In this episode of 'Accelerating Careers in Real Estate,' I sit down with John Forrester, the Chair of Innovo Real Estate Development and former group CEO of Cushman & Wakefield, once described as a fire axe placed behind the emergency glass. John shares his humble beginnings, initially wanting to become a vet but ultimately finding his way into real estate after working as an estate agent. He candidly discusses his meteoric career trajectory, pivotal moments, and the importance of learning from failures. With a career spanning over three decades, John also delves into the challenges and successes of managing and merging major real estate firms through turbulent times. As he transitions to his current role focusing on real estate development, John reflects on the lessons learned and his drive to continue making an impact in the industry. 00:00 Introduction and Proudest Achievement 01:10 Early Career Beginnings 03:00 Rising Through the Ranks 03:54 Key Lessons and Turning Points 05:44 Leadership and Team Dynamics 09:01 Navigating Challenges and Growth 10:44 Becoming CEO and Facing Bankruptcy 19:42 Decisions and Loyalty 24:49 Harnessing Fearlessness for Team Success 25:03 Navigating Tough Times as a CEO 25:46 The UGL Acquisition and Strategic Growth 25:54 The Role of Management in Successful Acquisitions 27:17 UGL's Strategic Shift and Financial Challenges 28:31 The Sale to Private Equity and Global Expansion 32:04 Lessons from Past Acquisitions 35:42 Leadership and Personal Growth 41:57 Reflecting on Career Achievements and Challenges 44:52 Future Endeavors and Personal Goals 47:41 Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.