Kushner Cos. sells a 100% leasehold interest to Brookfield and buys the 49.5% stake from Vornado in its debt-saddled Midtown tower.

Call it determination, charisma, ambition or simple chutzpa—these individuals make things happen against all odds. It's little wonder then, that they're among the most enterprising leaders on this year's list.

Be it through their dedication to their employees, the broader CRE community or general social causes, these leaders' efforts go toward making the world—and the industry—a better place.

Opportunities are available in almost every investment class but the overriding theme in this part of the cycle is buying scale.