The Human Side of Real Estate

Mark Twomey

Join host Mark Twomey in "The Human Side of Real Estate" podcast as he delves into the personal and professional stories of guests from the real estate industry. Through these insightful interviews, Mark uncovers the human side of these industry professionals, going beyond the traditional talk of transactions and properties.  With a focus on personal and professional development, Mark asks questions that reveal the unique journeys, challenges, and triumphs of his guests. Discover the motivations, aspirations, and lessons learned from the individuals who shape the world of real estate.  Whether you are a seasoned real estate professional, aspiring newcomer, or simply curious about the stories behind the industry, "The Human Side of Real Estate" offers a fresh perspective that inspires, educates, and entertains. Tune in to explore the narratives that make the real estate world not just about buildings, but about the people who bring it to life.

  1. 09/30/2025

    The First Lady of Polish Real Estate, Tatiana Spencer - Partner at ASPENN

    This week, we have the immense pleasure of welcoming Tatiana Spencer, a true trailblazer in the Polish real estate market. With a career spanning over two decades, she is a pioneering force who has advised many retail clients in Poland. Tatiana's story is one of innovation and leadership. We dive into her journey from her early days at Jones Lang LaSalle to becoming Head of Retail, a Director at King Sturge, and ultimately founding her own successful boutique brokerage, ASPENN, in 2011. In this episode, we explore: ➡️ The Rise of Women in Leadership: What has genuinely driven the notable increase in women ascending to senior positions in CEE real estate over the last decade? And, we tackle the controversial question: has the drive for gender balancing led to some eyebrow raising appointments? ➡️ The Entrepreneurial Leap: Tatiana shares the pivotal moment she left the corporate world to launch ASPENN. Is the recent wave of corporate veterans starting their own agencies a sign of a broader shift in mindset—perhaps a growing skepticism and mistrust of the corporate environment?➡️ Looking Ahead: Finally, Tatiana shares her vision for the future, discussing a balanced lifestyle, new ventures, and the plan to pass the torch at ASPENN. Tatiana was one of the first senior women to make a significant impact in Polish real estate, and her insights on career, corporate culture, and the entrepreneurial spirit are truly motivating Tune in for a powerful discussion on forging a path in a tough industry.

    46 min
  2. The Elephant in the room, Alcohol in Real Estate: with Natalia Sobecka, Alcohol Free Life Coach

    02/20/2025

    The Elephant in the room, Alcohol in Real Estate: with Natalia Sobecka, Alcohol Free Life Coach

    Get ready for a candid conversation about a topic rarely discussed in the real estate world: Alcohol. In this episode I'm joined by Natalia Sobecka who is seasoned International Real Estate retail expert; she has worked with companies like Unibail, Rituals, CBRE, and JLL. Natalia is also an Alcohol-Free Coach and Wellness Guide. She brings a unique perspective, combining her extensive industry experience with her passion for helping others live healthier, alcohol-free lives.We're diving deep into the often unspoken "epidemic" of alcohol in the real estate industry, exploring its impact on professionals. We discuss the constant stream of social events, from awards ceremonies to networking gatherings, and the pressure many feel to participate in the drinking culture. Is it truly necessary for success?This was not an easy discussion, both Natalia and I share our personal experiences with alcohol. This was definitely the most personal conversation I have had in this series. Natalia offers actionable tips for real estate professionals who want to attend industry events without feeling pressured to drink. Discover how to build genuine connections and close deals without relying on alcohol as a social lubricant.Finally we discuss a brighter future, as we explore the shifting attitudes of younger generations towards alcohol and discuss the role companies should play in promoting responsible drinking. Natalia shares her vision for a healthier, more balanced real estate industry, where professionals prioritize their well-being alongside their careers.#realestate #alcoholfree #wellbeing #mentalhealth #sobriety #business #networking #property #podcast #newepisode

    45 min

About

Join host Mark Twomey in "The Human Side of Real Estate" podcast as he delves into the personal and professional stories of guests from the real estate industry. Through these insightful interviews, Mark uncovers the human side of these industry professionals, going beyond the traditional talk of transactions and properties.  With a focus on personal and professional development, Mark asks questions that reveal the unique journeys, challenges, and triumphs of his guests. Discover the motivations, aspirations, and lessons learned from the individuals who shape the world of real estate.  Whether you are a seasoned real estate professional, aspiring newcomer, or simply curious about the stories behind the industry, "The Human Side of Real Estate" offers a fresh perspective that inspires, educates, and entertains. Tune in to explore the narratives that make the real estate world not just about buildings, but about the people who bring it to life.