

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 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.
Want more from this episode?
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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?
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, 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.

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.
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 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.
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 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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BECOME A SUBSCRIBER
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.


