It has never been easier to follow people who inspire you, see their work and learn from them. Following their work, reading and viewing their output is, in my view, a form of virtual mentoring. However, it can still be difficult to identify people to virtually mentor and inspire you.
For the last 5 years together with my podcast host Robert Bean, I have had the privilege of interviewing on the Edifice Complex Podcast, some of the most inspiring, intelligent and accomplished professionals in the Built Environment space.
For me it has been a humbling learning experience. It has made me realize my frustration with the property industry's ability to "hide in plain sight" the best, most innovative and experienced practitioners. It also had me thinking about why they are not talking to and inspiring college students and young professionals. Where is the Elon Musk of the built environment?
The purpose of this book is to distill the critical thinking, insight and ideas of some of the property industries most, in my opinion, accomplished and respected practitioners. This is about providing role models and highlighting great work in a short form, easy to digest format.
Each chapter is a synopsis of an hour plus interview. I have tried to capture the key takeaways and insights. Where appropriate, diagrams and images are used to help explain concepts and ideas. There is also a brief introduction about the interviewee and a QR Code linked to the podcast episode for those that want to explore further.
In a way, this is a reference book I wrote for myself. The notes from interviews that I want to access and remember. Ultimately, these are the practitioners and mentors I wish I had in college.
