ULI Global CEO Angela Cain joined the Institute in September, bringing with her more than 25 years of global nonprofit and leadership experience in the real estate industry.
The Global Board of Directors selected Cain after a comprehensive, worldwide search led by ULI Americas Chair Kristina Raspe and immediate past Americas Chair Clare De Briere.
Most recently, Cain served for more than 14 years as CEO of CoreNet Global, a professional association for corporate real estate executives, where she spearheaded organizational and operational changes that yielded significant growth in global membership, strengthened overall financial health, and enhanced business decision-making.
She previously was CEO of a state branch of the National Association of REALTORS and served as vice president of Global Events for NACORE International, a predecessor organization to CoreNet Global. She is a native Floridian, a graduate of the University of Florida, and the proud mother of college-age twins.
Cain shared her thoughts with Urban Land on what she considers ULI’s superpower, how ULI and its members will help solve global and local challenges of the future, and why she calls herself a chief listening officer.
Q: What brought you to ULI?
The ULI mission is a powerful one that resonates with me. The organization’s commitment to connecting with industry leaders, inspiring action through best practices, and leading with some of the brightest minds in real estate is truly compelling. Being part of such a diverse group of leaders excites me, and I’m eager to contribute to shaping the future of the built environment.
Q: Why are you passionate about the future of the built environment?
Addressing the complex land use challenges facing cities will be critical to ensuring communities thrive for generations to come. In just over 25 years, the world’s population is expected to reach nearly 10 billion. Most of this growth will occur in our cities, with almost seven out of 10 people projected to live in urban spaces by 2050. This shift will place significant pressure on both established and emerging metropolitan areas, presenting challenges that will require innovative, multifaceted solutions—which ULI is in a unique position to offer.
Q: What do you see as the greatest opportunity for ULI and its members?
ULI is its members. By leveraging our collective expertise—across the real estate sector and all around the world—we can devise cross-disciplinary solutions that not only address global trends but also make a tangible difference in local communities. That is ULI’s superpower. This extraordinary organization can help build a better future by delivering local impact on a global scale.
Q: What is the best professional advice you’ve ever received?
My mentor, the late H. Gordon Wyllie MCR, a pioneer in the corporate real estate profession, taught me that everybody has a story. You just have to shut up and listen. That listening skill, empathetic listening, has served me well throughout my professional career. Understanding people and building relationships is vital to the kinds of roles I’ve had. That’s why I call myself a chief listening officer, first and foremost. And that’s what I plan to do over the next few months: listen to our members, staff, donors, district and national councils, partnering organizations, and other key stakeholders to better understand our current goals and to collectively shape our vision for the future.
Q: What is your favorite place to visit or spend time in?
As a new empty nester, I’m trying to figure that out! My twins are off to college this year, and I’m working to discover what I will do in this next chapter of my life. Joining ULI seemed like a good place to start. Outside of that, I enjoy those few moments I get with my kids these days. They hug me a little tighter when they see me of late, which melts a mother’s heart.
