Michael Levy joins Brandon Sedloff for a wide-ranging conversation on leadership, institutional evolution, and the long arc of building durable businesses. Michael reflects on his unconventional path from studying fine arts and attending law school at night to becoming a senior leader at Morgan Stanley and eventually CEO of Crow Holdings. He shares lessons from navigating the 2008 financial crisis, why listening and trust-building matter more than quick action when leading organizations, and how Crow Holdings has evolved from a legendary real estate company into a diversified investment platform spanning energy, renewables, and national security.

We discuss:
• Michael’s unconventional path from fine arts student to Wall Street real estate executive
• What Morgan Stanley taught him about mentorship, optionality, and leadership under pressure
• The inside story of Crow Holdings’ evolution across three generations of leadership
• Why the firm shifted from pure real estate into energy, renewables, and national security businesses
• How Michael approaches leadership, decision-making, and building trust inside long-term organizations