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Beyond the Resume Podcast with Sheri Thompson (Stumbling into Real Estate Executive)
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Beyond the Resume Podcast with Sheri Thompson (Stumbling into Real Estate Executive)
👀 YouTube: https://youtu.be/v5gg2VJx_9A • 👂 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/35ZJGLT
In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Sheri Thompson, Executive Vice President and Head of Affordable Housing at Walker & Dunlop, to talk about navigating the complex world of affordable housing finance, taking risks in your career, and the power of mentorship and sponsorship.
From managing equity funding challenges to reflecting on leadership lessons learned through decades in the commercial real estate industry, Sheri shares real talk and actionable advice for anyone looking to grow in the multifamily housing or real estate finance sector.
⏱️ Chapters
(0:00) – Welcome + ULI Denver Recap
Chris opens the episode with guest Sheri Thompson and they reflect on their recent time at ULI in Denver.
(1:06) – What is Walker & Dunlop?
Sheri explains the scope of services at Walker & Dunlop, including their roles in debt, equity, capital advisory, and LIHTC syndication.
(3:43) – Affordable Housing Investment Strategy
An in-depth look at how W&D is innovating around affordable housing with joint ventures, bridge products, and regulatory workaround strategies.
(6:47) – Market Trends: Institutional Capital in Affordable Housing
Sheri discusses how institutional investors are increasingly moving into the affordable housing space, and the education gap that still exists.
(10:28) – Career Journey: From Analyst to EVP
A personal look at how Sheri stumbled into affordable housing—from early jobs in leasing to underwriting and eventually executive leadership.
(16:32) – Key Skills for Real Estate Careers
Sheri outlines essential skills for breaking into and succeeding in real estate today, including credit knowledge, people management, and operations.
(20:54) – Training & Internships at Walker & Dunlop
An inside look at how W&D trains new hires, supports interns, and nurtures talent through lunch-and-learns, mentorship, and hands-on learning.
(24:02) – Hot Seat: Favorite Podcasts & Books
Sheri shares her favorite listens like How I Built This and Acquired, and recommends a surprising read: Lonesome Dove.
(25:46) – Most Memorable Deal Ever
Sheri tells the story of a complex, multi-year deal in Washington D.C. that involved splitting ownership and resolving HUD and Fannie Mae hurdles.
(27:06) – What Sheri Looks for in New Hires
A passionate breakdown of why hunger and intentionality matter more than pedigree in affordable housing hiring.
(29:01) – Mentorship vs. Sponsorship
Sheri shares how a key sponsor, Jim Klingbeil, changed the course of her career—and why sponsorship, not just mentorship, is essential.
✅ Subscribe for more real estate leadership stories, insights into affordable housing development, and expert career guidance.
📩 Have questions or want to get into the industry? Drop a comment below—we’d love to hear from you.
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Links
YouTube:
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/35ZJGLT
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3I3nkG9
Web: https://www.jacksonlucas.com/podcast/sheri-thompson
🔑 Keywords: Affordable housing, Walker & Dunlop, real estate careers, multifamily finance, LIHTC, mentorship vs sponsorship, women in leadership, commercial real estate jobs, Sheri Thompson, housing equity
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