In this episode of Tools, Talents & Techniques, host Dustin Sutton sits down with Ken Ashley, Executive Director at Cushman & Wakefield, founder of the CREi Summit, and one of the most respected voices in commercial real estate. With over 30 years in the industry, Ken has built his reputation on combining strategic business acumen with a deep commitment to leadership, gratitude, and community service.
Ken shares his journey from navigating his first challenging year in real estate to becoming one of the top 100 producers at Cushman & Wakefield and a 25-year Phoenix Member of the Atlanta Commercial Board of REALTORS® Million Dollar Club. He reflects on lessons learned, the importance of personal accountability, and how a mindset rooted in gratitude and service can lead to sustainable success.
As an advocate and adviser to companies, Ken helps business leaders translate corporate strategy into real estate solutions that cut costs, boost profits, and enable performance. His strategic yet common-sense approach helps transform real estate from a cost center into a competitive advantage. Ken’s story also explores the founding of CREi, a forward-thinking community of real estate professionals embracing digital tools, collaboration, and innovation.
💡 Key Themes & Takeaways:
- How mindset and gratitude create confidence and long-term resilience
- Why civic responsibility and giving back are core to leadership
- How digital tools and data are reshaping commercial real estate
- The importance of mentorship, accountability, and continuous learning
- Real estate as a performance enabler—not just a transaction
- Why “your success blesses others”
🏢 About Ken: Ken is an industry leader known for his ability to connect business performance to real estate strategy. In addition to his role as a top producer at Cushman & Wakefield, Ken has earned multiple designations, including SIOR, CCIM, and MCR (Master of Corporate Real Estate). He has served as Georgia Chapter President for SIOR, chaired the C&W Tenant Advisory Group, and was the 2018 Chair of Leadership Atlanta.
Beyond real estate, Ken’s community impact runs deep. He serves on the boards of the Atlanta Area Council of the Boy Scouts, Atlanta Police Crime Stoppers, Spirit of Atlanta Drum & Bugle Corps, and chairs both the Fulton County Sheriff's Foundation and the Invest Atlanta Foundation.
💬 Sound Bites:
- “This is a confidence game.”
- “You have to drive yourself.”
- “Your success blesses others.”
⏱️ Chapters: 00:00 – Ken Ashley’s Journey in Commercial Real Estate 06:28 – Navigating Market Cycles and Building Confidence 11:52 – Community Service and Civic Responsibility 13:55 – Writing the Real Estate Prescription: Ken’s Book 17:32 – CREi: From Influencers to Innovators 23:21 – Leveraging AI and Digital Tools in Real Estate 28:07 – Closing Thoughts and Mindset Reflections
🌐 Connect with Ken Ashley:
LinkedIn → linkedin.com/in/kenashleyatlanta
CREi Summit → creisummit.com
🎧 Listen & Subscribe: 🌎 Website → www.toolstalentstechniques.com
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