INREV marked an important milestone in May with the launch of INREV ASPIRE (33+), bringing together the first cohort of 36 participants in London on 27 and 28 May for 1.5 days of learning, reflection and connection.
The programme opened with a welcome from Casper Hesp (INREV) and Andrea Carpenter (Diversity Talks Real Estate), setting the tone for a course designed to support mid‑career professionals as they step into more strategic and leadership‑focused roles.
Across the programme, a diverse group of speakers explored how leadership in real estate is evolving and what skills are needed to stay relevant in a fast‑changing industry:
- Sabina Reeves (CBRE Investment Management) explored the megatrends shaping real estate and how the industry is responding to structural change
- Dan Hughes (Alpha Property) and Marcelo Cajias (PATRIZIA) examined the impact of data, technology and artificial intelligence, sharing practical examples of how these tools are already influencing decision making and reporting
- Andrea Carpenter (Diversity Talks Real Estate) led a session on speaking with impact on a panel, helping participants build confidence and position themselves as expert voices in the industry
- Nioki Doggett (M&G Real Estate) focused on building strong investor relationships, from first pitch to long‑term partnership.
From lunch through to dinner, there were ample opportunities for attendees to network, connect with peers and exchange ideas. Day two shifted towards personal leadership, influence and career development. Participants took part in peer roundtables to share experiences of mid‑career transitions, before a series of sessions focused on developing leadership presence and impact:
- Anne Kavanagh, in conversation with Andrea Carpenter, shared leadership lessons and personal insights from her career journey
- Victoria Hill (PROMIND Coaching) led sessions on leading through influence, increasing visibility and positioning yourself for strategic impact. She also guided participants through a personal leadership exercise.
The programme closed with a final moment for reflection, giving participants the opportunity to consolidate insights and define how they will apply them in their day‑to‑day roles, before concluding with a drinks reception.
As the first edition of INREV ASPIRE, the course highlighted the importance of combining technical knowledge with leadership capability, communication and strategic thinking. It also demonstrated the value of peer exchange in supporting professionals at a pivotal stage in their careers.
If you missed this one, stay tuned for updates on the next INREV ASPIRE programme, just click on ‘Notify when open’ for the opportunity to join a future cohort.