

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

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

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


