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.
EG Like Sunday Morning: Crusaders of the lost Arc
Watered-down connectivity targets ’cause for concern’ as digital capabilities underpin Levelling Up agenda
Bricks & Mortar: Putting people at the heart of the workplace
Real Estate Redefined: Why Grosvenor is no longer a landlord
EG Like Sunday Morning: Canary Wharf flexes, and the big six bounce back
ESG Like Sunday Morning: Why time is over, now is for the how
Voice of the Region: Cornwall - Space exploration
Cladding remediation and proposed amendments to the Building Safety Bill
Bricks & Mortar: BPF Futures – Isabelle Hease on her recent appointment and plans as chair
EG Like Sunday Morning: Retail, resi and Rosser
Bricks & Mortar: Celebrating apprenticeships in the built environment
EG Like Sunday Morning: Breaking down levelling up
Voice of the Region: Bristol – Sitting pretty through diversity
On the Case: What Bath Rugby means for restrictive covenants
Riding high: The return of the annual Cycle to MIPIM
EG Like Sunday Morning: Back to the office (again)
On the Case: The Supreme Court on RTM and estate service charges in FirstPort
Predict the Future Without Uncertainty
EG Like Sunday Morning: Into the metaverse
An app doth not a smart building make, but it helps. Building apps have the power to collect the data required to predict future working patterns. Invaluable insight if you can get it. Here’s how...
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
The emPOWERed Half Hour
Pharmacy Podcast Network
Aktörspodden
The Power of Storytelling
The Ramsey Show
Planet Money