A group of professionals stand together vulnerably on a translucent platform high above the city, symbolizing the courage to let go and embrace mutual trust. Welcome back to A Year of Fearless Ethical Leadership , our continuing exploration into the principles that define the Icons of DC Area Real Estate. Over the past months, we’ve discussed courage, realism, and decisive action. But today, I want to highlight a paradox that challenges many high-performers: the surprising po

By John Coe I know what you're thinking before you even say it. We're sitting in some coffee shop near Farragut Square, or maybe you've caught me between podcast recordings, and you're about to ask me about cap rates, deal velocity, how to position yourself for that VP role everyone's eyeing. Real questions. Practical questions. The kind that get you somewhere. And then I'm going to tell you we need to talk about your shadow first. Looking in the mirror to understand your sha

To the ambitious professionals in the IJCRE community: you’ve chosen a sector where influence isn’t just useful—it’s the entire ecosystem. From deal terms to community impact, power determines outcomes. But not all power is created equal. And not all of it is worth having. According to The 50th Law  (by Robert Greene and 50 Cent—yes, really), fear is the primary obstacle to meaningful influence. It’s the thing that pushes people into reactive choices, groupthink, or tactical

To the rising stars of the Commercial Real Estate (CRE) industry: True success requires the mastery of fearlessness . In an environment marked by volatility and rapid transformation, the comfort of consensus is a fatal liability. Investment committee members engage in an intense discussion, weighing crucial decisions around a conference table. Robert Greene and Curtis Jackson III (50 Cent) assert in The 50th Law  that fear drains the energy and momentum  required for strategi

Lessons in Power, Integrity, and Action from Real Estate Icons In commercial real estate, we all know the technical side of the business only gets you so far. The difference between those who endure and those who burn out often comes down to something less tangible—but far more powerful: presence. Not just being in the room, but being known  in the room. Being the person who others gravitate toward for clarity, decisiveness, and a sense of direction. That’s what it means to b