Debra A. Cafaro, Chairman and CEO, Ventas

Episode 061 – Debra A. Cafaro, Chairman and CEO, Ventas Inc.

On this episode of the Executives’ Exchange, Debra Cafaro, Chairman and CEO of Ventas Inc. discusses the importance of recognizing and leveraging one’s unique and professional strengths. Known as the longest-standing female CEO of an S&P 500 company, get inspired by Debra’s indelible impact on the real estate industry through her strategic foresight and long-standing track record of success in the business world.

00:00 – Intro
01:36 – Cafaro’s strong upbringing
07:30 – Decision to pursue becoming a lawyer
12:21 – Taking a risk to join the business side
16:50 – Discussing real estate investment trusts
19:40 – The journey to Ventas
23:23 – Cafaro’s perspective on specs
25:05 – Main responsibilities as CEO
25:13 – Message from our sponsor, Shure
25:44 – Career path to CEO
28:30 – Lessons learned from self-doubt
30:23 – Leading Ventas through hardships
37:41 – Tailwinds & Headwinds of Ventas
41:28 – Ventas OI (operational insights)
44:16 – Cafaro civic leadership & philanthropy in Chicago
47:57 – Prioritization to give back to your community
52:04 – Rapid fire questions
53:19 – Outro

Episode Link: Ventas Inc.

Host: Margaret Mueller, President & Chief Executive Officer, The Executives’ Club of Chicago
Producer: Eva Penar, Chief Content & Communications Officer, The Executives’ Club of Chicago 

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