Jackbastian K Nazareth, CEO – Adani Realty, has over three decades of versatile experience in business development and strategy, project financing, project planning and development, debt and financial restructuring, technology implementation, architecture and design. A civil engineer from Gogte Institute of Technology and a Management Professional from Goa Institute of Management, he has been conferred with Honorable Doctorate of Excellence, Honoris Causa in the field of Management, by CIAC in co-operation with the YSU, USA.

Over the years, Mr Nazarethhas helmed instrumental positions for notable real estate brands and has also been the spokesperson for Sobha Developers and Puravankara.With Adani Realty, he strongly believes in shaping India’s first truly modern real estate company that will redefine our sectorial standing through innovation and technology. He spoke to a-connect about his journey thus far. Read on!

Tell us about your journey at the Adani Group and how it has shaped your career trajectory as a professional?

Being a part of the Adani Group has been nothing short of transformative. As soon as I joined Adani Realty, I realised that this wasn't just a company with vast resources and potential, but a platform that empowered innovation and a vision for future-ready India. I understood that I’m not just here to manage or lead; I’m here to create. It was the perfect alignment of opportunity, ambition, and values. From day one, I’ve had the opportunity to be part of a vision that’s larger than just real estate – it’s about nation-building, about creating spaces that define how people live, work, and dream. It has allowed me to bring together my previous experiences, and blend them with a forward-thinking, entrepreneurial mindset.

What is it like to work for a 12-year-young startup after working for some legacy names?

Calling Adani Realty a startup always brings a smile to my face. Sure, we’re 12 years young, but I’d say we’re more like a startup with superpowers! We’ve got the agility, the hunger to innovate, and the mindset to disrupt – all while being backed by the solid foundation of the Adani Group. It’s like being a nimble speedboat with the strength of an ocean liner behind you. My vision is to keep pushing boundaries, whether it’s in smart cities, sustainable living, or creating iconic spaces that people will love to call home. We’re just getting started and raring to go!

Celebrating Cultural Inclusivity during Ganesh Chaturthi 2024 at the Adani Realty office in Mumbai.

In your experience, what makes the Adani Group exclusive?

The Adani Group's unique culture is characterised by entrepreneurial spirit, visionary leadership, and a relentless focus on growth. Working with Gautam bhai, Pranav bhai and the entire board has been an inspiring experience. Their unwavering support and guidance have been instrumental in driving the success of Adani Realty. The promoters are visionaries who understand that every project has a ripple effect on the community, the economy, and the nation. We don’t just develop projects; we develop ecosystems.

Optics have become everything — be it Ganesh Chaturthi in Mumbai or Navratri in Ahmedabad? How do you see this change and leverage it for our projects / townships?

It’s true, optics have become more important than ever, but at Adani Realty, it’s not just about what you see – it’s about what you feel. Festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi and Navratri aren’t just events. For us, it’s not just about creating a social media post or a small activation. It’s about emotion – humare liye ye just baat nahi, jazbaat hai. Whether it’s creating spaces for community celebrations or integrating cultural elements into our projects, we want to ensure that people feel connected, both to their roots and to the spaces they call home. Real estate today is as much about lifestyle as it is about the property itself.

Recently, Adani Realty topped Hurun Real Estate Ranking as the most valued unlisted company. How does that fuel the way forward?

Leading Adani Realty to the top of the Hurun Real Estate Ranking has been a tremendous achievement. It's a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team, as well as our company's commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction. We will continue to elevate Adani Realty so that it becomes the go-to brand for future-ready developments, not just in terms of infrastructure but also in creating thriving communities and spaces that evolve with the times.

What has been the most challenging / fulfilling project yet?

The group is blessed to be involved in many exciting and challenging projects, including the upcoming township in Panvel, our collaborative work with MSRDC, the redevelopment & regeneration projects, expansion of Adani Realty’s legacy to newer horizons — each adding a new feather to our cap. These projects are more than just developments; they’re transformative journeys. From early planning discussions to the final approvals, it’s been a journey of working alongside diverse stakeholders to make these transformative visions a reality. Each project carries its own challenges, but knowing they’ll have a lasting positive impact on so many lives make it even more fulfilling.

Candid conversation with the business heads at the Annual Sales & Marketing Conclave in Goa.

India has emerged as top realty market in Asia with 36 billion-dollar companies. Where do you see the real estate industry in our country headed in the coming years?

I have immense confidence in the potential of India and the incredible energy of its people. Our soil has always been rich with opportunities, and the real estate sector is no exception. India is on the verge of a major transformation, and we’re just scratching the surface. As urbanisation accelerates, I see our industry leading the way in creating smart cities, sustainable townships, and world-class infrastructure. We will also see a shift towards sustainability and technology-driven solutions, where real estate is no longer just about buildings but about intelligent, interconnected ecosystems.

After three decades, what keeps you motivated? How do you strike the elusive work-life balance?

What keeps me motivated is the sheer scale of impact that our work has on people’s lives. Every day, we’re shaping the future, and that is something I never take lightly. Striking a work-life balance is a constant challenge but the balance comes from knowing that while work is crucial, so is family, health, and personal growth. I make it a point to step back and recharge, whether it’s spending time with loved ones or simply unwinding with a book.

How do you keep your team’s morale high? What advice would you give young professionals in this sector (or in general)?

Transparency, accountability, and a shared vision are leadership principles I live by. I believe in empowering my team because they are equal partners in this journey. One of the ways I stay connected with the team is through our 'Coffee with the CEO' sessions. Any team member can sign up to join me for a casual chat over coffee, which creates an open and approachable space for conversation. It helps them feel comfortable sharing their perspectives and gives me a chance to understand the team's sentiments and insights firsthand. I also believe in celebrating successes, no matter how small, because it fosters a culture of positivity.

To the Gen Zs and Millennials who are either entering the workforce or stepping into leadership roles, my advice is simple: don’t just follow the trend, set the trend. Stay curious, embrace new ideas, but also remember that real success is built on relationships and integrity. Learn to balance ambition with empathy, and never be afraid to challenge the status quo.