Thought Leaders Podcast
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Edge Case Episode 3: Do Real Estate Agents Still Deserve Their Bad Reputation?
You’re at a barbecue. Someone finds out you’re in real estate. The energy shifts. Maybe it’s a subtle eye roll, or a story about their cousin’s terrible selling experience, or that half-joking comment: “Oh, so you’re one of those.” Real estate agents consistently rank near the bottom of Australia’s most trusted professions — even below politicians, according to the Grattan…
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Ryan J. Coyne: The Psychology-First AI Strategy That’s Driving 144% GCI Growth
TL;DR: Here’s what every agent needs to know – the future isn’t about AI replacing agents or agents replacing other agents with better AI skills. It’s about agents who understand where their humanity makes the most difference and use AI strategically to amplify those uniquely human moments. Ryan J. Coyne, Chief Experience Officer at SERHANT, has been pioneering this approach…
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Edge Case Episode 2: Will Virtual Inspections Replace Physical Ones Within Five Years?
It’s the question every property manager is grappling with: Are we heading toward a fully digital inspection world, or will boots on the ground always be essential? The pandemic gave us a taste of virtual-only inspections. Now the industry is split on whether that future is inevitable – or desirable. Welcome back to Edge Case, where we take controversial industry…
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The Art of the Merge: What Happens When Two Real Estate Powerhouses Get It Right
There’s a moment in every business owner’s life when they stare at their ceiling at 3am and wonder: Should I keep building alone, or is it time to find a dance partner? For Randall Kemp, who’d spent 20 years building The Woollahra Group into an eastern suburbs powerhouse, that moment came with a realisation that growth could be accelerated through…
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The AI Whisperer: How One Operations Manager Got 73 Real Estate Agents to Use AI
TL;DR: Regional operations manager Shawn Hayes transformed a 73-person, four-office LJ Hooker network from AI sceptics to successful adopters through personalised training and strategic implementation. Her approach proves that the right rollout strategy – combining automated lead nurturing with genuine human connection – drives measurable results. Most real estate offices trying to implement AI tools face a similar pattern: excitement…
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Edge Case Episode 1: Should Star Agents Get Special Treatment?
It’s the tension every office knows: Your top performer wants more. The team feels undervalued. Someone’s about to leave. But who should it be? Welcome to Edge Case, a new part of Thought Leaders, where we take controversial industry beliefs and properly debate them. No panel discussions where everyone agrees. No softball questions. Just structured debate with real data and…
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The 90% Drop-Off: Why Most Agents Fail at the “Warm” List (And How to Win)
TL;DR: The Warm List Revolution: Adam Joske has cracked the code on what he calls “the biggest hole in our business” – that critical 6-month to 2-year nurturing period where he says 90% of agents disappear just when prospects are getting serious. The Agent Who Beat the Presenters by Playing the Long Game Adam Joske discovered his superpower completely by…
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Breaking Barriers and Building Foundations: Antonia Mercorella’s Blueprint for Industry Leadership
TL;DR: Theatre degree, law practice, then CEO of Queensland’s Real Estate Institute – Antonia Mercorella’s path makes perfect sense once you understand her philosophy. With over a decade leading the REIQ, she’s transformed a century-old institution by prioritising corporate governance over quick wins, making tough constitutional reforms, and creating platforms like RealWorks that virtually every Queensland agent now uses. In…
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How to Use AI to Become More Human (Not Less) with Tara Christianson
TL;DR: In an industry racing toward digital efficiency, real estate professionals face a paradox: the more we automate, the more important genuine human connection becomes. Tara Christianson, National Customer Training Manager at REA Group, reveals how to use AI as a tool for amplifying our humanity rather than replacing it, drawing from her decade of experience helping agents across Australia…
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Time is Money: Kirstin Dunn’s Approach to AI Implementation That Saves 17+ Hours Weekly
TL;DR: Kirstin Dunn founded Semple Property Group from her dining room table in 2013, scaling it to more than $54 million through traditional relationship-building and exceptional service. But when AI emerged as a viable business tool, she approached it the same way she approached scaling her business: with strategic experimentation, transparent communication, and an unwavering focus on time optimisation. In…
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The Third Wave: Ben White on Turning Compliance into Profit and Culture into Growth
TL;DR: Ailo co-founder Ben White reveals why property management’s future isn’t about collecting rent – it’s about becoming the essential service provider for entire communities. From turning compliance into profit centres to why your property managers should earn 50% more, this conversation challenges everything you think you know about running a modern property management business. There’s a moment that changes…
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Could ChatGPT Hijack Your Next Deal?
What happens when your clients (or their parents) second-guess every recommendation you make with ChatGPT? This telling comment from a Reddit post reveals what can happen when buyers and sellers start trusting ChatGPT more than their agents. In this episode, Samantha McLean shares four proven ways to keep your deals safe from “AI hijacking” — and even turn the trend into…
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Motivating Agents: Rewards That Work with Dion Besser
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TL;DR: Today we’re releasing a new episode of our Thought Leaders podcast that unpacks the practical side of growing a values-led agency. Dion Besser explains how he stabilised a team that tripled overnight, balanced culture with accountability, and kept clients loyal through volatile markets. Listen on YouTube, Apple Podcasts or Spotify—and sign up to get it in your inbox each… -
From Pain Points to Profit: Curtis Thomson on Property Management Automation
Curtis Thomson is something of a systems whisperer for industries bogged down by manual processes. Having cut his teeth in the construction world and then co-founding and scaling the field service management software Simpro across the globe, he witnessed firsthand how disjointed systems and repetitive tasks can drain businesses and the people within them. He saw friends in the trades…
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How to build a high performance business with Andrew McCulloch
Today we’re proud to release the first episode of our brand new podcast “Thought Leaders”. In this episode, Samantha McLean goes in depth with Andrew McCulloch, former CEO of Ray White NSW/ACT turned business owner of Ray White Shore Group. Andrew McCulloch is a master of real estate transformation. He’s spent his career understanding what makes high-performing agencies tick—first as a…
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Introducing our new podcast: Thought Leaders – Real Estate Reimagined
What’s inside (2 min): Why Elevate is evolving into Thought Leaders Sneak peek of tomorrow’s debut guest How to watch the new video show on YouTube Links & Resources 🔗 Subscribe on YouTube ➜ 🔗 Follow us on LinkedIn ➜ Connect Host: Samantha McLean – @samanthamclean on Linkedin, Instagram and X
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Elevate Rewind: The best advice from 466 episodes
After 466 episodes of Elevate, we're launching into a new era with two exceptional compilations of the sharpest insights, best strategies, and timeless advice from some of Sam's favourite episodes.
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Ben Kingsberry: Balancing technology and human connection in real estate
In this episode of Elevate, Harcourts Kingsberry CEO Ben Kingsberry shares why real estate leaders need to rethink their approach to technology, the hidden cost of over-automation, and how creating a workplace people want to be in is transforming his business from the inside out.
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Lauren Robinson: building a property management business with purpose
Lauren Robinson built a high-performing property management business at 29, and now she’s sharing why she wishes she had done it even sooner.
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Sally Patch: How to successfully launch a new agency
Many aspiring real estate entrepreneurs rush into agency ownership without proper preparation, setting themselves up for preventable challenges. In this episode, Sally Patch shares tips for launching smoothly, avoiding common pitfalls, and building a thriving business from day one.
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Andrew Chamberlain: running a high performing family business
Andrew Chamberlain, Managing Director of Blackshaw Real Estate, reveals the secrets to successfully running a business with his wife, Belinda while keeping their relationship stronger than ever.
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Breaking Barriers in Real Estate: Adam Day on Growth Without Traditional Marketing
"Everyone has stories to tell that other people are interested in. Whatever level you're at." - Pioneer of UK online real estate and eXp growth leader Adam Day shares how to build influence and succeed in a changing market
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Creating Your Own Momentum: Thomas McGlynn on What’s Really Working Now
"The Only Reason Properties Don't Sell is Operator Error" - BresicWhitney CEO and new REINSW President shares why 2025's challenges are your biggest opportunity
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From Data to Deals: How AI Tools Empower Agents
Respected industry leader Mark Cohen shares how AI is helping agents do more deals with less desk time.
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Daniel Daggers: Digital Success Blueprint
Join Daniel Daggers, a leader in luxury real estate, on The Elevate Podcast as he shares insights into his journey, building DDRE Global, and how technology is reshaping the property market. Gain valuable advice on personal branding, navigating geopolitical challenges, and succeeding in the dynamic world of real estate.
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How to “Thrive in 25” with REIV President Jacob Caine
Join REIV President Jacob Caine on the Elevate Podcast as he reveals the massive opportunities waiting for agents who embrace AI and sustainability.
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The Full Fee Agent: Steve Shull’s playbook for getting paid what you’re worth
*"The more value you give away for free, the less valuable you become."* It's not exactly what you'd expect to hear from a real estate coach. But Steve Shull isn't your typical coach.
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Matt Lahood: “2025’s Property Market Winners Won’t Wait For Rate Cuts”
The property market stands at an interesting point as we move into 2025: Will smart tech speed up sales? How might the election shift buyer behaviour? And what happens to prices when interest rates drop?
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Katie Cotton on leadership, life balance and legacy
What’s the secret to creating a workplace where agents actually work together and collaborate in an industry that is focused on individual performance?
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Mastering Market Waves: Andrew Acton on Growing Real Estate Agencies in Any Market
How can real estate leaders maintain consistency amongst market shifts and constant industry “noise”?
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On Closer Inspection: Because someone has to say what everyone is thinking…
"Reunited and it feels so good..." 🎵 Elite Agent publisher Mark Edwards and editor Samantha McLean are back together behind the mic for a unique new segment of the Elevate podcast called "On Closer Inspection" - taking a deeper (and definitely much cheekier) look at the stories shaping the real estate industry today.
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James Short: Mastering mindset, time and money
James Short, a renowned coach in the real estate industry, shares his insights on mastering mindset, time management, and financial success in real estate.
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Aisha Coe: Resilience, real estate and giving back
Aisha Coe shares how her blend of empathy, strategic thinking and a commitment to giving back has shaped her success across two continents while envisioning a future where technology and well-being transform the real estate industry.
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Paul Curtain: Setting the Pace at Place
Co-founder and director of Place Real Estate Paul Curtain is a leader who has helped shape the Queensland real estate landscape over the past two decades.
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Adrian Knowles: Lessons on leadership, vision and values
CEO of Harcourts, Adrian Knowles, knows a thing or two about leading a successful organisation and building the right type of culture.
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