John Forrester, global president of Cushman & Wakefield, reflects on more than three decades in real estate, lessons learnt from booms and busts, diversity and what he expects from the next generation.
In a conversation with EG, Forrester says: “I felt at home in this industry wherever it’s been in the world. It doesn’t matter where that door is – Shanghai or Tokyo or Newcastle – I always feel at home. I feel comfortable. I feel safe.”
But he says Cushman & Wakefield – and property more broadly – are on a journey to extend that to everyone. The industry needs more diversity, Forrester says, and it is up to today’s leaders to make it so.
“The leaders are responsible. We define the roadway within which the organisation has to operate. If we don’t set stretching targets, if we don’t ensure that our environment is welcoming and safe – that people are allowed to fail and be themselves – then that’s our fault.”
He goes on to reveal his advice for those, like his son, who have just started in property and gives us a glimpse into “John the person”: his love of authors named James or Elroy, his funeral playlist, thumbs up emojis and the teacher who made the biggest difference in his life.
TECHTALK: Fifth Wall’s Brendan Wallace on the evolution of proptech
EG Like Sunday Morning: True-stepping all the way to Greggs
Labs and London: Creating the space to meet life sciences demand
Veganism for buildings: Is retrofit or redevelopment the answer?
After Dark: How enabling London’s night-time economy is vital for the capital’s future
Property over politics: How the UK’s real estate sector is key to delivering a levelled-up UK
EG Like Sunday Morning: How flarked are we?
Fundamentals of the Future: Bridging property’s ESG skills gap
EG’s Office Politics: A New Regeneration
Fundamentals of the Future: The timber test for insurance and real estate
Fundamentals of the Future: Time to act on the climate crisis
Fundamentals of the Future: Adding an H to ESG
From £50 weekend jobs to £50bn of real assets; Aviva Investors’ head of responsible investment on carpentry, cynicism and the simple mantra that demystifies ESG
EG Future Leaders: Fresh thinking for a brighter future
EG Like Sunday Morning: Measuring the UK’s cities
EG Future Leaders: Cohort 5 prepares for a journey of inspiration
EG Future Leaders: Trusting the process and preparing to effect change
EG Like Sunday Morning: What will King Charles III mean for real estate?
In on the Act: The Building Safety Act 2022
Voice of the Region: Retail special – Everything Must Yo-yo
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
The emPOWERed Half Hour
NABOR® TALKS
U.S Property Podcast
Aligned Money Show
The Ramsey Show
Planet Money