Welcome to Ten, CORE founder and CEO Shaun Osher’s rapid-fire interview series with prominent CORE figures. Read on to find out how this week’s subject deals with being in the hot seat.
After a successful career in politics, Michael Bartlett decided to transition to the world of real estate and hasn’t looked back since. With an innate ability to read the needs of clients, Michael’s love for all things real estate is shown in each of his transactions. Here are Michael’s answers to Ten questions:
1. What did you do before you found this career? 
I worked in politics and lobbying in Washington, D.C. I was a professional staff member for the House of Representatives Committee and later became a lobbyist at a boutique firm, advocating for various companies, industries, non-profit organizations and individuals.
2. What has been the highlight of your career?
There have been several highlights, but I think the most significant highlight of my real estate career was the marketing and sale of the former Embassy of Thailand, which was originally built and occupied by Dwight Davis, the founder of the Davis Cup International Tennis Championship. It took me somewhere in the neighborhood of three months and several appointments to finally obtain the listing.
3. What is your greatest daily challenge?
Managing myself and my time in an effort to balance my personal and professional lives, while also pushing myself to go beyond what I thought was possible.
4. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Continuing to be an advocate for my clients in the buying and selling of real estate. I love building personal relationships of trust and seeing the look in the eyes of a happy client.
5. Where do you find inspiration?
The energy of New York City, great motivational stories of transcendence and the famous words of great success stories such as Steve Jobs.
6. Name one thing we might not know about you.
I won a slot machine jackpot of $10,000 in Las Vegas!
7. What’s your favorite movie or book?
So many, it’s hard to pick just one. For movies, I would probably say The Sound of Music (I know—it’s a bit sappy). The story, the music and lyrics as well as the acting are so amazing! The most intriguing book I’ve read was Blood & Money, a superb account of a true, premeditated murder plot involving Houston’s “café society” gone awry.
8. What do you do in your free time?
I enjoy working out, engaging in political discussions, traveling and exploring the city.
9. What’s your favorite restaurant?
There are so many to name! I love Cheeky’s Cajun, Rocking Horse Café, Legends Chinese, Gotham Bar & Grill, Café Boulud and Le Bernardin, just to name a few.
10. Tell me something about your home.
My apartment is on the Westside Highway, so every morning I wake up to life on the Hudson River.