Ethical Leadership in CRE: Hold Space, Not Control

This is part of our Ethical Leadership series, where we flip Robert Greene’s 48 Laws of Power and his collaboration with 50 Cent, The 50th Law, on their heads. Greene’s playbook is about control, domination, and fear. In commercial real estate, the leaders we feature prove a different truth: power doesn’t come from tightening your grip. It comes from creating space where others can grow.

An elder shares wisdom and insights with attentive mentees in a lively discussion.

The paradox is simple: what looks like weakness—trust, vulnerability, openness—is often the greatest strength.

Power by Letting Go

Greene’s Law 1 says “Never outshine the master.” In CRE, the best leaders want their teams to shine brighter than they ever could. John Ziegenhein set up EOS not to micromanage, but to give clarity so his people could own results. Henry Fonvielle runs his team like a coach—mistakes included—because that’s how ownership sticks.

And then there’s Len Forkas. He left for Everest, six weeks off the grid. Greene might call that reckless. But Len’s team delivered because he trusted them to. When you give up control, people take more of it.

Power Through Diversity

Greene’s Law 23: “Concentrate your forces.” Translation: don’t spread out, don’t invite other voices. That’s the old model. Leaders like Jessie Barter know diversity isn’t a distraction—it’s strategy. She builds it into Charger Ventures to spot blind spots before they become failures.

Shekar Narasimhan surrounds himself with people who push back, not nod along. And AJ Jackson shows that equity isn’t just about fairness—it’s about better business. The paradox? More perspectives, more alignment. More difference, more strength.

Power Through Mentorship

Greene’s Law 18: “Do not build fortresses to protect yourself.” He meant isolation breeds weakness. He’s right—but today’s leaders take it further. They don’t just avoid isolation—they open doors.

Brad Olsen mentors by sharing failures, not polishing over them. John Green, Joe Carrol, and Jeff Berkes make themselves available to anyone who asks. Mentorship looks like giving, but here’s the paradox: the mentor gets just as much back. Fresh ideas. Fresh energy. Fresh perspective.

Power Through Vulnerability

The 50th Law is all about fearlessness. But fearlessness isn’t pretending you have no fear—it’s owning it. Herman Bulls talks openly about vulnerability as a leadership strength. Liz Wainger shows that disagreement, when addressed head-on, builds trust. Sean Caldwell admits to imposter syndrome—and by doing so, makes others braver.

Paradox: the leaders who admit they’re human are the ones we trust to lead.

The New Law of Power

Greene’s rules might work in zero-sum games. But CRE isn’t zero-sum. Communities, deals, and teams succeed when leaders flip the script:

• Control less → Ownership grows.

• Invite more voices → Sharper direction.

• Share knowledge → Gain knowledge.

• Show weakness → Build strength.

Hold space, not control. That’s the real power move.