The Walker Webcast

Willy sat down with Steve Hills, former President and General Manager of The Washington Post and author of the forthcoming book, The Alpha Trap, for a conversation about leadership, transformation, ambition, and the hidden costs of success.   They explored how Steve helped transform The Washington Post from a newspaper into a digital-first technology company, what that experience can teach leaders navigating the AI revolution, and why vulnerability can be a powerful leadership strength. They also dove into The Alpha Trap and what Steve learned from interviewing more than 100 high achievers about the relentless pursuit of status and success, the difference between being admired and being truly known, and how to bring the same energy we invest in our careers to our relationships, health, purpose, and fulfillment. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Willy sat down with Ivy Zelman, Executive Vice President and Co-Founder of Zelman, a Walker & Dunlop Company, for her latest read on the U.S. housing market and the forces that could reshape housing demand for years to come. They explored why Ivy believes the housing market may be more balanced than the prevailing shortage narrative suggests, how slowing population and household growth could change future housing needs, and what affordability, mortgage rates, and changing buyer behavior mean for today's market. They also dove into the growing number of young adults living at home, why Ivy sees stronger fundamentals in multifamily than for-sale housing, where she sees opportunities emerging across U.S. markets, and what Zelman's A Decade Divided research could mean for housing leaders planning for the next decade. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Willy sat down with Liz Ann Sonders, Chief Investment Strategist at Charles Schwab and one of the most influential voices in finance, for a wide-ranging conversation on what’s driving markets today and what investors should be watching next. Willy and Liz Ann explored a changing investment landscape shaped by inflation, interest rate volatility, federal deficits, and shifting labor and housing markets. They also discussed AI’s growing impact, market rotations, and the increasingly blurred line between investing and gambling - including what it could mean for financial literacy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On a special episode of the Walker Webcast, recorded live at the 2026 Sun Valley Writers’ Conference, Willy was joined by New York Times reporter and bestselling author David Gelles. David’s book, Dirtbag Billionaire, explores the remarkable life of Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard—a reluctant entrepreneur who built an iconic brand while challenging conventional ideas about capitalism, consumption, and wealth. In his conversation with Willy, David unpacked the contradictions behind Chouinard and Patagonia, from its unconventional culture and environmental leadership to his extraordinary decision to give away ownership of the company. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We featured a special keynote from Walker & Dunlop's Summer Conference with Aditya Sanghvi, Senior Partner at McKinsey & Company and leader of the firm's global real estate practice. Aditya cut through the AI hype to explain what today's breakthroughs actually mean for real estate. Drawing on McKinsey's work with leading organizations, he explored why so few companies are realizing meaningful value from AI, how "agentic AI" is transforming everything from leasing and maintenance to investment decisions, and why data—not technology—will be the defining competitive advantage. He also shared why this is ultimately a CEO-led transformation and what business leaders should do today to stay ahead. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On a special episode of the Walker Webcast, we featured an interview with Tom Nides, Vice Chairman of Strategy & Client Relations at Blackstone, with guest host Steve Hills, Author and former President & General Manager of The Washington Post, recorded live at Walker & Dunlop's 2026 Summer Conference.   Drawing on his experience spanning Wall Street, the White House, the State Department, and as U.S. Ambassador to Israel, Tom shared his perspective on the geopolitical forces reshaping today's global economy. Steve and Tom discussed the conflict in the Middle East, the future of U.S.-Israel relations, the evolving role of diplomacy and American leadership, NATO and China, the economic implications of AI, and what investors should be watching across commercial real estate, private credit, infrastructure, and data centers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We featured a conversation with four of the industry’s most influential voices to examine the forces reshaping housing in America. Recorded live at Walker & Dunlop’s Summer Conference, this panel was moderated by Ivy Zelman, Executive Vice President of Research & Securities at Walker & Dunlop, alongside panelists Steven DeFrancis, Founder and CEO of Cortland, Ryan Marshall, President and CEO of PulteGroup, Inc., and Dallas Tanner, President and CEO of Invitation Homes. As demographics, affordability, and migration continue to reshape housing demand, our panelists discussed where they're investing, the markets best positioned for long-term growth, the outlook for homeownership and rentals, and how AI, housing policy, and new development strategies could influence the industry's future. Neither Zelman, Ivy Zelman or her family own PHM or INVH stock. INVH is an investment banking client of Zelman Partners, LLC. Zelman has received compensation for products or services other than investment banking services. Zelman is a Walker & Dunlop company. Zelman Partners, LLC is a registered broker-dealer and member of FINRA and SIPC (Securities Investor Protection Corporation). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If today’s headlines leave you wondering what’s signal and what’s noise, don’t miss this special Walker Webcast featuring Willy’s opening remarks from Walker & Dunlop’s Summer Conference. In this timely keynote, Willy separates market noise from the data that matters, sharing his perspective on commercial real estate, housing fundamentals, consumer sentiment, immigration, interest rates, AI, and the multifamily recovery. He also examines why the labor market has remained resilient, what AI means for the future of business and real estate, and the key trends he believes will shape the industry over the next several years. Willy offers a practical framework for understanding where the market stands today—and where it's headed next. Slides: https://resources.walkerdunlop.com/file/2026_Summer_Conference_Willy_Presentation_Data_Slides_1/downloadp?email=digital Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Willy was joined by legendary footballer, Andriy Shevchenko, one of the greatest strikers of all time, Ukraine's all-time leading goal scorer, Ballon d'Or winner, former manager of the Ukrainian National Team, and one of his country's most influential global ambassadors. Together, they explored the latest developments from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the mindset required to perform under pressure, and the defining moments of Shevchenko's legendary career. They also examined the war in Ukraine, President Zelensky's leadership, the role of sport on the global stage, and Shevchenko's perspective on the future of both Ukraine and world football. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Willy sat down with Dr. Peter Linneman for another installment of the Most Insightful Hour in CRE, sharing Peter’s latest outlook on the economy, capital markets, and where he sees the biggest risks and opportunities.   They explored why debt capital has largely returned while equity remains cautious, whether AI investment resembles the housing boom of the 2000s, why Peter believes many investors are still too pessimistic on the economy, and how federal debt, inflation, tariffs, and the Fed could shape markets over the next several quarters. Peter separates headlines from fundamentals to explain what investors should really be watching. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Willy sat down with Chris Crosby, founder and CEO of Compass Datacenters, a leading Class A, Community-First builder of the digital infrastructure powering the AI economy. They discussed the genesis behind Compass, the company's community-first philosophy, its 100-year neighbor approach, and the realities of navigating local politics. Chris also shared his perspective on common misconceptions about data center water and power usage, the economics and modular innovation behind development, the impact of supply chains, tariffs, and immigration policy, and what lies ahead for the future of digital infrastructure. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Willy sat down with Jeffrey Rosen, bestselling author, George Washington University law professor, contributing editor at The Atlantic, and CEO emeritus of the National Constitution Center, for a timely discussion about America’s founding ideals as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary. Willy and Jeffrey explored the enduring relevance of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, from liberty, equality, and government by consent to the lasting tension between Hamiltonian federal power and Jeffersonian democracy. They also discussed the founders’ warnings about faction, demagoguery, civic virtue, and the responsibility of citizens to preserve civil dialogue in a polarized age. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Willy sat down with Robert Siegel, Lecturer in Management at Stanford Graduate School of Business, Operator, Venture Investor, and Author of The Systems Leader. They explored the competing pressures facing today’s leaders—from balancing innovation and execution to embracing AI while maintaining organizational focus. Robert also shared why curiosity, humility, and adaptability have become essential leadership traits in a fast-changing world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Willy sat down with Katie Cook, a trailblazing Marine Corps pilot who made history as the first woman selected to fly with the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, live from the Walker & Dunlop Leadership Summit. She and Willy discussed her path from a military family to the Naval Academy, the near-plane crash in flight school that shaped her career, and the combat mission in Afghanistan where she fired Hellfire missiles in defense of a pinned-down Marine squad. They also explored what it meant to become the first female Blue Angel, the weight of representing more than yourself, and how the leadership lessons in the cockpit translate to the boardroom. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Willy sat down with Dr. Chris Palmer, Harvard psychiatrist, researcher, and author of Brain Energy. Dr. Palmer has become one of the leading voices exploring the connection between metabolism, nutrition, and mental health, challenging decades of conventional thinking about psychiatric disorders. He and Willy discussed why mental illnesses may actually be metabolic disorders affecting the brain, the science behind ketogenic therapies and psychiatric recovery, and how lifestyle, stress, sleep, and nutrition can dramatically impact brain health. They also explored what this emerging research could mean for the future treatment of depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Willy sat down in person with Phil Washington, CEO of Denver International Airport and one of the country’s most respected transportation leaders. They discussed DEN’s rapid growth toward becoming the busiest airport in the world, the massive infrastructure investments required to support rising passenger demand, and how the airport is balancing modernization, safety, and operational resilience. Phil also shared insights on international expansion, energy independence, cargo growth, transit and roadway improvements, and why Denver is uniquely positioned to become a global gateway for both aviation and future space travel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Willy sat down with Senator Tim Scott, Chairman of the Senate Banking Committee, for a candid discussion on America’s economic future, AI, and global competitiveness. They discussed the race to lead in artificial intelligence, the growing importance of entrepreneurship and critical thinking, and why states embracing business investment are pulling ahead economically. Senator Scott also shared his perspective on regulation, energy, workforce disruption, and what America must do to stay ahead in the next era of innovation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Willy sat down with Bill Perkins, investor, entrepreneur, and author of Die with Zero, for a provocative conversation on how we think about money, time, and life itself. They explored Bill’s philosophy of prioritizing life experiences over accumulating wealth, challenging traditional ideas about saving, retirement, and legacy, and reflecting on the career journey and lessons that shaped his perspective. They also covered how time—not money—is our most finite resource, the cost of delaying enjoyment, and how individuals and families can better align financial decisions with the life they want to live. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Willy sat down with David Carle, the University of Denver’s head hockey coach and one of the most dominant leaders in college sports today. With three NCAA championships in the last five years, Carle is earning a reputation as the John Wooden of college hockey. In this conversation, Coach Carle reveals what it really takes to build a championship culture—from identifying and recruiting the right people, to instilling a relentless team-first mindset, to leading in a way that drives both elite performance and long-term development. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Willy delivers his CRE and economic outlook in a live presentation at MIT, offering a timely lens into today’s complex market environment. Cutting through the noise, he breaks down the forces truly shaping the landscape - from capital flows and consumer sentiment to multifamily fundamentals, affordability dynamics, and the macro and policy shifts set to define CRE in 2026. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices