Advertise on podcast: From Where I Sit With Tom McGee

Retail has always been about more than transactions. The most successful shopping destinations continue to evolve alongside consumer preferences, technology, and the changing needs of the communities they serve. On this episode of From Where I Sit, ICSC President and CEO Tom McGee sits down with Stephen Lebovitz, CEO of CBL Properties, owner of some of the largest and most successful malls in America, for a conversation about the evolution of retail real estate and the future of shopping centers. With nearly four decades of experience in the industry, Stephen shares insights on how consumer expectations, tenant mixes, and property strategies have transformed over time, creating new opportunities for retail destinations to remain relevant and resilient. The discussion explores how today's shopping centers are becoming more dynamic environments that combine retail, dining, entertainment, wellness, and community experiences. Stephen explains how property owners are reimagining underutilized space, attracting new categories of tenants, and creating destinations that serve a broader role in people's daily lives. He also discusses the growing importance of omnichannel retail and why physical stores remain a critical touchpoint for both consumers and brands. Stephen and Tom look ahead to emerging trends shaping the next generation of retail real estate, from mixed-use development and housing opportunities to the impact of technology, artificial intelligence, and changing demographics. The conversation offers a thoughtful perspective on how shopping centers can continue to create value for retailers, consumers, and communities in the years ahead. Follow From Where I Sit, hosted by Stevie Award and Signal Award winner Tom McGee, for more conversations about the built economy. Follow Tom on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tommcgee2/ Follow Tom on X: https://x.com/TomMcGeeCEO 00:00 – Meet Stephen Lebovitz and CBL Properties 03:57 – Growing up in a retail real estate family 05:40 – How shopping centers have evolved over the decades 07:38 – The enduring role of retail in communities 09:25 – What makes a successful shopping center today 12:55 – Adapting to changing consumer behaviors 16:50 – The transformation of the modern retail destination 18:48 – Why omnichannel retail works best together 20:28 – The changing role of anchor tenants 24:37 – Redevelopment opportunities in retail properties 26:40 – Navigating growth and community partnerships 28:50 – New categories driving traffic and engagement 31:00 – Investing in long-term property value 34:31 – Leadership through industry change 38:23 – Understanding Gen Z and Gen Alpha consumers 42:11 – Technology, AI, and the customer experience 44:05 – The future of retail destinations 46:02 – Mixed-use development and housing opportunities 46:03 – Final thoughts on what's next for retail real estate This episode (S3E5) was recorded on October 13, 2026.

Permitting may be one of the most overlooked challenges in commercial real estate development, but it has an outsized impact on how quickly communities can build housing, retail, infrastructure and industrial projects. In this episode of From Where I Sit, ICSC President & CEO Tom McGee sits down with James Gallagher, CEO & Co-Founder of GreenLite, a real estate permitting platform that combines AI with human expertise. James breaks down why many permitting processes still rely on antiquated and inefficient workflows, despite growing demand for speed and efficiency across the development lifecycle. He explains how workforce shortages in planning and building departments, combined with fragmented local processes, create costly delays that affect projects of every size and asset class. The conversation also challenges common assumptions about permitting, including the idea that building codes are highly localized, and explores where technology can make the greatest impact. The discussion goes beyond permitting to examine the broader forces shaping development in the U.S. James shares why he believes the country is entering a new era of construction growth fueled by housing demand, infrastructure investment, data centers, manufacturing expansion and retail development. He also discusses the role AI can play in augmenting, rather than replacing, skilled professionals and offers lessons on leadership, team building and scaling a business drawn from his experience as a Marine Corps Officer and entrepreneur. Whether you're a developer, retailer, investor, contractor, architect, public official or anyone interested in real estate development, construction technology, permitting reform, AI in commercial real estate and the future of the built world, this conversation offers valuable insights into one of the industry's most pressing challenges. Follow From Where I Sit, hosted by Stevie Award-winner Tom McGee, for more conversations about the built economy. Follow Tom on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tommcgee2/ Follow Tom on X: https://x.com/TomMcGeeCEO Follow James on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesabgallagher/ Find out more about GreenLite: https://greenlite.com/ 00:00 – Meet James Gallagher and GreenLite 02:23 – Why construction permitting takes so long 06:18 – The workforce shortage behind development delays 09:52 – Permit intelligence and making permitting predictable 12:16 – How GreenLite speeds up the approval process 14:43 – The rise of private plan review 19:27 – Building an AI-powered construction tech company 22:46 – Why investors are betting on permitting technology 26:20 – AI agents and human expertise working together 28:15 – Why America may be entering a construction boom 31:25 – From Marine Corps officer to startup founder 37:12 – Leadership lessons from scaling a fast-growing company 39:44 – How AI will transform real estate development 42:37 – The future of permitting and development regulation 46:01 – Closing remarks This episode (S3E4) was recorded on October 12, 2026.

What can decades of leadership through economic uncertainty teach us about the future of the built world? On this new video episode of From Where I Sit, ICSC President & CEO Tom McGee sits down with Acadia Realty Trust President & CEO Ken Bernstein for a wide-ranging conversation on leadership, investment strategy, consumer behavior, and the evolving retail landscape. Having led Acadia Realty Trust through the dot-com bubble, 9/11, the Global Financial Crisis, COVID-19, inflationary pressures, shifting interest rate environments, and many more disruptive cycles, Ken shares the lessons he's learned about navigating inevitable market cycles and positioning his business for long-term success. The conversation also explores why reports of the demise of brick-and-mortar retail were greatly exaggerated. Ken discusses the growing body of evidence, including ICSC’s own research, showing that physical stores and e-commerce work together, with many retailers finding that opening stores actually boosts online sales in surrounding markets. As the leader of Acadia, which specializes in street retail properties, Ken dives into the unique advantages of high-street retail, including the value of limited supply, barriers to entry, and lease structures that can provide a hedge against inflation. He also explains Acadia's approach to retail corridor ownership and curation, describing how thoughtful tenant mix can strengthen an entire street, enhance customer experience, and create value for retailers and property owners alike. Finally, Tom and Ken discuss emerging trends shaping the industry, including the growing number of brands opening their own stores to introduce themselves to their customers, and what today's consumers are telling retailers about spending, confidence, and resilience in an uncertain economic environment. 00:28 - Meet Ken Bernstein, President and CEO, Acadia Realty Trust 08:58 - Navigating economic cycles and market disruption 13:44 - What the industry got wrong about retail 22:15 - Why opening stores can increase online sales 22:54 - Investing in high-street retail 24:12 - The power of barriers to entry 26:58 - Curation, tenant mix and creating value 30:16 - The Shift from department stores to brand-owned stores 37:21 - Consumer confidence and retail spending 40:52 - Interest rates, inflation and CRE outlook 46:00 - AI and the future of retail 49:36 Leadership lessons from 25 years as a CEO Follow Tom on LinkedIn. Follow Tom on X. Follow Ken on LinkedIn.  This episode (S3E3) was recorded on September 25, 2026.

In this new video episode, ICSC President & CEO Tom McGee sits down with Aaron Block, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of MetaProp, a leading VC firm investing in technology for the built world. Over the past decade, Aaron has helped shape the proptech ecosystem, investing in companies transforming the built world across retail, office, industrial, multifamily, and beyond. Together, Tom and Aaron explore how technology adoption in CRE has evolved, why AI represents a pivotal moment for the industry, and what leaders should be doing today to prepare for the future. Follow From Where I Sit, hosted by Stevie Award-winner Tom McGee, for more conversations about the built economy. 00:00 - A decade of proptech innovation 02:16 - What Aaron got wrong about early proptech adoption 05:34 - Why CRE is often slow to adopt technology 09:04 - How technology touches every stage of real estate 13:14 - Is AI really as transformational as everyone says? 18:00 - Will AI replace jobs or make professionals more productive? 21:47 - Inside a venture capitalist's investment playbook 29:06 - Leadership lessons from founders and entrepreneurs 32:01 - Proptech beyond the U.S. 35:19 - The future of retail: AI, stores, and augmented reality shopping 39:27 - What excites and concerns Aaron as an investor? 42:28 - Looking ahead Follow Tom on LinkedIn. Follow Tom on X. Follow Aaron on LinkedIn.  Follow Aaron on X.  This episode (S3E2) was recorded on August 18, 2026.

In the season 3 premiere of From Where I Sit, ICSC President & CEO Tom McGee sits down with Brian Finnegan, CEO & President of Brixmor Property Group, one of the nation's largest owners and operators of open-air shopping centers. Brian shares his perspective on how retail real estate has transformed over the past decade, why reports of the "retail apocalypse" proved to be overstated, and how shopping centers continue to evolve alongside changing consumer behavior. Together, Tom and Brian discuss the resilience of brick-and-mortar retail, the growing importance of grocery-anchored and open-air centers, the impact of AI on business operations, and what the future holds for retailers, landlords, and the communities they serve. The conversation also explores leadership lessons from Brian's career journey, how technology is reshaping commercial real estate, and why strong relationships remain at the heart of successful retail businesses. Follow From Where I Sit, hosted by Stevie Award-winner Tom McGee, for more conversations about the built economy. 0:00 - Introduction and welcome 01:12 - Remembering Jim Taylor and his industry legacy 03:32 - Brian's career journey from leasing representative to CEO 07:03 - Brixmor's culture and the importance of people 08:13 - How leasing shaped Brian's leadership philosophy 11:16 - What surprised Brian most about becoming CEO 13:06 - What the retail apocalypse got wrong 15:50 - Retail resilience and lessons from the pandemic 16:49 - Hybrid work, suburban growth, and changing consumer behavior 18:58 - The retail space supply-demand imbalance 21:25 - Brixmor's redevelopment and investment strategy 24:50 - Densification and unlocking value in existing centers 26:40 - New retailers and concepts entering open-air centers 29:39 - Speed, convenience, and meeting consumers where they are 33:32 - The state of the American consumer 37:34 - AI's impact on commercial real estate 40:20 - Why Brian is optimistic about AI 42:17 - Risks facing retail and commercial real estate 43:35 - Interest rates and market uncertainty 44:33 - ICSC Foundation and attracting talent to the industry 48:44 - Leadership advice and the power of relationships 50:14 - Books Brian is reading Follow Tom on LinkedIn. Follow Tom on X. Follow Brian on LinkedIn.  This episode (S3E1) was recorded on August 27, 2026.

Energy has long been treated as a necessary expense that businesses simply manage. But as demand for electricity rises and concerns about reliability grow, many companies are beginning to view energy through a different lens. In this episode, Tom sits down with Gareth Evans, CEO and Co-Founder of VECKTA, a platform that provides onsite energy solutions. Gareth spoke at the first ICSC+PROPTECH, co-located with ICSC LAS VEGAS this year, exploring how owners monetize solar in their grocery-anchored portfolios. VECKTA was also a recipient of the inaugural ICSC Tech Innovator Awards, recognized for the traction the company has achieved with landlords and retailers.   Gareth also discusses how shopping centers and other commercial properties can generate, store, and even monetize energy while improving resilience for both tenants and the communities they serve.  Follow From Where I Sit, hosted by Stevie Award-winner Tom McGee, for more conversations about the built economy. Follow Tom on LinkedIn. Follow Tom on X. Follow Gareth on LinkedIn.  Follow Gareth on X.  This episode (S2E13) was recorded on July 15, 2026.

How is AI reshaping the way consumers shop and what does it mean for the future of retail? Tom McGee, ICSC President & CEO, sits down with Colleen Baum, Senior Partner at McKinsey, to unpack key insights from ICSC’s report with McKinsey on “Shopping in the Age of AI.” Drawing on research from more than 3,000 consumers and interviews with retail and retail real estate executives, the report and this conversation explore how rising expectations, digital advancements and evolving consumer behaviors are redefining the role of the store. As AI continues to shape consumer behavior, retailers and retail real estate leaders alike must rethink how stores are designed, operated and integrated into the broader retail ecosystem. The organizations that move fastest and most intentionally will be best positioned to capture value. Read “Shopping in the Age of AI.” Follow From Where I Sit, hosted by Stevie Award-winner Tom McGee, for more conversations about the built economy. Follow Tom on LinkedIn. Follow Tom on X. Follow Colleen on LinkedIn.  This episode (S2E12) was recorded on June 22, 2026.

Airports are often the first and last impression of a city, a region or even a country for millions of travelers. In this episode, Tom chats with Elisabeth Sailer, Chief Commercial Officer at LaGuardia Gateway Partners, to explore how airports function as ecosystems that blend place, people, commerce, and experience. Elisabeth shares how viewing airports as “little cities,” rather than standalone assets, shapes everything from commercial strategy to passenger experience. Drawing on her work at LaGuardia Terminal B and the redevelopment of Newark Liberty International Airport Terminal A, she dives into how passengers make choices not just on price, but on reliability, emotion, and ease. She also shares why food and beverage, shorter wait times, and thoughtful design matter so deeply in an environment where travel is often emotional and high-stakes. Follow From Where I Sit, hosted by Stevie Award-winner Tom McGee, for more conversations about the built economy. Follow Tom on LinkedIn. Follow Tom on X. Follow Elisabeth on LinkedIn.  This episode (S2E11) was recorded on April 27, 2026.

Take an inside look at ICSC LAS VEGAS in this practical preview of what to expect this year and how the event is evolving alongside the industry. With more than 25,000 attendees expected, Tom and Whitney discuss why ICSC LAS VEGAS remains the industry’s most important place to connect, learn and make deals. They also dive into two new events launching at ICSC LAS VEGAS, ICSC+PROPTECH, connecting CRE decisionmakers with technology leaders, venture capital firms and over 100 buyers from leading commercial real estate firms, and ICSC+WOMEN IN CRE, empowering and connecting women across all sectors and career stages in CRE. Register here for ICSC LAS VEGAS, ICSC+PROPTECH and ICSC+WOMEN IN CRE: https://www.icsc.com/attend-and-learn/events/details/las-vegas-2026 Follow From Where I Sit for more conversations about the built economy. Follow Tom on LinkedIn. Follow Tom on X. Follow Whitney on LinkedIn.  This episode (S2E10) was recorded on April 14, 2026.

Discover David’s deep connection to Baltimore and the transformative role of real estate development in revitalizing communities. As the new owner of Harborplace, Baltimore’s crown jewel at the heart of the downtown waterfront, David shares MCB’s vision for the project and insights into this major redevelopment project.  Plus, hear more about the value of community engagement in development projects, the economic potential of Baltimore and why it makes more financial sense to develop existing retail real estate assets.  Follow From Where I Sit for more conversations about the built economy. Follow Tom on LinkedIn. Follow Tom on X. Follow David on LinkedIn.  This episode (S2E9) was recorded on February 18, 2026.

As Managing Partner of JLL’s corporate venture capital arm, Raj leads JLL’s Spark’s mission to invest in technology startups disrupting the commercial real estate industry.  In this episode, Raj shares his insights about proptech, or as he calls it, “technology for the built world.” Raj discusses what CRE can learn from emerging tech companies and vice versa and gives us an inside look at JLL’s AI-powered platform JLL Falcon.  For even more on proptech, register for ICSC+PROPTECH happening this May, ICSC’s new event connecting CRE decisionmakers with technology founders and innovators: https://proptech.icsc.com/p/1 Follow From Where I Sit for more conversations about the built economy. Follow Tom on LinkedIn. Follow Tom on X. Follow Raj on LinkedIn.  This episode (S2E8) was recorded on March 11, 2026.

Hear this exciting conversation between Randi and Tom McGee, President & CEO, ICSC, as they discuss their mutual passions for endurance sports and Randi shares her experience running a 250-mile marathon. As an early employee at Facebook, Randi shares her unique insights about emerging technologies like AI, her role in the creation of Facebook Live and the lessons learned from scaling businesses from the ground up. Randi also highlights the challenges and opportunities that women face in male-dominated fields, revealing the surprising reason why she believes these environments can offer great potential. Randi is the keynote speaker for ICSC+PROPTECH, a new event from ICSC launching this May at ICSC LAS VEGAS. For more information, visit the event page: https://www.icsc.com/attend-and-learn/events/details/las-vegas-2026 Follow From Where I Sit for more conversations about the built economy. Follow Tom on LinkedIn. Follow Tom on X. Follow Randi on LinkedIn.  Follow Randi on X.  This episode (S2E7) was recorded on February 3, 2026.

This episode of From Where I Sit features a roundtable discussion with Casey Calhoun, Founder, Ranz Calhoun, Fly Jamerson, Director of Growth and Partnerships, MoVO Media Marketing, and Ray Kang, Principal, RESOLUT RE.  These former members of the ICSC Creators Network are social media mavens, leveraging their platforms to network and grow their businesses. Casey, Fly and Ray share practical tips to create content, grow your personal and professional brands, and build relationships in commercial real estate using social media. Learn more about the ICSC Creators Network and apply to join.  Follow From Where I Sit for more conversations about the built economy. Follow Tom on LinkedIn. Follow Tom on X. Follow Casey on LinkedIn.  Follow Fly on LinkedIn.  Follow Ray on LinkedIn.  This episode (S2E6) was recorded on January 13, 2026.

Follow Jason’s journey from the battlefield to business. Following his life-changing injury during his service in the military, Jason’s mental fortitude became stronger than ever before. Now, he teaches others to successfully move past life’s ambushes through his experience surviving a battlefield ambush. Learn how his frameworks for “getting off the X” and the “overcome mindset” are vital for overcoming adversity and high-stress situations. Plus, Jason dives into his business ventures, including real estate, technology, and veterans’ services.  Follow From Where I Sit for more conversations about the built economy. Follow Tom on LinkedIn. Follow Tom on X. Follow Jason on LinkedIn.  Follow Jason on X.  This episode (S2E5) was recorded on November 19, 2025.

“You have to put a price and value on fun.”  Beyond his storied role as CEO of Campus Apartments, a leader in student housing, David followed his passion for sports to become a partner in Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, whose portfolio includes the 76ers, New Jersey Devils and the Washington Commanders. David is also the chairman of the venture to build a new live entertainment and sporting events arena that will reimagine the live events experience in Philadelphia.  Discover how losing a bet at 11 years old led to his interest in real estate and offered him the opportunity to pursue his passions in sports and support his local Philly community. Follow From Where I Sit for more conversations about the built economy. Follow Tom on LinkedIn. Follow Tom on X. Follow David on LinkedIn.  Follow David on X.  This episode (S2E4) was recorded on November 12, 2025.