Since this episode and the subsequent two episodes (Episodes #12, #13, #14) were recorded in March 2nd, 2020, the COVID 19 crisis has accelerated dramatically internationally and especially in the United States. The context of these interviews are "pre-crisis" and the ideas discussed regarding real estate markets and business in a relatively "normal" economy. The current environment basically puts most of this, other than historical perspective, "on hold." If Spencer and I were to rerecord this series of interviews, the content and perspective would be significantly impacted. Nevertheless, the overall concepts and suggestions made are worthwhile considering with the idea that much will be reconsidered.
To add some contrast, I am adding a link to CBRE's recent webcast called "COVID-19 Impact on Commercial Real Estate" . This addresses the impact, as of March 18, 2020.
Spencer Levy is Chairman of Americas Research for CBRE and Senior Economic Advisor for CBRE. He plays an integral role in the development and implementation of the global research strategy and business plan. A CBRE veteran of more than 10 years, Spencer had previously served as Executive Managing Director in the company’s Capital Markets division.
Mr. Levy oversees the analytical activities of the CBRE research community within the Americas region and is responsible for the management of hundreds of professionals who are focused on producing market-leading insight and interpretative analysis on the latest real estate trends. Mr. Levy supports CBRE executives in their decision-making by providing insight into the impact of market trends related to strategic business planning, and analyst call preparation.
He serves as principal external spokesperson on real estate issues in the Americas region and has considerable media experience, providing market commentary for many national television, newspaper and internet outlets.
Mr. Levy joined CBRE in 2007 to lead the U.S. Eastern Division of the Capital Markets platform. Since then, he has assumed positions of increasing responsibility. As a part of senior management for the Capital Markets platform, Mr. Levy provided leadership for several areas in the United States and Latin America. Mr. Levy provided additional oversight of Retail, Auction and Investment Banking in the United States. He also directly serves a number of major clients.
Mr. Levy is a frequent speaker before industry groups, including NAIOP, ICSC, ULI and CREW. In 2010, he won CBRE’s Gary J. Beban Teamwork Award, which acknowledges professionals who take a multi-disciplinary approach to client service. Mr. Levy currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Baltimore Leadership School for Young Women.
Prior to joining CBRE, he was a principal at Stifel Nicolaus (formerly Legg Mason Capital Markets), a leading investment bank serving the real estate industry, where he played a significant role in M&A, IPO and private capital-raising activities. Before that, he served as assistant general counsel at the Witkoff Group and was an attorney at Fried Frank Harris Shriver & Jacobson and Jones Day Reavis & Pogue.
Mr. Levy resides in Owings Mill, Md. with his wife and three children. He is a graduate of Cornell University and Harvard Law School.
This is the first of three "mini-episodes" with Spencer Levy, whom I met in 2002 when we worked together at Legg Mason and stayed in touch through his transition to Stifel Nicholas and subsequently to CBRE. Spencer has built up quite a following online with his highly visible job as Head of Research for CBRE. While technically, Spencer is not a DC Icon, he has developed an international following with influence in many markets, including the Washington region.
This first episode is about Spencer's background and career trajectory leading to the subject of his upcoming book about public speaking with some recommendations about its techniques. Here are more specific highlights of this conversation:
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