Thought Leaders – Real Estate Re-imagined (formerly The Elevate Podcast)

If you could chart the ideal real estate sales career, what would it look like? How could you go from rookie to established agent, then build a team, become a top performer and perhaps step into your own business? And what challenges would you face along the way? In this episode of the Elevate Podcast, Dan Argent joins podcast producer Cassandra Charlesworth to map the lifecycle of an agent, walking through each step of the professional journey, including the skills required, the hurdles that need to be overcome, and the top tips on getting to the next stage. Drawing on 20-years of industry experience as a high-performing agent and also his insight as the founder of UrbanX, Dan looks at how to get quickly established, the ways to differentiate yourself in a competitive market, and when and how to build a team. He analyses the traits of top-performers, and provides insight into what you should consider if you want to go out on your own. In a podcast that’s relevant to any agent at any stage of their career, Dan draws on personal experience to outline the challenges many agents face at each stage of the real estate journey and looks at how to overcome them. He discusses time management, avoiding distractions, offers some great tips on marketing and finding your unique selling proposition, then looks at the best ways to build a team and how they can help take you to the next level. Dan also provides an insight into going out on your own, discussing when it’s the right time to go into business for yourself, and how to decide which real estate model might be right for you. He takes a deep-dive into the things that may hold you back and discusses why it’s imperative not to let fear get in the way of success. This is an episode all about expediting the ideal real estate career, including the pifalls to avoid, the essential skills to embrace, and the thinking and techniques that will take you where you want to go. “Fear is the number one inhibitor to growth… it might stop you from getting into real estate, it might stop you from hiring a PA. It might stop you from investing in marketing, it might stop you from going out on your own. These are all things that are the keys to growth and fear can stop you from doing them… be self-aware enough to acknowledge that this is scary, but I’m going to do it anyway because I’m making a logical decision as to why this is better.” Dan Argent.    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=COgyKirqAFs Dan and Cassandra also discuss: How to get started, including who to work with, what skills to master and how to find your feet in a competitive industry. How to get quickly established as an agent in your own right, including tips on building a niche and creating a unique selling proposition. What to do to go from established agent to top-performer, including marketing techniques to help you stand out from the crowd. When to build a team, how to weigh up the investment in staff, and the real value that having a team around you can offer. How to stay focused on your career goals and avoid distractions, including techniques to build on your existing momentum. Whether stepping into your own business is the right decision for you, how to know when you’re ready, and how to choose the business model that suits you best. The best ways to avoid burnout in a business that’s competitive, including strategies to help you maintain the work/life balance. Why fear can be the biggest inhibitor to growth at all stages of the real estate journey and how to overcome it. And much, much more…  Links and resources mentioned Purple Cow by Seth Godin UrbanX James Tostevin – AREC Dan Argent on Elite Agent If you want to grow your business, there is only one option for you Why your fears are causing you to fail Five lessons from 15 years in business Seven steps to launch your business Connect with Dan Website LinkedIn

Which White was calling Gavin Rubinstein? Will Simon’s Cohen’s assistant Tammy stay or go? Can Queen D’Leanne retain her real estate crown? And, has the Castle officially sold? Season 1 of Luxe Listings Sydney offered plenty of cliffhangers, and we’re just days away from learning how they might be resolved, with Series 2 set to premiere on April 1. But it wasn’t just the stunning vistas of Sydney, the friendly rivalry between agents and the cheeky glint of Gavin’s charming smile that had the real estate industry and wider public hooked on the surprise TV hit of 2021. Beyond the luxury properties, high-end cars and vendors and buyers who were characters in their own right were some salient real estate lessons that translate to every market in the country. With thanks from Sponsor Issuu, as a special offer, readers/listeners of Elite Agent Elevate can get started with Issuu today for FREE or if you sign up for an annual premium account to get 50% off when you go to by visiting issuu.com and using the promo code ELITE. In this Luxe Edition of ‘nuts for luxe’ Samantha McLean and special guest Dave Skow recap the last season of Luxe Listings, bringing you up to speed on all the goss, all the glam, and all the Gav you can handle (spoiler alert…with one-liners like Gav’s, you’ll never get enough). They also examine all the real estate lessons that translate from the budgie smuggling beauty and YSL wearing chic of Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs right through to any market, anywhere, including Dave’s former hometown of Wagga. And yes, there are big insights to be gleaned. From the gentlemanly charm of the industry’s nicest guy Michael Pallier, to the swift retorts of A Grade auctioneer Damien Cooley and the enigmatic empathy of Queen D’Leanne in her element, Luxe Listings Season 1 showcased some serious real estate skills that every agent can learn from. There’s open home tips from Gav, negotiating skills from Simon, and vendor management insight from D’Leanne that no agent can afford to miss. Which is why we’re all waiting with bated breath for the arrival of Season 2 which drops on April 1 on Amazon Prime. This year, we’re set to bring you all the best highlights each week in a podcast that covers all that has unfolded along with key takeaways on real estate practice, with new podcasts dropping every Saturday. Samantha and Dave discuss: Why D’Leanne Lewis is a great example of how to keep your cool in the most challenging of circumstances. How Gavin Rubinstein approaches marketing and what really constitutes a TRG property. How Simon Cohen became the buyer’s agent of choice, setting the standard for buyers agents in the industry. Why Michael Pallier is the epitome of the gentleman of real estate and uses his superpower to attract high quality properties, vendors and buyers. How to negotiate with even the toughest of vendors and most particular of buyers to achieve win-win outcomes. When to negotiate, how to go above and beyond, and when and why you might need to occasionally walk away. How to introduce a new generation to the industry, retain talent, engender loyalty and foster the talents of an assistant. And much, much more… Links and resources mentioned Luxe Listings Season 1 Amazon Prime Luxe Listings Season 1 recaps About the agents Gavin Rubinstein, Ray White TRG D’Leanne Lewis, Laing+Simmons Double Bay Simon Cohen, Cohen Handler Monika Tu, Black Diamondz (new to season 2) Connect with Dave Skow Dave Skow

If there is one key area of opportunity for the real estate industry moving forward, it’s transparency, according to REINSW President and PropTech founder Peter Matthews. It’s not that the industry has a ’treasure trove of secrets’, it’s that traditionally there has been a lack of clarity about what the industry does.  And when you don’t have clarity, you can’t build trust. As the newly-appointed president of REINSW, transparency, professional education and a greater understanding of what agents do are high on Peter’s priority list. He’s intent on building a better reputation for the industry and creating a more workable relationship with the industry’s regulators, while advocating for and supporting agents in an era of changed customer expectation. As the founder of PropTech company Realtair, Peter also notes technology has an important role to play. Not only can it create efficiency for agents and property managers, it will allow them to enjoy an improved work/life balance, while forging a better relationship with customers. In this wide-ranging episode of the Elevate podcast with Elite Agent Managing Editor Samantha McLean, Peter outlines the challenges the industry currently faces and how the REINSW is seeking to address them. He discusses the recent flooding crisis in NSW and what the REI is doing to assist, along with his priorities as president for the period ahead. He also shares an insight into a personal experience that has shaped his presidency priorities and how he’s hoping that will translate to the NSW Strata Act. Drawing on 32 years’ real estate experience as an agent, auctioneer, trainer, franchisor and PropTech founder, Peter looks at the future of the industry, including the important trends emerging and the role technology will play. And he pulls no punches when he notes if agencies aren’t willing to embrace the digital shift, they will be left behind. “Whilst there’s fear technology’s going to replace what we do, agency business is all about relationships and it’s that personal relationship that we’ve got to enhance. The way that we do that is to improve the efficiency and the pace at which we can operate and improve the transparency.” Peter Matthews. https://youtu.be/yUu-ZTd_Wfk Samantha and Peter also discuss: Peter’s primary objectives for his tenure as President of the REINSW, and why improving the reputation of the industry and creating a better understanding of what agents do is high on his list. What consumers now expect from the real estate industry and how agents can embrace new tools to better meet their needs. Why transparency is key to creating better relationships with buyers and sellers, and how digital technology will create the consistency that customers will come to rely on. How REINSW intends to tackle the mass exodus occurring in property management and why it requires a multi-level approach involving education, agencies and the government. How REINSW is supporting flood-affected agencies in NSW and why it’s important the public and other industry members have a clear understanding of the long-term impacts, including mental stress. Why Peter also has a personal agenda as part of his presidency priorities and how he hopes that will translate to the NSW Strata Act. How Realtair became a PropTech platform used by agencies across Australia after being created as an internal solution to a personal business problem. Why Realtair partners with some of the biggest players in the real estate industry, including the REA, and how that benefits agents looking for a one-stop shop solution. Where Peter sees the industry in 10 years’ time and how trends such as the Web 3.0, NFTs, AI and other technology will have an impact. How Realtair will continue to focus on improvement and what that means for agents and their customers. And much, much more… Links and resources mentioned REINSW Realtair John Minns Leanne Pilkington John Cunningham Myf Porter Myf Porter’s guide to selling real estate Connect by REA Peter on Elite Agent New REINSW President Peter Matthews takes the reins PropTech platforms integrate to ensure agent success and mitigation of risk PropTech platforms Realtair and AuctionNow join forces Connect with Peter Website LinkedIn

As the Managing Director of Compton Green, Adrian Butera has long had a reputation as the type of agent who supports his community and gives without expectation. From working with Rotary to actively tackling environmental issues in property management, he’s a real estate professional who likes to get stuck in and assist when people need it most. And yes, he concedes community service provides some real estate rewards, but that’s not the reason he does it. As Adrian notes, you are either the type of person who gives back or you’re not, and for him it comes naturally in the knowledge real estate agents are often the go-to person when it comes to community support. In this episode of the Elevate podcast with Samantha McLean, Adrian reflects on a career defined by community service. He offers an insight into where agents can start their journey of community involvement, including tips on working with the causes they align with, and how this helps build genuine relationships. Adrian also shares an insight into the experience of climbing to Everest Base Camp, and how that subsequently informed his real estate career, including the challenges of navigating Covid-19 lockdowns in Victoria. As an industry professional with 30-years’ experience, Adrian looks at what has changed in real estate in recent years, and how that has influenced his role as an award-winning auctioneer. He offers an insight into why he started an environmental initiative aimed squarely at property management and shares how other agents can use similar strategies as a major point of difference. “If there’s one thing that you can do, it’s be memorable. Be memorable in every element of our vocation. Whether you’re a property manager or a sales person, whether it’s your social media page or whether it’s a completely different career – if you can be memorable, I think that’s a pretty good outcome,” Adrian Butera. https://youtu.be/9B9kYC1skUM Adrian and Samantha also discuss: How Adrian selects the community initiatives he is involved with, and why it’s only natural agents should play a role in their community. Adrian’s advice when it comes to getting involved in your community, including where and how you can start. The benefits of community involvement but why it can never be about giving in order to receive. How Adrian came to start an environmental initiative targeted at improving the sustainability of rental properties, and how that was received. How other agencies can come on board and make an environmental difference and why that can ultimately benefit your business. What climbing Mt Everest taught Adrian about real estate, and how he applied those learnings throughout Covid-19 lockdowns and beyond. The way Covid-19 impacted Adrian’s award-winning auctioneering style, and how he’s keen to take those lessons into the future. The changes that the last few years have inspired in Adrian’s business and how he believes they are key to the industry’s future. Why Adrian is committed to continually innovating and reinventing and how that has helped sustain a lengthy career. Why Adrian believes being memorable is the key to a happy and successful real estate career. Plus much, much more… Links and resources mentioned Chris Hanley: How to give in your community The Real Estate Story podcast Goes Green Kangaroo Island Spirits Adrian on Elite Agent Adrian’s calling it for kids Adrian Butera: The big give Traditions to tech geeks: Compton Green Connect with Adrian Website LinkedIn

Floods, interest rates, pandemics and federal elections – they all have an impact on the property market, and each of these issues is squarely in the spotlight as we conclude the first quarter of 2022. So what’s likely to happen next? Will the incredible price rises and high demand for properties continue? Or has the market peaked? And if so, what’s the outlook for the months ahead? In this Elevate podcast, Elite Agent Managing Editor Samantha McLean and Ray White Chief Economist Nerida Conisbee take a deep dive into the current issues impacting real estate and house prices. Discussing everything from the recent flooding in southeast Queensland and New South Wales right through to interest rates and the impact of a pending federal election, Nerida offers her insight on the trends that will continue in the major markets, along with those that are starting to shift. Drawing on years of property market analysis, Nerida provides her predictions on the property policies that will be on the table during the upcoming federal election, and recaps the reasons why house prices saw unprecedented gains during 2021. She also looks at how flood affected markets will fare, what the reopening of international borders means for the property market, and whether the regional shift seen during Covid-19 is likely to continue. “I think where we will start to see a little bit of a drop off in activity is in those regional areas that are a bit further away – not quite within commuting distance. It will be an interesting year actually for regional areas, but the ones that will continue to see strong demand will be those that are adjoining a big capital city.” – Nerida Conisbee. Samantha and Nerida also discuss: Why the pandemic sparked so much property fear, how that failed to eventuate, and the reasons prices skyrocketed in 2021. Whether the major markets of Sydney and Melbourne are starting to decline and how the reopening of international borders will impact both rents and prices. What’s likely to happen in flood affected areas in the next 12 months, and when an inevitable rebound will occur. How the Brisbane floods of 2022 compare those in 2011, and why this is a very different scenario for the Queensland property market. The markets where international arrivals are likely to have the most impact, and who is set to benefit from the border reopening. When interest rates are likely to rise, and why some markets are impacted by interest rate talk more than others. Whether the great regional migration will continue and the markets that are set to enjoy the benefits for a long time to come. How the federal election will impact real estate and the policies that Nerida believes will be firmly on both parties’ agenda. The other major trends that Nerida is seeing in commercial property, lifestyle locations, and also agriculture. And much, much more…   https://youtu.be/7qA7f5DXvsc Links and resources mentioned  End of year wrap: Mark McLeod Sydney house prices drop, Melbourne’s stall Real estate industry comes together to aid flood victims Nerida Conisbee on Elite Agent Challenges ahead but the market will recover from floods The street names that boast the highest prices  Nerida Conisbee’s top seven predictions for 2022 Will house prices double by 2032? Connect with Nerida Website LinkedIn

More productivity, greater efficiency…it’s the catch phrase of a real estate landscape increasingly turning to technology for leads, prospecting and communication. And, as the past couple of years have proven beyond doubt, technology can and does play an important role in the industry. But it is not something that should be used in an ad-hoc manner and, in a people-focussed industry, there are also roles that technology should never fill. Instead, using tech effectively comes down to seeking the right solution to a real problem at the right time. In this episode of the Elevate podcast with Cass Charlesworth, AiRE co-founder and RiTA co-creator Sarah Bell draws on both her experience as an agent and as a PropTech entrepreneur to walk through when and how technology should be used to improve the real estate experience for customers, staff and business operations. She defines the pain points that the right technology can solve and also outlines the instances when there’s no substitute for human interaction. Sarah notes, the right tech solution will save agents time and increase their productivity, but it will enhance, not replace a human connection. She then walks through some common misconceptions about big data, artificial intelligence, and technology capabilities with pointers for agencies looking to avoid expensive tech adoption mistakes.    Sarah also discusses the recent milestone that saw digital assistant RiTA and parent company AiRE acquired by Australia’s largest property data provider, and looks at the benefits that will offer the industry moving forward. In a wide-ranging discussion that is all about seeking the right support at the right time, Sarah then goes on to share an insight into her involvement in the RISE initiative, including the support that’s available to real estate professionals when it comes to their mental health and wellbeing. “The great issue in real estate that is not really talked about very often, is that the agent, as the provider of services, is the supply to the clients. If you are relying purely on your human supply, you are limited to the same 24 hours a day as Beyonce. So anything you can do to increase your supply as a service provider to customers, I think falls within the line of technology you should consider.” – Sarah Bell Cassandra and Sarah also discuss: How agencies should weigh up the adoption of technology, including defining the problem it will solve and determining the benefits that tech will offer. Why Sarah believes creating predictable commissions is key to a successful real estate career and how technology can assist. When to employ technology in the real estate process, and why there are times when it will never replace the experience of human interaction. The common misconceptions about PropTech, and why it is not a predictive tool but instead one that helps agents improve efficiency by narrowing down the target. Why RiTA and AiRE chose to partner with property data provider CoreLogic and how that will benefit customers in the period ahead. How RiTA was developed to solve a real problem for the industry and the ways it has evolved based on customer feedback. Why Sarah is involved in the RISE Initiative and how its focus on the wellbeing and mental health of real estate professionals has now evolved into an app. Why real estate is a career with inherent risk factors when it comes to mental health and wellbeing and how agents, property managers and business owners can seek help. Plus much, much more… Links and resources mentioned RiTA by AiRE RISE Initiative Real Care app Why Australia’s largest property provider just purchased RiTA by AiRE Tech gets personal: Ian Campbell Sarah Bell on Elite Agent  AiRE and CoreLogic: What now, what next? Disrupted trust RiTA by AiRE wins industry innovation award second year running Connect with Sarah Website LinkedIn

Think of the industry’s top-performing agents and the name Alexander Phillips quickly springs to mind. His 20-year career in Sydney’s prestige market as a partner at Phillips Pantzer Donnelley has consistently seen him ranked as a top salesperson in New South Wales and even Australia. It’s obvious from both his results and his reputation this is no flash in the pan career built on luck or location. Each year, Alexander sets goals, and works to improve on the results achieved the year prior. It’s a compounding effect, built on strong foundations of real estate sales basics, executed extremely well. In this Elevate podcast with Cass Charlesworth, Alexander offers an in-depth insight into this back to basics approach. He discusses how he uses the telephone as a tool of choice, the ways he taps into his database to sell a high-volume of properties before they even hit the market, and how he surrounds himself with a team who are all driven to achieve incredible results. It’s a no-nonsense episode that allows listeners a behind the scenes peek into exactly how Alexander spends his day, the conversations he has, and the goals he sets, then how he works to meet them. He also offers some salient tips for agents starting out, talks about the right time to bring on an assistant and shares his perspective of what he believes the market will do next. In other words, it’s a masterclass in real estate basics and exactly what it takes to get them right, then build on the results you achieve. “My main goal is to lift my conversion rate to 75 per cent. So that’s on my computer every day. And that drives me to ensure we’re doing all the right things to secure listings above other agents and satisfy our vendors.” Alexander Phillips Alexander and Cass also discuss: How he fits in the time to make an average of 600-700 calls a week, and why each call is short and sweet but matters. Why rapport is critical, and his advice to agents when it comes to picking up the phone and the mindset required. The ways Alexander and his team maintain and utilise their database, allowing them to sell properties before they hit the market. How Alexander ensures he has a work/life balance, including the way he structures his day and the role of his team. The conversations Alexander has with vendors and how he brings them to market sooner, rather than later. Why Alexander believes it’s important to bring on an executive assistant early, and what his assistant allows him to achieve. How Alexander uses goal setting to compound his results each year, and why these goals help him reverse engineer his results. The essential tools that Alexander relies on, and why it’s always a matter of using each really, really well. What the Alexander team plans to achieve next, and how they will ensure they meet that aim. Plus much, much more. https://youtu.be/39jR3jzz1zs Links and resources mentioned AREC 2018 feature interview: Alexander Phillips and Pru Kelly Alexander Phillips on Elite Agent How NSW’s best agent sells property at volume Realestate.com.au honours the top residential and commercial sales agents across Australia Top takeaways from AREC 2018 – Day 1 Feature interview: Alexander Phillips with Claudio Encina Introducing the 2021 AREAs finalists Connect with Alexander Website LinkedIn Instagram

When it comes to the legal aspects of real estate marketing and the online space, things can quickly get murky. Different social media platforms have different guidelines, while consumer and privacy laws mean agencies can swiftly find themselves into hot water for who they market to, the comments on their pages, the terms of any competitions and more. In this Elevate podcast, O*NO Legal founding director Kristen Porter steps through all the potential legal risks of social media and online marketing, and offers key strategies for how agencies can address them. From who owns an agent’s social media account to the clauses you should have in place when working with content creators, Kristen taps into a wealth of both legal and marketing knowledge to guide agents through the legal minefield of the online space. It’s an episode packed full of great advice including insight into the risks of buying marketing lists, how to seek and manage online reviews without falling foul of the law, what to have in place when you host a competition, and even the simple things like the defamation risk associated with third-party comments on your social pages. No matter the size of your agency or the breadth of your expertise in social media marketing, this podcast has a host of essential takeaways that every agent should be aware of. And as Kristen explains, it’s a playing field that constantly shifts. “One of the things that has changed recently, and I don’t think it’s well-known out there, is if data harvesting or data scraping software has been used to create a marketing list, you cannot now use that under the spam laws to direct market to people. I know a lot of people do use that scraping software, or they do buy lists, especially to send out ads. You can’t do that anymore.” Kristen Porter Samantha McLean and Kristen also discuss: What you should and shouldn’t post on social media and the common legal pitfalls to avoid. Why it’s important to understand you don’t own your social media accounts, and what you can do to protect the following you establish there. How to ensure the competitions you run online don’t breach the law, and what you need to consider when it comes to terms and conditions. What to have in place when you outsource your social media marketing or content creation to contractors, including the single-line clause that can help you avoid a whole world of grief. Why it’s risky to offer incentives for reviews, and how you can avoid an unwelcome visit from the ACCC. What happens with an agent’s social media account when they shift from one agency to another. How to manage comments on your social media accounts to ensure you don’t run the risk of defamation. What to be mindful about when it comes to reviews, including how to handle negative reviews that don’t paint your business in the best light. The legal implications of running paid or sponsored content and why agents who are influencers should be particularly careful. And much, much more… https://youtu.be/34cMNrzJ_Ac Links and resources mentioned Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) The Spam Act O*NO Legal How competitions could land your business in hot water Kristen Porter on Elite Agent How to start your own agency without tripping over Would your real estate contractor pass the test? Things to consider when buying or selling a rent roll One simple step to take today to future proof your agency Five critical questions to ask when going into business with others To jab or not to jab, that is the question Is offering ownership in your agency the right call? The biggest Privacy Act mistake you need to avoid Connect with Kristen Website LinkedIn Facebook

Top-selling South Australian agent Nick Psarros realised early in his career he didn’t want to be the type of agent constantly chasing listings. Instead, he wanted to be an agent that people sought out to provide trusted advice and sell properties on their behalf. He made a pledge to offer ‘elite service’ – the type of care you can’t find anywhere else, with an agent who genuinely wants to know his client’s goals and actively helps achieve them. And his results speak for themselves. Consistently ranked among SA’s top selling agents, Nick received an AREA award last year, and is among the finalists again in 2022. In this Elevate Podcast with Cass Charlesworth, Nick offers an insight into what elite service looks like, and how it helped him become an agent of choice via word of mouth and referrals. He gives examples of the strategies he uses to go above and beyond for his clients, and as an auctioneer, offers his advice on what makes a great auction campaign, and how he guides his vendors through the auction process to consistently achieve record results. But this isn’t just an episode about how to gain listings and create a resume of successful sales. It also showcases the personal element to real estate, including the power of being a downright decent human being. Nick genuinely takes pleasure in helping others, owes much of his success to his need to give rather than receive, and in the process has become the trusted agent that multiple generations of vendors turn to in the Port Adelaide area. Now, he’s also seeking to impart this philosophy to the next generation of up and coming agents in his business. “You’ve got to ask yourself, do you want to be in this business? Are you hungry? Do you want to be great? Do you want to do great things for your vendors? Be the best you can be. Be single minded, be great, do great things and the results will come.” Nick Psarros https://youtu.be/RQougnxIeso Cass and Nick also discuss: The key elements of a successful auction campaign, including how to step the vendor through the process and achieve record results. How Nick creates and applies a different strategy to every property, and the ways he works with buyers and sellers to deliver the right outcome. Why he believes every buyer leaves a trail, and the questions he asks to uncover their intentions. How Nick prospects, and why selling property is never about the agent, it’s always about putting the client first. Why Nick determined his point of difference as an agent would be service, and what he put in place to ensure it was second to none. How Nick manages the balance of being a selling principal and a business operator, including time management tips, and why it’s critical everything has a ‘point and a purpose’. Why Nick’s next focus will be on the new generation of agents within his business, and how he intends to guide them to success. How his lengthy career in real estate has brought him incredible joy and the ways he creates a work/life balance through non-negotiables. What Nick puts in place each year to keep him on track and why he looks likely to sell 200 properties this financial year. And much, much more… Links and resources mentioned AREAs past winners AREAs finalists 2021 Nick on Elite Agent Consistency the key to success Connect with Nick Psarros Website LinkedIn 

From Google to Uber, Domain’s new Chief Revenue Officer John Foong has a resume that reads like the who’s who of the corporate world. Along the way he has established a global reputation as someone who consistently leads his teams to success. In an Elevate podcast that is packed full of leadership insight and lessons that translate from both Uber and Google to real estate, John talks about his approach to leadership, the mistakes he’s made along the way, and the strategies he now puts in place to build partnerships with his team and his customers. He shares an insight into how he became the youngest director of Google Cloud and then went on to become a leader of leaders, along with why he transitioned to Uber and what he hopes to achieve now at Domain. And the tips he offers are both empowering and insightful, applying to both leaders at the top of their game, and real estate professionals simply looking to take the next step in their career. In fact, this is a podcast that covers a whole lot of ground with key takeaways that range from the importance of two-way feedback when it comes to leading a team to the key questions you should ask yourself throughout your career. It also focuses on how you can bring out the best in your team, and why you should be consistently encouraging them to be in a place that is right for them. John also discusses his new role at Domain, including how he intends to help agents become more successful, more efficient and build better businesses that allow them to better service their clients. In the process, the episode offers a fascinating insight into a leader who remains humble, is committed to continual learning, and who is at the top of his game courtesy of gratitude, enthusiasm and the simple mantra of asking ‘what can I do for you?’.  “You’ve got to treasure your people because you are nothing without your people. Particularly the bigger the organisation you lead, you can’t be across everything. You can’t know everything. It’s all about how good the people are that you can attract. “You’ve got to treat your people like gold, and you’ve got to make it a place where it is rational for them to make this their home for the next few years, because it’s the best place where they can be rewarded and be trained and manage a family, or whatever life they want to lead.” John Foong. https://youtu.be/5xNB7831oxg Samantha McLean and John also discuss: Why John almost dropped out of school to live a life of service in Africa, but instead went on to learn about leadership from some of the best businesses in the world. How he found himself in Silicon Valley and landed a job at Google where he would become a leader of leaders. What it’s really like to work at one of the world’s most renowned companies, and the key strategies that translate to real estate. The leadership lessons John has learned along the way, and the mistakes that have helped him become more empathetic and more focused on ensuring the happiness of his team. How John uses two-way feedback to lead his team to success and why it’s all about ensuring they are the best place they can be both personally and professionally. Why people need to be treasured, but that doesn’t mean a leader can’t be tough, and set clear expectations. How Uber tapped into an unmet need, and the ways real estate can employ a similar strategy. Why John’s focus has always been about building partnerships, and how he will be using this in his new role at Domain.   How John and the Domain team intend to help agents enjoy greater success, and the new products that will help support agencies navigating a high-demand market. And much, much more… Links and resources mentioned From selling ads to delivering solutions: Jason Pellegrino Real Empathy: Cara Atchison talks Survivor, real people skills, and how real estate set her up for success The top five regrets of the dying – by Bronnie Ware The Internship Real Time Agent Pricefinder MarketNow Domain Social Boost Domain Early Access John Foong on Elite Agent 30 minutes with Domain’s John Foong: Real estate the Australian way  Domain appoints new Chief Revenue Officer John Foong Connect with John Website LinkedIn