Name: WeWork's CEO on the AI boom, selling the World Trade Centers, and stabilizing the co-working company
Uploaded: 2025-06-09T21:00:52Z

Salon Series

John Santora could be called the anti-Adam Neumann. Unlike the charismatic but sometimes chaotic founder of the co-working firm, Santora is a tried-and-true real estate executive. In his Salon Series conversation with The Real Deal's Stuart Elliott, Santora explained how he right-sized the massive company, and gave the crowd insights on his experience climbing the ladder at Cushman &amp; Wakefield and where he expects the office market to go next. 

WeWork's CEO on the AI boom, selling the World Trade Centers, and stabilizing the co-working company

In a matter of two decades, Sam Nazarian went from Los Angeles nightclub king to luxury hotel mogul to ghost kitchen entrepreneur to wellness proselyte. Nazarian is the founder, chairman and CEO of SBE Entertainment Group, one of the most influential companies in the lifestyle hospitality space. After selling his stake in the hotel business in 2020 and following a years-long health journey that look him to luxury longevity retreats around the globe, Nazarian has pivoted into the luxury wellness arena, teaming with Tony Robbins and Marc Anthony on The Estate by SBE. 

SBE's hospitality king Sam Nazarian on his prolific portfolio, next business boom & more

Michael Hershman doesn't have the typical real estate resume. The industry exec joined TRD editor-in-chief Stuart Elliott at our NYC HQ for a wide-ranging discussion about everything from his past as an investigator and prosecutor working on the famed Serpico, Watergate and Koreagate investigations to his current role as Soloviev Group CEO, where he serves as the right-hand man to one of New York City’s most ambitious real estate scions, Stefan Soloviev.
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Soloviev Group CEO Michael Hershman talks Serpico, Watergate & more | Salon Series

Housing and CRE developments are halted for all kinds of reasons: supply chains, financing, unions and especially community resistance.
 
Urban development strategist Majora Carter joined TRD for an exclusive live interview, to discuss her urban planning philosophy, her experience with successful ventures in untapped markets, breaking free from decades of failing housing &amp; community policies and so much more.

Exclusive insight from Urban Development Strategist Majora Carter | Salon Series

The largest housing plan in the nation (“Housing New York”) owes its existence to Alicia Glen. During her tenure as Deputy Mayor for Housing and Economic Development, 125,000 affordable homes were created, representing the largest amount of affordable housing creation in the history of the country. Now as the CEO of the private investment and development firm MSquared, Glen is dedicated to thinking about NYC’s current housing goals, the passing of 485X, and new infrastructure and rail plans influencing her firm’s strategies towards creating affordable, inclusive, and sustainable housing today. ⁠ 

MSquared CEO Alicia Glen talks NYC’s housing crisis, new infrastructure and more | Salon Series

At TRD's latest Salon Series, Shop Architects’ Gregg Pasquarelli joined us at our NYC headquarters to discuss what drives his architecture work, what developers and communities should agree on, and why design continues to be such a driving force in urban expansion. Watch the full conversation.

Shop Architects' Gregg Pasquarelli on what drives his success, urban expansion and more |SalonSeries

At TRD's latest Salon Series, renowned urbanist, former NYC deputy mayor, and former Bloomberg LP CEO Dan Doctoroff joined TRD's Stuart Elliott for a candid conversation on his medical condition, his philosophy on government, and the future of New York City. Watch for the full conversation.

Dan Doctoroff on The Urbanist, effective government, living with ALS, and more

Miki Naftali is prolific. Despite nonstop work at projects in New York, where other developers are wavering, and in Miami, where investors hope to cash in, the developer took a night off to join TRD's #SalonSeries, explaining how he keeps his pipeline full, navigates financing in a tough lending landscape, and more in a wide-ranging conversation with publisher Amir Korangy.

Miki Naftali on keeping his pipeline full, navigating finances & more! | Salon Series

CEO of The Agency Mauricio Umansky delves into his book ‘The Dealmaker,’ discusses representing some of the world’s top celebrities, overcoming a tough real estate market, his life as a reality tv star and more in the latest Salon Series. Stay tuned for more TRD Salons this winter. This segment has been made possible by Jennair.

Mauricio Umansky talks being ‘The Dealmaker,’ a Bravolebrity, building a business and a brand & more

Investigative Journalist and author Vicky Ward gave TRD subscribers a peek inside her three bestselling books, “Kushner Inc.,” “The Devil’s Casino,” and “Liar’s Ball,” sharing intriguing stories about Harry Macklowe, the Kushner family, Donald Trump and more. Stay tuned for more TRD Salons, this fall. This segment has been made possible by Jacobs, P.C.

Inside “Kushner Inc.,” “The Devil’s Casino,” and “Liar’s Ball, with author Vicky Ward | Salon Series

Wall Street Journal reporter and TRD alum Katherine Clarke gave TRD subscribers a peek inside her new book Billionaire's Row at the latest #SalonSeries, previewing colorful characters from Michael Stern and Kevin Maloney to Harry Macklowe who fueled the race to the sky on 57th Street. The #SalonSeries followed the reading with a Q&amp;A and conversation with the author. Stay tuned for more TRD Salons, returning this fall. This series has been made possible by JennAir.

Inside Billionaire's Row with author Katherine Clarke | Salon Series

TRD's inaugural Salon Series, made possible by JennAir, kicked off with remarks from Related Companies CEO Jeff Blau. Related, which owns and operates more than $60 billion in assets nationwide, is one of the most powerful players in New York and beyond. Blau gave TRD his unfiltered thoughts on how the city needs to change, how to make that change, and where to go next. Plus, his plans for Phase II of Hudson Yards, an MLS stadium for New York, and more.