

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

Jul 2, 2020 • 45min
5 strategies to survive and thrive in a crisis
If the impact of COVID-19 on your business has got you down then Dan Argent is the guy to help you not only survive it, but thrive once the deadly bug has moved on.
Forced to start his own business during the GFC in order to survive, in this episode of Elevate, Dan shares the five strategies he used to succeed.
He explains his 20-1-20 rule, including why it’s the “most powerful” strategy you’ll ever implement, along with why you not only need to set goals, but attach them to results and rewards.
Dan takes a look at the two reasons properties don’t sell – price and presentation – and lets you in on the one thing he says to vendors to get them to spend money on preparing their property for sale.
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In this episode Samantha and Dan also discuss:
Why the Brisbane market is in a transition period.
The impact of the Global Financial Crisis, including how Dan’s GCI took a nosedive and what he did to turn it around.
The five strategies Dan used to survive during the GFC and thrive after it.
Why you should aim to reach 20 per cent market share and how you can get there.
Why Dan started his own business during the GFC and how doing so helped him stay afloat.
The power of building your brand and what you can act on now to do it.
Why shadowing an established, successful agent is the best way to start your career.
The one philosophy Dan lives by and his advice to new real estate agents.
Connect with Dan:
WebsiteLinkedInFacebookInstagramTwitter
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.

Jun 29, 2020 • 59min
How to empower your team by building a winning culture
There’s more to being a great boss than just being bossy.
If you ask Ewan Morton the best leaders are those that put the best interests of others first.
In this episode of Elevate, the Morton Real Estate joint Managing Director shares how he survived a nightmare first five years in the industry, why earning a salary of $40,000 was a big win and how picking the brains of others helped him succeed.
Ewan deep dives into what he believes makes a good leader, how leaders can empower their teams to bigger and better things and why it’s necessary to check your ego at the door.
He also examines the many impacts of COVID-19, including how it has lead to big changes in the processes they use when leasing commercial properties.
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In this episode Samantha and Ewan also discuss:
The impact of COVID-19 on Morton Real Estate, including the key reason they decided not to cut team members salaries.
How to foster great ideas, culture and empower your team, including why leaders can’t solve every issue alone.
Managing different personalities, opinions and egos as a leader, including why you may occasionally need to take a good look in the mirror.
Ewan’s top tips for first-time real estate leaders, plus his favourite job interview questions.
Why workplace culture is an ever-moving feast, what you can do to encourage a great office culture and how to manage the times when a buoyant culture is lacking.
Why buying the Mercedes is the worst advice Ewan has heard in the industry.
Where Ewan sees the future of real estate and why the technological disruption has been a help, not a hindrance.
Connect with Ewan:
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.

Jun 22, 2020 • 40min
Selling and marketing luxury property with Deborah Cullen
Do you want the inside information on how some of Australia’s most prestigious homes are marketed for sale?
In this episode of Elevate, Deborah Cullen shares some of her best-kept secrets and skills honed as part of the exclusive Knight Frank Global Prime Residential team.
She also explains the careful balancing act required to protect the privacy of some of the nation’s wealthiest homeowners while marketing their properties for sale, and delves into how she delivers six-star service to every client, every transaction.
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In this episode Samantha and Deborah also discuss:
Deborah’s background, including how she switched from being a fitness trainer to a real estate agent.
The luxury property market, its growth, and why Deborah doesn’t have to prospect for listings.
The secrets to high-end property marketing, including how to marry print and digital marketing and new direction Knight Frank is taking in 2020.
What the wealthy look for in a home and is technology really ‘all that’?
The importance of building relationships with clients of direct listings as well as brand relationships and the difference between the two.
Where Deborah’s best ideas come from and how she builds on them from their beginning to action and completion.
Leadership characteristics and why Deborah sees patience as a key quality, especially for women.
Resources
The Moment of Lift: How Empowering Women Changes the World, by Melinda Gates
Berkshire Hathaway Letters to Shareholders by Warren Buffett
Property of the week: Eagle’s Nest, 67 Edgecliffe Boulevard, Collaroy, NSW
Crown Sydney
Knight Frank Wealth Report 2020
Connect with Deborah:
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.

Jun 15, 2020 • 37min
Digital marketing masterclass with Josh Tesolin
Do you want to know the secrets behind Josh Tesolin becoming agent of the year?
From quickly adapting to COVID-19 to hot marketing tips and why using video and social media is more important than ever before, Josh shares in-depth insights into how he continues to improve his performance year on year.
In this podcast, Josh explains why he goes all-in with saturation marketing, how he uses boosted social media posts to target vendors and buyers and the three ‘must-have’ components of his in-demand video market updates.
Josh also reveals how he has adapted to COVID-19, how he used the Prime Minister’s updates to bolster his own and why social media, particularly video, helped keep his name out there and generate listings.
He also delves into his mindset, how he maintains his energy levels and how he pulls himself up on the rare occasion he hits a bit of a rut.
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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In this episode Samantha and Josh also discuss:
Adapting to COVID-19, including why Josh is using video and social media more than ever (including budget)
How to turn negative vendor perspectives into positives while remaining honest and sincere
What Josh learnt about other agents while helping a family member sell their property
How Josh puts his video market updates together, including the three categories he says must be included
Why knowing your numbers and that of your competition is key to winning listings
Saturation marketing, including what Josh does and why, plus why now is not the time to cut back and save on marketing costs
Mindset and how Josh maintains his energy levels in tough times, including why loving what you do is the ultimate success generator.
Connect with Josh:
Website LinkedIn Facebook Instagram
Resources:
Elite Agent Elevate Podcast: How Josh Tesolin wrote a million dollars in his first year of real estateElite Agent Article: How Josh Tesolin is building his profile
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.

Jun 8, 2020 • 28min
Coming out the other side of COVID-19 with Adrian Kelly
COVID-19 infection rates have drastically dropped around the country but that doesn’t mean the real estate industry can breathe a sigh of relief.
In fact, some of the challenges are just beginning, REIA president Adrian Kelly believes.
In this episode of the Elevate podcast, Adrian expresses concern that sales volumes are down between 20 and 40 per cent, and could drop further as the impact of job losses creates a domino effect from the low end of the market to the high end.
He says the upcoming end of non-eviction periods present a drastic new set of hurdles for tenants, landlords and property managers as rent and mortgage repayments are reintroduced.
Adrian also delves into the problems landlords are facing with insurers and why offering tenants rent reductions could work against them.
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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In this episode Samantha and Adrian also discuss:
How Adrian first heard of COVID-19, when he knew it was going to hit the real estate industry hard and what he sees as the biggest issues, especially for tenants.
The pros and cons of the Federal Government stimulus packages for real estate and how and why the REIA influenced the introduction of the JobKeeper turnover test.
The impact of COVID-19 on the Minimum Income Threshold Amount for commission-only agents and what the REIA is doing to help rectify the hardships caused.
What the new HomeBuilder grant means for real estate.
The potential changes to stamp duty and why Adrian believes GST alterations would be better and fairer.
Leadership lessons to come from the COVID-19 crisis, including the number one thing real estate agents learnt.
Connect with Adrian:
WebsiteFacebook
Resources
REIA Awards for Excellence cancelled (March 23, 2020)REIA president Adrian Kelly calls on stakeholders to step up over rent relief (March 31, 2020)REIA president speaks out in support of the real estate industry (April 5, 2020)REIA seeks award variation from Fair Work to keep industry employed (April 6, 2020)REIA backs Government’s COVID-19 tracing app (April 22, 2020)Caution for building stimulus package (May 31, 2020)REIA welcomes Federal Government Housing Stimulus package (June 4, 2020)
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.

Jun 5, 2020 • 32min
What it takes in 2020 with Gavin Rubinstein
Have you ever wondered how the best agents stay on top even during the toughest of times?
Where do they find listings when no one is selling, how do they grow their business in times of economic uncertainty and what do they do to stay so unflappable when the world seems to be spinning in a different direction?
In this episode of Elevate we pick the brains of one of the nation’s best negotiators – Gavin Rubinstein – to see how he has been travelling during the Covid-19 crisis.
Having started his own business last year, Gavin is the first to admit the crisis has thrown a major spanner in the works but his “never give up” attitude and positive mindset mean he’s still at the top of his game and selling properties at a premium.
In this podcast, Gavin reveals how he is continuing to motivate himself and his team during challenging times, the methods he has used to grow The Rubinstein Group and how he has changed his approach to selling to ensure his clients are 100 per cent comfortable, confident and cared for during a sales campaign.
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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In this episode we discuss:
The impact of the COVID-19 crisis on agents, sellers and buyers, including how Gavin has managed workplace and social distancing restrictions at the office
Motivating and growing his team during the crisis, welcoming Patrick Cosgrove and his brother Jarryd to the group
How he has created and maintained a high-performance, collaborative culture in the team
Realistic versus delusional goal setting and why getting it wrong can harm your momentum
What studying the NBA can teach real estate agents, including the importance of getting back up when you get struck down
Meeting clients needs and how following their lead on which sale method to use helps you keep them anchored and positive
Gavin and the team’s changed approach to content and social media and how they’ve pivoted under COVID-19 conditions
Gavin talks about his USP, what differentiates him from other agents
Gavin’s experiences with online auctions, expressions of interest, off-market and working with buyers agents
Dialogue with potential buyers in the off-market world, and sellers in the event of a price reduction
The positives to come out of the COVID-19 crisis – there’s always a silver lining!
Resources:
Episode 99 of Elevate- What Gavin Rubinstein did next
Our podcast with Mark McLeod
Mark McLeod author archive on Elite Agent
Our podcast with Lisa Novak
Connect with Gavin:
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.

May 29, 2020 • 36min
How to expand the digital reach of your content with Joe Hyrkin
Earlier this year I was watching some highlight videos from Inman Connect NYC – just looking to see what’s new in real estate and technology.
I was intrigued by a presentation by digital guru and Issuu CEO Joe Hyrkin.
He was on a panel session discussing how realtors in the US are finding new audiences and amplifying their marketing across Issuu through the use of smart content creation and simple digital distribution.
So I sought him out.
We’ve always known Issuu to be for magazines. In fact, you’ll find a number of back issues of Elite Agent and EPM on the platform.
However, with the Issuu platform getting more than 100 million unique views per month there are a growing number of savvy of realtors in the US using Issuu to amplify their personal brand and property marketing – finding audiences beyond the traditional and repurposing their content (images, brochures, newsletters, videos and more) across multiple platforms including social.
And it makes sense – post-COVID-19 consumers are perhaps a bit warier of touching a brochure if they feel it’s not safe.
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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In this episode we discuss:
Joe’s view on the explosion of content marketing, particularly ephemeral content like stories
Our connection as humans to stories and storytelling and why they are so successful in getting your message across
Repurposing content the efficient way – create once, share many times
Reaching new and global audiences with your marketing materials
Personalising content (eg putting the buyer in the picture of a property)
The creative things you can do with Issuu’s story cloud
Why you should be creating community activity guides, local area guides and more
How to get quoted/published in some of the big blogs (eg Huffpost, Inc, Forbes)
+ much more
Resources:
Issuu Story Cloud Joe Hyrkin on HuffPostJoe Hyrkin on Inc.Real Estate Solutions with IssuuMobile Optimized Visual StoryDownload the action guide for more examples and case studies in the real estate industry.
Connect with Joe:
WebsiteLinkedInFacebook Instagram Twitter
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.

May 22, 2020 • 38min
Replacing the GCI mindset with a profitable business mindset: Kathleen Black
When is the right time to expand your business and take on a team member? And what sort of person should you hire?
It’s always great when we get to look beyond our own borders and learn from top performers from around the world.
After selling 47 homes in her first year in the business, Kathleen Black quickly rose to the top in real estate before becoming part of the first team-specific coaching company in Canada, which she went on to purchase (but that is a whole other story!)
Kathleen also shares key tips on when and how to expand your business and this includes vital details on when NOT to branch out.
She also deep dives into the meaning behind her best-selling book The Top 1% Life and how you can create and pair a happy business life with a happy homelife.
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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In this episode we discuss:
A snapshot of the Canadian/North American markets and their similarities (and differences) to Australia
How her personal investments lead to her to a successful real estate career
The rapid climb to the top, including the unique quality that won her first listing presentation
Why she switched to coaching and how she pulled the company she purchased out of financial trouble
Why one of the biggest traps an agent can make is a focus on a GCI mindset and how to change that to a sustainable team mindset
How she systemised in order to balance being a top producer with being a parent
The key to hiring and the top qualities needed to run a successful team.
plus – how you can tell if it’s the right time for you to create your own team – and much much more!
Resources:
The Top 1% Life, by Kathleen Black
Connect with Kathleen:
WebsiteLinkedInFacebook Instagram Twitter
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.

May 19, 2020 • 54min
Maintaining a leadership mindset in the midst of COVID-19 with Michael Sheargold and John Cunningham
The real estate landscape in the era of COVID-19 changed rapidly as sales agents, property managers, buyers, sellers and tenants all had to find new ways of getting the job done.
In March, Elite Agent ran a series of webinars to help agents navigate these changing times and in this episode of Elevate, Cunninghams Managing Director John Cunningham and performance coach and business expert Michael Sheargold tackle some of the biggest issues for industry leaders.
As things continue to evolve in relation to COVID-19 it appears that social distancing is here to stay for a while, and the lessons learned are now more important than ever.
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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In this episode we discuss:
How to cope with COVID-19 and uncertainty, including how old school real estate techniques will help you manage the crisis.
Staying positive, why knowledge is power and why taking control is so important.
The best ways to keep in touch and why using technology to prequalify buyers has never been more crucial.
How to lead and motivate your team and what the future of the industry might look like.
Suggestions on how to keep discipline, structure and accountability in your day when working from home.
How your database can help fuel your marketing and why you need to learn from your clients and not just talk at them.
Resources:
Peloton App
Zoom
Skype
Atomic Habits, by James Clear
Connect with Michael:
WebsiteLinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter
Connect with John:
WebsiteLinkedIn Facebook Instagram
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.

May 15, 2020 • 39min
Embracing change and remaining relevant: Suzannah Toop
A few years ago, second-generation real estate professional Suzannah Toop was lucky enough to enjoy a coffee with Google Australia Head of Engineering, Alan Noble.
When she asked him about the role of real estate in the future, his response struck a chord.
But this conversation, in recent times ways, has been a driver for the company.
Mention the name Toop & Toop to anyone in real estate and the word ‘innovation’ immediately springs to mind.
And they have been recognised for it numerous times – the Adelaide agency has been inducted into the REIA Hall of Fame four times – an amazing achievement in anyone’s language.
In this podcast, Elite Agent Magazine’s May Cover, and CEO Suzannah Toop shares an insight into a 35-year-old brand and why a cutting edge approach continues to be at the heart of everything they do.
In this episode we discuss
What attracts and keeps people at Toop&Toop
Why the company focuses so heavily on wellness – including an in house creche, fitness centre and more
How they eliminated 77 per cent of their emails in the property management team while improving staff morale
Why Toop&Toop believe the role of the agent must be much more than simply an intermediary between two parties; and what needs to happen to remain relevant
Other trends Suzannah sees moving forward and how Toop&Toop are pivoting to adapt to COVID-19 challenges…
plus much more…
Connect with Suzannah:
WebsiteLinkedInFacebookInstagramTwitter
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.