CXO Europe 2024 has been five years in the making!

Martin Hale

Martin Hale


Chair
CXO Leading Change @ Work

From Inception to Ambition: The CXO Leading Change @ Work Community

In November 2019, our journey began—a pivotal moment sparked by the request of members from a private legal network I had chaired for over a decade. Their ask? To connect Chief Real Estate (CRE) leaders across diverse industry sectors. Little did we know that this initial meeting would set the stage for something remarkable.

Fast-forward through the challenging days of lockdown—the times when uncertainty loomed large. Despite it all, every Thursday, across European and North American chapters, we gathered virtually. Why? To support one another as we navigated the ever-evolving landscape of work.

Five years have passed since that inaugural meeting. The CXO Leading Change @ Work international community has blossomed into something extraordinary. Here’s what sets us apart:

Independence and Trust:
We remain unshackled from service providers, allowing us to foster genuine connections. Guided by the Chatham House Rule, we share ideas and experiences openly. There are no hidden agendas—just a collective commitment to growth.

Depth of Expertise:
Our senior CRE and Workplace professionals form the bedrock of knowledge. With over 2,500 offices globally, spanning 11 industry sectors—from Financial Services to Technology—we represent a wealth of insights. The wisdom we’ve amassed is unrivalled.

Empathy in Abundance:
Empathy isn’t just a buzzword here; it’s our currency. As we aim to expand our membership to the CXO100, we recognize that depth lies in expertise and understanding. We’re not just colleagues; we’re a supportive family.
So, whether navigating the intricacies of real estate strategy or pondering the future of workplace design, know that you’re part of something special. The CXO Leading Change @ Work community—a beacon of collaboration, resilience, and shared purpose.

Here’s to the next chapter—where ambition meets action and where the CXO100 awaits.

Here are just some of our members' thoughts on why they’re part of the CXO community: 

"A good touch point to understand how others are approaching similar challenges."

"Helping to develop the strategic importance of the workplace in an organisation." 

"The CXO network helps me develop new ideas and gives me some thoughts that haven’t come forward in my organisation. It’s beneficial to look at the situation from another perspective." 

"Provides exposure to various regional/global points of view from multiple industry sectors."  

"Understanding that many other CXO colleagues are experiencing similar circumstances and helping solve similar issues."  

"Being part of a network of like-minded individuals at a senior level looking to improve their understanding and positively enhance the workplace."   

"It helps keep me sane, knowing others are going through similar situations."