The Turnaround Playbook: How Sandeep Mathrani Saved General Growth Properties and WeWork

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Video added by The Kirsh Connection | Date Uploaded: August 19, 2026 | Date Created: May 05, 2026

Description

Sandeep Mathrani has built a career stepping into chaos—and fixing it. From leading General Growth Properties out of bankruptcy during the Global Financial Crisis to taking over WeWork after the board removed Adam Neumann, he’s become one of the most respected turnaround CEOs in real estate. In this episode, Sandeep delivers a true masterclass on running companies and fixing broken ones. If you’re in real estate, private equity, or leadership in any industry, this episode isn’t just a conversation—it’s a playbook. We cover: • His “glass completely full” mentality—reframing problems as opportunities instead of problems • How he rebuilt GGP one asset at a time, despite massive complexity • The 50–30–20 rule: which assets to sell, scale, and optimize • His disdain for the word “busy”—and what it really signals • The 3 keys to loan workouts: reputation, plan, and exit • Walking into WeWork and realizing the math didn’t work—and cutting $2.5B in expenses to survive Learn more about Sandeep: • Connect with Sandeep on LinkedIn: / sandeep-mathrani ******************************************* In each episode of The Kirsh Connection, Andrew Kirsh interviews industry leaders to learn their real-time opinions on today's market, their background and unique career highlights, and guidance for newcomers to the industry. Don't miss an episode of The Kirsh Connection: • Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3GT1hoM • Listen on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3OQrd6j • Listen on Anchor: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/sh... • Listen on Listen Notes: https://lnns.co/7ICHmPQyXnU Andrew Kirsh is a founding partner of Sklar Kirsh LLP and is the Chair of the firm’s Real Estate Department. Sklar Kirsh LLP is a boutique law firm providing services in corporate law, real estate, entertainment, bankruptcy, and litigation. • Connect with Andrew on LinkedIn: / andrewkirsh • Connect with Andrew on Twitter: https://x.com/atkirsh • Visit Andrew's business website: https://www.sklarkirsh.com/profession... • Follow Sklar Kirsh LLP on LinkedIn: / sklar-kirsh-llp • Follow Sklar Kirsh LLP on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sklarkirsh/... The Kirsh Connection is produced and edited by Ashley Thays


Categories:
Lending / Finance, REITs, Employment / Jobs, Interviews / Podcasts / Speeches, Investment Funds / Family Offices, Personal Stories
Property Types:
Office, Retail
States:
ALL


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