

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

Nov 26, 2021 • 21min
Mastering the basics: Anthony Webb on leadership, 50 years of family business, and what it takes to go the distance
This episode of the Elevate podcast is brought to you by Connectnow
If you’d told Anthony Webb at 16 he would one day lead the family real estate business, he would have scoffed at the idea.
But when a holiday job in real estate turned part-time then full-time, the second-generation agent quickly found his niche.
Now Anthony heads up one of Victoria’s major independent agencies as the Chief Executive Officer of Philip Webb Real Estate.
Boasting a rent roll of about 6000 properties, a large sales team and 120 staff, it’s a brand that’s come a long way from the agency his father started half a century ago, aged just 19.
The business might have increased, their market might have changed but the philosophy that made Philip Webb a success in those early days largely remains the same.
In this Elevate podcast, Anthony shares an insight into that philosophy, along with the leadership lessons he’s learned as a second-generation business owner.
He also discusses the things he wishes he had known earlier in his career, the big challenges facing the industry right now, and how Philip Webb Real Estate navigated the lengthy lockdowns of Melbourne along with major industry change.
“Young agents these days are looking for the partnership, they’re looking for the flash car when what they really need to do, and what I had to learn, was that it really comes down to making sure that you are a master at the basics – making sure that you’re doing it every day and just really learning and practising as much as you possibly can because you can’t just wing life and you can’t wing real estate either,” – Anthony Webb.
Samantha and Anthony also discuss:
The power of a great rent roll and how it protects your business
Why successful leadership is about working with each individual in your team differently
How Anthony’s career in real estate actually started at six-years-old and involved a major bonus
Why his current major focus is on creating pathways and developing future leaders within his business
How his father’s real estate experience informs Anthony’s career and approach to people
Why listening is the most important skill real estate agents need to learn
The three major promises that continue to underpin Philip Webb’s real estate success and how his father used them to start a business at only 19.
Why it’s critical to master each step of the real estate journey and how that benefits an agent’s career.
And more…
Links and resources mentioned
How to win friends and influence people – Dale Carnegie
Zig Ziglar
Anthony on Elite Agent
Long service leads to partnership at Philip Webb
Philip Webb announces new CEO as part of succession plan
Connect with Anthony
Website
LinkedIn

Nov 19, 2021 • 40min
Making the news: Elizabeth Tilley on how to work with the media and why you should think big when it comes to marketing and editorial
This episode of the Elevate podcast is brought to you by Connectnow
Australians simply can’t get enough of real estate and the stories behind it, and they’re seeking it everywhere they can – from newspapers to news sites, magazines, liftouts and beyond.
So, as an agent, how do you tap this trend, work with the media and gain coverage for your listing and brand?
Elizabeth Tilley is the Queensland real estate editor for News Corp – one of Australia’s largest media conglomerates with a reach that spans metropolitan mastheads, local papers, digital news sites and a major stake in realestate.com.au.
Each day she lives and breathes real estate news, working with agents to share the stories of properties, provide market commentary, and feed a nation’s hunger for all things property related.
In this Elevate podcast, Elizabeth shares her advice on how agents can work with the media, including what makes a great story and the ways agents can help have that story told.
She notes there are different ingredients that go into a truly compelling news piece and they go far beyond what’s in a listing write-up.
Exclusivity, uniqueness, a high potential price are just some of the deciding factors, but so is an interesting backstory about the owner or a fascinating history of the property.
Elizabeth also provides a look behind the scenes at exactly how News Corp’s real estate coverage works, including all the different avenues where real estate agents can make the news, the difference between print and digital stories, and why auction coverage is the new national sport.
She provides great tips on how agents can help get a story across the news line and the data that allows News Corp to determine exactly what their readers want.
But most importantly she urges agents who believe they have a story to reach out and make contact with one of her team.
“There’s no such thing as a dumb story…Don’t be afraid to reach out by email or phone and let us know what you’re working on, who you’re working with – any kind of interesting thing. We’ll tell you if it’s not newsworthy.” Elizabeth Tilley.
Samantha and Elizabeth also discuss:
The common ingredients of a great real estate news story and why it’s all about what’s different, interesting and perhaps even quirky
How agents can create a mini media kit to help get a property story across the line
The ways you can make your potential story stand out from a crowd of newsroom emails
Why it’s better to pick up the phone or make contact than presume a story isn’t newsworthy
How News Corp’s data and insight can help you shape a great marketing campaign across print and digital
The ways real estate news coverage has changed in recent times and why it’s a topic the audience can’t get enough of
Why livestream auctions are the new national pastime and also provide an opportunity for agents to gain coverage
How News Corp’s different assets work together across print, digital and broadcast and why this creates new opportunities for agents to attract coverage for the listings and brand
The ways you can then use that coverage to further promote your brand
And much, much more
Links and resources mentioned
Courier Mail real estate
Mansion magazine – The Australian
How we sold it
How we sold it: Malumba Estate
Connect with Elizabeth
Website
LinkedIn

Nov 11, 2021 • 19min
Proactive not reactive: Ryan Mitchell on rent roll growth, consistent communication and what it takes to be property manager of the year
This episode of the Elevate podcast is brought to you by Connectnow
Raine & Horne Kurri Kurri co-director Ryan Mitchell never expected to take out a national award for Property Manager of the Year.
In fact, he was ‘gobsmacked’ when he did, noting his small town approach seemed a far cry from the big players in the big smoke.
But, up against some of the best performers in the country, Ryan picked up the 2020 Annual REA Excellence Award for Property Manager of the Year.
The recognition was due to a dynamic approach to increasing his brand’s rent roll, along with his commitment to consistent communication with clientele.
Last year, Ryan grew his rent roll by 59 per cent, partly due to thinking outside the box, but also due to the fact he took every single phone call that came his way in the knowledge it could be a new listing.
In this episode of the Elevate podcast with Cass Charlesworth, Ryan shares the strategies he used to grow a regional rent roll, along with the practices that saw him named 2020 Property Manager of the Year.
He also looks back at the challenges of the past two years and how Raine & Horne Kurri Kurri built trust with their clients in a time of turmoil.
In this podcast about recognition rightly earned, Ryan then shares how the AREA win helped the team build their business further and reveals the recent acquisition that saw his rent roll double again.
“I’m a big believer in being proactive, not reactive. And I think that that’s what keeps us in front and on top of the ball. Every day we try and live by that in this agency. As soon as you become reactive, you’re behind the eight ball.” Ryan Mitchell.
Cassandra and Ryan also discuss:
The shift to regional areas and how that’s impacting property management, including the ways Ryan and his team are managing demand for rentals in the Hunter.
The conversations Ryan is having with landlords about price increases and how the brand is striking the right balance for investors and tenants
How property management brings an important perspective to leadership, and why real estate has changed in recent times
Why Ryan decided to think outside the box when it came to rent roll growth and how that resulted in a 59 per cent increase in properties under management.
How a co-worker put Ryan forward for the Property Manager of the Year award and why it prompted Ryan to reflect on small wins that delivered big results
Why applying for an Annual REA Excellence was about more than the win, and helped Ryan put his business strategy in perspective.
The ways Ryan and his team used the AREA win to create more business.
Why property management is all about being proactive, not reactive and how to ensure you remain ahead of changing landscapes and trends
Submissions are currently open for the 2021 Annual REA Excellence Awards, and you can nominate here.
Links and resources mentioned
Ecosystem of excellence: Dean Mackie
Annual REA Excellence Awards applications
2020 AREA winners
Ryan on Elite Agent
Raine & Horne set to give the property market some Kurri with new office in the Hunter
Connect with Ryan
Website
LinkedIn

Nov 4, 2021 • 39min
Ecosystem of excellence: Dean Mackie on what it takes to be the agency of the year, getting the basics right and leadership with purpose
This episode of the Elevate podcast is brought to you by Connectnow
As the CEO of DiJones, Dean Mackie knows he’s responsible for a legacy. His name may not be on the door, but as the brand prepares to turn 30, he is the custodian of its future.
‘Brave, curious and authentic’ are just some of the words he uses to describe his vision for the company, noting as a leader he has come to understand it’s not about achievement but creating a business with purpose.
In this Elevate podcast hosted by podcast producer Cass Charlesworth, Dean takes a deep dive into what it is to redefine a brand, why it matters, and how DiJones is using technology to assist.
He also looks at the real estate trends that are becoming evident since COVID restrictions eased, and how that’s set to impact the industry.
Explaining the market is shifting, Dean shares his thoughts on what good agents need to be doing right now, what brands need to focus on to better service their customer, and how the real estate industry needs to get back to basics for the period ahead.
Dean also offers an insight into how the past 18 months have impacted him personally, the ways he sought to support his team, and why being named AREA Residential Agency of the Year gave DiJones a unique opportunity to take stock of their achievements and opportunities.
“Our focus is how do we unlock more? The future of DiJones lies inside my people, how do I help them unlock more and fulfil their potential? And how do I get them to do the same for our customers?” Dean Mackie.
Cass and Dean also discuss:
How Dean used COVID lockdowns to rethink his company vision and personal leadership style
Why a cooking class proved the highlight of lockdown for DiJones staff, and the other wellbeing initiatives they employed
How agents coped with one-on-one inspections and why the legacy was incredible fatigue
Why Dean believes kindness and respect matter more than ever to the real estate industry
The ways DiJones is employing technology to improve the customer experience but retain the personal connection
How DiJones created a winning AREAs submission and why it allowed them to take stock, recognise their achievements and find fresh areas for improvement
What the AREAs win did for the DiJones team and why they’re nominating again this year
Why DiJones works in 90-day sprints and what it allows them to achieve
What Dean believes good agents need to be doing right now to manage the rise in listings and the settling of the market ahead
Why agents need to hone their craft now and how DiJones does that by getting back to basics
How DiJones intends to mark its 30th anniversary with more innovation, more inspiration and by unlocking their team’s potential
And much, much more.
Submissions are currently open for the 2021 Annual REA Excellence Awards, and you can nominate here.
Links and resources mentioned
The 2021 Annual REA Excellence Awards
Tanja Lee Coaching
RiTA by AiRE
Leadership with intent: Josh Morrissey
Dean Mackie on Elite Agent
Dean Mackie: In the driver’s seat
2020 vision: Dean Mackie
Connect with Dean
Website
LinkedIn

Oct 29, 2021 • 22min
Leverage the learning: Kul Singh talks customer focus, market conditions, and what it takes to be an AREA winner
This episode of the Elevate podcast is brought to you by Connectnow
Between on-again, off-again lockdowns, a hot property market and the demands of one- on-one inspections, it’s been a rollercoaster year for real estate.
But as REA Group’s Chief Customer Officer Kul Singh explains, there’s a lot to celebrate as we come out the other side.
That’s exactly what the group intends to do at this year’s Annual REA Excellence Awards, with nominations for the awards open until November 17.
Kul explains this year’s awards will be a little different, but offer the opportunity for agencies to examine all that they’ve achieved in a year that’s been like no other.
It’s a chance to celebrate, he says, while leveraging the learning of a challenging 18 months.
In this episode of the Elevate podcast, Kul shares why he feels this year’s awards are so important, looking back at the year that was, while examining what’s happening in the market now, and what’s likely to occur next.
With a deep insight into market trends and data, he offers some tips for agents looking to better connect with potential clients, and shares the REA tools that will assist agents and property managers with leads and improved service.
Kul also discusses what it’s been like to reside in a city that’s gone from the most liveable to the most locked down, and why he believes kindness is currently critical in business, along with the initiatives REA has introduced to foster wellbeing for its customers.
“Learn from the past and leverage the learnings over the last 12 to 18 months, but focus on the opportunities ahead. As they say, the windscreen is bigger than the rearview mirror, and there’s plenty of opportunities ahead of us that we can create positive change for.” Kul Singh.
Samantha and Kul also discuss:
What it takes to be an AREA winner, and the top tips for creating a winning submission
How winning an AREA benefits individuals and brands, along with the support and prizes up for grabs
What’s different about the AREAs this year in terms of submissions, data-driven awards and new categories
How buyer search terms and sentiment has changed in a market where listings are tight and prices are high, and how you can assist your customers manage this shift
Why now’s the time for agents to get up to speed on renovations as a strategy to engage with vendors moving forward
How the lifting of restrictions is impacting the property market in terms of vendor inquiry, and the tools agencies can use to nurture and connect with prospects
Why REA partnered with Benny Button to introduce a wellbeing initiative, and how the industry responded with record engagement
How REA is more focussed than ever on its customer and their feedback and what they’re using it to achieve
And much, much more…
Links and resources mentioned
REA Benny Button webinar series
Benny Button
AREAs awards 2021
AREAs winners 2020
Connect
REA App
Kul Singh on Elite Agent
The AREAs are back with a new feel-good category
Kul Singh takes on new role as REA Group shifts to a customer-focused model
REA Group announces Benny Button partnership for customers
Realestate.com.au honours the top residential and commercial agents across Australia
Looking back, moving forward: Owen Wilson and Kul Singh
Connect with Kul
Website
LinkedIn

Oct 22, 2021 • 43min
Tech gets personal: Ian Campbell on AI, The art of successful change and the real skill you need to master
This episode of the Elevate podcast is brought to you by Connectnow
Could a robot ever replace an agent or property manager?
It’s a question many in the industry ponder and one that AIRE software founder and RiTA creator Ian Campbell has considered at length.
As the brains behind a purpose-built digital assistant for the industry, Ian says there is an increasing role for artificial intelligence, particularly when it comes to supporting agents in prospecting, lead generation and tapping the power of their data.
Over the coming years, that technology will also become more effective, more intuitive and more essential to agents looking to offer great service.
But will it ever replace the traditional real estate agent?
Ian’s answer might surprise you in an Elevate podcast that takes a deep dive into what the future of real estate will look like, along with how agents can use tools like artificial intelligence to best effect.
What’s particularly compelling about this podcast is that often talk about futuristic technology gets complicated quickly, conjuring images of Jetsons-like landscapes amid terms like big data, machine learning, AI, and automation.
Instead, Ian discusses some big-picture questions in a really down to earth and accessible conversation about the current role of agents, the future of the industry and how technology will support human skills moving forward.
Along the way, Ian offers some great tips on the process of adopting technology and why it involves trust.
“It’s not about the technology they need today. It’s about the technology they’re willing to implement and trust and delegate to in the future. That’s probably what’s most important now and also making sure that they make a good decision about whether that’s right for them,” Ian Campbell
Ian and Samantha also discuss:
What digital assistants can do for the industry now, along with what they’ll be capable of in the future
How artificial intelligence will help the industry in the years ahead
Why real estate is an industry with delegation issues that will need to learn to release control
How tech adoption is a leap of faith and an exercise in trust (there’s a great analogy here involving your humble Roomba vacuum cleaner)
What to consider when you look at tech tools, and the things you need to have in place first
The areas of real estate where technology will never be as good as you are, and the places where AI will far surpass your skills
Why the data you create is one of the most important assets you have, and how it’s not names and addresses that matter most when it comes to collecting personal information
The importance of data consent, and how to go about getting it in a way that nurtures prospects
And more…
Links and resources mentioned
AIRE
RiTA
Descript
Jarvis (now Jasper as of January 2022)
Gong.io
Google Duplex
Ian Campbell on Elite Agent
Automation Nation
Century 21 rolls out AI technology
Connect with Ian
Website
LinkedIn

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


