Priyesh Sharma

Transformative Leadership, Shaping Industry Standards & Fostering Organisational Growth

Priyesh Sharma

Assistant Vice President - Legal,

Nucleus Office Parks

From esteemed law firms like JSA, Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas, Vaish, and AZB to his current role as Assistant Vice President, Legal at Nucleus Office Parks (a Blackstone Company), Priyesh Sharma’s career trajectory epitomises a blend of dedication, expertise, and strategic acumen. With over thirteen years of experience in the legal domain, Priyesh’s journey reflects a steadfast commitment to excellence and continuous professional development. These experiences not only refined his legal skills but also instilled in him a deep understanding of deal-making intricacies and strategic decision-making. Particularly at JSA, Priyesh honed his transactional expertise and navigated through complex challenges with finesse, benefiting from the firm’s emphasis on quality and adherence to timelines. He appreciates all his mentors, and specifically Vivek Chandy’s confidence, which paved the path for his current industry journey. At Nucleus Office Parks, managing commercial real estate assets as in-house counsel demands much more than legal expertise; it requires nurturing them from pre-acquisition to exit, a responsibility that necessitates a profound understanding of dealmaking intricacies. Priyesh stresses that this role demands confident decision-making and interpretation of complex matters, skills honed through his depth of transactional experience and exposure throughout his career. Priyesh’s past experience with mergers and acquisitions, coupled with strategic vision has played a pivotal part in his current role in Nucleus Office Parks. TradeFlock interviewed Priyesh to understand more about his journey.

Transitioning from law firms to an asset management platform like Nucleus Office Parks, what adjustments did you make?

The transition brought its own challenges. While my transactional background proved invaluable, I encountered heightened expectations for understanding industry intricacies and conducting risk analysis. Initially overwhelming, I shifted from standard law firm disclaimers to making decisions based on comprehensive risk assessments. This integration of legal and in-house approaches expanded my role, enriching my practice, whether in M&A or asset management. I continued my focus on reading, interpreting, and applying laws to every text and issue in front of me while understanding the practical and business requirements, seeking external inputs and validations only as a second opinion. I believe the blend of past experiences has enhanced my effectiveness, enabling me to navigate complex transactions and share my counsel with confidence and proficiency.

What are your greatest leadership strengths and weaknesses, and how do you manage them at Nucleus Office Parks?

My greatest strength as a leader lies in fostering collaboration and prioritising teamwork over hierarchical structures. I try and navigate interactions with a diplomatic yet opinionated approach, effectively advocating for my viewpoints while maintaining respectful communication. However, my tendency to over analyse details may sometimes hinder communication flow and engagement if not handled carefully. To address this weakness, I strive to balance thorough analysis with concise and engaging communication, ensuring that messages are effectively conveyed without compromising substance.

What are your future goals, and how do you plan to leverage your experience in law and real estate to achieve them?

My future plans are guided by the Sanskrit principle “Anugachatu Pravaham,” translating to “go with the flow.” This philosophy, rooted in life’s unpredictability, emphasises remaining calm and adaptable while striving towards goals. While I have a clear vision for my future, I embrace the journey’s fluidity, allowing opportunities to shape my path. With a deep passion for law and negotiations, I aspire to reach a pinnacle where I have the final say on all negotiation desks. The satisfaction derived from closing mergers and acquisitions is unparalleled to me, driving my career aspirations in the legal and real estate sectors. By leveraging the extensive experience, adaptability, and commitment to continuous growth, I aim to achieve these goals while embracing the journey’s twists and turns.

How do you ensure successful real estate negotiations given your background in private equity and M&A?

With a background in private equity and mergers and acquisitions and having closed approximately 100 deals, the negotiations and decisions in large-scale real estate transactions at Nucleus Office Parks still continues to be crucial. Prioritising logical deductions over direct legal text application, I try and focus on practical illustrations and logic to navigate negotiations effectively. My approach aims to overcome dealbreakers in the business’s best interest, striving to close deals efficiently. The same approach which I earlier followed for all the clients. Even with red flags, I aim to mitigate risks, turning them into opportunities. This fosters constructive dialogue and facilitates successful outcomes in any deal including complex real estate transactions.

Share a career accomplishment you're proud of and why.

One standout project in my career is the Blackstone-Prestige portfolio acquisition, the country’s 3rd largest real estate deal. Executed during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, its completion was remarkable amidst challenges, involving over 50 lawyers. Additionally, a high-profile anti-sexual harassment case, though outside my M&A scope, provided immense satisfaction. It enriched my professional and personal growth, enhancing interpretational abilities beyond legal jargon. While the Blackstone-Prestige deal showcased navigating complex real estate acquisitions, the anti-sexual harassment case highlighted contemporary lawyering, demonstrating commitment to justice beyond traditional boundaries. Both significantly contributed to my development as a legal professional.

What interests or hobbies do you follow outside of work?

Outside of work, I have a deep passion for canvas art, finding solace and creativity in painting. It’s a meditative experience that transports me to a world of colours and fantasies, providing a much-needed escape. Another interest is travelling, where I immerse myself in different cultures every 3–4 months, finding value in these experiences. Additionally, I prioritise spending quality time with my family amidst the hustle and bustle of work and city life. These peaceful moments with loved ones are not just a necessity but also cherished hobbies, bringing immense joy and fulfilment to my life.