

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

Aug 6, 2021 • 32min
The Leadership Diaries: Dan White
This episode of the Elevate podcast is brought to you by Connectnow
Believe it or not, the great, great-grandson of Ray White wasn’t 100 per cent sure he would go into real estate.
Dan White actually started his professional career in accounting after receiving a Commerce/Law degree from the University of Queensland.
But the pull of the industry and destiny had more to say in the matter and he’s now been the Managing Director of the group for over 20 years.
These days, Dan is working to develop modern strategies for the Ray White Group while balancing the legacy of his predecessors.
In this edition of the Elevate podcast, Dan reveals what it was like taking the reins of the business, why there was some hesitation in the beginning, and the role his father and brothers have played in developing him to be the leader he is today and what the plans are for the future.
Samantha and Dan also discuss:
The challenges (and opportunities) of managing one of Australia’s biggest groups amid continual lockdowns
What he has learned from his father and brothers over the years and how each have developed
How the family stay connected when it comes to making the important business decisions
Recent strategic moves and hires and what that means for the group in terms of addings skills and specialisation
The importance of being able to analyse data to help both franchisees and the consumers they serve
How Brian’s leadership has inspired him to lead others in the team
The importance of continuing education and keeping abreast of technology in the industry
What he wishes he knew starting his career in real estate
His advice for young people entering the industry
Who was really on the phone in the Luxe Listings Sydney finale
And more…
Dan’s Recommended links and resources
Everybody Matters: The Extraordinary Power of Caring for Your People Like Family by Bob Chapman (Amazon)
Measure What Matters by John Doerr (Amazon or Google Play)
Harvard After Hours podcast
Dan White on Elite Agent
Brian White’s family home in Brisbane sells for $10 million
Start-up portal Zango welcomes White family to the register
Ray White reports record month of transactions in March
Nerida Consibee to join Ray White as the group’s first Chief Economist
What we can learn from real estate businesses overseas: Dan White
Rising star appointed to lead Ray White Commercial
Connect with Dan
LinkedIn
Ray White Group
White and Partners

Jul 30, 2021 • 43min
Living a big life: Daniel Hayes talks Big Brother, mental health, Harleys and real estate
This episode of the Elevate podcast is brought to you by Connectnow
Hayeswinckle managing director Daniel Hayes became a household name this year after starring in the latest season of Big Brother Australia.
On top of being a television star and heading six boutique real estate offices in greater Geelong, Daniel is a sought after speaker and best-selling author of So You Wanna Be A Real Estate Superstar.
When he’s not in the office, Daniel’s greatest passion is motorcycles. He shares his adrenaline-filled interest on his YouTube channel Million Dollar Bogan, which boasts nearly 90,000 subscribers.
In this edition of the Elevate podcast, Daniel shares the behind the scenes gossip from Big Brother, what he thinks about being called a ‘loose cannon’ and creating a social media presence.
Samantha and Daniel also discuss:
What Daniel really thinks about the ongoing lockdowns
Taking big chances, even when it could all go wrong
His candid advice for new agents
How motorcycle riding helps his mental health
Having ‘the hunger’ as a real estate agent
Which Luxe Listings Sydney star’s social media does Daniel admire
What inspired him to start in real estate at 31 years old
And more…
Links and resources mentioned
So You Wanna be a Real Estate Super Star? Kindle version
Million Dollar Bogan YouTube channel
Big Brother Australia
Daniel Hayes on Elite Agent
Daniel Hayes on being authentic, villain edits and how his real estate know-how helped him on Big Brother
Five Reasons we think Daniel Hayes should win Big Brother
The Blame Game
Connect with Daniel
Hayeswinckle
Instagram
YouTube
LinkedIn
Mental health crisis support is is available from LifeLine at 13 11 14, Beyond Blue at 1300 22 4636 or through various online resources.

Jul 16, 2021 • 29min
Forward planning your success: Sherrie Storor
This episode of the Elevate podcast is brought to you by Connectnow
Sherrie Storor undeniably wears many hats; working as a real estate coach, trainer, mentor and speaker.
She has been a respected contributor at major industry events, including the Australian Real Estate Conference (AREC), where she shared insights from her 20 years of experience.
She also organised the Real Women In Real Estate business series and runs masterclasses with various keynote speakers.
The Brisbane-based expert offers coaching and mentorships to agents looking to deliver higher profits without sacrificing time or putting more pressure on themselves.
In this edition of the Elevate podcast, Sherrie chats about burn out in the real estate industry and how forward-planning could change your professional and personal life.
Samantha and Sherrie also discuss:
How to develop a positive and healthy state of mind, even when in lockdown
Her #BuildYourBestLife coaching program and manual
Why sustainable habits are more valuable than grinding out work all the time
How to not feel guilty when taking time off
Why social media should be considered a prospecting tool
What Sherrie’s perfect week looks like
And more…
Links and resources mentioned
The #BuildYourBestLife Coaching Program and Success Manual
Mastermind with Sherrie
Real Women in Real Estate
Sherrie on Elite Agent
Sherrie Storor masterminds new program for high performers
Beating The Christmas Blues: Sherrie Storor
Lead Generation Online: Sherrie Storor
Sherrie Storor launches national coaching business
Connect with Sherrie
LinkedIn
Real Estate Nation LinkedIn
Facebook
Instagram
Sherrie Storor Official Website

Jul 9, 2021 • 39min
BDM 2021: Hannah Gill and Tara Bradbury
This episode of the Elevate podcast is brought to you by Connectnow
Hannah Gill and Tara Bradbury are two of Australia’s leading principals, sharing their knowledge of property management in this week’s Elevate podcast, as well as through Elite Agent’s Executive BDM program.
Tara Bradbury is a principal licensee and principal leasing agent at Active Agents in Hervey Bay. With more than 16 years of real estate and property management experience, Tara shares her wealth of knowledge as the director of BDM Academy.
Hannah is the director of The Property Collective and one half of Gill & Hooper. The multi-award winning principal is also the President of the Real Estate Institute of the Australian Capital Territory (REIACT).
In this edition of the Elevate podcast, Hannah and Tara chat about their background as BDMs, heightened service expectations and the strategies they have successfully used to grow their business.
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Samantha, Hannah and Tara also discuss:
How to encourage investors and agents in an upcoming region like Hervey Bay
How customer service has evolved over the past decade and how to deliver beyond expectations
Why it was important for Hannah’s new venture The Property Collective to have a holistic approach
Why maintaining relationships with tenants is just as important as keeping investors happy
What agency leaders look for in BDMs and what the biggest hurdles are with new hires
Managing customer expectations to make sure the team doesn’t get burnt out
How to manage objections from clients
What part of the Executive BDM are Hannah and Tara looking forward to the most?
And more…
Links and resources mentioned
Executive BDM with Hannah Gill and Tara Bradbury
Elite Agent Connect
Hannah Gill on Elite Agent
The culture playbook 101
Creating habits that stick: Hannah Gill
Creativity and innovation in property management: Hannah Gill
Creativity, innovation and relationship building: where is property management heading?
Property management in the era of COVID-19 with guest Hannah Gill
Hannah Gill named an ACT Telstra Business Woman of the Year
Tara Bradbury on Elite Agent
Consistent communication: Tara Bradbury
The real estate industry turns to virtual tours to keep it moving forward
Tara Bradbury – Building A Rent Roll From Scratch
9 tips for becoming a stronger BDM: Tara Bradbury
Connect with Hannah
LinkedIn
The Property Collective
Gill & Hooper
Domain
Connect with Tara
LinkedIn
Facebook
BDM Academy
Active Agents
RealEstate.com.au

Jul 6, 2021 • 37min
Inspiration before motivation: A leadership conversation with Manos Findikakis
This episode of the Elevate podcast is brought to you by Connectnow
Eview Founder and CEO Manos Findikakis says he was dragged kicking and screaming into real estate. But once he realised the lifestyle and business opportunity it offered, he became one of its staunchest advocates.
Now, Manos heads up Australia’s first multi-brand agency – one that has enjoyed incredible growth since the model launched in 2015 on the back of the ethos the agent is more important than the brand.
In this episode of the Elevate podcast Manos shares a wealth of wisdom derived from almost 20 years in the industry, including his approach to leadership, why numbers set agents free, how he inspires his team, and why the biggest challenge right now isn’t a shortage of stock.
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Manos and Samantha also discuss:
The numbers that agents should focus on (and how they build an agent’s business in the long-run)
Why the measure of success is a client-centric approach not volume
How he and wife Maria manage the work/life balance in a real estate partnership that saw them build a new model
Why he believes leading a team isn’t about motivation, but rather inspiration (and what he does to inspire those around him)
When the tipping point is likely to occur between profit and going backwards in an EBU
How he and wife Maria built a new real estate model
Why his best business ideas have always been born out of challenge
How knowing the ‘why’ helps agents achieve success
Links and resources mentioned
How to win friends and influence people – by Dale Carnegie
Die with Zero – by Bill Perkins
Manos on Elite Agent
Zig while others zag
Articles by Manos
The reverse bucket list: Manos Findikakis
Coping with the rollercoaster of real estate
Connect with Manos
Website
LinkedIn

Jul 2, 2021 • 40min
Simon Caulfield: The power and the passion
This episode of the Elevate podcast is brought to you by Connectnow
Simon Caulfield has carved out a reputation as one of Brisbane’s most successful real estate agents.
But it wasn’t all smooth sailing for the director of Place Kangaroo Point. Simon got off to a rough start, relying on trial and error to establish the habits that have helped him achieve success.
In this episode of the Elevate podcast, Simon shares the story of how he went from a rookie agent sleeping under his desk to selling luxury property in the Queensland capital.
He also offers an insight into why he encouraged his wife into real estate where she soon became a number one ranking agent, and how the couple approach their business to leave people in a better place than they found them.
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Simon and Samantha also discuss
The importance of ‘break with’ moments – what they are and why every top selling agent has had them.
What Simon’s ‘break with’ moment was and how other agents can employ a similar tactic to take their career to the next level
How to become a good local that people turn to in the community
Why Simon believes the true measure of his success as a business owner is the success of his team
How he helps his team set and achieve their goals
Why Simon has invested heavily in social media and how a strategy of engagement, not likes, has boosted his career
How Simon and his wife Courtney became a dynamic real estate duo who are invested in each other’s success
And more…
Links and resources mentioned
Josh Phegan
Tom Panos
Inside the rockstar lifestyles of Queensland’s real estate agents
Courtney Caulfield
Simon on Elite Agent
Elite Agent’s AREC notes on Simon Caulfield
Connect with Simon
Website
LinkedIn
Instagram

Jun 29, 2021 • 28min
How to get editorial coverage for your listing: Alice Stolz
This episode of the Elevate podcast is brought to you by Connectnow
As the managing editor of Domain, Alice Stolz has a love of storytelling with real estate and property as its focus.
In addition to overseeing the content created for major metropolitan newspapers, magazines and the Domain website, Alice also represents Domain across the Nine Network, is a regular guest judge on The Block and is the host of the podcast Property Unpacked.
In this episode of the Elevate podcast, Alice offers her unique insight into Australia’s ongoing love of property and how agents can harness it to create content that attracts media attention.
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Alice and Samantha also discuss:
The elements journalists look for in a great property story
Why a compelling real estate story isn’t always about grandeur and luxury, but instead involves emotion and a connection with the audience
How Alice and the team at Domain work with agents
Why Luxe Listings Sydney will be her guilty pleasure
What agents should include when submitting content to the media
Why great content sometimes involves thinking outside the box
Plus more
Links and resources mentioned
Luxe Listings
Property Unpacked
The Block
Saul Eslake
Dr Nicola Powell
Domain
Connect with Alice
Website
LinkedIn

Jun 25, 2021 • 28min
Client care that converts: Tanja Neven-Jones
This episode of the Elevate podcast is brought to you by Connectnow
Tanja Neven-Jones is a multi award-winning agent at O’Brien Real Estate Melbourne.
After starting in the industry in 2003, Tanja found herself rebuilding her career from scratch after a business venture didn’t pan out as expected.
In this episode of the Elevate podcast, Tanja shares the strategies that helped her establish a successful real estate career, not just once, but twice.
She also offers a unique perspective of how she got back up and running quickly courtesy of tools that every agent should draw on.
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Tanja and Samantha also discuss:
How to use warm data to achieve quick success
Why client care wins you listings
How to avoid being a real estate stalker but still have regular touch points with clientele
Why 1000 names on a database is more than enough to create a stellar sales career
How to get your head in the right space after a career setback
Why conversion occurs long before you enter a client’s loungeroom
And more…
Links and resources mentioned
Will Ainsworth
Tom Panos
AREC 2021
Elite Agent’s AREC 2021 notes
Tanja on Elite Agent
Women designed for success
Connect with Tanja
Website
LinkedIn

Jun 22, 2021 • 41min
How to avoid burnout and improve your performance: Chris Wilson
This episode of the Elevate podcast is brought to you by Connectnow
It’s hardly a secret that real estate has the potential to be a stressful profession. Regardless of whether you work in property management or sales, the industry requires its members to operate at peak performance while negotiating with multiple parties.
While peak performance might be a must, stress scientist Chris Wilson explains that doesn’t mean burnout, overwhelm and stress responses should be a mainstay.
In this episode of the Elevate podcast, Chris walks through the physiology of the stress response and offers tools, strategies and techniques that both leaders and individuals can use to reduce its impact.
From simple techniques to daily habits, he offers an essential guide to mitigating stress while honing in on the warning signs that everyone should address.
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Chris and Samantha also discuss:
Why real estate is an industry prone to high stress, but there’s little conversation about the issue
How individuals can identify their personal stress response
Why there’s good stress and bad stress, but it’s how you manage it that counts
The simple methods everyone can easily embrace to check themselves prior to stress becoming a problem
What acute stress does to the body in the short and long-term
How to manage your routine to better mitigate stress triggers
Why high-performers might have trouble acknowledging their personal stress, and how to have a conversation about it
How the best leaders identify stress in their team and the solutions they can draw on to reduce the issue
And more…
Links and resources mentioned
Dr Joe Dispenza
Headspace
LJ Hooker Accelerate
Connect with Chris
LinkedIn
Website

Jun 18, 2021 • 33min
The leadership diaries: Rebecca Halton
This episode of the Elevate podcast is brought to you by Connectnow
Having started in real estate as a second-generation agent more than 20 years ago, Rebecca Halton is the CEO of LJ Hooker City Residential in Perth.
As a young mum and the head of a growing business, she has successfully navigated the work life balance to get to the point where she says it is possible to have it all.
Rebecca is also the winner of this year’s LJ Hooker Accelerate program, and the cover story of the Winter edition of Elite Agent Magazine.
In this edition of the Elevate podcast, she shares an insight into her leadership approach including the tough lessons she’s learned along the way and the daily habits she’s implemented to achieve success.
Want more from this episode?
Get access to the full episode guide, quick video tips, tools and more by joining our community or becoming a subscriber
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Samantha and Rebecca also discuss:
Why self-care is critical for all real estate professionals and leaders, and why being ‘selfish’ isn’t about being selfish at all
How small daily habits can improve your mindset and productivity
What she’s doing for her team to ensure they look after themselves
The difference that deleting social media made to Rebecca’s work and personal life
How she manages rookie recruits to help them achieve success
Why leadership can be a lonely world at the top
The lessons Rebecca wished she’d learned earlier, including patience, persistence and faith in her abilities
And more…
Links and resources mentioned
How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
Atomic Habits by James Clear
Rebecca on Elite Agent
Rebecca Halton: Service with a smile
How to position your business for success with outsourcing
Connect with Rebecca
Website
LinkedIn