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.

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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).

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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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.

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