The Real Estate Careers Podcast

Hosted by HighView Partners

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Episodes

Latest episode

Oct 2026

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EN-US

About the show

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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60 recent

October 13, 2026Episode 1839 min

Lachlan MacLean | Common Threads - A Career in Alternative Real Estate

In this episode of The Real Estate Careers Podcast, host Richard Costello welcomes Lachlan MacLean, Chief Operating Officer at Compass Communities. With more than 30 years of experience across Canada and Australia, Lachlan has built a career in alternative real estate asset classes, from parking operations and marinas to RV resorts and land lease communities. While these businesses may appear quite different, they share a common focus on occupancy, customer experience and maximizing the performance of real estate assets. In this conversation, Lachlan reflects on the career decisions and experiences that shaped his journey, the lessons learned from leading complex operating businesses, and the growing importance of land lease communities in Canada's real estate landscape. Key topics include: Building a career across alternative real estate sectors and recognizing the common threads between seemingly different businesses. How being open to opportunities and taking chances shaped Lachlan's career, from Australia to Canada. The experiences and leadership lessons gained from operating parking facilities, marinas, RV resorts and residential communities. Understanding the land lease community model. What's driving growing interest in land lease communities among investors and how the sector is evolving. His decision to join Compass Communities and what excites him about the future of the business and the broader land lease sector. Lachlan also shares his advice for emerging real estate professionals, including why it's worth keeping an open mind, embracing unexpected opportunities and recognizing that a successful career doesn't always follow a straight line.

September 15, 2026Episode 1747 min

Corina Sajewski | Getting Projects Built in 2026

In this episode, host James Ashley welcomes Corina Sajewski, Vice President of Development at Fengate Asset Management. With more than 13 years of experience spanning architecture, construction, and real estate development, Corina leads purpose-built rental and condominium developments across Fengate's portfolio. Having built her career at firms including Diamond Schmidt Architects, Minto, and Freed before joining Fengate, she shares what it actually takes to get a project built in today's market — and what she calls "the new development playbook" for developers navigating the next decade. Key topics include: Why getting a project off the ground today looks so different than it did five or ten years ago, and which parts of that shift are cyclical versus structural. What actually determines project viability, and where a good developer can still move the needle when the numbers don't work at first. The rise of purpose-built rental as Canada's largest category of housing starts, and why it's becoming a permanent part of the housing mix rather than a temporary response to a soft condo market. The launch of Fengate Communities and what building for decades of ownership demands differently from a developer than building to sell. The role of government policy, from Toronto's development charge reductions to CMHC financing programs, in making rental projects viable. How institutional capital — including Fengate's four-decade partnership with the LIUNA Pension Fund of Central and Eastern Canada — provides the patient, disciplined capital housing delivery increasingly requires. Corina's own path from licensed architect to developer, and how that background shapes the way she evaluates real estate today. What "the new development playbook" means for developers who want to succeed over the next ten years, and why necessity may be the industry's best innovator. Tune in for a conversation on development viability, purpose-built rental, institutional capital, and what it will take to build not just more housing in Canada, but better housing.

August 12, 2026Episode 1639 min

Wingar Tsang | Learning to Lead in CRE

In this episode, host Richard Costello welcomes Wingar Tsang, Director of Portfolio Operations & Asset Management at Allied Properties REIT. With more than 15 years of commercial real estate experience, Wingar has built her career across asset management, portfolio operations, financial analysis, and public land strategy. Having worked with organizations including Allied Properties REIT, Lululemon, the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, and Anbang Insurance, she shares the lessons that have shaped her approach to leadership, mentorship, and creating long-term value. Key topics include: Wingar's career journey across the public and private sectors and the experiences that shaped her leadership philosophy. Why leadership is earned through consistent action long before receiving the title. The transition from individual contributor to Director and the mindset required to lead high-performing teams. The importance of resilience, emotional intelligence, and adaptability in leadership. Mentorship lessons that influenced Wingar throughout her career and the advice she shares with emerging leaders. How Allied Properties REIT is positioning its portfolio for long-term growth and the future of commercial real estate. The evolving role of office buildings and creating workplaces where people genuinely want to spend time. Building stronger communities through commercial real estate and Wingar's work with the Gastown Business Improvement Association. The opportunities and challenges shaping Vancouver's commercial real estate market. The value of curiosity, continuous learning, and gaining experience across different asset classes. Personal insights on travel, sports, podcasts, and maintaining balance outside of work. Tune in for a conversation on leadership, mentorship, commercial real estate, community building, and the mindset behind creating long-term success in both business and life.

July 29, 2026Episode 1556 min

Dave Casimiro | What a Health Crisis Taught Me About Leadership and Healthcare

In this episode, James Ashley reconnects with Dave Casimiro, Executive Vice President at Vital Infrastructure Property Trust, six years after their first conversation. Dave has spent more than 20 years building a career in healthcare real estate within one organization—progressing from Leasing Manager to EVP. But this conversation isn't just about career progression. It's about what happens when leadership challenges collide with personal ones, and how a six-month absence from work can fundamentally change how you see your role, your team, and what actually matters. What We Discuss: The evolution from operational leadership to strategic, partnership-focused leadership Why learning to trust your team and let go is essential—and often the hardest part of leadership How a significant health challenge shifted Dave's perspective on patience, family, and priorities His experience navigating the Canadian healthcare system as both a real estate professional and a patient The transformation from Northwest Healthcare Properties REIT to Vital Infrastructure Property Trust Why healthcare real estate is a specialized, relationship-driven asset class with real career longevity The growing role of outpatient care and how healthcare delivery is evolving Why infrastructure will need to keep pace with an aging population and increasing demand for care The role Vital is playing as a capital and real estate partner across the healthcare ecosystem Why Listen: This is a candid conversation about resilience, leadership, and the human side of real estate. If you've ever questioned what matters, or wondered how to lead through uncertainty, Dave's story is worth hearing.

July 6, 2026Episode 1444 min

Sarah Senisterra | Why Focus is the New Competitive Advantage

Sarah has spent her entire career within one organization, progressing from coordinator to executive leadership. Today, she sits at the center of some of the most important conversations in business — leadership development, succession planning, culture transformation, and building organizations that perform over the long term. But this conversation goes beyond career progression. Sarah brings a thoughtful and highly relevant perspective on a challenge many professionals feel but rarely articulate — the tension between being constantly busy and actually doing meaningful, high-value work. Key topics include: The concept of “deep work” and why the ability to focus without distraction is becoming both rarer and more valuable The growing gap between busyness and true productivity in modern workplaces How digital tools, constant communication, and “always-on” culture are fragmenting attention The connection between distraction, burnout, and long-term performance Why leaders must take responsibility for creating environments that protect focus and meaningful work Practical ways organizations can balance collaboration with uninterrupted thinking time The role of boundaries, both personal and organizational, in improving performance and well-being How leadership behaviours shape whether employees feel “safe” to focus deeply Why developing the ability to concentrate is becoming a critical skill for long-term career success The broader implications of longer careers and the need for sustainable ways of working This is a conversation about focus, leadership, and the realities of the modern workplace — and why the ability to think deeply may be one of the most valuable skills of the next decade.

June 18, 2026Episode 131 hr 14 min

Dean Holmes | Why Technology Matters Less Than You Think (And Everything More)

In this episode, James Ashley welcomes Dean Holmes, Senior Vice President of Residential Operations at QuadReal Property Group. Dean is one of North America's most experienced residential operations leaders, with more than 25 years of experience building and scaling multifamily platforms across Canada and the United States. At QuadReal, he's been instrumental in designing and launching a vertically integrated residential management platform, and today oversees operations across multifamily, manufactured housing, and seasonal resort portfolios. Key topics include: Building and sustaining culture at scale across large, distributed teams How to diagnose performance challenges across people, processes, systems, and leadership What separates high-performing teams from average ones in today's operating environment Lessons learned leading organizational change through periods of growth and transformation Where PropTech has delivered real value—and where the industry has overestimated its impact How AI is expected to shape residential operations over the next five years Dean's career journey and the pivotal moments that shaped his leadership style What it takes to build and scale an operating platform from the ground up How the multifamily industry has evolved over the past 25+ years—and where it's heading next Advice for the next generation of leaders looking to build careers in real estate operations What excites Dean most about the future of housing, technology, and leadership

May 27, 2026Episode 1252 min

Michael Brimer | From Competitive Sport to Construction Leadership — And the Lessons Learned Along the Way

In this episode, host Richard Costello welcomes Michael Brimer, Vice President of Construction at Townline. Michael leads Townline’s construction division, overseeing commercial and residential projects throughout Western Canada. With more than 25 years of experience across North America, his background includes healthcare, education, community spaces, and sports facilities. Key topics include: A week in the life of leading Townline’s construction division and managing multiple active projects. What construction leadership looks like in today’s environment. Growing up in Wisconsin and the early influences that shaped Michael’s mindset and leadership style. How Michael found his path into the construction industry. The role sport and competitive athletics played in shaping discipline, teamwork, and resilience. The biggest challenges currently facing the construction industry. Where opportunity exists across delivery models, planning, talent, and technology. What strong leadership looks like in today’s market environment. Leadership principles and why courage has become an important part of Michael’s approach. Lessons learned throughout a 25+ year career in construction and development. Projects that had the greatest impact on Michael professionally. Trends that could shape the future of construction over the next decade. Balancing training, competition, and leadership responsibilities. What excites Michael most about the next chapter of his career. Tune in for a conversation on leadership, construction, sport, teamwork, and the evolving realities of delivering major projects across Western Canada.

May 4, 2026Episode 1144 min

Riding for a Cause | A Conversation on Mental Health with Rudy Uhl and Maria Weaver

In this episode, host Richard Costello is joined by Rudy Uhl, Research Analyst at CBRE, and Maria Weaver, Director of Suicide Prevention and Life Promotion at Canadian Mental Health Association - British Columbia. Rudy brings an economics background from the University of Bonn and plays a key role in supporting CBRE’s brokerage teams through research and market insight. Alongside his work in commercial real estate, Rudy recently completed a cross-Canada cycling journey — paired with an ultramarathon in every province — to raise awareness and funds for mental health, generating over $60,000 for CMHA-BC Maria joins the conversation to provide a broader lens on mental health and suicide prevention, drawing on her work with CMHA-BC. Together, the discussion moves beyond the journey itself to explore the realities many individuals are facing today, and how we can create more open, supportive environments — both personally and professionally. Key topics include: The role of research in commercial real estate – Rudy shares his day-to-day at CBRE, how research supports decision-making, and where teams are finding clarity in an evolving market heading into 2026. The cross-Canada challenge – The story behind Rudy’s ride, what it took to prepare, and the experience of cycling across the country while completing an ultramarathon in every province. Mental health and motivation – Why Rudy chose to support mental health, what he learned along the way, and the impact of raising funds for CMHA-BC. Insights from the front lines of mental health support – Maria shares her perspective on the current landscape, including common challenges individuals are facing, and the importance of breaking down stigma through open conversation. Workplace awareness and responsibility – A practical discussion on what organizations — including those in commercial real estate — can do to better support mental health in meaningful, tangible ways. Perspective and resilience – Reflections on how experiences like Rudy’s can shift mindset, and how individuals can better navigate periods of pressure, uncertainty, or transition. Resources: National Crisis Line number – 988 ( https://988.ca/ ) Available 24/7 in both French and English. https://bouncebackbc.ca/ BounceBack - a free skill-building program designed to help adults and youth 13+ manage low mood, mild to moderate depression, anxiety, stress or worry. https://bc.211.ca/ a BC-based resource directory that lets people find resources (mental health or otherwise) that best meet their unique needs. You can access BC 211 through their website, or by calling 211 (no area code). https://www.heretohelp.bc.ca/ Here to Help – a directory of mental health and substance use resources and information

April 27, 2026Episode 1044 min

Nhung Nguyen | Leading the Future of Construction

In this episode, host Nicola Denning-Millar is joined by Nhung Nguyen, CEO of Horizon Legacy — a leader at the forefront of innovation in construction and housing delivery in Canada. With over 17 years of experience across infrastructure, renewable energy, and development, Nhung is now driving Horizon Legacy’s shift toward robotics-enabled housing — using automation and advanced technology to tackle some of the industry’s biggest challenges, including labour shortages, productivity, and affordability. This includes one of Canada’s first residential developments built using on-site robotics in Gananoque, Ontario. Key topics include: Innovation in construction – How robotics is being applied on real job sites, and what it takes to challenge a traditionally conservative industry. Leadership and building teams – Nhung’s experience as CEO, hiring for passion, and bringing people along when introducing new ideas. Overcoming barriers – The realities of developing new technology and building belief among partners, lenders, and stakeholders. Housing and affordability – How innovation can help address Canada’s housing crisis and what’s needed to make cost-efficient housing scalable. Community and partnerships – Lessons from working with the Six Nations community and the importance of trust and collaboration. The future of building – What construction could look like in the next 25 years and the skills needed to get there. A thoughtful conversation on leadership, innovation, and the future of housing in Canada.

March 31, 2026Episode 91 hr 0 min

Eric Sherman | Leading Operations at Scale

Eric has spent over a decade at First Capital , building his career across leasing, portfolio management, and now national operations. In his current role, Head of National Operations , he oversees property management and operational delivery across one of Canada’s largest retail real estate platforms, 178 properties, more than 21 million square feet, and a team of over 130 people across 17 offices nationwide. With deep experience across multiple facets of the business, Eric brings a practical, inside-out perspective on what it takes to operate at scale. In this conversation, we explore what it really means to lead a large, complex real estate platform and how to build the systems, culture, and teams required to deliver consistent performance across the country. Key topics include: Leading at scale – How leadership changes when you're responsible for a national platform, and the signals that indicate operations are truly working. Building culture across regions – Strategies for maintaining alignment and consistency across teams spread coast to coast, and how values translate into day-to-day execution. Systems vs. people – The balance between processes, reporting frameworks, and the human element and where systems can both enable and hinder performance. Operational excellence in retail real estate – How the role of property management is evolving and what defines excellence in an increasingly complex, mixed-use environment. Cross-functional alignment – Lessons on bringing together teams across leasing, development, marketing, and more to move in the same direction. Leading change – What it takes to successfully implement operational, technological, and cultural change at scale and common pitfalls to avoid. Eric’s career journey – The pivotal moments that shaped his path from leasing to national leadership, and the biggest shifts that come with senior responsibility. Developing leaders – How to build strong teams, identify emerging talent, and develop the next generation of leaders. The evolution of retail real estate – How the industry has transformed over the past decade and the trends shaping its future. Advice for future leaders – What early-career professionals should focus on, and how to build a foundation for long-term success. Tune in to hear Eric’s perspective on leading at scale, building high-performing teams, and what it takes to deliver operational excellence in one of Canada’s most dynamic real estate sectors.