Chris Johnson was amongst the first few guests to appear on Developmental: property & the mind, back in 2019. At the time he was CEO of Urban Taskforce and after holding that title for 8 consecutive years, Chris has since moved into an active retirement where he balances private consulting with his flair for writing about all things urban planning. In this episode, the pair sit down to talk about Chris’s latest book, “Mid-rise urban living” which in part, raises the essential and ultimately overlooked component of mid-rise developments in growing cities like Sydney. Between the two extremes of high-rise residential towers and detached homes, there is a 'missing middle' of mid-rise apartment buildings. Joe and Chris discuss award-winning international examples of how these can be done well, and the vital role they play in adding a richness to neighbourhoods around the world. As an advocate for a better built Sydney, Chris unpacks the greater need to simplify the NSW planning system, give more power to the architects and allow space for more creativity in the design process, for Sydney to prosper and grow sustainably. If you know someone who would be a great guest on our show or have a question you’d like Joe to explore in these discussions, please let us know at .

Developmental: property & the mind

The concept of the missing middle

The Australian Government’s approach to immigration policy is everchanging, and COVID-19 has presented an additional wave of challenges that continue to impact Australians, the people who want to live and work here and the economy. Our next guest, Anne O’Donoghue, Director and Principal Lawyer at Immigration Solutions Lawyers, is widely recognised for her specialist skills of advising and guiding people – including students, skilled migrants, families and medical patients – through complex, life-changing circumstances. The new episode of Developmental is out now, so tune in as Anne connects with Joe and discover her unique journey through life and an enriching career.

The critical role of immigration and its impact on people, property and economic recovery

How can we support sustainable urban growth in NSW? Tom Forrest shares his suggestions on this episode of Developmental: property & the mind. As a patron of positive urban development, Tom Forrest, Chief Executive Officer of Urban Taskforce Australia, brings to this in-depth discussion his wealth of experience in public and private sector planning and policymaking. Joe and Tom discuss the limitations of the current NSW planning act and the domino effects this will have on our future generations, as we are left with an overspill of cookie-cutter developments and an absence of innovative and forward-thinking design.

Changing our approach to planning; less red tape, greater flexibility and a greater focus of housing supply

Hear from one of Sydney’s leading commercial property dealmakers on Developmental: property & the mind. Jeff Moxham, Principal at Ray White Commercial Metropolitan Sydney, is responsible for masterminding the strategies behind some of Sydney’s biggest commercial property deals. With a family heritage rich in real estate, he’s already 23 years into his own career and shows no signs of slowing down. Listen to S2, E3 now as Jeff shares his five tips for living successfully and striking the perfect balance between a career, family and passion.

Success: striking the work/life balance

If you work in property and development in NSW, this is a ‘must listen’ episode! Steven Mann, CEO of leading property industry body - the Urban Development Institute of Australia (NSW) - joins us on Developmental for a deep exploration into what it takes to navigate the process of urban development. Tune in now as Steven and Joe chat about the complex role this key advocacy group for change plays in helping the property industry underpin our return to economic and social prosperity.

Advocating for a liveable future

To kick off Season 2, it's an honour to be joined by Iwan Sunito – Founder, Chairman and Group CEO of Crown Group, one of Australia’s biggest game-changers in the property space. Starting off as a young architecture student while making ends meet working as a kitchen hand, Iwan Sunito had a dream – a dream to give back and do good. "If I can sum up the journey of Crown Group in the last 24 years… I think what really drove it, in the beginning, was thinking big and starting small,” says Iwan Sunito, Founder, Chairman and Group CEO of Crown Group. It was growing up in the small town of Pangkalan Bun in East Kalimantan, Indonesia, that Iwan began his journey to becoming a major influence on the world of property. Tune into Season 2, Episode 1 now as Iwan shares not only his insight into the global property market but also the inspiring story of his life, family and career.

It begins with a vision

How many leaders think about their legacy – what they leave behind for the organisation and the people they lead? In Episode 13 of Developmental, Joe reconnects with a previous guest, Rev Keith Garner AM, departing Chief Executive Officer of Wesley Mission in Sydney, Australia. As Superintendent and CEO, Keith led both the community services and congregations of Wesley Mission, serving in this diverse role for the last 15 years. In this episode, Keith talks about what it means to leave a legacy behind, after announcing his retirement from an incredibly significant and rewarding career. The world was a very different place when they last spoke 12 months ago. So, with that, the pair also touch on the year that was, the challenges Keith faced as he navigated through his final months with Wesley Mission, and what’s next for him as he embarks on retirement.

Building a legacy

What is it that separates the good from the great when it comes to property development? Special guest Adam Byrnes, Director of Think Planners shares his thoughts on the complexities of planning and what it takes to create and sustain a sense of community and liveability. After 25 years working in both the private and public sector in planning and development, Adam discusses why important mutual respect and good communication is imperative to create a great outcome.

Planning for Australia’s future

If you’ve never listened to our monthly podcast that ponders all things property, politics, policy, leadership and life… start here with episode 11! From how it began to where we are now, Developmental: property & the mind has remained a place that connects people and personalities – and opens up (sometimes deeper than expected) discussions outside your typical property report. Nine people, 11 episodes and countless downloads later, Joe Abboud reconnects with his first guest Holly Reynolds, Managing Director of Left Field Communications to provide a snappy recap of the show’s guests and lessons. With a guest list as diverse as the themes – ranging from advisory, property, politics, public speaking, housing, mental health and real estate – the underlying message is that with hard work, self-control, focus and determination, everyone – no matter where they came from – can create their own great success.

Recap: Our first 10 episodes

Have you ever wanted an insight into one of Australia’s most experienced minds in the property game? From understanding the fluctuating trends to identifying opportunity (or lack of) to finding ways to ensure ‘best bang for buck’, we all seek, at some point, insider knowledge into the fine art of smart property investing. As one of the most skilled, and trusted, property agents in the game, Peter Chittenden, Managing Director of Residential at Colliers International, has helped many of Australia’s leading property developers identify and sell through some of the most significant communities in the country. Listen today, as Joe and Peter unpack the world of property, and how his deep understanding of the market, hard work and energy has led to his unmatched expertise on a national level.

Think Fast, Act Faster

There's little in life that feels more challenging than living with a sense that things are spinning out of control. Our world is changing – almost on an hourly basis right now. COVID-19 has turned the world on its head… and we’re all trying to seek some certainty when the reality is most parts of life – whether it’s work, family, friends, finances, or travel – are becoming increasingly unpredictable. So, how do you take back control? In Episode 9 of Developmental, Joe Abboud is joined by Priscilla Tran, one of the property industry’s most influential young leaders. As Development Manager of affordable housing at City West Housing, winner of the UDIA NSW’s Young Leader’s Award for Excellence 2019 and PowerHousing Australia’s Rising Star Award 2019 and mentor to rising stars alike, Priscilla, has not only shaped her career – but navigated her way through deeply personal challenges – by taking control of her life. *Please note, those struggling with mental health may find this discussion triggering, and we encourage you to seek help. Please reach out to someone you trust, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 at any time, or visit your health care practitioner.

When your world is spinning out of control

When faced with a challenge, how do you show up? Whether personal or professional, navigating opportunities and next steps can be tough – especially if you're stuck at a crossroads. Craig Morris, a trusted friend, and mentor to Joe Abboud has built his career on helping people and businesses learn the skills to transform. In this Episode of Developmental, we hear from an expert who has coached some of Australia’s most prominent business leaders through career-defining decisions. Over 30 years, Craig has led teams to deliver multimillion-dollar projects, overseen successful company takeovers and advised businesses throughout major transformations.  With a desire to genuinely help people, Craig has seen first-hand what makes a leader successful and why others struggle.

What does it take to make real change?

Property markets around the globe are struggling with affordability issues. In Sydney, Australia, the crisis continues and one of the human costs is homelessness. Is a solution as simple as increasing housing supply by simplifying the path of development, or are much bigger problems at play? In this Episode of Developmental, Joe speaks with the Rev Keith Garner from Wesley Mission, traversing the tough terrain of homelessness, mental health, substance abuse and domestic violence. And the critical role Wesley Mission plays in our communities to do all the good they can. Hear how Wesley Mission CEO the Rev Keith Garner, driven by faith and supported by family, has been able to dedicate not only his career but his life to helping those most in need. 

Every life matters

From his early years as an all-star athlete, to serving in The White House, to leading the rebuild of hurricane-wreaked New Orleans, to Sydney Australia and everywhere in between, Professor Ed Blakely has travelled a life path that’s seen him become a true global influencer in urban planning. In this Episode of Developmental, Joe delves into Professor Ed Blakely’s story to understand the impact of life lessons from his 107-year-old great grandfather, how sport and excelling became his bedrock, and how his own determination to continually improve has created a treasury of experiences he might never have imagined.

What’s your game plan?

What does public speaking have in common with the world of property? Everything. In this episode of Developmental, Joe takes a deep dive with Shane Geha, head of EG Property Advisory in a discussion that swings from a lifechanging childhood experience to excelling in the dog-eat-dog world of debating to teaching in some of the world’s top universities to high-stakes deal-making in boardrooms around the world. Hear about how finding the confidence to back yourself and present your message clearly is the difference between make or break.  

The lifesaving magic of good public speaking

Joe Abboud is a big thinker with big ambitions to live a contented life. Day to day, his passion is property investment and solving the often complex problems that come with making change. But he’s fired by a larger quest to encourage, inspire and learn. In this series, Joe connects with a range of people and personalities from all over, pondering everything from politics to policy, leadership to life.

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Developmental: property & the mind

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