Episodes
50
Latest episode
Jun 2026
Language
EN-US
The Crossman Conversation CEO Edition spotlights powerful leaders in commercial real estate and the ideas shaping the future of the industry. Each episode dives into market trends while uncovering the insights that drive growth and innovation. Alongside exploring where the market is headed, guests share practical advice for college students and young professionals who are building their careers. These conversations offer wisdom for both seasoned executives and the next generation of leaders in commercial real estate.
Camilo Varela is Managing Partner and Co-Founder of Second Horizon Capital and former Managing Director at Equity International, specializing in impact-driven real estate transformation and global investment strategy.
John Crossman welcomes Dr. Josh Harris back to the Crossman Conversation CEO Edition for a timely discussion on the 2026 ICSC Conference, retail real estate trends, interest rates, consumer confidence, and the strength of today’s market. Harris shares why the industry feels positive despite economic uncertainty, why retail space remains in high demand, and how leaders can face fear while continuing to move forward.
Sam Ankin joins John Crossman to discuss retail real estate fundamentals, Southeast growth markets, AI’s impact, and career advice for young professionals.
Brad Hutensky, Founder & CEO of Hutensky Capital Partners and former ICSC Worldwide Chairman, joins John Crossman to discuss why retail real estate remains resilient, how constrained supply is shaping investment opportunities, and what young professionals must learn to succeed in the industry. Brad shares lessons on honesty, relationships, leasing fundamentals, time management, and navigating market disruptions from COVID to e-commerce transformation.
In this episode of Crossman Conversations CEO Edition, John Crossman interviews Tony D’Ambrosio, Vice President of Acquisitions & Dispositions at Big V Property Group. Tony shares insights from more than two decades in retail investment real estate, including how institutional partnerships are reshaping open-air shopping center strategy across the Sunbelt, Midwest, and Mountain States. He explains why today’s retail market is both competitive and opportunity-rich—and why success in commercial real estate requires patience, persistence, and subject-matter expertise. Tony also offers practical advice for young professionals: play the long game, keep learning, and take consistent “laps” that compound into long-term career momentum.
ICSC President & CEO Tom McGee joins John Crossman to discuss why retail real estate is stronger than ever, the myth of the “retail apocalypse,” and how physical stores power today’s omnichannel economy. Drawing on decades of leadership experience at Deloitte and ICSC, McGee shares insights on data-driven decision-making, navigating industry disruption, and what young professionals need to succeed in commercial real estate. Learn why occupancy rates remain high, demand continues to outpace supply, and how the “retail renaissance” is reshaping communities nationwide.
In this episode of Crossman Conversation: CEO Edition, John Crossman sits down with Brian Seidensticker, founder of Last Best Partners, to explore how today’s uncertainty in commercial real estate is creating new opportunities for investors and entrepreneurs. Brian explains why “chaos creates opportunity” in shifting markets. He shares how his firm partners with real estate operators who have strong ideas but need alternative capital solutions beyond traditional bank financing. He also discusses the key traits young professionals need to become effective founders and CEOs, including curiosity, mentorship, and a commitment to continuous learning. If you’re a real estate entrepreneur, investor, or emerging leader looking to grow beyond your current ceiling, this episode delivers practical insight on scaling ideas into impactful ventures.
In this episode, John Crossman and Dr. Joshua Harris explain why the ICSC Conference is the “center of the universe” for commercial real estate each year. They share strategies for students, young professionals, and executives to maximize networking, schedule high-value meetings, and move stalled deals forward. Crossman emphasizes the importance of setting clear conference goals and executing a follow-up plan after the event. Harris highlights how ICSC offers a rare chance to take the pulse of the entire real estate market in just two days. As they note, careers can start—or stall—based on how intentionally you show up at ICSC.
In this episode of Crossman Conversations CEO Edition, John Crossman interviews Najla Kayyem on how strategy, relationships, and communication are shaping success in today’s commercial real estate industry. Najla explains, “The market is really rewarding strategy,” highlighting the importance of disciplined positioning and stakeholder alignment. She also advises young professionals to “do what you’re good at and hire out what you suck at,” emphasizing strengths-based leadership. John adds, “Communication is not what you think you said. Communication is what is heard.” This episode delivers practical insight for emerging leaders aiming for the C-suite.
In this episode, John Crossman talks with Dr. Joshua Harris about the biggest shifts shaping commercial real estate in 2026. Dr. Harris explains why success today requires realistic expectations, flexible strategy, and disciplined capital planning, and why mixed-use development is gaining renewed credibility across markets. He also shares insights on migration to smaller towns, shifting investment assumptions, and how technology will reshape but not replace relationship-driven dealmaking. As Harris notes, “Acceptance of reality is the key to keep things moving,” while Crossman emphasizes the importance of adapting strategy as market cycles evolve. This conversation is essential listening for investors, developers, brokers, and leaders navigating today’s commercial real estate landscape.
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Josh Sullivan
Patrick DePeters
Digital Impulse
Dan Woerheide
SumitaSofat Hospital
