Developing Leadership

Behind Epic Stadium and Venue Designs with Michael Lockwood

In this episode of the Developing Leadership podcast, we welcome Michael Lockwood, Senior Principal with a global design firm and the world's leading sports architecture firm, Populous. They discuss Michael's unique career path from college athlete to award-winning architect, including the many mentor figures who influenced him. Michael then dives into Populous's pioneering work designing epic gathering spaces like stadiums, convention centers, and public venues across the globe. He shares behind-the-scenes stories about some of their most creative projects and how they focus on customer experience. Michael also talks about the keys to effective leadership, including understanding different personality types, building trust with clients, designing consensus, and empowering teams. He leaves listeners with encouraging advice on staying open-minded, continuously developing yourself, and leaning into unknown opportunities. [00:01 - 11:45] Michael’s Early Years: Lessons, Self-Discovery, and Mentors * Michael Lockwood studied experiential architecture track as a college athlete and discovered his love for design. * Key takeaway - There is no set career path, stay open to unexpected opportunities. * Effective leaders have a measured communication style to build consensus. * Great mentors have life wisdom to impart from overcoming trials. [11:46 - 24:01] Navigating Loss & Growth in the Architecture Industry * Michael had convention center losses but learned to still do your best work while respecting clients' decisions. * Big losses taught them to tailor ideas to the audience and context. * Be smart about how you communicate your ideas; it is not only about being right. * Michael focuses on leading visionary design but also rallies people and builds trust to deliver projects. [24:02 - 50:09] Projects Showcasing Creative Problem Solving * On ICC Sydney: Unlocked design by elevating public space to ease concerns. * On Calgary: Carved out event space instead of letting buildings take over clients' revenue sources. * Giving back by working on Cal Poly's football training center * Synergy, energy, and people coming together are what it takes to build great communities. [50:10 - 52:41] Michael Lockwood’s Thoughts on Leadership Approach * Leaders should focus on developing themselves. * Take on unknown challenges outside your comfort zone. Key Quotes:  "I still feel like I'm just starting. People will say architects don't do their best work until they're 50 or 60, and it's true. It's a long learning process." - Michael Lockwood "It's better to be smart than right. So as a designer, you're like, ‘I know this is the right solution’, but you have to be smart about how you communicate it, how you message it." - Michael Lockwood Connect with Michael Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-lockwood-populous/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-lockwood-populous/]  Website: https://populous.com/ [https://populous.com/]  Visit us on our Website: https://www.naiop-colorado.org/ [https://www.naiop-colorado.org/] LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, AND LEAVE US A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or whatever platform you listen on. Thank you for tuning in and Stay Updated for the Next Episode!

Strategic Leadership: City Council and Real Estate with Caitlin Quander

Explore the essential elements of successful leadership and achieve your goals in the latest episode of the Developing Leadership Podcast! Join us as we delve into the inspiring journey of Caitlin Quander, a distinguished business leader and real estate attorney. From her early days as a City Council aide to chairing the Denver Planning Board, Caitlin shares invaluable lessons on collaboration, patience, and the art of effective leadership. Discover the keys to building lasting relationships and gaining diverse experiences through a lifetime membership in NAIOP. Plus, gain insights into NAOIP's impactful public policy work, advocating for housing affordability and navigating regulatory landscapes. Don't miss this episode as Caitlin opens up about strategic investments, board memberships, and the power of pro bono projects.  Tune in now to fuel your leadership aspirations and turn dreams into reality! [00:00 - 06:39] From Law School to City Council to Real Estate Leadership * Caitlin Quander, a Brownstein's Real Estate shareholder, is NAIOP Colorado's president. * Recognized in 2023 by Best Lawyers and Denver Business Journal for Outstanding Women in Business. * Expertise: land use, zoning, real estate, urban renewal, and public finance. * Advice: take on leadership, build a peer group, network, and break goals into smaller steps. * An organic journey can lead to unexpected skills, enhancing professional growth. [06:40 - 20:12] Strong Leader Traits, Goals, Market Cycle & Mentorship  * Strong leaders have a skill in listening and a passion for what they are leading * Goals: refine edges in aspirational, programming, and servanthood areas. * Early career with mentor Jeanne Robb in City of Denver. * Collaboration, listening, and patience are crucial when working with different perspectives. [20:13 - 34:22] Empowering City Employees, Mission, Vision, and Goals * Identifying mentors includes trust and autonomy for new niches. * Being a good storyteller is key to real estate, finding the story behind each project. * Great mentorship includes giving back and discussing experiences honestly. * Balance is found by spending time with family and doing outdoor activities. [34:23 - 40:49] Taking on Responsibility and Asking for Help * Flexible workdays have become more common due to Covid. * Set parameters early about when to respond to emails and when not to. * Having a macro and micro perspective on the world is important. * 100 hours of pro bono work annually for stretching oneself in different ways. [40:50 - 47:32] Advice for Developing Leaders, Effective Communication, and Time Management * Advice: get involved, take on responsibility, don't be afraid to ask for help. * Communication and expectation setting are key for managing time and making decisions. * Listening to the community is vital for development projects. * Reframe conversations to make changes palatable for powerful conversations. * Manage your time by understanding your priorities, discerning when to say yes or no, and seeking help when necessary. [47:33 - 48:32] Closing Segment Key Quotes:  "True leadership lies in the ability to listen, understand goals, reflect on the team's aspirations, and passionately guide, regardless of the position they hold." - Caitlin Quander “Get involved, show up, listen, and stick with it. Embrace responsibility to grow as a leader in your career journey.” - Caitlin Quander Connect with Caitlin Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielvincentnewman?trk=public_post_feed-actor-namehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/caitlin-quander-murray/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/caitlin-quander-murray/] Website: https://www.bhfs.com/people/attorneys/p-s/caitlin-quander [https://www.bhfs.com/people/attorneys/p-s/caitlin-quander] Visit us on our Website: https://www.naiop-colorado.org/ [https://www.naiop-colorado.org/] LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, AND LEAVE US A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or whatever platform you listen on. Thank you for tuning in and Stay Updated for the Next Episode!

From Tech Startup to Real Estate Visionary: Unveiling Denver's Hidden Gems with Danny Newman

How does perseverance play a pivotal role in the path to achieving entrepreneurial success? Prepare to be inspired as we delve into the extraordinary journey of Danny, a trailblazing real estate investor in Denver. Join us as Danny shares his remarkable career transition from tech startup entrepreneur to visionary developer. Learn about Danny's ingenious use of no income/no asset loans to acquire three buildings in Rhino, Denver, which he transformed into thriving workspaces. Discover the invaluable lessons he learned from his mentor, Charlie Wooley, and the significance of perseverance on the path to success. Plus, find out how attending meetups and immersing yourself in post-lockdown gatherings can deepen your knowledge and passion for your chosen projects. Don't miss this immersive episode as we uncover Denver's hidden gems with Danny, the true embodiment of visionary entrepreneurship! [00:01 - 06:50] From Exploring Abandoned Spaces to Becoming a Real Estate Developer in Denver * Danny Newman is a story of an entrepreneur who learned to invest in real estate out of necessity * He specializes in adaptive reuse and has bought three churches, a movie theater, old gas station and the clock tower * He came back to Denver and started the city's first co-working space on Larimer Street [06:51 - 13:29] Danny's Journey from Adaptive Reuse to Cultural & Hospitality * He moved to Denver and bought three buildings in Rhino with Nina Loans * He created budget workspaces and modernized them after that * He learned how to be an operator versus just an investor [13:30 - 20:42] From Sneaking In To Buying * Danny and his business partner Paul started Invisible City, a secret society that hosts unique events in unexpected spaces * Danny purchased the clock tower, which was Denver's first skyscraper, in 2018 [20:43 - 27:43] Perseverance Pays Off * Adaptive reuse of a historic building * Biggest setback was the impact of COVID on hospitality industry * Perseverance and sticking with something long enough to make it happen is key advice [27:44 - 34:56] The Leap Year Insanity at Invisible City Before Pandemic * Perseverance is key in order to make progress  * Planned serendipity encourages cool things to happen  * Coolest event was a leap year insane party at the clock tower [34:57 - 40:02] Closing Segment Key Quotes:  “Covid post lockdown, getting out and just being around humans again is nice.” - Danny Newman “If you keep pushing, you know, a lot of times in the long run, things happen.” - Danny Newman Connect with Danny: Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/danielvincentnewman [https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielvincentnewman?trk=public_post_feed-actor-name] Visit us on our Website: https://www.naiop-colorado.org/ [https://www.naiop-colorado.org/] LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, AND LEAVE US A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or whatever platform you listen on. Thank you for tuning in and Stay Updated for the Next Episode!

Making A Prescriptive Decision Before Investing with Chris Bodnar

Chris Bodnar is the Chief Executive Officer of Prescriptive Capital, a private equity company focused on investing in limited partner and general partner positions in healthcare, life sciences and senior housing real estate.  Prior to founding Prescriptive Capital, Chris served as Vice Chairman of the U.S. Healthcare & Life Sciences Capital Markets at CBRE, a Fortune 150 company. At the time, Chris was the youngest investment advisor to be appointed to Vice Chairman in the company’s history and one of the first to start a national practice focused exclusively alternative real estate assets. Over the course of his career, he has advised on thousands of transactions totaling more than $20 billion in value.  He serves on the Editorial Advisory Board of the publication Healthcare Real Estate Insights, is on the ULI Healthcare and Life Sciences council, and is the Chair Emeritus of the Building Owners & Management Association (BOMA) Medical Office & Healthcare Real Estate Conference. In 2013, Healthcare Real Estate Insights selected Chris as their Healthcare Executive of the Year as part of their annual HREI Insights Awards. Chris has a Bachelor of Science degree in Business and Real Estate from the University of Colorado Boulder – Leeds School of Business. [00:01 - 08:27] Chris Bodnar Shares His Career Journey and Mindset * Chris discusses his career journey and how it has prepared him for his new venture * Chris shares a story about his mother, who taught him empathy and how it has helped him in business * Chris talks about the importance of honing your skillset and how stepping in to do something you're not trained to do can be a positive experience [08:28 - 15:15] Prescriptive Capital Partners Launches Medical Office Building Project * Prescriptive Capital is a healthcare real estate investment company focused on alternative real estates assets, such as medical office buildings and senior living communities * The company has just funded a medical office building in the affluent suburb of Houston and is also developing another project in the Woodlands area * The company is focusing on high-traffic thoroughfares in the Woodlands area and is targeting physicians as its main investors [15:16 - 24:13] How the Lease is Signed * The lease for the surgery center is signed with physicians * The surgery center will generate more money for the physicians than they would if they were to invest in real estate * The surgery center is an example of a business that is profitable and has high margins * The practice has 52 doctors, and most of them are new to the business [24:14 - 40:37] Tips for Success * To trust the process and focus on what will produce the results rather than the results or process * How he learned to ask for favors and set the stage first by saying he had a secret to ask, and then giving a reason * Chris's advice is to talk to as many people as possible to learn about the industry [40:38 - 41:24] Closing Segment Key Quotes: “Brokers get overpaid for what they do because you hire them to lease space.” - Chris Bodnar “I think a lot of us wanna keep it in so we don't fail. But by keeping it in, you're just gonna fail anyways. So, which way do you wanna fail?” - Chris Bodnar Connect with Chris: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louis-o-connor- Website: https://strategicmetalsinvest.com [https://strategicmetalsinvest.com/] Visit us on our Website: https://www.naiop-colorado.org/ [https://www.naiop-colorado.org/] LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, AND LEAVE US A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or whatever platform you listen on. Thank you for tuning in and Stay Updated for the Next Episode!

Think Outside The Box with Martha Weidmann

Martha is the CEO and Founder of Nine dot Arts, a local art curation company headquartered in Denver. From her experience growing up in Mobile Alabama to moving to Colorado and taking advantage of its great opportunities for female entrepreneurs and minorities to start businesses, Martha has gone through a transformative journey. Hear about how the 2008-2009 recession presented a pivotal moment in her life that led to the formation of Nine dot Arts, how they use trends to expand their geographic presence and refine their go-to-market strategy, the people-centric company culture they have built at Nine dot Arts, their success over the past decade completing over 900 projects in 36 different states across five countries generating over 50 million for the creative economy and building a database of 10,000 artists around the world. Plus, Martha gives us five pieces of advice on dreaming bigger, honing your vision, hiring for your deficits, aligning yourself with great people, and leading with joy. Join us for this inspiring conversation with one of Colorado's most successful female entrepreneurs as she shares her story on how she got to where she is today [00:01 - 13:39] Achieving Success Through Bold Vision, Execution, and Adaptability * Being the best in the world at placemaking and art consulting for large scale developments * How they have survived and thrived through different economic environments * Opportunities were in different places after the recession, such as healthcare, corporate offices, hospitality, multi-family, and municipal work * How to set a bold vision, embrace execution, and not be afraid of pivoting [13:40 - 20:10] Generating Over 50 Million for the Creative Economy and Building a Team of Specialists for Positive Social Impact * Generated over 50 million for the creative economy * Follow trends and look for new markets based on key characteristics * Geographic expansion plan focused on diversification of regions  * Culture is top down and bottom up  * Positive social impact and team of specialists [20:11 - 26:48] Building a Values-Based Culture and Refining Your Recruiting Process to Create a People-Centric Workplace * Looking at people-centric benefits  * Building perks and rewards into the company culture  * Flexible work policies and parental leave  * Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging trainings  * Providing scenario for candidates to respond to in hiring phase [26:49 - 33:21] Leadership Tips from Martha Weidman * Intentional leadership around values * Responsive and respectful leaders  * Thoughtful leaders to remove bias  * Dream bigger and hone your vision  * Hire for deficits and align with great people  * Lead with joy and practice gratitude [33:22 - 33:48] Closing Segment Key Quotes: “Put out something audacious that might be 10 or 20 years down the road, because if you work towards it in just small increments and move the needle a little bit every day, you'll get there.” - Martha Weidmann “So dream bigger, hone your vision.” - Martha Weidmann Connect with Martha: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martha-weidmann-b112396 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/martha-weidmann-b112396], https://www.linkedin.com/company/nine-dot-arts?trk=public_profile_topcard-current-company [https://www.linkedin.com/company/nine-dot-arts?trk=public_profile_topcard-current-company] Website: https://ninedotarts.com/ [https://ninedotarts.com/] Visit us on our Website: https://www.naiop-colorado.org/ [https://www.naiop-colorado.org/] LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, AND LEAVE US A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or whatever platform you listen on. Thank you for tuning in and Stay Updated for the Next Episode!