

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 15, 2021 • 37min
Rocking the suburbs: Adam and Jason Spencer on creating hyperlocal content, lead generation, and being the go-to guide in your community
This episode of the Elevate podcast is brought to you by Connectnow
Homely is once again a marquee sponsor in Transform our 30 day challenge for Agents. Get an upgraded Premier Agent profile for free when you join the challengeRegister now
When it comes to local community, few people know the landscape better than agents and property managers.
After all, as a real estate professional, you’ve got your finger on the pulse of the best streets, the best schools, and the best places to get a darned good pizza.
That knowledge is a marketing opportunity many in the real estate industry miss.
In this Elevate podcast, Homely co-founders Jason and Adam Spencer explore how you can use that local knowledge to your advantage, generating leads while also improving your Google ranking.
Jason and Adam explain Homely was created out of a real need in real estate – a desire to really know and understand the place where you intend to purchase or rent your next home.
In the age of COVID, that need has never been greater, and Homely’s site visits are testament to this trend.
Started in 2014, the portal now has millions of users each month, driven by a desire to access authentic local content.
In the process Homely is taking on the major players as part of a family tradition where they’re encouraged to ‘swing for the fences’.
While this is a podcast primarily about how agents and property managers can use local knowledge to their marketing advantage, it also offers a great insight into the value of backing yourself when doubters abound.
“When we first launched people thought we were crazy but that’s half the fun. I love chasing those crazy big, silly ideas if you’ve got something unique and if you’ve got something different and we do at Homely,” Adam Spencer.
Sam, Jason and Adam also discuss:
How to create local content that generates authentic leads
The top topics that trend in terms of questions and discussion about suburbs
How agents can improve their SEO ranking with hyper-local content (spoiler alert – this is the stuff you specialise in and know about implicitly)
The innovative ways agents and PMs successfully use Homely to build a local profile and boost their business
How Homely and its agent community solve one of the biggest problems in real estate
Why Adam and Jason took on the big portals in the faith their offering was unique
How they’re partnering with the industry and where they intend to go from here
And more…
Links and resources mentioned
Transform XII
Homely in Elite Agent
Homely partners with Raine and Horne
Homely ranked as one of the top 10 real estate portals
Homely launches Well Home Loans integration
Connect with Adam Spencer
Website
LinkedIn
Connect with Jason Spencer
Website
LinkedIn

Oct 8, 2021 • 30min
Content that converts: Katie Lance on making time for social media, overcoming video fear, and how you can become a leader in your community
This episode of the Elevate podcast is brought to you by Connectnow
After hopping off stage for Inman Connect Las Vegas at the end of the month, Katie Lance will headlining Transform XII with fellow US Keynote Chelsea PeitzRegister now at Transform 2021
If you’ve ever thought creating a standout social media profile was all too hard and required time you don’t have, this is the podcast for you.
Our guest on this Elevate episode is Katie Lance – one of the industry’s best known social media experts, who also happens to be considered one of the most influential people in real estate by Inman News.
Specialising in social media for real estate, Katie works with agents to define and create their social media strategy.
She shares a wealth of great tips on doing just that in a podcast that’s packed full of tools and ideas you can use right now to build and maintain a standout profile.
From content ideas, to building communities, using video and finding ways to provide real value to your audience, Katie covers it all in a way that’s easy to understand, actionable and remains cognisant of the fact your real job is real estate but social media is an invaluable tool.
She also addresses those big social media questions like what platform, how often, and what content while providing some awesome advice on overcoming common fears like going live with video.
“As an agent, you shouldn’t be spending all your time on Facebook or anywhere on social media. You know, you’re a real estate professional. So how can you make the most of your time and avoid the time suck and just be really efficient and be really intentional?” Katie Lance.
Katie and Sam also discuss:
How to create a social strategy that sees you become the heartbeat of your community
Ideas for creating content that is timely and valuable, or evergreen and essential to your audience
The top tools Katie uses to create great content
How solid social media strategy can help you build your business and attract qualified leads
Why the pursuit of perfection should never hold you back from embracing social media and getting the job done
Ways that you can work smarter not harder to roll out content that has your audience coming back for more
The new social media trends that are shaping real estate and why they’re here to stay
The two major opportunities Facebook offers for agents, and how you can use them to best effect
Where the line is between business and personal social media, and how it’s impacted by the 80/20 rule
And more…
Links and resources mentioned
Inman News
Transform 2021
Canva
Videoshop
Chelsea Peitz
GetSocialSmart
30 Facebook Live Ideas for Real Estate (and other resources)
Connect with Katie
Website
LinkedIn
Youtube
Facebook
Instagram

Sep 30, 2021 • 31min
How to build a rent roll at speed: Daisy Campbell talks acquisitions, high-growth culture, and setting up your team for success
This episode of the Elevate podcast is brought to you by Connectnow
If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to build a successful property management business at speed, Xceed Real Estate in WA offers an ideal case study.
In just five short years their rent roll has grown from 90 properties under management to over 4000.
Along the way, they’ve opted to do things a little differently, with their property managers assigned to tasks rather than handling entire portfolios.
In this Elevate podcast, Xceed licensee Daisy Campbell explains why Xceed takes that approach and how it makes for a better experience for all stakeholders.
She also shares Xceed’s growth strategy, how they manage acquisitions, where they intend to get to in order to enjoy ongoing organic increases, and the lessons she’s learned in five years overseeing a fast-growing agency.
A masterclass in business growth, this podcast offers some great insight and actionable strategies for successfully acquiring additional rent rolls, the things you need to consider when you do and the ways to empower both new and existing staff to take ownership of their role within a property management business.
“I think when you separate it and just let people do what they enjoy and what they’re good at, it’s better for the client, it’s better for the staff member, it’s better for us as an agency and we just get better outcomes all around,” Daisy Campbell
Samantha and Daisy also discuss:
The future of property management including outsourcing, tech and how the perception of the sector needs to change
How to manage the expectations of clients, and why it’s OK to say no to a client who’s not right for your business
The secrets of successful staff retention and how task-based property management allows each member to play to their strengths
How to create a winning culture where staff are invested in both the business and its growth
The strategies Xceed uses to create a family feel and connection within their fast-growing team
How to have client conversations that encourage business and where to look to identify new opportunities
Why every property manager is a ‘mini-BDM’ and how Xceed encourages their staff to embrace that mindset
And more…
Links and resources mentioned
Elite team notes AREC 2021
Connect with Daisy
Website
LinkedIn

Sep 23, 2021 • 37min
Leaving a legacy: Clinton Eastell and Dan Argent talk self-motivation, the pros and cons of running your own business, and what it takes to have your name on the door
This episode of the Elevate podcast is brought to you by Connectnow
Running your own agency might be the dream for many, but what does it really take to have your name on the door?
Self-motivation, self-belief and the drive to achieve something more, according to Clinton Eastell of Eastell and Co on the Sunshine Coast.
At 25, Clinton joined UrbanX and started his own agency in March 2020, just days before COVID became a national crisis. A little thing like an international pandemic wasn’t going to hold him back, however.
He hit the ground running, rallying the support of his community and quickly established a team. Now he’s opened his own shopfront at Coolum and has expanded his staff to 10.
Clinton says right from the outset of his real estate career, he knew one day he would be his own boss.
But that’s not to say it’s all been easy. As Clinton and UrbanX founder Dan Argent explain, it takes a certain type of person to go it alone, and there’s a lot of hard work in the years prior.
In this Elevate podcast they discuss the pros and cons of running your own business, who it suits and why it’s not for everyone in the industry.
“The day that I decided I wanted to try real estate was, the goal wasn’t about money and the goal wasn’t about anything else, but legacy. I felt, with all due respect, you don’t necessarily create a legacy working as an agent under somebody else. You create a legacy by elevating your name.” Clinton Eastell.
Samantha, Clinton and Dan also discuss:
The top traits of people suited to running their own real estate business
How success is built in the years prior to having your name on the door
The psyche of being your own boss
What level you need to be at before even considering going out on your own
How Clinton built rapport in his community to have the most incredible launch UrbanX has ever seen
The tough lessons Dan learnt in his early days in business
How the right support from the right people at the right time can play a major role in business success
And so much more…
Links and resources mentioned
Damien Cooley
The Block
Tom Panos
Matt Lancashire
Connect with Clinton
Website
Instagram
Connect with Dan
Website
LinkedIn

Sep 17, 2021 • 36min
Luxury lister: Michael Pallier talks premium properties, exceptional service, and how to sell Australia’s finest real estate
This episode of the Elevate podcast is brought to you by Connectnow
Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes when selling Sydney’s finest properties? It’s not all Luxe Listings, flash cars and high-flying lifestyles, according to Sotheby’s Sydney managing director Michael Pallier.
Michael has sold some of Australia’s most valuable prestige property, smashing auction and suburb records along the way. Eye watering sales prices like $95 million effortlessly roll off his tongue, while harbourside properties in Vaucluse, Point Piper and Double Bay are his daily reality.
So, what does it take to sell these properties and attract prestige clients in the process?
If Michael’s anything to go by, it’s a down to earth personality, great service, and the realisation that real estate is first and foremost a people business, no matter what walk of life your clients come from.
In this really enjoyable episode of the Elevate Podcast, Michael proves why he’s renowned as a true gentleman of real estate.
He shares a host of great stories about selling some very well-known properties, along with the skills required to be a top agent handling some of the most valuable real estate in Australia.
He also shares the secrets to his success, and how he went from luxury car sales to luxury real estate. By the way, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. He didn’t list anything in his first three months, and has some great takeaways on how he turned that around to achieve momentum.
“I think people respect you if you put the hard yards in and you work hard. It’s not about you as the agent, it’s about the client…you’ve got to be a little bit low-key, work hard and just give the people what they want. Then you’ll be very successful.” Michael Pallier
Samantha and Michael also discuss:
What luxury service looks like
How to become a prestige property agent
The basics of real estate that apply, no matter the market or the price bracket
Michael’s top tips for productivity
How to build a business based on repeat clientele
How he structures his day to achieve consistent success (spoiler alert…Apple’s iPhone is part of the equation, and so is his love of cars)
Why Michael has no regrets, and believes fitness and health is critical to his role as an agent
How he feels about his recent appearance on Luxe Listings Sydney
What’s happening with that historic castle at Castle Cove
Why Sotheby’s NSW is eyeing Byron Bay
And so much more…
Links and resources mentioned
Luxe Listings Sydney
Luxe Listings Episode 4 recap
Luxe Listings Episode 6 recap
Innisfallen Castle
Zig Ziglar
Michael Pallier on Elite Agent
Sydney mansion breaks auction record
AREC 2019
Connect with Michael
Website
LinkedIn

Sep 9, 2021 • 37min
Leadership with Intent: Our Spring cover Josh Morrissey talks the extra 20 per cent, demonstrating real value, and stand-out marketing
This episode of the Elevate podcast is brought to you by Connectnow
Whether you’re an agent starting out or a leader looking to go to the next level, this recent chat with HIVE Property principal Josh Morrissey has a whole lot of wisdom for everyone.
In a podcast that’s packed full of actionable insights, Josh shares a host of great tips on the skills agents really need, how they can demonstrate true value to vendors, and the top habits every agent should embrace to thrive in both good times and bad.
Josh started HIVE in 2018 and already it’s an agency making a mark in Canberra. They consistently set suburb records, while in the past year Josh has sold 205 properties personally.
But it’s not all work and no balance. Josh says success for him isn’t just about business, and shares a big tip on how to have it all while enjoying the journey along the way.
He also notes there’s one critical question every leader, agent or individual should ask themselves regularly, and if they don’t know the answer, they should.
Josh goes on to share the most important leadership lessons he’s learned, the unique strategy he used to become a multi-area expert, along with the resources he turns to time and again.
Josh also happens to be our cover for the Spring edition of the Elite Agent Magazine, where he offers further insight into his real estate journey so far, the ethos behind HIVE and what drives him to succeed.
“If you’re going to get into real estate or into business or a leadership role, know your ‘why’. Be really, really clear. If you’re going to take on a leadership role within your team or within your business, do it with intent and do it with a plan.
“Your actions affect the people working for you. So if you’re going to go, go all in, don’t do it half-hearted and just enjoy the ride.” Josh Morrissey
Samantha and Josh also discuss:
How to negotiate your way to happy sellers and buyers
What clients really want from an agent right now
How to avoid the cost conversation by demonstrating value
What skills agents need to survive in both good markets and bad
The structure, standards and habits of success
Ways to avoid being a ‘cookie-cutter stereotype’
How Josh wins the morning to win the day, the week, the month and the year
His top advice for those starting outAnd more…
Links and resources mentioned
Marty Fox
Ryan Holiday
Ryan Holiday at AREC
Josh Phegan
Tom Panos
Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki
Think big and grow rich by Napoleon Hill
The Mindset Mentor podcast
Canberra agent with a passion for boxing and knockout property sales
Connect with Josh
Website
LinkedIn

Sep 2, 2021 • 32min
Monthly Wrap: Samantha McLean and Leanne Pilkington discuss lockdowns, the vaccination debate, where agents should direct their attention, and the top podcast takeaways
This episode of the Elevate podcast is brought to you by Connectnow
From the vaccination debate to lockdown slump, there’s some big issues at play in real estate at the moment. In this podcast Elite Agent’s Samantha McLean and Courageous Conversations host Leanne Pilkington tackle them head on.
Drawing on key takeaways from recent podcasts, they discuss what agents should be doing in lockdown, what’s likely to happen in the coming weeks and how agents can prepare for the period ahead.
Samantha and Leanne note right now is the opportunity to set yourself up for the long-awaited comeback, and it could be as soon as October this year.
The pair also recap their favourite takeaways from recent podcasts including interviews with Michael Sheargold and Steve Carroll, looking at how agents have overcome adversity, why leadership is critical, and the role real estate professionals should be playing in their community.
“If your database needs a little bit of tweaking. If you don’t know how to use your CRM as well as you should, if your listing presentation isn’t up to scratch, now is the time. Do the stuff that you don’t normally have the time to do now whether it’s personally or at work,” Leanne Pilkington.
Samantha and Leanne also discuss:
How to be a hero in your community, and why it’s needed now more than ever
Why every agency should consider their risk profile when it comes to PropTech
How to be the leader your people need
Who will ultimately decide the real estate vaccination debate
Why emerging from lockdown will be all about systems, skills and people
What will happen when restrictions lift in New South Wales and Victoria
Four ways agencies should prepare for the pent-up supplyAnd more…
Links and resources mentioned:
Courageous Conversations: How Marnie Beauchamp conquered extreme adversity
Courageous Conversations: Michael Sheargold talks the empathy factor
What to post: Chelsea Peitz
Take back the narrative: Steve Carroll
How to be client-centric: Kylie Davis
The vexing issue of vaccination: how the real estate industry is handling the issue
Rik Rushton
Connect with Leanne
Courageous Conversations on Apple Podcasts
Laing + Simmons
LinkedIn
Twitter
RWIRE
Leanne Pilkington on Elite Agent
Stepping outside my comfort zone: Leanne Pilkington
2021 Market Outlook: Leanne Pilkington
The four Cs of leadership in a crisis: Leanne Pilkington
Turning lockdown lessons into productivity hacks
The new opportunities of working from home

Aug 27, 2021 • 43min
How to be client-centric: Kylie Davis talks building real estate relationships, what buyers and sellers really want, and the PropTech you really need
This episode of the Elevate podcast is brought to you by Connectnow
If you’ve ever thought there’s too much PropTech to get your head around, you’re probably right. It’s a big, big arena, with lots of bright shiny objects all vying for your business attention.
But if there’s one person who can help you understand the tech currently available, how it can benefit your business and more importantly your customer, it’s Kylie Davis.
As the head of the PropTech Association, Kylie has her finger on the pulse of all the latest tools, tech and innovation. However, her real skill lies in identifying how those tools translate to a better real estate experience for your customers.
Kylie explains too often agencies look at PropTech from the wrong angle, seeking out the latest shiny object that they mistakenly believe will make all their woes disappear.
Instead, they should be approaching PropTech with the customer experience front of mind.
Kylie also outlines exactly the tech she would employ as an agency owner in order to focus on building better client relationships.
Along the way she discusses the agency of the future, and shares an in-depth insight into what buyers and sellers actually want in terms of real estate relationships.
“The thing that you need to do is to understand what kind of agent and what kind of agency do you want to run? What do you want that end user experience to feel like for your clients and how can you get more clients, how do you get more leads?
“Then take each section one by one and find out or ask around to find out, well, what tech could help us solve this problem?” Kylie Davis.
Samantha and Kylie also discuss:
How to set up an agency for the future
What buyers and sellers really want
The biggest innovations occurring in real estate
What property management will look like in the years to come
How to tie your tech together for a better customer experience
Why it’s a myth that all PropTechs are startups
Why selecting a PropTech is about considering how much you’re willing to risk
How disruption stems from the need for a better real estate experience
When and why you should trial tech in your business
What customers really want from the PropTech you implement
And more…
Links and resources mentioned
Australian PropTech Association
Who won the 2021 Australian PropTech awards and why
Building Trust is the secret weapon to winning listings
ActivePipe
Kylie Davis on Elite Agent
Kylie Davis: Technology and trends
Connect with Kylie
Website
LinkedIn

Aug 19, 2021 • 36min
Take back the narrative: Steve Carroll talks increased expectations, digital trends, and how to be your customer’s hero
This episode of the Elevate podcast is brought to you by Connectnow
When Steve Carroll talks, you know you’re in for some great insight into digital trends and technology along with actionable tips to help you navigate a fast-changing social media landscape. This podcast is no exception.
Steve is of course a fan favourite in the real estate industry for all the right reasons.
He’s passionate about educating and empowering agents with digital skills and he’s worked for some of the biggest names in real estate and media, such as REA and News Corp. Along the way he’s also liaised with the top tech giants across the world, including Google, LinkedIn, and Facebook.
Steve notes agents are currently faced with the challenge of keeping up with fast-paced changes to both social media and digital technology. At the same time, they’re grappling with increased consumer expectation.
So how do you stay up to speed and ensure you are adapting with the times? Steve says it’s all about examining what you’re doing and asking whether it’s up to par. But first and foremost it’s about considering things from your customer’s perspective at a time when the world needs heroes.
Steve also gets real about how tough the past year has been for many before addressing what he believes will be the biggest challenge for real estate leaders, agents and property managers in the period ahead (and it’s not technology, it goes far deeper).
“The world is crying out for heroes to stand up. So, if you’re a real estate agent, maybe just set the bar a little bit higher and set the bar to be the hero in the area you operate in. Social media gives you a great opportunity to do that.” Steve Carroll
Samantha and Steve also discuss:
Why consumer expectations are higher than ever
How social media is driving increased expectations across all industries
How to get confident with video, and why authenticity is the key
Steve’s new role as an ambassador for HomeLoop and how the technology is bringing communication between agents and buyers into the 21st century.
Why it’s OK to acknowledge it’s hard to stay focused and energized at the moment due to lockdowns and uncertainty, and what to do when your energy lags
Who is among the lineup for Digital Live 2022
How the Ride to Provide changes the mindset of everyone taking part
Why the event has changed Steve’s approach to leadership and how celebrating the team matters more than individual achievement for real estate culture.
Links and resources mentioned
Digital Live
Ride to Provide
Hands Across the Water
HomeLoop
Lisa Novak
Steve on Elite Agent
Technology doesn’t disrupt industries, it disrupts efficiencies
Leadership in the digital age
Reinventing and reimagining your capabilities
10 essential takeaways from Digital Live 2018
Connect with Steve
LinkedIn
Website

Aug 13, 2021 • 46min
What to post: Chelsea Peitz talks social strategy, breaking the rules and how to create shareable, saveable content
This episode of the Elevate podcast is brought to you by Connectnow
Want get inspired to start getting your brand out there on Instagram with stuff that really works?
There are lots of times we get all keen and enthusiastic about getting our online presence going, but plenty of things stop us, the time it takes, the fear of putting yourself out there, trying to think about what to post.
And even if you are a dab hand at things like Instagram reels, stories, snaps and the like you are no doubt going to learn things you didn’t know from this fun and easy listen with one of the most followed social media coaches in the world and that is today’s Elevate guest Chelsea Peitz.
A powerhouse of the real estate digital footprint, Chelsea was named the #1 Content Creator in the USA by Favicon and the #1 Real Estate Snapchatter in the US in 2017 by Inman News.
We’ve been following Chelsea for a while now (thanks to Ellen Farley) and she’s pretty fun to listen to watch and learn from.
Chelsea explains too often agents overcomplicate their approach to social media, treating it as an overwhelming task that either gets pushed to the backburner or becomes a bit of a second job that they struggle to fit into their busy schedule.
Chelsea also chats about how and why Instagram reels and IGTV are coming up the social media ranks as one of the most authentic digital tools in the industry.
“We’re real estate professionals. We’re not content creators. A lot of times that becomes an excuse. “I like to take away all the excuses. No, you don’t need a fancy camera. You have a phone. No, you don’t need to be making content every day. But what you do need to be doing is talking to people – the oldest sales strategy ever.” Chelsea Peitz
Samantha and Chelsea also discuss:
Why you should break the ‘rigid’ social media rules and mend them to fit your personal and professional goals
How to add value to your marketplace and niche which will lead to increased referrals
Insights into Instagram’s reel and why the platform developers are focusing on smaller time creators (not just those with over 1 million followers)
How to decipher Instagram analytics and use the metrics to boost your brand and profile
The challenges of building trusted relationships with potential clients through your device and how to overcome them
The ways you can translate social media followers to your database of interested clientele
Why you should stop focussing on content and start focussing on commenting
And more…
Links and resources mentioned:
What to Post: How to Create Engaging Social Media Content That Builds Your Brand and Gets Results (for Real Estate) Chelsea Peitz
Talking in Pictures: How Snapchat Changed Cameras, Communication, and Communities
Connect with Chelsea:
Website
Instagram
Facebook
LinkedIn