

Thought Leaders – Real Estate Re-imagined (formerly The Elevate Podcast)
Elite Agent
Thought Leaders – Real Estate Re-imagined spotlights the outside-the-box minds rewriting how property is sold, leased and managed worldwide. Host Samantha McLean, editor of Elite Agent, shares frank, inspiring conversations with real estate practitioners as well as founders and entrepreneurs from outside the industry. Expect actionable playbooks on AI-powered prospecting, climate-change resilience, brand storytelling, next-gen leadership and talent retention. Each episode distils data and tactics you can apply immediately—whether you’re chasing your first million in GCI, steering a multi-office network or craving a better work-life balance. Subscribe to reimagine what’s possible and thrive in real estate’s new era.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 14, 2022 • 43min
Matt Lahood and Samantha McLean take a deep dive on quiet quitting, interest rates and how to remain relevant
There’s rarely a dull day in real estate, with a raft of stories hitting the headlines each day. But often there’s far more to the story than data, facts, and quotes.
Those articles are the tip of the iceberg of trends already occurring in the industry that you might be experiencing and each has flow-on effects for agents, property managers and their clients.
In the first episode of what’s to become a regular Elevate podcast, Elite Agent Managing Editor Samantha Mclean and The Agency’s Matt Lahood look beyond the headlines, examining what’s occurring and how it impacts real estate practice in the real world.
From interest rate rises to the rental crisis and the phenomenon that is the Great Resignation, they go ‘Behind the News’ to analyse the big stories so far this year and how they impact you.
Samantha and Matt also look at the best practice strategies that you can implement in your day-to-day activity to manage the effects of a rapidly changing real estate environment.
From leadership tips to the conversations agents should be having and the marketing strategies that will set them up for success, this is a podcast that’s all about where the market is now, where it’s headed, and how you can hone your craft to accommodate that shift.
This month’s episode also sees Matt and Samantha look at leadership, succession, and what happens when there’s a changing of the guard.
Drawing on the example of the Royals as a case study, they examine crisis management, stepping into a leadership role, and how to stay relevant and become the safe pair of hands your team requires.
“Unless you can show your team that you are doing what they’re doing, you’re not relevant in my view. You can’t lead and advise and coach and mentor a) If you haven’t done it yourself, b) if you’re not doing it now, and c) if you’re reading from some textbook.” – Matt Lahood.
https://youtu.be/wwwmeLxsYeI
Samantha and Matt also discuss:
The micro segments emerging in the property market, and why some regions are operating at different speeds than others.
How interest rate rises are affecting your clients, including what might be driving their thoughts on buying, selling or holding out.
The conversations agents should be having with vendors about the borrowing capacity of buyers and why pricing the property correctly is imperative.
Where interest rates will go in the period ahead, how the most recent rise is impacting market sentiment, and why confidence might soon return.
What’s driving the rental crisis including some interesting thoughts on why its occurring that extend far beyond the usual suspects.
Why now is the time to be a leader who is in the trenches with your team to understand what’s happening in real time.
How to remain relevant as a real estate leader by tapping the talents of your wider team and getting back to the coalface.
Why flexibility and feedback is key to handling the Great Resignation, including how to retain great talent within your team.
Matt’s key advice to King Charles on the issue of succession, crisis management and becoming a safe pair of hands.
And much, much more….
Links and resources mentioned
Interest rates
Property prices
Rental crisis
The Great Resignation
Quiet quitting
The Agency
Matt on Elite Agent
Future in focus: Steve Carroll and Matt Lahood
Matt Lahood: How to lead a team in a changing market
Matt Lahood: 5 things to consider when starting your own agency
Matt Lahood: Three trends to watch in 2022
Connect with Matt
Website
LinkedIn

Oct 7, 2022 • 35min
Back to basics: Claudio Encina on the changing market, the skills agents need right now, and how to be a hero in a time of uncertainty
Between interest rate rises and media speculation on property prices, there’s a lot of noise in the real estate market at the moment, and that’s impacting buyers, sellers and agents in equal measure.
But according to coach Claudio Encina, now is not the time for agents to be sidelined by news headlines.
Instead, it’s the opportunity to get back to basics – to focus on the five pillars of your business, create results for your clients, and provide clarity and safety for vendors and buyers navigating uncertain times.
Now is the time to be the hero, he says.
In this Elevate episode with podcast producer Cassandra Charlesworth, Claudio looks at what agents should be doing right now – in their business, their daily activities and with their mindset.
He sets out actionable strategies that every agent can take to tune out the white noise, offer incontestable value to their clients, and have the tough conversations that reap results.
Claudio looks at the skills every agent should be honing right now, how they should be shaping their day, the ways they can best manage their time, and most importantly how they can direct their energy to the essential activities that create results, no matter what market you’re operating in.
In a podcast that’s suited to top performers, established agents and newcomers alike, Claudio taps into his proven tips to boost your performance, hone your craft and provide first-class service that will see vendors choose you in a time of uncertainty.
There’s tips on mindset, time management, handling objections and more in an episode jam packed with experience, insight and actionable strategies from one of the industry’s finest coaches.
“In any market that I’ve been in over my 27 years, there’s always someone who wants to list, there’s always somebody who wants to sell. And right now, in this marketplace, sellers are looking for heroes,” Claudio Encina.
Claudio and Cassandra also discuss:
How the market has changed, the way it’s operating at different speeds across the country, and why the best agents move the market, regardless of what’s going on around them.
Why buyers and sellers are looking for trusted agents to help them navigate through an uncertain landscape.
The conversations agents should be having in the vendor’s living room and why it’s all about openness, education, and providing safety and certainty.
How to convert an uncertain seller by walking them through the risk and reward of their decision.
The best ways to manage your mindset by focusing on results rather than reasons, and becoming crystal clear about exactly what you do.
How to be a hero in the current market through authenticity, understanding and serving to the highest level.
Why now’s the time to get back to basics and the five core business areas to focus on.
Tips for new agents who may never have seen a market shift before, including where to focus, how to differentiate and the ways to hone your expertise.
The skills even established agents should be embracing to lift their game and get a sale across the line.
Why buyer management is now critical and how to focus on building rapport, connection and trust.
How to better manage your time to ensure you remain in peak condition and focused no matter what’s going on around you.
And much, much more…
Links and resources mentioned
Claudio Encina
Elite Retreat Bali
Claudio on Elite Agent
Claudio Encina: Become the hero in a changing market
The top 5 current buyer objections and how to deal with them
Claudio Encina: How prospecting has changed in 2022
How to find your ‘voice’, then use it to build rapport
Safety, certainty and incontestable value: The new listing presentation with Claudio Encina
Five critical pillars to drive your business
Champions of service: Claudio Encina
Connect with Claudio
Website
LinkedIn
Facebook

Sep 30, 2022 • 27min
People first: AREA winner Gail Richards on wellbeing strategies that work, where to get started, and how to build them into your business
At Key 2 Sale in Mount Gambier, wellbeing is built into the business. It’s systemised, an ongoing conversation and part of the team’s goals and KPIs. And it’s been that way ever since the agency opened its doors six years ago.
Selling principal Gail Richards says the return on that investment is obvious. It’s evident in the happiness of her team members, in staff retention, and in the service provided to their clients.
She also notes in an industry like real estate, a focus on wellbeing is essential.
In this Elevate podcast with Cassandra Charlesworth, Gail shares the wellbeing strategies which recently saw Key 2 Sale recognised with an Annual REA Excellence Award for Wellbeing Initiative of the year.
Many of these ideas are easy to replicate and implement, while others tap into Key 2 Sale’s unique culture and position in the market, and play to their specific strengths. But all are designed to ensure staff welfare and health comes first in an industry where the pressure can be intense.
From a purpose-built Zen room to mentoring, shared Monday lunches, wellness Wednesdays and phone boundaries, there are a host of great wellbeing ideas on offer in a podcast that’s all about looking after the people who look after your clients.
“We put so much emphasis in real estate on being on 24/7, but that’s not great for our health. And the big thing is if we are able to have time to have rest, to have play outside of work with interests and hobbies that fill our cups, then we are going to be better workers in our workplace.” – Gail Richards.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_NoGKV2OvOQ&feature=youtu.be
Gail and Cassandra also discuss:
The unique position Key 2 Sale has in the local market and how they created a point of difference.
Why Gail believes wellbeing is essential in real estate and how she began embracing it within her business.
The surprise addition in the Key 2 Sale office that Gail created just for her staff and how it helps them relax, connect and enjoy a positive culture.
How Gail is systemising wellbeing in the business, including a new strategy called ‘rest, play, recovery’.
Why Gail engaged a mentor for her team and how it helps ensure their wellbeing while holding them accountable.
How a focus on wellbeing also benefits an agency’s clients, and why it helps them connect with their community.
The clear results that a focus on wellbeing provides, including a positive workplace culture, happier clients and greater staff retention.
Gail’s tips for embracing wellbeing in a business, including how and where to get started.
And much, much more…
Links and resources mentioned
AREAs winners 2021
The AREAs
Wim Hof
Michael Kollosche
Key 2 Sale
Elite Retreat
Gail on Elite Agent
2021 AREAS: Key 2 Sale wins Wellbeing Initiative of the Year
Elite Retreat giveaway winners announced
Connect with Gail
Website
LinkedIn

Sep 23, 2022 • 31min
The deal maker: Simon Cohen on forging strong relationships, finding a market gap, and how he built Australia’s biggest buyer’s agency
Simon Cohen might now have the biggest and best-known buyer’s agency in Australia, but back when he started Cohen Handler he says people thought he was crazy.
It was 2009, the market was coming off the back of the GFC, no one really knew what a buyer’s agent was and the real estate industry wasn’t sure how buyer’s agents fitted into the transaction puzzle.
A lot’s changed since. Courtesy of Luxe Listings Sydney, Simon is now a household name, but long before he became a star in the hit reality TV series his business was forging a reputation for securing clients the right properties at the right price.
In this episode of the Elevate podcast with Elite Agent Managing Editor Smantha McLean, Simon discusses the challenges he overcame starting a buyer’s agency, including how he built his reputation on strong relationships, and the skills a good buyer’s agent brings to the table in any market.
He offers a preview of the upcoming season of Luxe Listings, noting this season is likely to be the best yet with a compelling mix of stunning property, a touch of drama, and some great deals and negotiations.
Simon also speaks about his friendship with co-star Gavin Rubinstein, revealing the role Gavin played in getting Simon’s business off the ground.
And he shares an insight into how he found his feet as a successful agent in one of the toughest real estate regions of Australia, with some big names in the industry influencing and inspiring his career.
Now head of a national business with further plans for growth ahead, Simon looks at how his business has grown and diversified beyond his expectations, but why it always comes back to honesty and integrity and meeting an obvious customer need.
Then there’s the story of Simon’s first deal, involving some initiative, some neat novice skill and his mother’s car. He was 12, the deal was seamless, and it sparked a lifelong love of sales.
Candid, humble, and committed to real estate best practice, Simon shares a rare glimpse into how he saw a gap in the market, backed himself in the face of negativity and built the biggest buyer’s agency in Australia.
“I think your reputation is everything and whatever you’re doing, whether you’re a sales agent or a buyer’s agent, your reputation is going to follow you wherever you go.” – Simon Cohen.
Want to learn more about Simon Cohen? He’s our Spring edition cover. For your copy of the latest Elite Agent Magazine (and a whole lot more), subscribe to become a Pro member here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ytmwBnm0_2w
Simon and Samantha also discuss:
Why Simon felt a buyer’s agency was needed in Australia and how he overcame the hurdles of educating clients and real estate agents of its value.
The lessons Simon learned in a tough market and how they set him up for success in the long run.
The skills a buyer’s agent needs, the value they offer and why top-performers turn to them time and again.
How Simon’s business has grown and evolved into a national brand, but why it still remains an operation with family at its heart.
What it’s like working with his Mum, why Simon wouldn’t have it any other way and the unique value Jen Cohen brings to the table.
How Season 3 of Luxe Listings will deliver more drama, more deals, more negotiations, properties with a real wow factor, and Australia’s favourite celebrity.
The impact the show has had on Simon’s business and how it’s helped create a better understanding of what buyer’s agents do.
What’s next for Simon Cohen, including his plans for growth and expansion in the years ahead.
Simon’s top tips for anyone considering becoming a buyer’s agent, including the changes he’s seeing in the market and why now is a great time to hone your skills.
And much, much more…
Links and resources mentioned
Cohen Handler
Costi Cohen
Luxe Listings Sydney
Luxe Listings recaps
Gavin Rubinstein
Simon Cohen on Elite Agent
Season 3 of Luxe Listings Sydney promises to be the biggest and best yet
5 marketing lessons from Luxe Listings Sydney that every agent can implement
Amazon Prime announces season 3 of Luxe Listings Sydney
The D’Luxe Nuts: A real world recap of episode 4 along with exclusive interviews with Gavin Rubinstein and Simon Cohen
Connect with Simon Cohen
Website
LinkedIn

Sep 16, 2022 • 30min
Maximum impact: Tristan Lovell on the untapped power of your database; how to find it, use it, and gain more listings
Packed full of potential sellers and buyers, a database is one of the most important tools in an agent’s professional toolkit.
It’s the place where future listings reside. It’s the home of current and potential buyers and sellers. It’s the space where you can create a community that sees you as the agent of choice.
In other words, it’s the key foundation of your sales pipeline.
But for a database to work to best effect, it’s got to be clean, it’s got to be current and it’s got to be consistently worked.
If it’s not, it could be losing you money – big money in the form of lost listings.
In this episode of the Elevate podcast with podcast producer Cassandra Charlesworth, Tristan Lovell offers his top tips on tapping the full potential of your database.
As the head of growth for digital assistant RiTA, he looks at how agents can clean their database, warm it up and create consistency when it comes to reaching out to the right people within their CRM at the right time.
He shares an insight into how you can do that more efficiently using tools like automation, SMS, marketing and the human touch, while also identifying those lost listings that Tristan says cost agencies on average around $100,000 in commission a week.
In the process, Tristan discusses how artificial intelligence can assist, saving agents time by identifying serious buyers and sellers and having human-like, two-way prospecting conversations.
Ultimately, he notes, it allows the agent to understand who to call, when, creating greater efficiency and improving their likelihood of listing success.
And he shares some real-life stories of the ways other agencies have maximised their database, designed great marketing strategies, and really honed their prospecting technique to ramp up their results.
As he notes, it’s not about replacing the human but helping agents define exactly when they should pick up the phone, who they should call, why they should make that contact, and what they should say.
“It’s been coached to death, hasn’t it from all these real estate trainers for many years? Pick up the phone. What we’re here to do is just help that experience, so the agent loves picking up the phone.” – Tristan Lovell.
https://youtu.be/geKa3Gul5Q0
Cassandra and Tristan also discuss:
Why there’s more value in your database than you dreamed of and the tools that can help you tap into that power and maximise its potential.
The value of a pristine database, how it can be achieved, and why it’s essential to keep that list of contacts current, warm and engaged to become an agent of choice.
Why agencies are losing an estimated $100,000 worth of listings a week, and the tools that can help them understand why that’s the case.
How to progressively clean your database while having timely and relevant communication with your contacts.
Why successful prospecting is all about reaching out to the right people at the right time and the tools that can make this easier and more efficient.
The conversations agents should be having with sellers and buyers right now, and how to connect with contacts long before they need an agent.
How agents can overcome task anxiety and get more confident picking up the phone to provide real value to a prospect.
The power of the call list when it comes to prospecting and how you can create comprehensive lists of every person who lives around a property for sale.
When to automate your communication, when only a human connection will suffice, and how to identify the point where an agent needs to step in.
And much, much more…
Links and resources mentioned
RiTA by AiRE
Case studies
Tristan on Elite Agent
AI digital assistant RiTA now integrates with PropTech Group’s Eagle CRM
PRD Nationwide Ballarat has used RiTA by AiRE to win more listings
How AI and SMS automations have changed the way this agent works
The AI tech that assists in qualifying buyers
Connect with Tristan
Website
LinkedIn

Sep 9, 2022 • 24min
No luck about it: Million Dollar Listing’s Matt Altman on work ethic, mindset, and how he and his brother went from zero to real estate heroes
Ask Million Dollar Listing: Los Angeles star Matt Altman about his incredible rise to real estate fame, and he’ll quickly tell you there was no luck about it.
Instead, he and his brother Josh have worked hard, damned hard to get where they are today. After initially starting out flipping houses, their success and 24/7 work ethic now sees them at the pinnacle of the global real estate industry.
Collectively known as the Altman Brothers, they have sold more than $1.47 billion worth of high-end properties this year alone, with their client list reading like a who’s who of the sporting and celebrity world.
Kim Kardashian is on speed dial, they count KISS’ Gene Simmons as a personal friend, but it hasn’t always been Beverly Hill’s finest addresses and A-List parties.
In fact, Matt almost gave the idea of real estate away after making nothing in his first six months. Yep, it was zip, zero, no income at all. So what turned that around?
In this episode of the Elevate podcast with Leanne Pilkington, Matt shares an insight into his career, including when the brothers knew they had made it in real estate, how they manage work and growing families, what they’d do differently, and where they’re headed to next.
He offers an insight into how he and Josh work together, why they’re akin to chameleons, the ways they tailor their approach to suit their clients.
Matt also shares what it’s like to work with big names and major celebrities, and discusses how he plans to retire by 55, courtesy of a bit of a shift in strategy.
It’s an in-depth insight into one of the most well-known real estate practitioners in the world that includes some tips on mindset, work ethic, business best-practice and a whole host more.
“Everybody thinks when you’re getting paid a commission, you’re making a large sum of money. You’re not actually getting paid for closing that deal. You’re getting paid for the 22 deals that didn’t work out plus that deal divided up, because that’s the proper way to look at our business.” – Matt Altman.
https://youtu.be/-LmUX1DwD44
Matt and Leanne also discuss:
How he and brother Josh play to their strengths and weaknesses in business and with clients.
Why they assimilate to the person they are dealing with, by observing the tiny details of their lives.
How the pair balance a growing business and families and the ways their priorities are beginning to shift.
Why filming a hit show will never get in the way of serving their clients to the highest level, and how they ensure that’s the case.
What it’s like to work with some of the biggest celebrities in the world, and the lessons Matt and Josh have learned along the way.
How Matt came to be in real estate, why it wasn’t all smooth sailing and the work ethic and mindset that turned that around.
The hundred things Matt would do differently if he could, but why everything happens for a reason.
Where Matt and Josh intend to be in 10-years’ time and why there might be a shift in strategy on the cards.
Why real estate isn’t easy even for the best in the business, and how self-motivation is key to success.
And much, much more…
Links and resources mentioned
The Altman Brothers
Million Dollar Evening (September 2022)
Million Dollar Listings Los Angeles
Matt and Josh on Elite Agent
Josh and Matt Altman: Billion-dollar brothers
Million Dollar Listing stars selling their mansion for $12 million
Connect with Matt
Website
Instagram
Facebook

Sep 2, 2022 • 28min
When life happens: Sharon Fox-Slater on why landlord insurance is a must, the strangest claims made, and what to tell a client who says they don’t need insurance
As the head of EBM RentCover, Sharon Fox-Slater has seen it all when it comes to weird, wonderful and common landlord insurance claims.
From natural disasters to tenant damage and public liability risks, her experience is proof that adequate insurance can be a financial lifesaver when life doesn’t quite go to plan.
In this episode of the Elevate podcast with Elite Agent Managing Editor Samantha McLean, Sharon looks back at 30 years of EBM RentCover, sharing an insight into the most common landlord claims, major insurance myths, and real-life instances when insurance was the difference between rebuilding and financial ruin.
She discusses how property managers can help landlords make a claim, shares some fascinating true examples of strange things that happen and looks at the types of insurance no landlord should be without.
From misconceptions about pet damage to how current economic conditions are impacting tenants, Sharon provides expert commentary on why every landlord needs insurance, and how the real estate industry can best serve their clients in the event of the unexpected.
And then there’s the story of what happens when permission for a couple of pets turns into a tenant-run wildlife rescue shelter complete with 100 animals including foxes and dingoes…
If you’ve ever wondered what to say when a landlord claims they don’t need insurance, this podcast illustrates why coverage is a must, touching on how the industry navigated a recent swathe of natural disasters plus a global pandemic, and why it’s in the interests of your clients to see that they are adequately insured.
“If your tenant had an accident and they were deemed responsible for that and it went into millions of dollars, could they afford to pay for that? Because for a reasonable cost, they’ll be protected if something goes wrong.” – Sharon Fox-Slater
Sharon and Samantha also discuss:
What property managers need to know about landlord insurance and how they can help their clients make a claim.
When landlords need to take out insurance and why it’s too late when a natural disaster is imminent.
How to ensure landlords and tenants are prepared when mother nature strikes, and what to do before, during and after an event.
How a global pandemic prompted panic insurance purchasing, and what proved the most surprising impact of Covid-19.
The most common misconceptions about insurance, including what can and can’t be claimed, how long it takes for a claim to be processed, and why pets aren’t the biggest problem.
How recent natural disasters and supply issues have impacted insurance claims and rebuilding work, and why communication is key after a major event.
The strangest claims Sharon has witnessed, and how property managers can help landlords and tenants avoid costly mistakes.
How insurance has changed over the past 30 years, and why EBM RentCover seeks to be an insurer with a difference.
Why it’s a misconception that insurers seek to avoid paying out a claim and how much EBM RentCover has protected landlords over three decades.
Plus much, much more…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0AfSLzavaOE
Links and resources mentioned
One small dog
EBM RentCover
Sharon on Elite Agent
Sharon Fox-Slater: beware the underinsurance trap
Sharon Fox-Slater: Explaining the sum insured to landlords
Insurance claims: What’s the hold up?
Sharon Fox-Slater: 12 landlord insurance misconceptions
Sharon Fox-Slater: What to do before and after a flood
30 things to look for in landlord insurance
What to do if a tenant dies: Sharon Fox Slater
Renovating and insurance cover
Connect with Sharon
Website
LinkedIn

Aug 26, 2022 • 29min
Seize the day: Avi Khan on leading through change, creating business growth, and why now is the moment for the real estate industry to showcase its skills
Avi Khan of Ray White AKG in Queensland isn’t looking to build the biggest real estate agency, but he is intent on creating the best. And it’s one that revolves around the customer journey.
After less than five years in the industry he’s well on his way to achieving that goal.
Recently ranked among the top three offices in the Ray White Queensland network, Avi has now built four businesses under his brand, including a legal arm which specialises in conveyancing.
Avi notes the conveyancing side of his business is all about solving the customer struggle and ultimately he has plans for that service to go national.
In this episode of the Elevate podcast with Elite Agent Managing Editor Samantha McLean, Avi shares the secret to his swift success and outlines the thinking behind the legal side of his business.
He recaps some of the key takeaways of the Ray White Connect 2022 conference and Elite Retreat and shares why he believes real estate is an industry that has far more potential when we stop competing, work together and learn from each other.
And he says collaboration has never mattered more than now as the market undergoes a shift.
If ever there was a time to demonstrate your real estate skills, tap into your expertise and prove your value, Avi says it’s now.
https://youtu.be/B4t3SDbdURA
“Now’s our moment to showcase our professionalism, to showcase our wares. I think we shouldn’t be afraid of what’s happening out there. This is the moment that we actually justify our fears, justify all the training that we’ve had…We exist for that reason now. This is the time for us to showcase what we really are.” – Avi Khan
Avi and Samantha discuss:
Why Avi added a legal firm to his growing business, how it helps his clients navigate the real estate journey, and the way it’s grown beyond expectations.
How the legal business helps Ray White AKG solve a major customer painpoint and retain clients.
Avi’s plans for growth in the future and why there’s no finish line in sight when it comes to the pursuit of excellence.
How Avi believes the industry can embrace the current market to showcase their skills, demonstrate value, and really serve their clients.
Why the industry needs to work together and how the best agents and leaders can share their knowledge for the benefit of all.
How agents and agencies can compete in the right way and why that matters to the industry as a whole.
Avi’s key takeaways from Ray White Connect and Elite Retreat, including the new goals he is personally setting and how he intends to meet them.
The benefits of events and how they can help bring the industry together to inspire, motivate and create collective goals.
How mentoring has been key to Avi’s success and the big name agents whom he looks up to.
Why the concepts of real estate technology and people-first service are not mutually exclusive and how agencies can embrace both.
How Avi is seeking to create an ecosystem in his business that’s not just about real estate.
Why now’s the time to turn off the noise, start helping your people, and appreciate the sky’s not falling – this market is the opportunity to serve.
And much, much more…
Links and resources mentioned
Top takeaways from Ray White Connect 2022
Day 2 of Ray White Connect brings the big keynotes and the creativity
How the Ray White business continues to innovate and evolve
How to motivate your team to sustained excellence
Megan Jaffe: The Human Connection
Elite Retreat Bali
Avi on Elite Agent
From rookie to rapid expansion: Avi Khan
Avi Khan: How to build high-performing teams
Avi Khan: Should I stay or should I go?
Ray White Marsden principal Avi Khan opens new office at Daisy Hill
Avi Khan: Positivity paves the way for productivity
Connect with Avi
Website
LinkedIn
Instagram

Aug 19, 2022 • 44min
Future in focus: Steve Carroll and Matt Lahood on the top takeaways of Elite Retreat, the industry’s future, and why now’s the time to get face-to-face with clients
What happens when you put 160 of the industry’s brightest minds and thought leaders in a room together for two days?
Well big ideas abound, collaboration creates results, and some of the major issues facing real estate are addressed, according to Digital Live’s Steve Carroll and The Agency’s Matt Lahood.
Hot on the heels of attending Elite Retreat earlier this month, these two industry commentators join Elite Agent Managing Editor Samantha McLean to recap the lessons learned.
They offer their insight into ideas that matter, and speak about trends shaping the industry, with Matt sharing insightful and practical tips on navigating the changing market and the key ways agents can better serve their customers.
In an Elevate podcast that covers all the big themes, Matt and Steve look at the conversations leaders need to be having with their team, and the innovative communication strategies that real estate agents now need to employ.
It’s one part best practice and one part an insight into the thinking of some of the industry’s best known leaders and the biggest brands. But one takeaway is apparent, when the real estate industry checks its ego at the door, asks itself hard questions and listens to the ideas of others, there’s a wealth of insight to be gleaned.
If you missed Elite Retreat or are curious about where some of the industry’s big names are directing their attention, this is a podcast not to be missed.
There’s a wealth of takeaways on what agents need to be doing and discussing with sellers and buyers right now, along with how the sector needs to look at the future differently.
There’s also some key explanations on what separates the average agents from the great, and why now is the time to get crystal clear on the skills that matter.
“When we, as an industry, can park our ego at the front door and just come in as great human beings. It’s incredible. The amount of collaboration you can get, it’s incredible. The amount of positivity you can get, the amount of innovation, the amount of teamwork.” – Steve Carroll.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BOg3i1vOHEg&feature=youtu.be
Steve, Matt and Samantha discuss:
The major takeaways from Elite Retreat and how Matt, Steve and many others will be employing the lessons learned.
How the industry can check their ego at the door, work together and serve their customer at a time when it’s never mattered more.
The conversations agents need to be having with sellers and buyers, including tips on dialogue and why now’s the time to get face-to-face.
The difference between the good agents and the great and why it always comes back to listening, questioning and guiding clients through the transaction.
Matt and Steve’s top tips on the leadership skills that matter right now and why every major brand across the globe will be defined by how leaders perform.
Matt’s top dialogue examples for vendors, sellers and leaders in the industry, and why we need to measure business success in a very different way.
Steve’s key takeaways on standing out from the crowd, the key trends emerging as a new generation enters the real estate realm, and why great leadership’s never been more challenging.
The conversations Matt Lahood is having with his team right now, and why he’s on the hustings with his agents at every opportunity.
What the pair are up to at the present, including how The Agency is looking at its metrics differently and the inspiring way the real estate industry has raised a quarter of a million for charity this year.
And much, much more…
Links and resources mentioned
Tracey Fellows
Dr Jason Fox
Maz Farrelly
Scott Bateman
Nigel Dalton
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Aug 12, 2022 • 40min
Content that is king: News Corp Australia’s Claire Bradley on creating engaging content, using it to best effect, and 15 great ideas you can implement now
Every agent and every real estate brand knows content helps them build a presence in the marketplace, but when it comes to creating great content, it can be challenging to know where to start or how to find the time.
News Corp Australia’s Claire Bradley is an expert in this space. With 20 years’ experience, she lives and breathes content creation and now heads up a team creating commercial content marketing solutions that help brands engage in a conversation with their prospective customers.
As Claire explains, in this day and age content isn’t just something that’s nice to have. It’s expected, allowing your potential clients to understand who you are, what you do and how you can help them.
In this episode of the Elevate podcast with Cassandra Charlesworth, Claire takes a deep dive into the big wide ocean of content, looking at different ideas and strategies individual agents and brands can use to build presence in their marketplace.
She walks through 15 great ideas for real estate content that you can get started on right now, while outlining how each different type helps build a brand.
In the process, Claire offers simple tips to save time and effort, including ways to repurpose that content and spread it across your website, social media and more.
She looks at how the right content creates authority in a marketplace and builds trust, why a content strategy can assist, and some simple tricks to make creating that content easy while enjoying a waterfall effect.
Claire also shares an insight into when you can do it yourself, and when you should outsource, while sharing some of the ways News Corp Australia works with agencies big and small to assist.
“Don’t think that every piece of content you create has to be unique. Yes, you should definitely be creating content for platforms specifically. But if you have a really great piece of content that lives on your site, that’s useful, you can find different ways for that to be served across different social platforms, which is a bit of what we call the waterfall effect.” – Claire Bradley
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3jBqTTBpSXk
Claire and Cassandra discuss:
Why content remains critical to establishing your real estate brand and authority in a marketplace.
The different types of real estate content that audiences engage with and come back to time and again.
How to make the content you create work smarter not harder by repurposing and scheduling.
When to DIY and when to outsource your content, and why a strategy is key to either approach.
15 great content ideas and the benefits they offer when it comes to building your profile and brand.
Why content is all about the ‘why should I care factor?’ and how you can craft content that addresses your audience’s needs.
How to find time in your busy schedule to create solid content, along with some shortcuts, tips and tricks.
How News Corp Australia works with agents and agencies of all sizes and budgets to create compelling content that helps build a brand.
And much, much more…
Links and resources mentioned
Suddenly
News Corp Australia
Luxe Listings
Connect with Claire
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