Bothsides Podcast EP 124: Shane Smollen — The $70M Exit, Strategic Scale & Staying Calm Under Pressure
In this compelling episode of The Both Sides Podcast, we sit down with renowned entrepreneur, real estate leader, and motorsport enthusiast Shane Smollen. From a humble, working-class upbringing in Ipswich, Brisbane, to building a real estate empire with an enterprise value of over $70 million, Shane's journey is a testament to the power of growth, resilience, and staying true to your instincts.
Shane shares his non-traditional blueprint for success—one that doesn't rely on rigid goals but instead centers around alignment, strategic thinking, and building powerful habits. We dive into his early days with McGrath, selling 10 offices in 2015, and how his love for motorsport parallels his approach to business and life.
Whether you're an aspiring agent, entrepreneur, or simply navigating your own professional grid, Shane’s insights on composure, growth mindset, and performance under pressure will leave you inspired and ready to move the needle in your own journey.Guest: Shane Smollen – Entrepreneur, Investor, Former McGrath Sales Director, Motorsport Champion and current director of Central Elements Developments
Topics Covered:
Introduction to Shane Smollen and his $70M real estate success
Growing up in a working-class family and finding property by fate
Why Shane doesn’t believe in traditional goal setting
Principles behind Shane’s “helicopter view” of life and decision-making
Early career: Director of Sales at McGrath and private office ownership
Leaving corporate structure to follow alignment and autonomy
Making smart decisions without fixed goals
Selling his business and finding joy in helping others grow
Motorsport as a metaphor for business resilience and performance
Comparing amateur and elite performance—what sits in the gap?
How to identify weaknesses and turn them into habits
Trusting your instincts and becoming unconsciously competent
Real estate’s human side vs. performance metrics
Composure under pressure: advice for staying calm in chaos
The importance of practicing in business and not just consuming information
Follow Shane Smollen: @smollenmotorsport
Follow Both Sides Podcast: @bothsides_podcast