Welcome to CORE 10, an off-the-cuff interview series with prominent CORE figures. Read on to learn more about this week’s guest, broker Tali Berzak!
Who is the living person you most admire? My wife, Kim. Everyday I am in awe of her kindness, thoughtfulness, patience and constant motivation to succeed at any task.
Who is the most interesting New Yorker you know? Orly Gilat. She is the first developer I have met that is more about the concept than the bottom line.
What is your earliest New York memory? My father brought us into New York City to show us his alma mater Columbia University where he studied for his PhD. From that day on, I knew I wanted to live in this city and go to Columbia.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received? My father told me that you can change your environment but you take yourself wherever you go so, if you want to change you need to reflect within.
What do you consider your greatest achievement so far? My relationship with my wife is my greatest achievement. Relationships aren’t easy but when you have found a person that is essentially perfect for you, the work you do comes naturally.
What are your three most treasured possessions? I’m not really materialistic so I’m going to have to go with family, especially my wife and my new son, Maddox, friends and Isaac Metcalf, my business partner and friend.
Name a movie, book or work of art that changed your life. The Drifters and The Fountainhead. I read both when I was 15 years old and was enthralled by the strength of the female characters and the adventure that life could be if you are open to it.
What’s your greatest extravagance? Wine.
What’s your secret talent? Making people feel very comfortable and welcome which can be surprising because I think the first impression of me is that I am a bit standoffish. That’s my Israeli influence: tough on the outside, warm and welcoming on the inside.
Which words or phrases do you most overuse? “Here’s the thing.”