🎧 Episode Summary: In the final installment of the Tough Talks series, SHI Ambassador John Barr sits down with Jacob Kosior, a seasoned student housing operator turned VP at Elise AI. They explore the real-world challenges of implementing AI in property management, tackle the underestimated difficulties of change management, and dig into leadership development within the student housing space. With a candid discussion full of humor, insights, and hot takes, this episode is a masterclass in staying relevant and resilient in a fast-changing industry.
🕒 Timestamps & Topics:
00:00:16 – Sponsor message from Campus Technologies
00:03:32 – John Barr’s AI concierge pilot at Dinerstein
00:06:27 – Elise AI roll-out and company-wide tech stack adoption
00:06:59 – AI skepticism to believer: anecdote from Dinerstein’s president
00:10:42 – Reactions to Google's AI-generated video demos
00:12:07 – Introducing guest Jacob Kosior and his career shift to Elise AI
00:15:50 – Jacob’s role in bridging operations with AI strategy
0:19:54 – Industry's hot take: Tech ≠ the hard part, change management
00:23:32 – Acquisitions vs. New Developments: Which is harder?
00:28:21 – Career advice: Be the first to learn the new tools
00:30:40 – Delegation, growth, and the myth of the “easy corporate job”
00:32:53 – Jacob’s reflections on growing through varied roles
00:34:41 – Outro: the glue that keeps people in Student Housing
00:38:11 – SHI Ambassador Program: why to apply
00:40:52 – Upcoming events & opportunities
💡 Sponsor Spotlight: Campus Technologies Campus Technologies is your trusted partner for delivering enterprise-grade wired and wireless internet for student housing communities. With nearly 25 years of experience, they offer fast, reliable internet and top-tier managed IT services to enhance both resident satisfaction and operational efficiency.
👉 Download their latest white paper
👉 Learn more at CampusTechnologies.com
🔗 Resources & Mentions:
Elise AI – https://eliseai.com
Shop Talk (Monthly Webinar) – https://www.shoptalk.info
Bisnow Student Housing Summit - Atlanta – https://www.bisnow.com/events/atlanta/student-housing/atlanta-student-housing-higher-education-summit-8990
National Multifamily Housing Council (NMHC) Student Housing Conference – https://www.nmhc.org/meetings/calendar/shc/2025-nmhc-student-housing-conference/
Hi, How Are You Project (mental health nonprofit) – https://www.hihowareyou.org