Tell Me More with Ruslan Hajduk

In this episode of Tell Me More, Ruslan Hajduk sits down with Jerzy Wójcik, the founder and CEO of JWA – one of Central and Eastern Europe’s leading consultancies in sustainable real estate development, ESG strategy, and green building certifications.Born in Kraków, Jerzy studied architecture at the Cracow University of Technology, the University of Tennessee, and spent time at Gensler in New York, working on the LEED-certified Bank of America Tower. These formative years shaped his vision of combining design with sustainability. In 2011, Jerzy founded JWA – bootstrapping the company without external investors – and has since grown it into a market leader certifying over 15 million m² of real estate across Poland, CEE, and even Mexico.In this conversation, we dive into:How Jerzy pivoted from architecture to entrepreneurshipThe early years of JWA and how he scaled the company without outside capitalWhy ESG, carbon neutrality, and green finance matter for the future of real estateThe role of data, advisory, and certifications in creating long-term asset valueBuilding trust with developers and investors in an evolving regulatory landscapeJerzy also shares his perspective on the future of ESG in CEE, insights from international markets like Mexico and Spain, and advice for young professionals who want to succeed in real estate while making a positive impact.Whether you are an investor, developer, or sustainability leader, this episode offers valuable lessons in entrepreneurship, resilience, and building a values-driven business in the real estate sector.

In this episode of Tell Me More, I sit down with Guy Pinsent, Founder & CEO of Less Mess Storage - one of Central Europe’s leading and most successful self-storage companies.Born in London and raised in the English countryside, Guy’s path took him from Eton College and Cambridge University to a career in investment banking at Citibank. Driven by a passion for being at the heart of business, he later joined the British Embassy in Poland, strengthening UK–Poland business relations for 6.5 years. From there, he transitioned into real estate with Colliers before founding Less Mess Storage in 2014, growing it into a benchmark for the self-storage sector in Central Europe.Highlights:• How #economics, incentives & behavior drive smart decisions.• Fundraising highs & lows – and knowing when to walk away.• Product segmentation, customer pathways & storytelling.• Why data and focus are key to scaling in real estate.We also dive into Guy’s passion for economics, his reflections on free markets, and the key lessons learned from decades of dealmaking in multiple industries.Guy’s Book Recommendations:The Undercover Economist – Tim HarfordFreakonomics – Steven D. Levitt & Stephen J. DubnerThe Infidel and the Professor: The Friendship of Adam Smith and David Hume – Dennis C. RasmussenWhether you’re an entrepreneur, investor, economist, or real estate professional, this episode offers powerful insights into self-storage, real estate innovation, and the philosophy behind successful business leadership.

In this episode of the Tell Me More podcast, host Ruslan Hajduk speaks with Lars Sommerer, Managing Director of SwissPropTech and Advisory Board Member at Swiss Circle. Lars shares his career journey from working at UBS in banking to becoming a key voice in the Swiss PropTech ecosystem. The conversation covers the evolution of digital innovation in real estate, the current trends shaping the Swiss residential market, and the unique funding dynamics of the local startup scene.Lars highlights three standout PropTech startups tackling real-world challenges and emphasises the importance of solving core industry problems through technology. He also shares practical insights on relocating to Switzerland, the country’s high quality of life, and its stable yet complex real estate landscape. The episode concludes with Lars’s book recommendations and lessons learned from a life bridging finance, innovation, and real estate.

In this episode of Tell Me More, Ruslan Hajduk speaks with Sofia Iturbe, co-founder of Libeen, a PropTech startup based in Madrid, redefining home ownership through a Rent-to-Buy model. Sofia opens up about her multicultural background, transition from hospitality to real estate, and the drive to launch a company from scratch in one of Europe's most challenging housing markets. She explains how Libeen helps young people in Spain become homeowners, using technology to simplify the process and boost accessibility.The conversation also explores the company’s recent €25 million financing round, the excitement of building in Madrid, and the mindset shifts required for startup success. Sofia reflects on the importance of mentorship, intuition, and learning fast while scaling. Whether you're interested in PropTech, entrepreneurship, or housing innovation, this episode offers powerful insights from someone building the future of real estate.

In this episode of Tell Me More, Ruslan Hajduk sits down with Louis Lallouette, Senior Investment Analyst at Greystar, to explore his international journey through hospitality and real estate. From growing up across Paris, London, and Copenhagen to working in Asia’s hotel sector, Louis shares how global experiences have shaped his investment mindset. He offers insights into real estate finance, cross-border investment strategy, and the role of cultural intelligence in today’s property markets.They discuss the challenges foreign investors face in France and the UK, how institutional players like Greystar think about urban growth, and the impact of thoughtful urban planning in cities like Copenhagen and Hong Kong. The episode also dives into the value of organisations like ULI Europe in shaping young real estate leaders. Louis wraps up with personal reflections and book recommendations that continue to guide his career.

In this episode of Tell Me More, Ruslan Hajduk speaks with Idriss Goossens, founder of EightySeven (formerly PropTech Lab), about the evolution of real estate technology and innovation. Idriss shares his entrepreneurial journey, the rebranding of his platform, and how EightySeven is driving the growth of the PropTech ecosystem across Europe and beyond.They dive into the latest PropTech trends, innovations in real estate technology, and the digital transformation of major global cities like Paris, London, and Tokyo. The conversation also explores scaling PropTech startups, overcoming challenges in the real estate industry, and navigating the changing landscape of urban development and smart cities.Whether you're a PropTech founder, real estate investor, or industry leader, this episode offers key insights into building a scalable PropTech platform, embracing digitalization, and shaping the future of cities. Tune in for valuable advice on how collective intelligence and urban innovation are transforming the real estate sector.

In this episode of Tell Me More, Dustin Ross, founder of Sunflower Network, shares his journey from New York City to creating a platform focused on rebuilding crisis-affected communities, particularly in Ukraine. He discusses transitioning from a real estate career in Los Angeles to leading recovery efforts, including constructing modular hospitals to restore Ukraine’s healthcare infrastructure. The conversation touches on the challenges of post-crisis rebuilding, cultural insights into Lviv and Kyiv, and embracing uncertainty to create meaningful change. Dustin also shares inspiring book recommendations offering insights into resilience, growth, and humanity.🎧 Tune in to explore a story of action, innovation, and hope.

In this episode of the Tell Me More podcast, host Ruslan Hajduk sits down with Szymon Wojciechowski, CEO and founder of APA Wojciechowski, one of Poland’s largest and most influential architectural firms. Szymon shares his architectural journey, the founding of APA Wojciechowski, and the challenges of sustainable design in a rapidly changing industry. The conversation covers notable architectural projects like Elektrownia Powiśle in Warsaw and the firm’s involvement in rebuilding efforts in Kyiv, where Szymon highlights the role of architecture in supporting resilience amid the war. The episode delves into key topics such as anti-fragility in urban design, tactical urbanism, and the transformative urban trends shaping Warsaw’s development. Szymon reflects on the importance of historical architectural influences, adaptability in city planning, and designing urban spaces that can thrive in the face of climate change. He discusses how collaboration and innovation are crucial in large-scale architectural projects, and how cities must evolve to meet future challenges. The episode concludes with thought-provoking book recommendations that inspire modern architectural thought and practice.

Discover the entrepreneurial journey of Miguel Linera, founder of Silk, a leading PropTech startup transforming tenant loyalty across Europe. In this episode of Tell Me More, host Ruslan Hajduk explores Miguel’s path from launching his first startup in Toronto to building a groundbreaking real estate platform in Madrid. Learn how Silk is redefining the tenant experience, innovating in the PropTech sector, and addressing challenges like funding and market expansion. Miguel also shares strategies for managing multiple businesses and insights into the future of real estate technology. Perfect for entrepreneurs, PropTech enthusiasts, and real estate professionals looking for inspiration and actionable ideas.

In our first episode, Imogen Thompson, Executive Director of ULI UK, shares her expertise in urban planning, city development, and sustainable design. With a background rooted in Vancouver, Canada and extensive experience in London, Imogen explores the contrasting approaches to urban growth between North America and Europe. She highlights major projects like Vancouver’s Oakridge redevelopment and London’s Brent Cross regeneration, providing insights into mixed-use developments and transit-oriented design. Imogen also discusses the ambitious NEOM project in Saudi Arabia, addressing its unique infrastructure and vision for the future. Tune in for a comprehensive look at how the Urban Land Institute fosters global thought leadership in real estate and what the future holds for cities worldwide, from sustainable innovation to regional growth in Birmingham, Manchester, and beyond.