The Walker Webcast

Hosted by Willy Walker

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Episodes

265

Latest episode

Aug 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

The Walker Webcast, hosted by Willy Walker, CEO of Walker & Dunlop, brings renowned leaders and brilliant minds together for engaging conversations. Insights for life.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

September 10, 202658 min

Steve Hills, Author and Former President & General Manager of The Washington Post

Willy sat down with Steve Hills, former President and General Manager of The Washington Post and author of the forthcoming book, The Alpha Trap, for a conversation about leadership, transformation, ambition, and the hidden costs of success.   They explored how Steve helped transform The Washington Post from a newspaper into a digital-first technology company, what that experience can teach leaders navigating the AI revolution, and why vulnerability can be a powerful leadership strength. They also dove into The Alpha Trap and what Steve learned from interviewing more than 100 high achievers about the relentless pursuit of status and success, the difference between being admired and being truly known, and how to bring the same energy we invest in our careers to our relationships, health, purpose, and fulfillment. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

September 3, 20261 hr 0 min

Ivy Zelman, EVP and Co-Founder of Zelman, a Walker & Dunlop Company

Willy sat down with Ivy Zelman, Executive Vice President and Co-Founder of Zelman, a Walker & Dunlop Company, for her latest read on the U.S. housing market and the forces that could reshape housing demand for years to come. They explored why Ivy believes the housing market may be more balanced than the prevailing shortage narrative suggests, how slowing population and household growth could change future housing needs, and what affordability, mortgage rates, and changing buyer behavior mean for today's market. They also dove into the growing number of young adults living at home, why Ivy sees stronger fundamentals in multifamily than for-sale housing, where she sees opportunities emerging across U.S. markets, and what Zelman's A Decade Divided research could mean for housing leaders planning for the next decade. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

August 27, 202658 min

Liz Ann Sonders, Chief Investment Strategist at Charles Schwab

Willy sat down with Liz Ann Sonders, Chief Investment Strategist at Charles Schwab and one of the most influential voices in finance, for a wide-ranging conversation on what’s driving markets today and what investors should be watching next. Willy and Liz Ann explored a changing investment landscape shaped by inflation, interest rate volatility, federal deficits, and shifting labor and housing markets. They also discussed AI’s growing impact, market rotations, and the increasingly blurred line between investing and gambling - including what it could mean for financial literacy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

August 20, 202658 min

David Gelles, The New York Times Reporter and Bestselling Author

On a special episode of the Walker Webcast, recorded live at the 2026 Sun Valley Writers’ Conference, Willy was joined by New York Times reporter and bestselling author David Gelles. David’s book, Dirtbag Billionaire, explores the remarkable life of Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard—a reluctant entrepreneur who built an iconic brand while challenging conventional ideas about capitalism, consumption, and wealth. In his conversation with Willy, David unpacked the contradictions behind Chouinard and Patagonia, from its unconventional culture and environmental leadership to his extraordinary decision to give away ownership of the company. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

August 13, 202641 min

Aditya Sanghvi, Senior Partner, McKinsey & Company

We featured a special keynote from Walker & Dunlop's Summer Conference with Aditya Sanghvi, Senior Partner at McKinsey & Company and leader of the firm's global real estate practice. Aditya cut through the AI hype to explain what today's breakthroughs actually mean for real estate. Drawing on McKinsey's work with leading organizations, he explored why so few companies are realizing meaningful value from AI, how "agentic AI" is transforming everything from leasing and maintenance to investment decisions, and why data—not technology—will be the defining competitive advantage. He also shared why this is ultimately a CEO-led transformation and what business leaders should do today to stay ahead. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

August 6, 20261 hr 0 min

Steve Hills, Author and Former President & General Manager of The Washington Post with Tom Nides, Vice Chairman of Strategy and Client Relations at Blackstone

On a special episode of the Walker Webcast, we featured an interview with Tom Nides, Vice Chairman of Strategy & Client Relations at Blackstone, with guest host Steve Hills, Author and former President & General Manager of The Washington Post, recorded live at Walker & Dunlop's 2026 Summer Conference.   Drawing on his experience spanning Wall Street, the White House, the State Department, and as U.S. Ambassador to Israel, Tom shared his perspective on the geopolitical forces reshaping today's global economy. Steve and Tom discussed the conflict in the Middle East, the future of U.S.-Israel relations, the evolving role of diplomacy and American leadership, NATO and China, the economic implications of AI, and what investors should be watching across commercial real estate, private credit, infrastructure, and data centers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

July 30, 20261 hr 1 min

Ivy Zelman, Stephen DeFrancis, Ryan Marshall, and Dallas Tanner

We featured a conversation with four of the industry’s most influential voices to examine the forces reshaping housing in America. Recorded live at Walker & Dunlop’s Summer Conference, this panel was moderated by Ivy Zelman, Executive Vice President of Research & Securities at Walker & Dunlop, alongside panelists Steven DeFrancis, Founder and CEO of Cortland, Ryan Marshall, President and CEO of PulteGroup, Inc., and Dallas Tanner, President and CEO of Invitation Homes. As demographics, affordability, and migration continue to reshape housing demand, our panelists discussed where they're investing, the markets best positioned for long-term growth, the outlook for homeownership and rentals, and how AI, housing policy, and new development strategies could influence the industry's future. Neither Zelman, Ivy Zelman or her family own PHM or INVH stock. INVH is an investment banking client of Zelman Partners, LLC. Zelman has received compensation for products or services other than investment banking services. Zelman is a Walker & Dunlop company. Zelman Partners, LLC is a registered broker-dealer and member of FINRA and SIPC (Securities Investor Protection Corporation). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

July 23, 202648 min

Willy Walker, Chairman and CEO, Walker & Dunlop - Summer Conference 2026

If today’s headlines leave you wondering what’s signal and what’s noise, don’t miss this special Walker Webcast featuring Willy’s opening remarks from Walker & Dunlop’s Summer Conference. In this timely keynote, Willy separates market noise from the data that matters, sharing his perspective on commercial real estate, housing fundamentals, consumer sentiment, immigration, interest rates, AI, and the multifamily recovery. He also examines why the labor market has remained resilient, what AI means for the future of business and real estate, and the key trends he believes will shape the industry over the next several years. Willy offers a practical framework for understanding where the market stands today—and where it's headed next. Slides: https://resources.walkerdunlop.com/file/2026_Summer_Conference_Willy_Presentation_Data_Slides_1/downloadp?email=digital Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

July 16, 202659 min

Andriy Shevchenko, Legendary Former Footballer and Manager

Willy was joined by legendary footballer, Andriy Shevchenko, one of the greatest strikers of all time, Ukraine's all-time leading goal scorer, Ballon d'Or winner, former manager of the Ukrainian National Team, and one of his country's most influential global ambassadors. Together, they explored the latest developments from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the mindset required to perform under pressure, and the defining moments of Shevchenko's legendary career. They also examined the war in Ukraine, President Zelensky's leadership, the role of sport on the global stage, and Shevchenko's perspective on the future of both Ukraine and world football. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

July 9, 20261 hr 6 min

Dr. Peter Linneman, Leading Economist, Professor Emeritus, The Wharton School of Business - Part 26

Willy sat down with Dr. Peter Linneman for another installment of the Most Insightful Hour in CRE, sharing Peter’s latest outlook on the economy, capital markets, and where he sees the biggest risks and opportunities.   They explored why debt capital has largely returned while equity remains cautious, whether AI investment resembles the housing boom of the 2000s, why Peter believes many investors are still too pessimistic on the economy, and how federal debt, inflation, tariffs, and the Fed could shape markets over the next several quarters. Peter separates headlines from fundamentals to explain what investors should really be watching. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices