NAIOP San Francisco Bay Area Podcast

Finding Your “Just Right” in Real Estate with Catherine Minor

In this episode, we sit down with Catherine Minor, Senior Portfolio Manager at DWS, to talk about the long game in commercial real estate—and what it really takes to build a career that lasts.

Catherine’s path didn’t follow a straight line. She started in civil engineering and construction, moved into development, and ultimately found her place on the investment side of the business, where she now leads portfolio strategy at the intersection of global capital and local market insight. Along the way, she made intentional pivots, navigated challenging market cycles, and learned how to recognize when something wasn’t the right fit.

A central theme throughout the conversation is the idea of finding your “just right.” From roles that were “too hot” or “too cold” to the environments and opportunities that ultimately clicked, Catherine shares how trial, risk-taking, and self-awareness shaped her career.

We also dig into what a portfolio manager actually does day-to-day, the realities of today’s fundraising environment, and where she’s seeing opportunity as the next real estate cycle begins to take shape. She offers a candid perspective on mentorship versus sponsorship, the importance of having true allies in your career, and how technology—especially AI—is beginning to influence the industry.

It’s an honest and thoughtful conversation about growth, resilience, and building a career with intention in an ever-changing market.

 

Timestamps
0:00 – Intro & career overview
3:00 – Finding your “just right”
4:30 – Starting in construction
6:00 – Business school & career pivot
7:00 – Walking away from the wrong opportunity
8:00 – Finding the right fit
11:00 – Global Financial Crisis lessons
12:30 – Google & large-scale development
14:30 – Transition to investment management
15:00 – What a portfolio manager does
16:00 – Market conditions & fundraising
18:00 – Where the market is heading
19:30 – NAIOP & leadership
22:00 – Work culture & AI
25:00 – Lightning round & closing

2026 NAIOP SFBA President’s Message with Jordan Angel

​​2026 NAIOP SFBA Chapter President Jordan Angel joins host Drew Hess to share his vision for the year ahead, highlighting a renewed focus on in-person engagement, expanding multifamily participation, and supporting the next generation of industry leaders. He also discusses Bay Area market momentum, capital markets trends, and why he remains optimistic about the region’s future.

Building with Purpose: Lydia Tan on Development, Leadership & Impact

In this episode of the NAIOP SFBA Podcast, host Drew Hess sits down with Lydia Tan, a real estate leader whose three-decade career spans nonprofit affordable housing, institutional investment, large-scale mixed-use development, and professional sports.

Lydia shares how her famously non-linear path—from architecture to BRIDGE Housing, Related California, Bentall Kennedy, the Oakland A’s, and now the Oakland Roots & Soul—has shaped her approach to development as both purpose-driven and financially disciplined. She reflects on what it takes to deliver high-impact public-private projects, why there is “no single right answer” in real estate development, and how understanding risk, community, and stakeholders is central to creating lasting places.

The conversation explores Lydia’s leadership philosophy, her deep commitment to mentorship and teaching at UC Berkeley, and her current work helping build Oakland-rooted sports infrastructure that centers community, culture, and civic pride. Lydia also offers candid advice for emerging leaders, insights from decades of complex development work, and an optimistic vision for Oakland’s future.

Looking Around Corners: Miles Treaster on Cycles, Capital & San Francisco’s Momentum

In this episode, host Drew Hess sits down with Miles Treaster, President, Capital Markets, Americas, at Cushman & Wakefield. Miles shares his path from Sacramento and the “Buzz Oates school of industrial development” to leading one of the largest capital markets platforms in the world.

He breaks down how pricing, risk, and investor psychology are shifting; why cash flow is back at the center of valuations; and where opportunities are emerging across office, data infrastructure, industrial, and senior living. The conversation also covers Bay Area dynamics, San Francisco’s renewed momentum, and the role of leadership, mentorship, and humanity in today’s AI-driven world.

A concise, insightful listen for developers, investors, brokers, and emerging leaders navigating today’s commercial real estate market.

At the Table, Not on the Menu: Advocacy Perspectives from CBPA’s Matt Hargrove

In this episode, we sit down with Matthew Hargrove, President & CEO of the California Business Properties Association (CBPA), for a clear and high-level look at how advocacy shapes commercial real estate in California. Matt breaks down what’s really happening in Sacramento—from AB 98 and its cleanup legislation to CEQA updates, leasing bills, building code reforms, and the day-to-day work of navigating more than 2,500 bills each session.

He also shares why member engagement matters, how to build meaningful relationships with policymakers, common misconceptions about advocacy, and why he remains optimistic about the future of CRE in California.

Timestamps are included below to help listeners easily jump to the sections and policy topics most relevant to them.

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Growth Mindset in a Shifting Market: Luke Ogelsby on AI, SF Resilience, and the Business of Belief

In this episode, host Drew Hess chats with Luke Ogelsby, Vice Chairman at CBRE and the San Francisco Business Times’ 2024 Broker of the Year. Luke reflects on the evolution of commercial real estate, the unstoppable rise of AI, and why he’s doubling down on San Francisco’s future. He shares lessons from early career struggles, the power of resilience, and how his personal values continue to shape a purpose-driven approach to business and leadership. A must-listen for anyone navigating today’s CRE landscape with long-term vision.

From the Port to the Boardroom: Linda Hothem’s Legacy in Bay Area Industrial Real Estate

In this episode, host Drew Hess sits down with Linda Hothem, Owner and CEO of Pacific American Group, to explore her remarkable journey from social work to becoming a leading force in industrial real estate. Linda shares the founding story behind Pacific American, her pivotal role in shaping the Port of Oakland’s trade infrastructure, overcoming personal tragedy, and her continued legacy through mentorship, philanthropy, and sustainability. It’s a powerful conversation on leadership, resilience, and innovation in the Bay Area’s evolving commercial real estate landscape.

Asking Why, Not What: Matt Field's Playbook for Real Estate Success

In this episode of the NAIOP SFBA Podcast, host Drew Hess, Principal at Layline, speaks with Matt Field, Vice Chairman at TMG Partners, in a wide-ranging conversation about leadership, strategy, and creating value in today’s complex real estate landscape.

With over three decades of experience shaping the San Francisco Bay Area skyline, Matt shares lessons from transformative projects like 680 Folsom, PG&E’s Oakland HQ, and Landmark at One Market. He discusses the role of thoughtful deal structure, why asking *“why” not “what” leads to better outcomes, and how transparency and alignment are keys to lasting partnerships.

We also dive into:

• What AI and changing demand mean for the future of San Francisco real estate

• The importance of mentorship and cracking doors open for the next generation

• How to find your “superpower” and operate in flow

• Why you should never bet against San Francisco

Plus, Matt reflects on his personal journey—from early lessons at Catellus and Sedway Consulting to following the Grateful Dead on tour—and the people and moments that shaped his approach to life and business.

2025 NAIOP SFBA President's Message: A Conversation with Adam Voelker

In this episode of the NAIOP San Francisco Bay Area Podcast, host Drew Hess, Principal at Layline, sits down with 2025 Chapter President Adam Voelker, Market Leader and Principal at Trammell Crow Company. From industrial to life sciences, Adam brings a purpose-driven approach to leadership—and in this conversation, he shares his personal and professional vision for the year ahead.

You’ll hear Adam’s thoughts on collaboration across chapters, elevating NAIOP’s Executive Development and YPG programs, and why building strong political action committees is essential to the future of Bay Area real estate.

We also go beyond the boardroom—Adam opens up about his love for basketball, his go-to espresso habit, and how mentors shaped his leadership style.

💬 What You’ll Learn:

• Why collaboration between NAIOP chapters matters more than ever

• The power and purpose behind a strong PAC

• How regional momentum is shifting in the Bay Area market

• Leadership advice for the next generation of real estate professionals

• Personal insights from Adam’s journey across Southern California, D.C., and the Bay Area

🛠️ Whether you’re in development, investing, or just passionate about the future of commercial real estate, this episode offers sharp insights and a human connection to the industry we love.

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The Rhythms of Real Estate – Insights on Market Cycles with Paul Stein

In this insightful episode, host Drew Hess chats with Co-Founder and Managing Partner at SKS Partners, Paul Stein, who shares his journey in the real estate industry, highlighting the cyclical nature of the market, his experiences in leasing and development, and the importance of collaboration. From groundbreaking projects in San Francisco's South of Market area to his foray into biotech, Paul discusses the challenges, lessons, and strategies that have shaped his career.