From the Basement to the Boardroom | Ep4: Allan Fourie

From the Basement to the Boardroom | Ep4: Allan Fourie

Joining us for this episode of The Good, The Bad & The PropTech is Allan Fourie to explore why, despite years of investment and innovation, so much building technology ends up sitting unused and what it takes to get people actually using it.   From the chaos of overlapping systems and AI buzzwords masking outdated algorithms, to the very real barriers facing PropTech companies trying to cross from the US into the UK and European markets, the conversation covers the full landscape of an industry that is simultaneously moving very fast and standing frustratingly still.   Having started his career as a qualified electrician, Allan has become one of the industry's most experienced voices on PropTech adoption and building technology strategy. He can offer insights into almost every level of asset management, from the basement to the boardroom. Having lived the reality of buildings before the era of smart technology, he brings an authority to the questions the industry is still struggling to answer: why does so much building tech get deployed and never used, who should really be driving the adoption agenda, and why does fragmented data sit at the root of almost every challenge commercial real estate faces today?   If you're interested in the real state of PropTech adoption, the untapped value hidden inside building data, or what it will genuinely take for smart buildings to live up to their name, this episode offers a straight-talking perspective from someone who has seen the industry from both ends.   If you have any thoughts or questions about this episode, or any topics discussed within, drop us a comment! We'd love to hear from you.   ► Subscribe and share! ► Find us on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/trustekgroup/] ► Watch full video here [https://youtu.be/MZImmWiEPeA]!

The Brain Behind ‘Smart’ Buildings | Ep4: William Hulls, Demand Logic

In this episode of The Good, The Bad & The PropTech, Freddie sits down with William Hulls, CRO of Demand Logic, to explore the variety of obstacles standing in the way of true building optimisation.   From BMS systems — the brains behind modern buildings — hidden away in dusty basements, to maintenance teams struggling with communication, workloads, and growing expectations, the conversation uncovers the layers of complexity behind so-called 'smart' buildings. Freddie and Will also discuss the uncertainty surrounding AI, and how every building presents its own unique operational challenges.   As each issue arises, Will explains how Demand Logic tackles them using real-time building data. By cutting through the noise, the platform helps turn complex engineering information into clear, actionable insights for everyone involved in managing and operating a building, driving performance optimisation and greater occupant comfort. If you’re interested in the reality of smart buildings, the day-to-day challenges of facilities and asset management, or the future of real estate intelligence, this episode offers an honest look at the untapped value hidden inside building data and the increasing importance of operational intelligence across commercial real estate.   If you have any thoughts or questions about this episode, or any topics discussed within, drop us a comment! We'd love to hear from you.   ► Subscribe and share! ► Find us on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/trustekgroup/] ► Watch full video here [https://youtu.be/tMvw5l7Bk6Q]!

Human-First Experience in the AI Era | Ep3: Emma Roche, Greenwoods

In this episode of The Good, The Bad & The PropTech, Freddie sits down with Emma Roche, Senior Partner at Greenwoods!   The conversation explores how commercial real estate is shifting from traditional leasing models toward hospitality-led, customer-focused experiences, and why PropTech is playing a critical role in that transformation. From flexible workspaces and occupier expectations to legal innovation, customer experience metrics, and the future of London offices, this episode offers a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at how the workplace sector is evolving.   Recognised in the Legal 500 for her expertise and chair of the BCO's newly formed "Customer Experience Committee", Emma is deeply passionate about real estate industry and the people behind it. Her perspective on the current evolution of PropTech comes from her experience in the legal world of CRE. She highlights the increasing crossover elements between the two industries and the emerging baseline needs for modern workplace expectations and occupier experience, based on conversations she's had with both owners and operators. As a strong advocate for people-first approaches, she also explains the need to embrace AI without sacrificing the nuances of human experience, interpersonal relationships, and critical thinking skills.   Whether you're interested in the continuing evolution of modern workplace experience, the careful balancing of human knowledge and AI automation, or simply in where PropTech sits on the CRE law radar, this episode offers valuable insights into where the industry is heading next.   If you have any thoughts or questions about this episode, or any topics discussed within, drop us a comment! We'd love to hear from you.   ► Subscribe and share! ► Find us on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/trustekgroup/] ► Watch full video here [https://youtu.be/BKjcQo_3wQ8]!

Data: Value over Volume | Ep2: Shreya Sheth, PATRIZIA

Joining us for this episode of "The Good. The Bad. The PropTech." is Shreya Sheth, a Director of Investment Management at PATRIZIA!   During their conversation, Shreya and Freddie cover a multitude of topics. They discuss playbook approaches and the need for flexibility and scalability, the shift towards data value rather than data volume, how the changing attitudes towards AI may be impacting how investors approach PropTech, and the implications that cybersecurity risks have on the future of the industry.   With over a decade of experience in the realm of PropTech, Shreya offers valuable insight into the industry through the lens of property investment and management. Her experience spans her shift from the financial side of tech, to the real estate side of tech, equipping her with a range of knowledge for PropTech implementation and usefulness. She joined PATRIZIA in 2021 - a leading pan-European real estate investment manager which handles assets of over €55 billion, and continually upholds their commitment to building smarter communities and sustainable futures.   Whether you're an investor, founder, or simply curious about the future PropTech in the realm of real estate investment, this episode offers grounded insights and fresh perspectives on where the industry is headed.   If you have any thoughts or questions about this episode, or any topics discussed within, drop us a comment! We'd love to hear from you.   ► Subscribe and share! ► Find us on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/trustekgroup/] ► Watch full video here [https://youtu.be/2d79fhHPYoc]!

Connectivity is Non-Negotiable | Ep1: Russ Dobson, Node

Joining us for the premiere episode of "The Good. The Bad. The PropTech." is Russ Dobson, COO of Node! Across the conversation, Russ and Freddie discuss the importance of connectivity and reliable digital infrastructures, the need for better education and awareness of these topics, and the industry solutions offered by Node. Node are not another internet service provider company, and that’s the point. They have been on a journey over the last few years and adapted their model to meet the changing needs of buildings and their connectivity infrastructure and flexibility. They are not about offering a free service and then collecting margin downstream. They are about the backbone connectivity that speeds up the letting process. Russ also provides useful insights and explanations into elements such as what a converged network is for a building, and why these could be an essential element to smart buildings and centralised cyber security. If you have any thoughts or questions about this episode, or any topics discussed within, drop us a comment! We'd love to hear from you.   ► Subscribe and share! ► Find us on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/trustekgroup/] ► Watch full video here [https://youtu.be/TIfZX7YdJ_0]!