People Who Perform - The Real Estate Careers Podcast

Hosted by HighView Partners

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May 2026

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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

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-BCMaria 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.

February 5, 2026Episode 829 min

Breaking Down The Real Estate Compensation Guide 2026

In this episode, Nicola, James, and Richard come together for a HighView roundtable to break down insights from the newly released 2026 Real Estate Compensation Guide.Built on survey data from across the Canadian real estate industry and informed by what HighView is seeing every day with clients and candidates, the conversation explores how compensation, hiring, and career movement are evolving in a more disciplined market. James shares perspectives from Toronto, while Rich brings a Western lens from Vancouver, grounding the discussion in real-time market experience.They cover what 2026 is shaping up to look like for both employers and professionals — including hiring outlook, where talent demand remains strongest, salary and bonus expectations, and how career timelines are shifting. Whether you’re building a team or thinking about your next move, this episode offers practical insight into navigating the year ahead.

November 18, 2025Episode 752 min

Tiffany Duzita: Building Community (on and off the court)

In this episode of The Real Estate Careers Podcast, host Richard Costello welcomes Tiffany Duzita, Vice President of Acquisitions and Development at RCG Group.Tiffany has spent her career working across a wide range of environments, giving her a broad perspective on how projects are shaped, financed, and delivered. From large public companies to private developers, non-profit housing organizations, and First Nation-led partnerships, she has gained exposure to various models, structures, and approaches along the way. Earlier this year, she joined RCG Group, where she now leads acquisitions and development across Western Canada and the U.S.Key topics include:Early inspiration and career foundations – What first drew Tiffany to real estate, the early experiences that shaped her understanding of successful development, and the lessons she shares with aspiring Development Managers entering the field.Building the Community Land Trust – An inside look at what makes the Community Land Trust model distinct, what it was like helping build the organization from the ground up, the accomplishments she’s most proud of, and the leadership skills required to succeed in mission-driven development.Balancing purpose and viability – How Tiffany approached the challenge of delivering financially sound projects while staying true to the organization’s social mandate — and what that taught her about decision-making, partnerships, and long-term impact.The transition to RCG Group – Why, after nearly 10 years in non-profit housing, Tiffany chose to return to the private sector, what appealed to her about RCG’s culture and Harold Goodwyn’s leadership, and how the company is positioning itself for growth across North America.Acquisitions and development under one roof – Tiffany shares how her dual role allows her to connect strategy with execution, why combining these disciplines strengthens project outcomes, and how her broad background shapes her perspective day-to-day.Building community — on and off the court – From non-profit housing to mixed-use development to her love of pickleball, Tiffany reflects on how community shows up in every part of her life and career — and why it remains the thread that ties her work together.

October 16, 2025Episode 634 min

Jeff Kennedy: Rising Fast, Staying Grounded

In this episode, host Richard Costello welcomes Jeff Kennedy, Chief Financial Officer at Troika Developments.Jeff has built a diverse career in real estate, starting in brokerage before moving into asset management and investments at Troika, where he became CFO in late 2024. Based in Kelowna, Jeff brings insight on leadership, finance, and growth in one of Canada’s most dynamic regional markets.Key topics include:Career journey and lessons – What drew Jeff to real estate, his career path, and the mentors and experiences that shaped him.Troika Developments and leadership – Insights on the company, working with founder Renée Merrifield, and stepping into the CFO role.Life in the Okanagan – Jeff’s perspective on living and working in Kelowna, market trends, and future opportunities.Looking ahead – Troika’s upcoming projects and Jeff’s vision for the next chapter in Kelowna real estate.*There are a few moments of lower sound quality, but don't let it stop you from listening to the end ;-)

October 8, 2025Episode 51 hr 0 min

Marlee Kohn: Leading the Charge on ESG in Real Estate

In this episode, host James Ashley welcomes Marlee Kohn, Vice President of ESG at Starlight Investments.Marlee has spent over 14 years at the intersection of real estate and sustainability, building a career focused on driving meaningful change in how the industry approaches environmental, social, and governance priorities. From her early work at Oxford Properties to her current leadership role at Starlight, she's tackled some of the sector's most pressing challenges—from climate action and energy efficiency to resident engagement and social impact. Recognized as a Clean50 Emerging Leader, Marlee brings both deep technical expertise and a genuine commitment to creating impact that matters.In this conversation, we explore what it takes to move ESG from buzzword to real action in the real estate sector, and what's standing in the way.Key topics include:Social impact and resident engagement – What meaningful community engagement actually looks like and where the industry is falling short.Net-zero commitments – The biggest opportunities and challenges in accelerating progress, from low-carbon retrofits to financing models.Resilience and future-proofing – How owners should be thinking about climate and market risks, and what lessons Canadian real estate can learn from other sectors.Bill C-59 and disclosure requirements – How new transparency rules are reshaping the conversation around greenwashing and what it means for smaller operators.Getting buy-in from the top – Strategies for building trust with investors and senior leaders to advance ESG initiatives.Marlee's career journey – What first drew her to sustainability in real estate, the defining moments that shaped her path, and the toughest challenges she's overcome.Advice for leaders and emerging talent – Where overwhelmed executives should start, how to balance short-term pressures with long-term goals, and what the next generation needs to know about making their mark.Tune in to hear Marlee's perspective on navigating the ESG landscape, building momentum for change, and what it takes to lead with purpose in an industry that's finally starting to take sustainability seriously.

August 26, 2025Episode 425 min

John Brendan McEown: Building a New Era of Housing in Burnaby

In this episode, host Richard Costello welcomes John Brendan McEown, Chief Executive Officer of the Burnaby Housing Authority.John Brendan (JB) has been a leader in affordable housing for over a decade. As Associate Vice President of Development Strategies at BC Housing, he guided a team of professionals delivering thousands of homes across the province. With a Master of Urban Studies from Simon Fraser University and a track record of shaping housing policy and delivery, JB now steps into the inaugural CEO role at the Burnaby Housing Authority at a pivotal moment for housing in the region.Key topics include:Career influences and lessons – What inspired JB to pursue housing and how his time at BC Housing shaped his approach.The Burnaby Housing Authority’s vision – Why it was created, what makes it unique, and its goals for the next decade.Balancing perspectives – How JB’s public-sector background informs his leadership and the advantages it brings to a development-focused organization.Innovations in housing delivery – The potential role of modular construction, robotics, and new technologies in solving supply challenges.Leadership at a young age – Insights on stepping into executive leadership, building culture, and lessons learned so far.Looking ahead – What gives JB optimism in a time of cost pressures, permitting delays, and market uncertainty.Tune in to hear JB’s perspective on launching a new housing authority, the challenges and opportunities ahead, and what it takes to build sustainable, affordable communities in a rapidly evolving housing landscape

May 29, 2025Episode 356 min

Todd Spencer: Rethinking Rental Housing in a Changing Market

Todd Spencer joins Nicola Denning-Millar to share his journey from television to the world of residential property management.With extensive international experience in Europe and Asia, Todd has a unique perspective on the rental housing market in Canada. His career spans several years in property management, and his insights have shaped his approach to improving the industry, from tenant satisfaction to operational efficiency.Key topics in this episode include:Career transition – Todd's move from television to property management and what drives his passion today.Global perspective – How international experiences shaped Todd’s view of Canadian rental housing.Industry challenges – The impact of inflation, interest rates, and economic uncertainty on rent affordability and tenant turnover.Regulatory pressures – How rent control, eviction moratoriums, and zoning restrictions affect owners and property managers.Building rental supply – The difficulties developers face and the changes Todd wants to see from governments.Opportunities for transformation – Promising improvements for residents and property owners in the rental experience.PropTech – How technology can enhance the resident and employee experience.Workforce development – Changing perceptions of the residential property management sector and investing in long-term careers.Tune in to hear Todd’s insights on the future of rental housing and the role of property management in Canada.