Our global cohort of 28 leaders from five continents began with an in-depth session on leadership in building design led by James von Klemperer and the KPF team, featuring analytical deep dives into major architectural and urban projects such as 520 Fifth Avenue, One Vanderbilt, and Hudson Yards. Building on this foundation, the cohort engaged rigorously with the financial architecture of one of the largest real estate developments in the world. With the leadership team at Related, participants dissected Hudson Yards’ capital stack, risk-sharing structures, public–private partnerships, and overall investment performance.
The program also examined the accelerating shift in global work patterns and urban demand. Professor Arpit Gupta (NYU Stern) delivered a research-driven analysis of the future of office and its implications for cities. Gensler and Vanbarton Group—the architect and developer behind New York’s largest office-to-residential conversion—shared their technical, financial, and regulatory insights on large-scale adaptive reuse.
This foundation set the tone for an educational week centered on stewardship, leadership, capital markets, and climate resilience. In Cambridge, participants explored climate risk and resilience with Professor Siqi Zheng and Holly Neber (AEI Consultants); organizational performance and culture with MIT Sloan’s Erez Yoeli and Jonathan Ruane; and real estate debt, distressed assets, and capital markets with faculty and industry experts including Walter Torous (MIT/CRE), Diane McCabe (Goodwin), Eva Cheng (APG), and Jennifer Stevens (Alliance Global Advisors). The cohort also undertook field-based case studies, including HRP Group’s transformation of the historic 776 Summer Street power plant with a tour led by alumna Melissa Shrock.
The week featured two leadership keynotes from industry leaders—Nathalie Palladitcheff (former CEO, Ivanhoé Cambridge) and Kathleen McCarthy (Global Co-Head of Blackstone Real Estate)—who shared insightful reflections on leadership pathways, strategic decision-making, and leaving a legacy in the industry and the firm.
Most importantly, the program facilitated many connections that will shape participants’ careers and the industry. Throughout the week, numerous networking opportunities—including participating in the Pension Real Estate Association (PREA) Breakfast—allowed ample time for this global community to directly engage. Congratulations to our first graduates – the Class of 2025!
