People Who Perform - The Real Estate Careers Podcast

HighView Partners
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  • CAREERS

The real estate industry plays a major role in Canada's economy and offers some of the most interesting and rewarding careers paths available. Each episode, we bring you conversations from business leaders and up and coming stars in the real estate industry in Canada. Our guests share their unique career journeys, passions and advice on what it takes to be successful in this industry. If you’re passionate about real estate and want to learn more about what it takes to be successful, then this podcast is for you!

  1. Breaking Down The Real Estate Compensation Guide 2026

    FEB 5

    Breaking Down The Real Estate Compensation Guide 2026

    In this episode, Nicola, James, and Richard come together for a HighView roundtable to break down insights from the newly released 2026 Real Estate Compensation Guide. Built on survey data from across the Canadian real estate industry and informed by what HighView is seeing every day with clients and candidates, the conversation explores how compensation, hiring, and career movement are evolving in a more disciplined market. James shares perspectives from Toronto, while Rich brings a Western lens from Vancouver, grounding the discussion in real-time market experience. They cover what 2026 is shaping up to look like for both employers and professionals — including hiring outlook, where talent demand remains strongest, salary and bonus expectations, and how career timelines are shifting.  Whether you’re building a team or thinking about your next move, this episode offers practical insight into navigating the year ahead.

    30 min
  2. Tiffany Duzita: Building Community (on and off the court)

    11/18/2025

    Tiffany Duzita: Building Community (on and off the court)

    In this episode of The Real Estate Careers Podcast, host Richard Costello welcomes Tiffany Duzita, Vice President of Acquisitions and Development at RCG Group. Tiffany has spent her career working across a wide range of environments, giving her a broad perspective on how projects are shaped, financed, and delivered. From large public companies to private developers, non-profit housing organizations, and First Nation-led partnerships, she has gained exposure to various models, structures, and approaches along the way. Earlier this year, she joined RCG Group, where she now leads acquisitions and development across Western Canada and the U.S. Key topics include: Early inspiration and career foundations – What first drew Tiffany to real estate, the early experiences that shaped her understanding of successful development, and the lessons she shares with aspiring Development Managers entering the field. Building the Community Land Trust – An inside look at what makes the Community Land Trust model distinct, what it was like helping build the organization from the ground up, the accomplishments she’s most proud of, and the leadership skills required to succeed in mission-driven development. Balancing purpose and viability – How Tiffany approached the challenge of delivering financially sound projects while staying true to the organization’s social mandate — and what that taught her about decision-making, partnerships, and long-term impact. The transition to RCG Group – Why, after nearly 10 years in non-profit housing, Tiffany chose to return to the private sector, what appealed to her about RCG’s culture and Harold Goodwyn’s leadership, and how the company is positioning itself for growth across North America. Acquisitions and development under one roof – Tiffany shares how her dual role allows her to connect strategy with execution, why combining these disciplines strengthens project outcomes, and how her broad background shapes her perspective day-to-day. Building community — on and off the court – From non-profit housing to mixed-use development to her love of pickleball, Tiffany reflects on how community shows up in every part of her life and career — and why it remains the thread that ties her work together.

    52 min
  3. Jeff Kennedy: Rising Fast, Staying Grounded

    10/16/2025

    Jeff Kennedy: Rising Fast, Staying Grounded

    In this episode, host Richard Costello welcomes Jeff Kennedy, Chief Financial Officer at Troika Developments. Jeff has built a diverse career in real estate, starting in brokerage before moving into asset management and investments at Troika, where he became CFO in late 2024. Based in Kelowna, Jeff brings insight on leadership, finance, and growth in one of Canada’s most dynamic regional markets. Key topics include: Career journey and lessons – What drew Jeff to real estate, his career path, and the mentors and experiences that shaped him.Troika Developments and leadership – Insights on the company, working with founder Renée Merrifield, and stepping into the CFO role.Life in the Okanagan – Jeff’s perspective on living and working in Kelowna, market trends, and future opportunities.Looking ahead – Troika’s upcoming projects and Jeff’s vision for the next chapter in Kelowna real estate.*There are a few moments of lower sound quality, but don't let it stop you from listening to the end ;-)

    35 min
  4. Marlee Kohn: Leading the Charge on ESG in Real Estate

    10/08/2025

    Marlee Kohn: Leading the Charge on ESG in Real Estate

    In this episode, host James Ashley welcomes Marlee Kohn, Vice President of ESG at Starlight Investments. Marlee has spent over 14 years at the intersection of real estate and sustainability, building a career focused on driving meaningful change in how the industry approaches environmental, social, and governance priorities. From her early work at Oxford Properties to her current leadership role at Starlight, she's tackled some of the sector's most pressing challenges—from climate action and energy efficiency to resident engagement and social impact. Recognized as a Clean50 Emerging Leader, Marlee brings both deep technical expertise and a genuine commitment to creating impact that matters. In this conversation, we explore what it takes to move ESG from buzzword to real action in the real estate sector, and what's standing in the way. Key topics include: Social impact and resident engagement – What meaningful community engagement actually looks like and where the industry is falling short.Net-zero commitments – The biggest opportunities and challenges in accelerating progress, from low-carbon retrofits to financing models.Resilience and future-proofing – How owners should be thinking about climate and market risks, and what lessons Canadian real estate can learn from other sectors.Bill C-59 and disclosure requirements – How new transparency rules are reshaping the conversation around greenwashing and what it means for smaller operators.Getting buy-in from the top – Strategies for building trust with investors and senior leaders to advance ESG initiatives.Marlee's career journey – What first drew her to sustainability in real estate, the defining moments that shaped her path, and the toughest challenges she's overcome.Advice for leaders and emerging talent – Where overwhelmed executives should start, how to balance short-term pressures with long-term goals, and what the next generation needs to know about making their mark.Tune in to hear Marlee's perspective on navigating the ESG landscape, building momentum for change, and what it takes to lead with purpose in an industry that's finally starting to take sustainability seriously.

    1 hr
  5. John Brendan McEown: Building a New Era of Housing in Burnaby

    08/26/2025

    John Brendan McEown: Building a New Era of Housing in Burnaby

    In this episode, host Richard Costello welcomes John Brendan McEown, Chief Executive Officer of the Burnaby Housing Authority. John Brendan (JB) has been a leader in affordable housing for over a decade. As Associate Vice President of Development Strategies at BC Housing, he guided a team of professionals delivering thousands of homes across the province. With a Master of Urban Studies from Simon Fraser University and a track record of shaping housing policy and delivery, JB now steps into the inaugural CEO role at the Burnaby Housing Authority at a pivotal moment for housing in the region. Key topics include: Career influences and lessons – What inspired JB to pursue housing and how his time at BC Housing shaped his approach.The Burnaby Housing Authority’s vision – Why it was created, what makes it unique, and its goals for the next decade.Balancing perspectives – How JB’s public-sector background informs his leadership and the advantages it brings to a development-focused organization.Innovations in housing delivery – The potential role of modular construction, robotics, and new technologies in solving supply challenges.Leadership at a young age – Insights on stepping into executive leadership, building culture, and lessons learned so far.Looking ahead – What gives JB optimism in a time of cost pressures, permitting delays, and market uncertainty.Tune in to hear JB’s perspective on launching a new housing authority, the challenges and opportunities ahead, and what it takes to build sustainable, affordable communities in a rapidly evolving housing landscape

    26 min
  6. Todd Spencer: Rethinking Rental Housing in a Changing Market

    05/29/2025

    Todd Spencer: Rethinking Rental Housing in a Changing Market

    Todd Spencer joins Nicola Denning-Millar to share his journey from television to the world of residential property management. With extensive international experience in Europe and Asia, Todd has a unique perspective on the rental housing market in Canada. His career spans several years in property management, and his insights have shaped his approach to improving the industry, from tenant satisfaction to operational efficiency. Key topics in this episode include: Career transition – Todd's move from television to property management and what drives his passion today.Global perspective – How international experiences shaped Todd’s view of Canadian rental housing.Industry challenges – The impact of inflation, interest rates, and economic uncertainty on rent affordability and tenant turnover.Regulatory pressures – How rent control, eviction moratoriums, and zoning restrictions affect owners and property managers.Building rental supply – The difficulties developers face and the changes Todd wants to see from governments.Opportunities for transformation – Promising improvements for residents and property owners in the rental experience.PropTech – How technology can enhance the resident and employee experience.Workforce development – Changing perceptions of the residential property management sector and investing in long-term careers.Tune in to hear Todd’s insights on the future of rental housing and the role of property management in Canada.

    56 min
  7. Edward Chang: Orchestrating Value in Hospitality Real Estate

    04/07/2025

    Edward Chang: Orchestrating Value in Hospitality Real Estate

    Richard Costello welcomes Edward Chang, VP Investments and Real Estate at Silverbirch Hotels. Edward’s career spans over a decade of hotel investment, underwriting, and asset management across North America and Europe, with experience at firms like Goldman Sachs, SilverBirch Hotels & Resorts, Sonder, and American Hotel Income Properties REIT. He has played a key role in high-profile transactions, including a $1.2 billion portfolio sale, and brings a global perspective to hospitality strategy. Outside of work, Edward is also a classical musician with over 8 million Spotify streams. Key topics in this episode include: Hotels as an asset class – Why investors are drawn to the complexity and opportunity of hospitality real estate.Global insights – How Edward’s experience across North America and Europe shapes his approach.Investment and asset management – Lessons from high-stakes deals and large portfolios.Operational dynamics – How pricing, branding, and management models impact returns.Music and real estate – Parallels between curating guest experiences and composing music.Navigating market shifts – Where the hospitality sector is headed. Tune in to hear Edward’s unique insights and advice.

    45 min
  8. Barrett Sprowson: Navigating Market Cycles with Data & Experience

    03/27/2025

    Barrett Sprowson: Navigating Market Cycles with Data & Experience

    In this episode, host Richard Costello welcomes Barrett Sprowson, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Peterson, to discuss how sales leaders can navigate challenging market cycles with data-driven strategies and leadership experience. Barrett has been at the forefront of real estate sales and marketing in Vancouver, with a track record of $2 billion in revenue and 3,500+ units sold. With experience spanning resort, luxury, and high-density urban developments, he brings a unique perspective on how market cycles shape sales strategies, pricing, and product development. Key topics include: Data-driven sales strategies – How analytics inform pricing, floor plans, and marketing.Adapting to challenging markets – Lessons learned from market downturns and recoveries.The power of pre-sales – Why they matter and how to succeed when sales slow.Leadership through uncertainty – Building and maintaining high-performing sales teams.Real estate market trends – What today’s shifts mean for buyers, developers, and sales teams.Experience across market cycles – How past challenges shape today’s best strategies.Tune in to hear Barrett’s expert insights on leading sales and marketing through market cycles with data and experience.

    42 min
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About

The real estate industry plays a major role in Canada's economy and offers some of the most interesting and rewarding careers paths available. Each episode, we bring you conversations from business leaders and up and coming stars in the real estate industry in Canada. Our guests share their unique career journeys, passions and advice on what it takes to be successful in this industry. If you’re passionate about real estate and want to learn more about what it takes to be successful, then this podcast is for you!

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