In this episode of The Real Estate Forum, host Raphael Sidelsky sits down with Melissa Roman Burch, Chief Operating Officer of the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), to discuss her leadership in shaping New York City’s real estate and economic future. Melissa shares insights into how public-private partnerships are driving transformative projects such as the redevelopment of Willets Point and the Brooklyn Marine Terminal. She also delves into the city’s housing strategy, including zoning reforms, tax incentives, and efforts to convert underutilized office spaces into residential units. Throughout the conversation, Melissa emphasizes the city’s commitment to leveraging its real estate assets to promote affordable housing, economic recovery, and long-term resilience across all five boroughs.

Here's the text with each topic on a separate line:

(00:00:00) Introduction and Melissa Burch's Background

(00:05:00) Public-Private Partnerships and Economic Recovery

(00:10:00) Strategic Investments in Key Sectors

(00:15:00) Housing Initiatives and Zoning Reforms

(00:20:00) Tax Incentives and Real Estate Development

(00:25:00) Innovation and Diversified Economy

(00:30:00) Personal Philosophy and Growth Mindset

In this special episode of the Real Estate Forum, Jon Gray, President and Chief Operating Officer of Blackstone, joins Professor Brian Lancaster, Senior Lecturer in the Discipline of Finance, for a candid fireside chat hosted at Columbia Business School on April 29, 2025, as part of the Capital Markets series, co-sponsored by the Distinguished Speaker Series. The conversation traces Gray’s journey from joining Blackstone in 1992 to leading its evolution into a $1.2 trillion investment firm and explores the principles behind its long-term success, including a relentless focus on performance, talent, and strategic discipline. Gray shares insights on Blackstone’s early conviction in AI and digital infrastructure, the rise of private credit, and how real-time portfolio data informs investment decisions. He also offers practical advice on leadership, culture, and embracing an entrepreneurial mindset in any career path.

00:00 - 02:00: Introduction to the Real Estate Forum podcast and the special guest, Jon Gray, President and COO of Blackstone.

02:01 - 05:00: Jon Gray discusses his early career and the influence of Blackstone's culture on his professional growth.

05:01 - 10:00: Insights on Blackstone's strategic growth, including the role of data and AI in driving innovation.

10:01 - 15:00: Jon Gray shares personal anecdotes about his journey from Chicago to Blackstone and the importance of passion in career success.

15:01 - 20:00: Discussion on the challenges faced during the financial crisis and the lessons learned from investing in Hilton Hotels.

20:01 - 25:00: Thematic investing at Blackstone, focusing on data centers and the future of AI.

25:01 - 30:00: Jon Gray's perspective on private credit and its role in Blackstone's portfolio.

30:01 - 35:00: Philanthropy and personal values: Jon Gray talks about his charitable initiatives and the impact of focused giving.

35:01 - 40:00: Closing thoughts and advice for aspiring leaders in the real estate industry.

Host Raphael Sidelsky talks with Sabine Gaedeke Stener—CEO of Elbe River Partners, Gaedeke Group, and Gaedeke Energy—about leading a transatlantic family office with investments in real estate, energy, private equity, and debt. Sabine shares her journey from media executive in Germany to building a vertically integrated U.S. and European portfolio rooted in placemaking, wellness, and long-term value. They discuss Gaedeke’s WellSpace™ initiative, senior and workforce housing, repositioning offices in a post-pandemic, AI-driven market, and the benefits of a diversified investment platform. From transforming a Plano cow pasture into a vibrant hub to redefining office space, Sabine offers strategies for thriving through change.

(00:00) Introduction to Sabine Gaedeke Stener and her roles.

(03:30) Sabine's transition from media to real estate.

(08:00) The philosophy behind Elbe River Partners and Gaedeke Group.

(12:15) Discussion on the WellSpace™ initiative and its impact.

(18:00) Strategies for repositioning offices in a post-pandemic world.

(24:00) Insights into the AI-driven market and its effects on real estate.

(30:00) The transformation of a Plano cow pasture into a vibrant hub.

(36:00) Benefits of a diversified investment platform.

(42:00) Closing thoughts and future outlook