MIT/CRE Meet the Visionaries

MIT Center for Real Estate

In this semimonthly, student-driven podcast, MIT Center for Real Estate will 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. Get ready to gain valuable perspectives and be inspired by the visionaries who are leading the way into the future of real estate development.

  1. Energizing and Decarbonizing Logistics at Global Scale

    FEB 10

    Energizing and Decarbonizing Logistics at Global Scale

    In this episode of Meet the Visionaries, MIT/CRE student Monisha Nasa sits down with Susan Uthayakumar, Chief Energy and Sustainability Officer at Prologis, one of the world’s largest logistics real estate company. Susan shares her career journey leading to her role in global sustainability at Prologis. She outlines how Prologis is transforming logistics real estate through sustainable design, on‑site energy generation, fleet electrification, and data‑driven emissions management. Susan discusses the challenges and opportunities of decarbonizing Scope 3 emissions, the impact of AI-driven energy demand, and the company’s approach to microgrids, modular data centers, and emerging technologies like modular nuclear. Offering an optimistic view of the future, she emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and purpose-driven work. Susan encourages students and industry leaders to take risks, experiment boldly, and care deeply about the problems they choose to solve. Interview by:  Monisha Nasa / MSRED 2026 Director: Denise DeLorey Production: Lacey Cochran Music from #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/mark-july/dance-with-me License code: KQAWWN4CWQXDF01E Learn more: https://www.prologis.com/about/our-story/leadership/susan-uthayakumar

    26 min
  2. Building Trust: Aligning Capital, Design, and Community

    JAN 26

    Building Trust: Aligning Capital, Design, and Community

    In this episode of Meet the Visionaries, Jainil Shah sits down with Adam Gordon, Managing Partner at Wildflower, for a thoughtful conversation on real estate investing, design-led development, and building enduring platforms in complex urban environments. Adam shares how Wildflower approaches investment through a deep understanding of demand, long-term trends, and human behavior. The discussion explores how conviction is built over time, why small and intentional gestures matter in relationship-building, and how developers can create value by aligning capital, design, and community impact. Adam also reflects on leadership, decision-making under uncertainty, and what it takes to build trust across cycles. A candid and inspiring conversation for investors, operators, and students interested in how thoughtful development and principled leadership come together in practice. Interview by:  Jainil Shah / MSRED 2026 Director: Denise DeLorey Production: Lacey Cochran Music from #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/mark-july/dance-with-me License code: KQAWWN4CWQXDF01E Learn more: https://www.wildflowerltd.com

    33 min
  3. Outlook 2026: Translating Insights into Strategy

    JAN 7

    Outlook 2026: Translating Insights into Strategy

    In this episode of Meet the Visionaries, Jainil Shah sits down with Sally Ann Flood, U.S. Real Estate Sector Leader at Deloitte, for a thoughtful conversation on navigating today’s real estate cycle with judgment and conviction. Drawing on her research and decades of experience across multiple market cycles, Sally Ann shares why the current moment represents a pause rather than a stop, how leaders should think about decision-making under uncertainty, and what separates firms that emerge stronger from those that stall. The discussion explores capital availability, the growing role of private credit, collaboration through joint ventures, and how data, experience, and long-term perspective come together in real-world decisions. A timely and grounded conversation for students, investors, and operators seeking clarity amid complexity.  Interview by: Jainil Shah, MSRED Candidate 2026 Director: Denise DeLorey Production: Lacey Cochran Music from #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/mark-july/dance-with-me License code: KQAWWN4CWQXDF01E Learn more: https://www.deloitte.com/

    21 min
  4. Lifting Cities: Design, Civic Partnership, and Social Impact

    12/17/2025

    Lifting Cities: Design, Civic Partnership, and Social Impact

    In this episode of Meet the Visionaries, MSRED student Michael Khamis speaks with MaryAnne Gilmartin, Founder and CEO of MAG Partners, about what it means to build cities with conviction, purpose, and long-term vision. MaryAnne traces her path from public service in New York City’s economic development ecosystem to leading transformative real estate projects in the city, including the Barclays Center, the New York Times Building, and New York by Gehry.  The conversation explores MaryAnne’s decision to launch MAG Partners, grounded in a belief that a development firm can be both principled and profitable. She discusses navigating capital formation through volatile cycles, the importance of patient capital, and why she continues to bet on New York City despite political and market headwinds. MaryAnne also offers a candid assessment of housing policy, public-sector collaboration, and what functional public–private partnerships require. MaryAnne reflects on MAG Partners’ mission-driven approach to development, including naming buildings after unsung women leaders and designing projects that prioritize beauty, sustainability, and community impact. As she states, “An urban developer can lift a city,” a sentiment that portrays both the responsibility and opportunity embedded in the profession. Interview by: Michael Khamis / MSRED 2026 Director: Denise DeLorey Production: Michael Khamis / Lacey Cochran Music from #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/mark-july/dance-with-me License code: KQAWWN4CWQXDF01E Learn more: https://magpartners.com

    50 min
  5. Healthcare Developments: Leading in a Complex Landscape

    12/08/2025

    Healthcare Developments: Leading in a Complex Landscape

    In this episode, we meet with Chris Bilotto, Executive Vice President at The RMR Group, and President & CEO of both Diversified Healthcare Trust and Service Properties Trust. With leadership roles spanning healthcare real estate, hospitality, and a diverse portfolio of operating properties, Chris shares how he navigates the complexities of managing large, dynamic real estate platforms. From lessons in operational excellence to the evolving demands of healthcare assets and the future of service-oriented real estate, Chris offers insights shaped by decades of hands-on experience. He discusses RMR’s integrated approach, the importance of aligning operations with long-term value creation, and what it means to lead teams through thoughtful business practice. Whether you’re interested in REIT management, sector-specific challenges, or broader leadership wisdom, learn from an experienced executive driving strategy across multiple major real estate trusts. Interview by: Shagun Kalra MSRED Candidate 2026 Director: Denise DeLorey Production: Shagun Kalra / Lacey Cochran Music from ⁠⁠⁠#Uppbeat⁠⁠⁠:⁠⁠⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/mark-july/dance-...⁠⁠⁠License code: KQAWWN4CWQXDF01E

    33 min
  6. Rethinking Place & Space: Smart City Infrastructure, Innovation Economies, and Adaptive-Reuse Projects

    11/24/2025

    Rethinking Place & Space: Smart City Infrastructure, Innovation Economies, and Adaptive-Reuse Projects

    In this episode, host Michael Khamis, a student in the MIT Master of Science in Real Estate Development program, sits down with EvanRegan-Levine, Chief Strategy Officer at JBG SMITH (NYSE: JBGS)—one of the most influential real estate owners and developers in the Washington, D.C. region. Together, they explore how JBG SMITH is reshaping urban districts through data-driven strategy, digital infrastructure, and long-term placemaking. Evan shares insights into the transformation of National Landing—home to Amazon HQ2 and Virginia Tech’s Innovation Campus—and discusses how the firm’s contrarian bets on adaptive reuse and smart-city infrastructure are positioning it for the next generation of mixed-use development.   The conversation spans from strategy to execution, revealing how JBG SMITH blends technology, capital-markets insight, and long-term vision to create lasting value for its shareholders. Evan reflects on the evolution of National Landing into a connected innovation district and the lessons learned in building an ecosystem anchored by Amazon, Virginia Tech, and the Pentagon. He discusses the firm’s growing pipeline of adaptive-reuse projects—from Tysons Dulles Plaza to Bell Street—and how these efforts are redefining the urban fabric of the D.C. region. Along the way, Evan unpacks the importance of higher-education anchors in fueling innovation economies and shares how JBG SMITH balances visionary placemaking with the discipline of a public-company framework, from share buybacks to portfolio repositioning. Whether your interests lie in urban transformation, smart infrastructure, or the future of real-estate strategy, this episode displays how visionary leadership and disciplined execution intersect to shape the cities of tomorrow. Interview by: Michael Khamis / MSRED Candidate 2026 Director: Denise DeLorey Production: Michael Khamis / Lacey Cochran Music from ⁠⁠#Uppbeat⁠⁠:⁠⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/mark-july/dance-...⁠⁠License code: KQAWWN4CWQXDF01E Learn more: https://www.jbgsmith.com

    43 min
  7. Old House, New Trick: Japan's Housing Market Reimagined with Education and Technology

    11/17/2025

    Old House, New Trick: Japan's Housing Market Reimagined with Education and Technology

    In this episode, Shotaro Fujisawa, founder of Yamori (ヤモリ), joins us to discuss how his Tokyo-based startup is reimagining Japan’s housing market. Founded in 2019, Yamori tackles Japan’s growing vacant-home crisis by acquiring and rehabilitating underused properties, turning them into affordable rentals for overlooked groups such as foreign workers, single-parent families, and young renters. Beyond renovation, the company builds digital tools for landlords, offers beginner-friendly real estate education, and integrates smart home technology to improve safety and accessibility for elderly tenants. In this conversation, Shotaro explains the economic and cultural forces driving Japan’s vacant-home problem and how Yamori’s data-driven, community-based model is restoring both housing supply and social trust. Yamori is leveraging a special purpose company (SPC) model, a form of public-private partnership with local municipalities, to finance its projects and deliver affordable housing at scale. Shotaro’s story captures the courage, ingenuity, and resilience it takes to build from the ground up—showing how purpose-driven entrepreneurship can transform communities and redefine what housing means in Japan. Interview by: Cherry Tang / MSRED Candidate 2026 Director: Denise DeLorey Production: Cherry Tang / Lacey Cochran Music from ⁠#Uppbeat⁠:⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/mark-july/dance-...⁠License code: KQAWWN4CWQXDF01E Learn more: https://www.yamori.co.jp

    36 min
  8. Real Estate's Tech Transformation: Strategy, Operations, Efficiency

    11/06/2025

    Real Estate's Tech Transformation: Strategy, Operations, Efficiency

    In this episode MSRED students Isabelle Turri and Cherry Tang sit down with David Blumenfeld, Co-Founder of NextRivet, to explore how technology and data-driven strategy are reshaping the real estate industry. From uncovering the true operational needs of Real Estate firms to crafting tailored tech solutions that enhance decision-making and efficiency, David shares how NextRivet’s consultative approach is redefining what it means to be a technology partner in real estate. The conversation dives into the intersection of business strategy, innovation, and the human side of digital transformation; revealing why understanding the why behind the problem is just as critical as building the solution. Interview by: Isabelle Turri and Cherry Tang / MSRED Candidates 2026 Director: Denise DeLoreyProduction: Cherry Tang / Lacey CochranMusic from #Uppbeat:https://uppbeat.io/t/mark-july/dance-...License code: KQAWWN4CWQXDF01E

    33 min
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About

In this semimonthly, student-driven podcast, MIT Center for Real Estate will 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. Get ready to gain valuable perspectives and be inspired by the visionaries who are leading the way into the future of real estate development.

Information

  • Creator
    MIT Center for Real Estate
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    34
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © MIT Center for Real Estate
  • Show Website
    MIT/CRE Meet the Visionaries