The Four Talent-Market Themes Real Estate Leaders Must Watch in 2026
As we head into 2026, the talent dynamics in real estate are shifting more than you might think. According to High Ridge Search, four major themes are set to dominate the market. If your firm isn’t proactively aligning with these shifts, you’re likely already behind. Here’s a breakdown of the trends—and what your business should be doing […]
Forever Assets: Why UHNW Families Are Buying Hotels, Resorts and Ski Towns (Summer 2025)
As we look back over the summer and the past year, one clear pattern has emerged: many ultra-high-net-worth families are buying – and often developing – “forever” hospitality assets. Leading hotels, vacation resorts, ski resorts and even whole ski-town parcels are being acquired not just for yield, but as platforms for legacy, control and community […]
From Presidents to Properties: Why Yale Grads Are Leading Real Estate
Yale has long been known as a launchpad for world leaders: presidents, cultural icons, and changemakers whose names fill the pages of history. But today, that legacy is showing up in a surprising place—real estate. Look closely at the leadership ranks of top real estate firms, and a pattern emerges. Yale graduates are everywhere. Yale […]
Does Real Estate Credit Offer a Leadership Model for the Broader Real Estate Private Capital Industry?
One recurring concern about real estate private equity, particularly higher-yield strategies, is that “it just doesn’t scale.” We return to this idea often, especially as several of the leadership roles we are hiring for are fundamentally about building and growing platforms at scale. But there are many challenges to finding leaders who can do this effectively: […]
Peak Perspective: 2025 Predictions
About Peak Perspectives by Highridge Search We collect information from the field and aggregate it in short memos or comprehensive studies. Our goal is to provide you with the “pulse” of the market on topics such as talent development and retention, compensation, restrictive covenants, new team build-outs, lay-offs, and other human capital trends. Be ready for short […]
Peak Perspective: Today’s Leadership Pain Points
About Peak Perspectives by Highridge Search We collect information from the field and aggregate it in short memos or comprehensive studies. Our goal is to provide you with the “pulse” of the market on topics such as talent development and retention, compensation, restrictive covenants, new team build-outs, lay-offs, and other human capital trends. Be ready for short […]
Peak Perspective: Why Top Real Estate Talent is Breaking Away
In recent months, many top real estate investment professionals have left large institutional asset managers to pursue independent ventures. This wave of entrepreneurialism reflects a shift in how today’s talent views opportunity, favoring greater control, faster-paced environments, and stronger economic potential. Unlike the post-GFC era, when talent gravitated toward larger funds, these individuals are now […]
The Institutionalization of Capital Raising
The adage “money makes the world go round” has never been more relevant to businesses than it is today. The perpetual demand for capital has led to both the formalization and the elevation of the capital raising role. It is now regarded as both a mission-critical role and a strategic leadership role in many firms. […]
Peak Perspective: Flat is the New Up!
“Flat is the New Up!” has been whispered and repeated this past January, regardless of whether you are in real estate equity or credit. Indeed, volumes were down for the most part in 2023, but 2021 and 2022 witnessed such significant activity that increases in compensation became the norm. Many professionals have received year-end compensation […]
How Referrals Can Result in Lower Pay
Have you ever been referred for a job by a friend or family member? You might think that a referral would give you an advantage in the hiring process and lead to better compensation. However, referrals can actually result in lower pay, particularly for women and minorities. This can also be a big concern for […]
