his path to CEO at AEW Capital Management, LP—one of the largest investment management firms in the world—and reminds us just how powerful your first impression can be.

Massiel Flores, a successful first gen student, shares her experiences being a Connectee with Coffee Connectors, a 2023 Opportunity Intern at NorthBridge, and landing a brand-new job at Partners Capital! Hear Massiel’s thoughtful insights and tips about getting to know the people around you, being genuine, and making yourself useful.

This episode is packed with tips and insight from Hillary Shine, the founder of Shine Associates, a real estate executive search and advisory firm. Hillary discusses the value of soft and hard skills, training programs at large banking and CRE firms, and becoming more self-aware about your skills and interests. Hear priceless pointers on interviewing, how to be more memorable, and what to expect in 2024 hiring trends. 

Peter Braffman, Managing Director at GCM Grosvenor, shares his journey from pre-med to Wall Street to commercial real estate to law school, with one fateful train ride, and a plan to convince his parents to give him a chance! Peter reminds us that CRE is an apprenticeship business, and working in a culture that supports growth, keeping open to new opportunities, and always doing your research are critical ingredients to finding your best role in the industry. 

Colleen Fonseca of Builders of Color Coalition shares her career journey into commercial real estate, driven by her passion to help diverse individuals gain access to new connections, resources, and opportunities in the industry. Colleen encourages students to use their college career centers, nurture their relationships, take time to reflect, and to take a leap of faith!

An immigrant from Sri Lanka, Sajith talks about his success in real estate investment and finance, despite starting out with limited resources and connections. He advises on the importance of creating your own opportunity, pushing through rejections, and how to make yourself into the type of candidate employers want on their team.

Ashleigh shares his story of growing up in an immigrant family and how his experience in the military led him to a career in commercial real estate. He speaks frankly about “being the only” and bringing your whole self to work. Hear how one of Ashleigh’s most pivotal career moments was all about how he simply “followed up!”

Travel the world with Jeff as his career takes him from Ireland to Germany, London and New York. By trying out a variety of things in his education, following his interests, and building relationships, Jeff realized that people are more willing to help than you may think. And when in doubt—pick up a book and read!