Episode 23

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Published on:

27th Nov 2023

Visionary Leadership in Urban Development

In this engaging episode of Nomad Futurist, Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence are delighted to have Craig Huffman, Co-Founder and CEO of Metro Edge Development Partners (MetroEdge), as our esteemed guest. A luminary in real estate private equity, Craig brings nearly two decades of rich experience, particularly in pioneering endeavors in metropolitan Chicago's real estate sector. His journey is marked by his instrumental role in Ascendance Partners, a firm committed to commercial real estate investments in Chicago's economically underserved communities. With a career spanning diverse sectors including entrepreneurship, education, non-profit, and politics, Craig's insights and leadership are shaped by a broad spectrum of experiences. His current venture at MetroEdge symbolizes a visionary approach to integrating technology with real estate, particularly in the realm of data centers.

As the conversation with Craig unfolds, Nabeel and Phil are intrigued to know how Craig got involved in the tech sector:

“Every business is in the tech business if they're of scale. Right? Even the government.”

Further into the discussion, Craig opens up about the significance of mentorship in his life and career, after Nabeel expresses curiosity about Dr. Ann Watts:

“Dr. Watts. She was an important woman in my life. She was my public speaking teacher during my senior year at Morehouse College. She saw things in me that I didn’t see in myself.”

As the interview nears its conclusion, reflecting on Craig's extensive life experiences, including various challenges and witnessing considerable global changes, Nabeel and Phil are curious to know: with the wealth of knowledge he has now, what would Craig do differently if he had the chance:

“I would go back and talk to a 20-something-year-old Craig who was in a hurry to get somewhere, didn't know where, and just say, enjoy the ride, man…this is a one-way trip…each day, we are taking a step closer to the end.”

Craig Huffman's episode is a journey into the world of real estate private equity, emphasized by a strong focus on technology, mentorship, and personal growth. His story is a powerful narrative of how embracing change, pursuing continuous learning, and valuing personal relationships can shape a successful career. To stay updated on his journey and latest projects, connect with Craig Huffman on LinkedIn, follow him on X at @ckh9138, and see the latest from Metro Edge on their LinkedIn page, on X at @metroedgedev, and on Instagram at @metroedgedevelopment.

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About the Podcast

Nomad Futurist
The #nomadfuturist show is a true tech podcast phenomenon. The two hosts are technologists and futurists, so they really know their stuff, and following their in-depth conversations feels like you have a backstage pass to a gathering of the best of the
The nomads put a new spin on the tech genre by shining a light not only on technology but also on the human side of the digital age. Tune in if you find yourself thinking about how to integrate into the digital landscape and be a part of the evolving industry.

For over two decades, Phil and Nabeel have provided a powerful catalyst for organizations to create a vision of the future and the will to innovate. As futurists, they deliver a dynamic and entertaining vision of change, blending technology, economics, demographics, culture, and human nature.

With real business experience and a deep understanding of technology, the two nomads know the difference between science fiction and useful forecasting. Rather than focusing on the distant future, they devote themselves to scanning the horizon for emerging technologies and disruptive shifts in human behavior, thereby sharing a compelling vision of tomorrow’s opportunities.