Ellie Perlman, CEO of Blue Lake Capital LLC – Growing & Preserving Intergenerational Wealth With Multifamily Investments.
I recently interviewed a candidate whose background was as impressive as it was telling of where the world is heading. He didn’t just speak the language of finance—he spoke the language of innovation. He had deep expertise in artificial intelligence and large language models (LLMs) and, more importantly, he had implemented them to solve real problems in finance workflows, automate cash flow projections and even transform how businesses interpret their financial books for critical decision making.
What stood out wasn’t just his technical proficiency—it was his mindset. He didn’t treat AI as a threat or a buzzword. He treated it as a tool for creative problem-solving and a bridge between efficiency and vision. And that, I realized, is likely a defining trait of tomorrow’s most successful leaders.
Technology isn’t the differentiator—your willingness to use it is.
We often think of technology as something that levels the playing field. In some ways, it does. But in my experience, what actually sets companies apart isn’t having access to the latest tools. It’s how boldly and creatively they implement them.
In real estate, we’re seeing AI-driven tools enhance everything from asset management to investor communication. But adoption across the industry remains inconsistent. Many are watching and waiting. Few are building and adapting, and that gap between awareness and action is where leadership lives.
The truth is, whether you’re in real estate, finance, healthcare or education, your willingness to experiment with and integrate emerging technology can define your edge. Rather than replacing people, this ability to adapt can empower your team to focus on the work that truly moves the needle.
The leaders of the next several decades will look different.
In every industry, there’s a line forming. On one side are the people who resist change, protecting what worked in the past. On the other are those who are willing to test, fail fast and build new models of value creation. I believe the next generation of industry leaders won’t be defined by age, tenure or even technical background—they’ll be defined by how fluently they can translate complex technologies into practical, measurable business impact.
That candidate I spoke of reminded me of something I think about often as the CEO of a growing real estate investment firm and a part of our family office: What sets true leadership apart is the ability to recognize where the world is going and make sure your organization and legacy don’t get left behind.
Looking Ahead
In the next decade, and certainly in the decades that follow, success could hinge on more than just who has the best resume. We need to be able to lean into change early and often, treating emerging technologies as strategic levers for growth, scale and competitive advantage rather than as novelties.
Whether you’re building a startup or leading a billion-dollar enterprise, the challenge remains the same: Can you see what’s coming, and will you have the courage to get there before everyone else?
If the answer is yes, the future may already be yours.
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