Adaptability Quotient: Samantha McLean on future-proofing your career in the AI age, embracing change and defining success on your terms

Embracing change is the first step towards lasting success in the real estate industry.

In today’s special edition of the Elevate podcast, Elite Agent Managing Editor Samantha McLean explains why.

Sam takes you back to her appearance on the Leading Ladies of Real Estate’s podcast, Journeys, revealing to host Sally Patch why developing your adaptability quotient is the key to thriving in a rapidly evolving industry.

She also takes a deep dive into how you can use AI to free up time to build more connected human relationships, push yourself ahead of your competitors and future-proof your career.

Sam also shares her journey from aspiring accountant to tech trailblazer and digital publisher, her favourite interviewees over more than 400 episodes of Elevate and how she combats imposter syndrome.

Finally, Sam shares her views on the importance of networking, breaking your goals into manageable steps, grasping every opportunity with both hands, even if it scares you and how to define success on your terms.

“Somebody wise once said to me, ‘People won’t change until the pain of change is less than the pain of staying the same’.” – SAMANTHA MCLEAN

Sally and Samantha also discuss:

• 3:58 – Accountant to tech pioneer: Sam’s journey from accounting to tech trailblazer, showcasing the value of hard work and breaking barriers in the industry.
• 11:50 – Work/life tilting: How Sam balanced work and parenthood, her identity struggles post-motherhood, and her unique ‘tilting’ approach to life.
• 15:14 – Creating Elite Agent: How Sam launched Elite Agent despite no formal journalism background, and the AREC speaker that motivated her to take the leap.
• 20:50 – Goal setting 101: The three essentials you must ‘own’ in life, the impact of quitting the ‘blame game,’ and how to make progress one step at a time.
• 23:10 – Elite Agent’s ethos: Why Elite Agent champions positive news, encourage agents to be ambitious and embrace their uniqueness in the real estate world.
• 25:58 – AQ is the new EQ: Why adaptability is the new key to success, the future trajectory of AI in real estate, and the ‘unfair advantages’ it brings.
• 36:04 – Top interview moments: Sam reveals which interview has been the most special to her over the past 10 years.
• 38:04 – Power of networking: The importance of networking, why every contact counts, and the lasting benefits of having a mentor.
• 40:00 – Career highlights: Sam’s most cherished career moments, strategies to combat imposter syndrome, and why she prefers a thank you note over a trophy.
• 44:40 – Future aspirations: Where to next for Sam…

Links

• Sam will speak at the upcoming Elite Retreat on Hayman Island in August. Book your spot at EliteRetreat.com.au.
• Connect with Sally Patch
• Find out more about Leading Ladies of Real Estate.
• Listen to other ‘journeys’ on the Journey’s Podcast

Detailed Episode Guide:

Samantha McLean, managing editor of Elite Agent and host of the Elevate podcast, highlights the importance of developing an Adaptability Quotient (AQ) to thrive in the age of artificial intelligence. Join us as we explore Samantha’s journey from an ambitious accountant to a digital publisher, providing invaluable insights into navigating change, defining success, and leveraging AI in the real estate industry.

From Accountancy to Tech: A Journey of Transformation
Samantha McLean never envisioned herself in digital publishing as a young person. Initially, she pursued a career in accountancy to meet family expectations, despite her passion for writing. Her journey took a significant turn when she entered the technology sector—a field that spurred her creativity and offered new challenges. From working with prestigious firms like Ernst & Young to becoming a Microsoft Certified Engineer, Samantha’s career in technology laid the foundation for her expertise in AI.

Navigating Career Transitions and Embracing Change
Throughout her career, Samantha has navigated numerous transitions, from accountancy to technology, and later into real estate and digital publishing. She learned early on that success comes from seizing opportunities, even if they seem daunting. Her story exemplifies resilience and adaptability, encouraging others to embrace change, even when it feels uncomfortable.

Learning to Tilt: Balancing Professional and Personal Life
Samantha shares valuable lessons on balancing work and family. Rejecting the notion of “having it all,” she likens life to a dance of ’tilting’—sometimes leaning into work, and at other times, into family or personal well-being. Her approach reminds us to be kind to ourselves and to recognise that balance is a dynamic process.

The Birth of Elite Agent: A Leap of Faith
When a magazine she contributed to closed, Samantha’s peers encouraged her to start her own publication. Despite lacking formal journalism qualifications and facing financial constraints, she took the plunge, founding Elite Agent with a mission to elevate, educate, and entertain. Her journey underscores the power of setting goals and the courage to take incremental steps toward them.

The Importance of Networking and Mentorship
For women in real estate, Samantha emphasises the importance of networking and mentorship. She believes that visibility is crucial and stresses the need to support and guide young women entering the field. Samantha’s mentors have played a key role in her career, and she continues to advocate for lifelong learning and development.

Embracing AI: The Future of Real EstateAI is transforming industries globally, and real estate is no exception. Samantha believes AI offers a competitive advantage by improving efficiency and freeing up time to focus on building human relationships. She encourages professionals to strengthen their relationship-building skills—where AI cannot replace the human touch.

Summary
Samantha McLean’s journey exemplifies adaptability and courage in the face of change. By sharing her experiences, she inspires others to embrace uncertainty, leverage technology, and define success on their own terms. As the industry evolves, staying adaptable and open to new opportunities will help ensure a fulfilling career in the AI era.

For more inspiring stories and strategies to enhance your real estate career, tune in to the Elevate podcast, available on the Elite Agent website.

FAQ on future-proofing career in the AI age with Samantha McLean

1. Who is Samantha McLean?
Samantha McLean is the managing editor of Elite Agent and the host of the Elevate podcast. With a background in accountancy and technology, Samantha has built a career in digital publishing and is passionate about supporting the real estate industry through innovation and adaptability.

2. What is the main topic of this episode?
This episode focuses on the concept of Adaptability Quotient (AQ) and how being adaptable is crucial for professionals, especially in the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence. Samantha discusses her journey from accounting to technology and digital publishing, sharing insights on navigating career shifts and leveraging AI in real estate.

3. What is Adaptability Quotient (AQ)?
Adaptability Quotient (AQ) refers to one’s ability to adjust to new situations and changes, especially in fast-paced, technology-driven environments. Samantha believes developing AQ is essential for real estate professionals to stay relevant and thrive in the age of AI.

4. What inspired Samantha to transition from accountancy to publishing?
Originally pursuing accountancy to meet family expectations, Samantha’s passion for writing and technology eventually led her into digital publishing. Her career in technology, including her experience with firms like Ernst & Young and her certification as a Microsoft Certified Engineer, provided the skills and confidence to move into digital media.

5. How does Samantha view work-life balance?
Instead of striving to “have it all,” Samantha describes her approach as “tilting”—a way of adjusting focus between work, family, and personal life as circumstances demand. She emphasises self-compassion and recognising that balance is a shifting, dynamic process.

6. What is the story behind Elite Agent magazine?
After a previous magazine she contributed to shut down, Samantha’s peers encouraged her to start her own publication. She launched Elite Agent with the mission of elevating, educating, and entertaining real estate professionals, despite lacking formal journalism training and facing financial challenges.

7. Why does Samantha stress the importance of networking and mentorship?
Samantha highlights the value of mentorship and networking, especially for women in real estate. She believes that visibility and guidance are essential for success and is committed to supporting young women in the industry, inspired by the role mentors have played in her own career.

8. How is AI impacting the real estate industry, according to Samantha?
Samantha sees AI as a tool for enhancing efficiency and freeing up time for professionals to focus on building relationships—a key skill that AI cannot replace. She encourages real estate professionals to improve their interpersonal skills, which remain irreplaceable in client interactions.

9. Where can I listen to more episodes of Elevate?
You can find more episodes of the Elevate podcast on the Elite Agent website, featuring stories, strategies, and insights tailored for real estate professionals.

10. What is the key takeaway from Samantha’s story?
Samantha’s journey illustrates the power of adaptability and courage in career progression. Her message encourages listeners to embrace change, leverage technology, and define success on their own terms for a resilient and thriving career in today’s evolving industry.