Tell Me More with Ruslan Hajduk

About Tell Me More with Ruslan Hajduk

In this podcast, Ruslan Hajduk and his friends uncover the stories of the people who shape the real estate industry worldwide. Beyond buildings and blueprints, real estate is driven by the vision, perseverance, and life experiences of industry leaders. Join us as we explore their journeys, stories of grit, ambition, and impact that inspire the next generation of professionals. Each episode sheds light on the human side of real estate, showing that with determination, anything is possible.

Publisher

Ruslan Hajduk

Category

business

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

3 Nov 2024

Latest episode

22 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

15 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   22 Sept 2026

   #015 – Nicolas Boffi – MIPIM: Cities, Capital, and Turning Urban Ambition into Action

   Nicolas Boffi is the Managing Director of MIPIM, the world’s biggest real estate event, held every March at the Palais des Festivals in Cannes. MIPIM now runs year round, through the MIPIM Asia Summit in Hong Kong and the launch of MIPIM Middle East in Riyadh this October. In this episode of Tell Me More, Nicolas reveals several pieces of news about MIPIM 2027 for the first time. Before he ran the world’s largest property event, Nicolas spent two decades in urban development and city planning. He grew up in Besançon, trained as an engineer at EIVP, the City of Paris engineering school, and added a master’s in urban planning. He worked on the Grand Paris Express, the largest metro infrastructure project in Europe, representing 40 billion euros of investment and 200 kilometres of automatic metro, along with the urban development of around 70 new districts around its stations. He then spent almost sixteen years at Arcadis, ending as City Executive in Paris, sitting between elected officials and private investors. We discuss: – Why mid-sized cities in Europe have a strong future, and what is driving new investment and infrastructure into them – What the Grand Paris Express taught him about transit-oriented development and land value capture – Why real estate projects stall over trust and risk perception between the public and private sector, rarely over ideas or capital – What public leaders and private investors each need to change to turn urban ambition into concrete project pipelines – The new matchmaking service built into the MIPIM app, and the shift from spontaneous networking to intentional deal making – How MIPIM 2027 expands beyond the Palais des Festivals into a city-wide experience across Cannes – The new MIPIM destination for luxury residential and branded residences – Why the MIPIM Challengers programme for leaders under 31 matters to the future of the industry – How the MIPIM Asia Summit in Hong Kong and MIPIM Middle East in Riyadh, built around the region’s giga projects, fit into a global platform – The one book he recommends to anyone starting out: Jane Jacobs, The Death and Life of Great American Cities Whether you are planning your next MIPIM in Cannes, working between the public and private sides of a development project, investing in European real estate, or building a career in urban planning and the built environment, this episode is a rare look inside the world’s biggest real estate event from the person running it. Subscribe for more conversations with the people redefining real estate, capital, and leadership across the globe.

2. 

   14 Sept 2026

   #014 – Erez Cohen – Real Estate Titans: Mexico, Real Estate Private Equity & Lessons of the Greats

   Erez Cohen is Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Urbium GDI, a real estate investment platform focused on the Mexican industrial sector, and the author of Real Estate Titans. Throughout his career, he has been involved in more than $5 billion in real estate transactions in Mexico, the United States, and Brazil. He started in investment banking in New York on the sell side, moved across to the buy side in private equity at Carlyle, and then made the harder crossing from analysing deals to owning them. He worked on some of the first REIT structures in Mexico, ran investment as Chief Investment Officer at Thor Urbana, and in 2018 co-founded his own platform. Most of this conversation is about Mexico, and not the headline version. Where the capital actually comes from, what the politics do to a development timeline, how you underwrite security risk city by city, and why he concluded seven years ago that industrial would beat every other asset class in the country. He does not romanticise that last step. When you advise, your job is to spot the risks for someone else. When you own the asset, your job is to decide which of those risks are worth taking, hire the people who will execute, and carry the outcome yourself. He calls the path hellish, says entrepreneurship is not for everyone, and reflects that the humility it forces on you is exactly the point. We discuss: –  What changes in your head when you stop advising on risk and start choosing which risks to take with your own capital –  Why he redefined success from working at a great firm to owning something, and what that cost him –  The Sam Zell story that explains Mexican industrial: an 8 cap in Dallas, a 13 cap across the border in Monterrey, the same tenant in both, and dollar financing at nearly the same rate –  Why 2010 and 2011 were the turning point, when REITs and the Mexican pension funds finally gave managers an answer to the question every LP asks second: how do I exit –  The two very different Mexican industrial theses, peso-denominated logistics in the centre versus dollar-denominated manufacturing on the northern border –  How he prices political and security risk city by city, and what he tells investors who read Mexico as one uniform market –  Where the next decade of Latin American real estate sits, and why liquidity decides which countries are investable at all Whether you sit on the buy side, the sell side, or somewhere in between, this is a detailed look at how an emerging market gets institutionalised, and what it takes to build a platform inside one. Subscribe for more conversations with the people redefining real estate, capital, and leadership worldwide.

3. 

   8 Sept 2026

   #013 – Audrey Klein – The Human Side of Capital: Character, Connection, and the Long Game

   Audrey Klein is a Partner at Spencer House Partners and one of the most respected capital-raising voices in global real estate. In this episode of Tell Me More, we dive deep into her personal and professional journey: from investment banking in New York, to Bank of America in San Francisco, to founding Caskar Partners in Germany, to becoming one of the first formal local European fundraisers for Blackstone’s London office through Park Hill Real Estate. We discuss: – How Audrey built a global fundraising career across the US, Europe, and Asia – Why investors back the people before they back the product – What real integrity looks like in private equity and playing the long game – How to find your anchor investor when raising capital for the first time – Founding WIRE and championing women and mentorship in real estate – Why success is never a straight line, and how you get back up Whether you’re raising capital, building a platform, or navigating a leadership role early in your career, this episode is full of hard-won wisdom from someone who has helped shape how capital moves across the industry. Subscribe for more conversations with the people redefining real estate, capital, and leadership across the globe.

4. 

   14 Dec 2025

   #012 – Paddy Allen – Kinetic Capital: Strategy, Scale, and the Student Housing Revolution

   Paddy Allen is the CEO of Kinetic Capital - a specialist lender transforming the European student housing market. In this episode of Tell Me More, we dive deep into his personal and professional journey: from building global experience in real estate to leading an investment platform focused on purpose-built student accommodation. We discuss: Why student housing is more resilient than traditional real estate asset classes How Paddy built conviction in the idea for Kinetic Capital The entrepreneurial mindset behind leading a fund and earning investor trust Market trends shaping student housing across Europe and globally Lessons in leadership, team building, and making long-term decisions in high-pressure environments Whether you're an emerging leader, a real estate investor, or a founder building something new, this episode offers practical insights and real-world experience from someone actively reshaping the industry. Subscribe for more conversations with the people redefining real estate, capital, and leadership across the globe.

5. 

   14 Nov 2025

   #011 – Laura Kairienė – Vilnius City: Leadership, Digitalisation & the Architecture of Tomorrow

   In this episode of Tell Me More, I sit down with Laura Kairienė, Chief Architect of Vilnius City, to explore how digital transformation and human-centric design are shaping one of Europe’s most innovative capitals. Laura shares her journey from her early days in architecture to leading the city’s vision for sustainable growth, smart infrastructure, and urban regeneration. She explains how Vilnius integrates data, design, and dialogue between citizens and government to create a city that works for people, not against them. We discuss the evolution of Vilnius’ skyline, the role of technology in modern planning, and how architects can balance heritage with innovation. Laura also reflects on leadership in public architecture, lessons learned from European cities, and her mission to make Vilnius a global benchmark for future-ready, livable cities. Highlights: Digitalisation & data-driven design in urban planning How Vilnius builds smarter, greener, and more connected communities Balancing heritage with innovation in a growing European capital The power of architecture to shape human experience Laura’s leadership vision for the city of tomorrow Whether you’re passionate about architecture, urban planning, or the future of cities, this episode offers a rare glimpse into how one of Europe’s most forward-thinking capitals is being designed for the next generation.

6. 

   8 Sept 2025

   #010 – Jerzy Wojcik – Concrete Visions: Sustainability, ESG, and Scaling a Real Estate Company

   In this episode of Tell Me More, Ruslan Hajduk sits down with Jerzy Wójcik, the founder and CEO of JWA – one of Central and Eastern Europe’s leading consultancies in sustainable real estate development, ESG strategy, and green building certifications. Born in Kraków, Jerzy studied architecture at the Cracow University of Technology, the University of Tennessee, and spent time at Gensler in New York, working on the LEED-certified Bank of America Tower. These formative years shaped his vision of combining design with sustainability. In 2011, Jerzy founded JWA – bootstrapping the company without external investors – and has since grown it into a market leader certifying over 15 million m² of real estate across Poland, CEE, and even Mexico. In this conversation, we dive into: How Jerzy pivoted from architecture to entrepreneurship The early years of JWA and how he scaled the company without outside capital Why ESG, carbon neutrality, and green finance matter for the future of real estate The role of data, advisory, and certifications in creating long-term asset value Building trust with developers and investors in an evolving regulatory landscape Jerzy also shares his perspective on the future of ESG in CEE, insights from international markets like Mexico and Spain, and advice for young professionals who want to succeed in real estate while making a positive impact. Whether you are an investor, developer, or sustainability leader, this episode offers valuable lessons in entrepreneurship, resilience, and building a values-driven business in the real estate sector.

7. 

   24 Aug 2025

   #009 – Guy Pinsent – Vision, Value, and Velocity: A Real Estate Entrepreneur’s Journey

   In this episode of Tell Me More, I sit down with Guy Pinsent, Founder & CEO of Less Mess Storage — one of Central Europe’s leading and most successful self-storage companies. Born in London and raised in the English countryside, Guy’s path took him from Eton College and Cambridge University to a career in investment banking at Citibank. Driven by a passion for being at the heart of business, he later joined the British Embassy in Poland, strengthening UK–Poland business relations for 6.5 years. From there, he transitioned into real estate with Colliers before founding Less Mess Storage in 2014, growing it into a benchmark for the self-storage sector in Central Europe. 🎯 Highlights: • How #economics, incentives & behavior drive smart decisions • Fundraising highs & lows – and knowing when to walk away • Product segmentation, customer pathways & storytelling • Why 📊 data and 🎯 focus are key to scaling in real estate We also dive into Guy’s passion for economics, his reflections on free markets, and the key lessons learned from decades of dealmaking in multiple industries. 📚 Guy’s Book Recommendations: The Undercover Economist – Tim Harford Freakonomics – Steven D. Levitt & Stephen J. Dubner The Infidel and the Professor: The Friendship of Adam Smith and David Hume – Dennis C. Rasmussen Whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor, economist, or real estate professional, this episode offers powerful insights into self-storage, real estate innovation, and the philosophy behind successful business leadership.

8. 

   26 May 2025

   #008 – Lars Sommerer – SwissPropTech: Swiss Real Estate, Startup Ecosystem, Investment Insights, Network Power

   Lars Sommerer, Managing Director of SwissPropTech, discusses the Swiss PropTech ecosystem, digital innovation in real estate, and startup funding with host Ruslan Hajduk in an interview.

9. 

   12 May 2025

   #007 – Sofia Iturbe – Libeen: Redefining Homeownership in Spain and Beyond

   In this episode of Tell Me More, Ruslan Hajduk speaks with Sofia Iturbe, co-founder of Libeen, a PropTech startup based in Madrid, redefining home ownership through a Rent-to-Buy model. Sofia opens up about her multicultural background, transition from hospitality to real estate, and the drive to launch a company from scratch in one of Europe's most challenging housing markets. She explains how Libeen helps young people in Spain become homeowners, using technology to simplify the process and boost accessibility. The conversation also explores the company’s recent €25 million financing round, the excitement of building in Madrid, and the mindset shifts required for startup success. Sofia reflects on the importance of mentorship, intuition, and learning fast while scaling. Whether you're interested in PropTech, entrepreneurship, or housing innovation, this episode offers powerful insights from someone building the future of real estate.

10. 

    28 Apr 2025

    #006 – Louis Lallouette – Hospitality in Asia, Investment in Europe, and a Global Outlook on Real Estate

    In this episode of Tell Me More, Ruslan Hajduk sits down with Louis Lallouette, Senior Investment Analyst at Greystar, to explore his international journey through hospitality and real estate. From growing up across Paris, London, and Copenhagen to working in Asia’s hotel sector, Louis shares how global experiences have shaped his investment mindset. He offers insights into real estate finance, cross-border investment strategy, and the role of cultural intelligence in today’s property markets. They discuss the challenges foreign investors face in France and the UK, how institutional players like Greystar think about urban growth, and the impact of thoughtful urban planning in cities like Copenhagen and Hong Kong. The episode also dives into the value of organisations like ULI Europe in shaping young real estate leaders. Louis wraps up with personal reflections and book recommendations that continue to guide his career.

11. 

    8 Apr 2025

    #005 - Idriss Goossens - EightySeven: From Founder to Ecosystem Leader, Leading PropTech Innovation Across Europe

    In this episode of Tell Me More, Ruslan Hajduk speaks with Idriss Goossens, founder of EightySeven (formerly PropTech Lab), about the evolution of real estate technology and innovation. Idriss shares his entrepreneurial journey, the rebranding of his platform, and how EightySeven is driving the growth of the PropTech ecosystem across Europe and beyond. They dive into the latest PropTech trends, innovations in real estate technology, and the digital transformation of major global cities like Paris, London, and Tokyo. The conversation also explores scaling PropTech startups, overcoming challenges in the real estate industry, and navigating the changing landscape of urban development and smart cities. Whether you're a PropTech founder, real estate investor, or industry leader, this episode offers key insights into building a scalable PropTech platform, embracing digitalization, and shaping the future of cities. Tune in for valuable advice on how collective intelligence and urban innovation are transforming the real estate sector.

12. 

    10 Dec 2024

    #004 – Dustin Ross – Sunflower Network: From NYC & LA to Ukraine, Empowering Communities and Restoring Hope

    Dustin Ross shares his journey from New York City to creating Sunflower Network, a platform rebuilding crisis-affected communities, and restoring hope in Ukraine.

13. 

    3 Dec 2024

    #003 - Szymon Wojciechowski - Designing Anti-Fragile Cities, Tactical Urbanism and Innovating Architecture in Warsaw and Beyond

    Ruslan Hajduk sits down with Szymon Wojciechowski to explore anti-fragile cities, tactical urbanism, and innovative architecture in Warsaw, sharing insights on resilience, adaptability, and sustainable design.

14. 

    18 Nov 2024

    #002 - Miguel Linera - The Entrepreneur Behind Silk and the Next Era of Real Estate Tech

    Discover the entrepreneurial journey of Miguel Linera, founder of Silk, a leading PropTech startup transforming tenant loyalty across Europe. In this episode of Tell Me More, host Ruslan Hajduk explores Miguel’s path from launching his first startup in Toronto to building a groundbreaking real estate platform in Madrid. Learn how Silk is redefining the tenant experience, innovating in the PropTech sector, and addressing challenges like funding and market expansion. Miguel also shares strategies for managing multiple businesses and insights into the future of real estate technology. Perfect for entrepreneurs, PropTech enthusiasts, and real estate professionals looking for inspiration and actionable ideas.

15. 

    3 Nov 2024

    #001 - Imogen Thompson - The Future of Cities, Urban Planning Insights, & The Vision of NEOM

    In our first episode, Imogen Thompson, Executive Director of ULI UK, shares her expertise in urban planning, city development, and sustainable design. With a background rooted in Vancouver, Canada and extensive experience in London, Imogen explores the contrasting approaches to urban growth between North America and Europe. She highlights major projects like Vancouver’s Oakridge redevelopment and London’s Brent Cross regeneration, providing insights into mixed-use developments and transit-oriented design. Imogen also discusses the ambitious NEOM project in Saudi Arabia, addressing its unique infrastructure and vision for the future. Tune in for a comprehensive look at how the Urban Land Institute fosters global thought leadership in real estate and what the future holds for cities worldwide, from sustainable innovation to regional growth in Birmingham, Manchester, and beyond.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

8 ratings

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Guest appearances

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