The Governance Edge: How strong leadership transforms real estate

In this enlightening episode, Susanne Eickermann-Riepe, a seasoned expert in governance, delves into the pivotal role of governance within the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) framework. Susanne explains how robust governance serves as the cornerstone of successful businesses, enabling them to generate positive social and environmental impacts. She underscores the importance of diverse supervisory boards, transparent communication, and reliable data, highlighting the growing influence of the younger generation in demanding transparency and purpose-driven organisations. 

Susanne advises companies to cultivate a governance culture that aligns with evolving market dynamics, stressing the importance of the four Ds: demographic shifts, de-globalisation, digitisation, and decarbonisation. 

Chapters: 

00:00 - The Power of Governance in Creating and Building 
In this introduction, we explore the foundational importance of governance in real estate and business at large. Susanne shares insights from her extensive career, emphasising how good governance fosters innovation and stability. 

09:54 - Transparency, Compliance, and Ethical Standards in Governance 
Susanne discusses the critical need for transparency and compliance in governance, explaining how these elements uphold ethical standards and build trust with stakeholders. 

12:07 - Governance in Real Estate: From Properties to Companies 
Delving into the real estate sector, Susanne outlines the unique governance challenges and opportunities within property management and development. 

18:14 - The Importance of Transparency and Trust in Governance 
Here, Susanne highlights the direct link between transparency, trust, and long-term success in governance. 

20:11 - Creating Value, Managing Risks, and Driving Sustainability through Governance: 
Susanne explains how effective governance can create value, manage risks, and drive sustainability efforts within organisations. 

23:27 - The Role of the Supervisory Board in Governance: 
A deep dive into the role of supervisory boards, focusing on their importance in steering governance and ensuring accountability. 

25:23 - Transparency and Trust in the Real Estate Industry: 
This section explores the specific challenges of maintaining transparency and trust within the real estate industry, with practical advice from Susanne. 

29:54 - The Influence of the Younger Generation on Governance: 
Susanne discusses the impact of the younger generation on corporate governance, highlighting their demand for greater transparency and ethical business practices. 

37:05 - Adapting to Changing Market Conditions and Regulations: 
Susanne offers strategies for adapting governance frameworks to keep pace with changing market conditions and regulatory landscapes. 

47:46 - The Four Ds: Demographic, De-globalisation, Digitisation, and Decarbonisation: The episode concludes with a comprehensive discussion on the four Ds and their influence on future governance strategies. 

Featured Guest: 

Susanne Eickermann-Riepe FRICS is Chair of the RICS European World Regional Board and Chair of the Advisory Board of RICS Germany. 

She is also the Chairwomen of the ICG Institute, which works with high-ranking German real estate companies on standards, values and sustainability to improve governance in the real estate industry.  

She was a partner at PwC for almost 20 years, led the German real estate business and was part of PwC’s EMEA and Global Leadership team.  

She works on sustainability issues and innovations in the real estate industry with the IMPACT format on the Platform B