

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 11, 2020 • 33min
The traits of top performers in real estate
This episode of the Elevate podcast is brought to you by Connect Now
Have you ever wondered how the best agents and auctioneers stay on top even during the toughest of times?
With more than 4,300 auctions under the hammer and over three decades in the industry, Paul Moore of LJ Hooker takes us behind the scenes of his distinguished and successful career.
Paul – who is head of the prestigious LJ Hooker Captain’s Club explains how the brand pivoted to adapt to the changing marketplace created by COVID-19, how his first-ever sale was one to never forget and why he believes a mentor in the industry can turn a regular agent into a top-performing agent.
Paul also reveals his ‘top of the mountain’ moment and why he believes in leaders playing to their strengths, and never shying away from asking for help along the way.
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In this episode of Samantha and Paul also discuss:
The LJ Hooker ‘Captains Club’ and how the ‘Top 15 per cent’ of LJ Hooker are continuing to achieve above-the-benchmark results during COVID-19
How LJ Hooker real estate agents pivoted to adapt to the changing marketplace and what next-level service means to them
Why Paul decided to follow in his mentor’s footsteps and leap into a leadership role
The non-negotiables for successful agents and property managers and why ‘production work’ is an essential part of the day
How digital auctions have paved the way for the future of selling in real estate and why sellers could achieve a greater result above reserve in a hybrid environment
Why new agents need to learn discipline and take initiative to connect with their community early in their career
Why those moving into a leadership role must live and breath the position in service of their teams.
Resources
The Captains ClubDamian Cooley Auction Now
Connect with Paul
WebsiteLinkedInFacebook
Subscribe & Review the Elevate PodcastTo subscribe on iTunes, click here.To subscribe to Spotify, click here.To subscribe on Stitcher, click here.

Sep 4, 2020 • 26min
Riding the real estate wave
This episode of the Elevate podcast is brought to you by Connect Now
Director of Richardson & Wrench Elizabeth Bay/Potts Point Jason Boon has made his mark as Sydney’s go-to inner-city agent for almost 30 years.
In this episode of the Elevate podcast, Jason put down the surfboard to talk to us about work, life and real estate – what he learned from shadowing McGrath Real Estate founder John McGrath, before going into partnership with two of his closest childhood friends.
Jason also reveals how to position yourself as a trusted agent in your local area and why he isn’t interested in reinventing the wheel, but in doing more of the same.
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In this episode of Samantha and Jason also discuss:
His early career as the face of local and international advertising campaigns for Home & Away and Coca Cola
How working at Laing + Simmons taught him the fundamentals and backbone of being a successful agent
The partnership with Andrew Hogan and Greg McKinley which made them a triple threat to Sydney’s real estate market
Why it’s important to position yourself as someone who is involved in the area you are selling in who understands the history
Marketing tips – including how to present a property in its best light
Personal and professional non-negotiables – and why they’ll never change
Why new agents should surround themselves with industry mentors and learn from them, both in real estate and life
plus … much much more…
Resources
Jason Boon Local Stories
Connect with Jason
WebsiteFacebookInstagramLinkedIn
Subscribe & Review the Elevate PodcastTo subscribe on iTunes, click here.To subscribe to Spotify, click here.To subscribe on Stitcher, click here.

Aug 28, 2020 • 26min
The Executive BDM
This episode of the Elevate podcast is brought to you by Connect Now
Looking for tips and strategies to put your best foot forward as a BDM for Property Management?
Partner of Place Bulimba Lisa Perruzza carved out a position as a BDM over a decade ago and since has positioned herself in the market as the go-to trusted advisor in her market.
In this episode of the Elevate podcast, Lisa explains how studying design and architecture led to a career in real estate, how she created a niche for herself as a BDM, and why she built her brand on social media early in her career.
Lisa also reveals the operational changes in force since COVID-19, why delivering the service is just as important as selling your service and the red flags to consider when talking to a new landlord.
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In this episode of Samantha and Lisa also discuss:
Why it’s essential to shadow top agents in the first two years of entering the industry
Why Lisa jumped on the social media bandwagon and how she uses the digital space today
Streaming the administration process to eliminate as much error as possible
How to keep social media followers engaged and stay relevant using video on Instagram
The referral network – and how it can lead to your next opportunity and sales lead
Why traditional forms of marketing are still valid as well as engaging with your local community
The questions to ask new potential landlords and what the answers really mean… plus
much much more!
Resources
Inspect Real EstateRex
Connect with Lisa
WebsiteLinkedInFacebookInstagramTwitter
Subscribe & Review the Elevate PodcastTo subscribe on iTunes, click here.To subscribe to Spotify, click here.To subscribe on Stitcher, click here.

Aug 24, 2020 • 19min
Tapping into Australia’s rental marketplace
This episode of the Elevate podcast is brought to you by Connect Now
REA Group’s Chief Consumer Product Officer Val Brown is responsible for the group’s rent strategy. She discusses the finer points of their plans to support Australia’s growing rental marketplace.
In this episode of the Elevate podcast, Val talks about how the market changed virtually overnight with COVID, and how certain plans in the pipeline, including digital elements, had to be accelerated to support REA’s consumers and customers.
Val also talks about REA’s new product, which will bring private landlords onto the platform, and how this will ultimately help her customers build their rent rolls.
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In this episode of Samantha and Val also discuss:
How REA responded very quickly to COVID-19 by launching digital inspections and 3D tours
The interesting trends she is seeing when tracking online inquiries
How many landlords moved their investment properties from short term rentals to traditional lease.
REA’s outstanding growth in web traffic, and what this indicates
How the rental market will shape up in the next six to 12 months
Private landlords, and how they make up 33% of the market
The difference between REA’s new offering, and traditional property management services
Why processing applications is the bane of PM’s lives – and the solution
Connect with Val
WebsiteLinkedInFacebookInstagram
Subscribe & Review the Elevate PodcastTo subscribe on iTunes, click here.To subscribe to Spotify, click here.To subscribe on Stitcher, click here.

Aug 21, 2020 • 23min
Business in Paradise and playing to strengths
This episode of the Elevate podcast is brought to you by Connect Now
Conor Canning from PRDNationwide Hobart might have found love in ‘paradise’ earlier this year and he’s proud of that. But he’s equally proud of the business and team he’s built; three offices in beautiful Hobart and consistently among a handful of top performers in the state.
In this exclusive episode of the Elevate podcast, Conor explains why he put his career on hold for a shot at love in paradise, what marketing strategies he uses for growth on his digital platforms , and why he hires solutions-focused agents.
Conor also reveals how to build your online presence through tailoring content and building credibility in the online marketplace and his top tips for new agents in the industry.
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In this episode of The Leadership Diaries Samantha and Conor also discuss:
Why first time agents need to set realistic expectations and targets within their first year
The importance of supportive business partners and playing to people’s strengths
Utilising digital tools during COVID-19 to keep clients informed of updates and changes
The question Conor asks during each interview and what it tells him about their experience and character
How Conor and the team are positioning themselves on getting a foothold in the high-end market in Hobart
The 10 Golden Rules of PRDnationwide and why they’re essential in the induction process
The power of digital platforms and how to strengthen your brand while growing your follower count
Staying focused and hungry in the next twelve months and ensuring his team do not become complacent
plus of course, some of the ‘goings-on’ behind the scenes on Bachelor in Paradise and much much more…
Resources
Tony CollidgeRychelle KayNatalie GrayLisa NovakCharles Baynie
Connect with Conor
WebsiteLinkedInFacebookInstagram
Subscribe & Review the Elevate PodcastTo subscribe on iTunes, click here.To subscribe to Spotify, click here.To subscribe on Stitcher, click here.

Aug 14, 2020 • 30min
The first 100 days
This episode of the Elevate podcast is brought to you by Connect Now
When stepping into a leadership role, what would your first 100 days look like?
Managing Director of RE/MAX Australia and forward thinker Joel Davoren has stepped into a leadership role at a challenging time, but there’s no limiting what he can achieve next.
In this episode of the Elevate podcast, Joel explains how he knew a shift in leadership was coming, what the first 100 days as a Managing Director look like, and why he feels his network is more connected than ever before.
Joel also reveals how client servicing is the silver lining during COVID-19 the industry has been waiting for and Samantha and Joel deep dive into the leadership diaries.
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In this episode Samantha and Joel also discuss:
Why he never looked back after a tough start in real estate
The very first sale and how it almost became two
Why the first few hours of every day are the essential to get a headstart on the day ahead
Why structuring the day leads to more tasks being done
The influences that shaped Joel as a mentor and leader in the industry
The key question to ask in an interview and why he admires resilience
Culture and connection at RE/MAX
The philosophy of RE/MAX and why Joel encourages accessibility
Why a new agent cannot market their way into market share
Key skills agents need to refine during COVID-19
Resources
Brian Tracey: Eat that frog Michael Davoren
Connect with Joel
WebsiteLinkedInFacebookInstagram
Subscribe & Review the Elevate PodcastTo subscribe on iTunes, click here.To subscribe to Spotify, click here.To subscribe on Stitcher, click here.

Jul 27, 2020 • 47min
Understand your client’s needs
This episode of the Elevate podcast is brought to you by Connect Now
Do you want to go behind the scenes of how the Owner of Century 21 Australia and Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate pivoted to stay ahead of the curve in COVID-19?
In this episode of the Elevate podcast, Charles Tarbey explains how the business went back to basics at an operating level during COVID, why a scoring system is the next prospecting foot forward and and why it’s essential for agents to collect feedback during an open home.
Charles also reveals the forward-thinking that led him to purchase another franchise, why joining forces with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate was better than being its competition and how different styles attract different agents.
Charles also explains why helping local communities is the economic silver lining we’ve been hoping for and why there’s no slowing him down any time soon.
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In this episode Samantha and Charles also discuss:
Why capturing and cleansing data is the key to unlocking potential prospects
How educating clients and maintaining a third party position will ensure all bases are covered
Why isolating every objection and understanding clients’ feedback is essential
Why transparency when closing a transaction is instrumental in the satisfaction of both parties
How Zoom can be just as effective (if not more) as face-to-face communication
How turning a franchise from competition into an alliance is the best foot forward
Why it’s important the relationship between property manager and tenant remains consistent and open for communication.
Resources
Century21Better Homes and Gardens Real EstateHomes MagazineOpenn Negotiation
Connect with Charles
WebsiteLinkedInFacebookTwitterInstagram
Connect with The Elite Agent Team:
Twitter: @eliteagentmagFacebook: Elite AgentWebsite: EliteAgent.comShow: The Elevate PodcastYouTube: Elite Agent MagazineLinkedIn: Elite Agent MagazineInstagram: @eliteagentmagPinterest: Elite Agent Magazine
Subscribe & Review the Elevate PodcastTo subscribe on iTunes, click here.To subscribe to Spotify, click here.To subscribe on Stitcher, click here.

Jul 20, 2020 • 34min
Run into the chaos
Want to know why you and your business should run into the chaos during challenging times?
In this episode of the Elevate podcast (swap), Managing Editor of Elite Agent Samantha McLean and Director of Harcourts Move Sadhana Smiles unlock how they adapted a new way of thinking to protect their business from COVID, why real estate agents and property managers are hungry for information and how the care factor can go a long way.
Samantha winds back the clock and describes the lightbulb moment of when Elite Agent was first established, how care and consideration is the new type of leadership and why trusting your instincts is your most important ally.
Samantha also explains why Elite Agent will forever be both a print and digital source for the real estate industry and what the future agent looks like.
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In this episode Samantha and Sadhana also discuss:
Why running into the chaos served as the best transition into COVID-19
How a series of webinars and COVID related resources created a spike in online traffic
Why Elite Agent’s Growth issue was pulled back to reflect more considerate economic content
How the future of thinking, processes and changing environments from virtual inspections to electronic signatures is here now
How a side hustle and writing notes at AREC for John McGrath turned into a lightbulb moment and beginning of Elite Agent
Why the future of real estate agents is ‘Gen Z’ who will have the ability to create their own marketplaces and engage the community through their fingertips
Why Elite Agent will remain both a digital and print source of news and educational resources
How to connect with editors, publishers and journalists to become front-of-mind for their next exclusive piece
Resources
Sadhana’s podcast: “Without Edges” on YouTubeSadhana Smiles “Walk a mile in their shoes” on Elite AgentElite Agent podcast: Carey Green (EP152) Podcasting is the new bloggingElite Agent podcast: Ewan Morton (EP162) How to empower your team by building a winning cultureElite Agent webinar: Property management in the era of COVID-19 with guest Hannah GillCOVID-19 resource pageCOVID-19 trends and impacts: Trends webinar with Samantha McLeanElite Agent webinar: Maintaining a leadership mindset in the midst of COVID-19 with Michael Sheargold and John Cunningham Elite Agent webinar: Navigating the coronavirus crisis for real estate agents with REIWA President Damian Collins, REINSW’s Leanne Pilkington and REIV’s Leah CalnanElite Agent article- Press to success: 19 ideas for agents to get noticed by the mediaSeth GodinPerry MarshallStreet MBADesign Your TribeTransform 2020
Connect with Sadhana Smiles
WebsiteLinkedInFacebookInstagram
Connect with The Elite Agent Team:
Twitter: @eliteagentmagFacebook: Elite AgentWebsite: EliteAgent.comShow: The Elevate PodcastYouTube: Elite Agent MagazineLinkedIn: Elite Agent MagazineInstagram: @eliteagentmagPinterest: Elite Agent Magazine
Subscribe & Review the Elevate PodcastTo subscribe on iTunes, click here.To subscribe to Spotify, click here.To subscribe on Stitcher, click here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4vQgvjhVZ9w

Jul 16, 2020 • 23min
Moving forward through fear
Do you want to know the secrets behind honing your business to become relationship based and not just transactional?
If you ask forward planner Cathy Baker, her vision of client service is building and maintaining a relationship long after the sale of a property.
In this episode of the Elevate podcast, Cathy Baker explains how the Central Coast property and holiday accommodation market bounced back, why a five year plan is a win, and how understanding an employee’s ‘why’ will carve a deeper connection and lasting career.
Cathy also reveals how she has adapted to COVID-19, how the skills in her first job as a 14-year-old became an essential part of her business today, and why she can now face any challenge head on.
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In this episode Samantha and Cathy also discuss:
How an around-the-world ticket lead to a permanent residency in Australia and building her own interior design consultancy
Why holiday accommodation and investment properties were highly impacted during COVID-19
How the fear of COVID-19 prepared Cathy for a successful return and help her team transition into a different way of working
The upturn of the residential and holiday property market on the tail-end of the crisis
How a five-year plan could lead to multiple opportunities, including becoming a trusted advisor to your client
Why a performance coach or mentor could transition your position in a business long term
Why building culture within your business, as opposed to just hiring for skill, is a key characteristic in successful leadership today
Why rising real estate agents need to be paired with a lead to understand buyer conversation and skill
Resources
Cathy Baker Charity – KillyCaresElite Agent article Building relationships over counting transactionsGillian McGrath
Connect with Cathy
Website (Belle Property)Website (Personal)LinkedInFacebookTwitterInstagram
Connect with The Elite Agent Team:
Twitter: @eliteagentmagFacebook: Elite AgentWebsite: EliteAgent.comShow: The Elevate PodcastYouTube: Elite Agent MagazineLinkedIn: Elite Agent MagazineInstagram: @eliteagentmagPinterest: Elite Agent Magazine
Subscribe & Review the Elevate PodcastTo subscribe on iTunes, click here.To subscribe to Spotify, click here.To subscribe on Stitcher, click here.

Jul 6, 2020 • 25min
How to build your business from the ground up
Do you long to know the secrets behind taking your business from lagging in your back bedroom at home to an office on the busiest corner in town?
This year’s Transform 2020 winner Laura Shooter, and her husband Samuel, can tell you how to do just that.
The SJ Real Estate directors have done it.
In this episode of Elevate you’ll learn how Laura and Samuel have grown their business from the ground up in less than five years.
They deep dive into some of their best marketing campaigns, including ‘New lease on love’ and ‘Real estate in more dimensions’, as well as their innovative use of video and why a market update talking about properties other people have sold is better than no update at all.
The husband and wife team also explain their innovative ‘experience centre’ and why that includes a dedicated media space.
Laura also explains what she plans to do with the $5,000 she scored as the Transform 2020 winner and why she’s channelling it into the Dubbo community.
Want more from this episode?
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In this episode Samantha, Laura and Samuel also discuss:
Laura describes winning Transform 2020, including the reason she entered the whole team and which challenges were her favourites.
How Samuel and Laura got their start in real estate and how one pear cider helped them gain momentum.
How they grew SJ Shooter Real Estate and how they cope and find work-life balance as a married couple, with two kids, who work together.
The favourite tools they use to run their business, including why Laura loves a good spreadsheet.
Their innovative use of video and why doing a market update with other people’s sales is better than no market update at all.
Their highly successful marketing campaigns – ‘New lease on love’ and ‘Real estate in more dimensions’ – including what they are, their goals and how they’ve worked.
How and why Laura and Samuel developed an ‘experience centre’, complete with a media space, and what it’s brought to their business.
What Laura will do to champion the public perception of Dubbo using her Transform 2020 winner’s money.
What the future holds, including why focusing on team development will boost their business going forward.
Resources
EaglePropertyMeAsana
Connect with Laura and Samuel
WebsiteLaura on LinkedInSamuel on LinkedInFacebook
Connect with The Elite Agent Team:
Twitter: @eliteagentmagFacebook: Elite AgentWebsite: EliteAgent.comShow: The Elevate PodcastYouTube: Elite Agent MagazineLinkedIn: Elite Agent MagazineInstagram: @eliteagentmagPinterest: Elite Agent Magazine
Subscribe & Review the Elevate PodcastTo subscribe on iTunes, click here.To subscribe to Spotify, click here.To subscribe on Stitcher, click here.