Secrets Of The Top 100 Agents

Grace Ormsby, Juliet Helmke and Kyle Robbins talk tax, data hacks, and a move across the Tasman in the latest episode of Secrets of the Top 100 Agents. The editorial team unpacks the biggest stories of the past week and what the real-world ramifications will be for the sector — covering everything from strategic plays by industry giants to cyber security concerns that will become an even greater risk in the coming years. Tune in now! Make sure you never miss an episode by subscribing to us now on Apple Podcasts. Did you like this episode? Show your support by rating us or leaving a review on Apple Podcasts (REB Podcast Network) and by liking and following Real Estate Business on social media: Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. If you have any questions about what you heard today, any topics of interest you have in mind, or if you’d like to lend a voice to the show, email editor@realestatebusiness.com.au for more insights.

To have a competitive edge in the ever-changing business landscape, Suzie Hamilton-Flanagan urged leaders to adopt a culture of adaptability — one that focuses on flexibility and openness to change. The founder and director of PM Recruit & Temp Solutions sits down with Grace Ormsby and Sadhana Smiles to share how after exploring various career paths, she discovered that real estate was where her passion truly lies. Suzie also unpacks why businesses and agents who can adapt to the “ebb and flow” of new technologies, customer needs, and market trends are more likely to succeed over the long term and explains how the ongoing talent war in the industry can be won without compromising a business’s operations, culture or profits.  In this episode, you will hear:  How to prevent burnout with sustainable adaptability The role technology plays in keeping a business agile Why business leaders and agents need to have a built-to-adapt mindset Make sure you never miss an episode by subscribing to us now on Apple Pod

Having moved into the chief executive role at Kay & Burton earlier this year, Nathan Jones sits down with host Grace Ormsby on this episode of Secrets of the Top 100 Agents to discuss his first few months of “getting his hands dirty” in his new role. In paying homage to the past and embracing the future, Nathan explains why the move felt like a homecoming and touches on the challenges and priorities of his new role before revealing the short and medium-term goals of Kay & Burton. In this episode, you will also hear: Why it’s important to search for challenges when things become “stale” Do market climates impact business decision making? Why having imprint is key Make sure you never miss an episode by subscribing to us now on Apple Podcasts. Did you like this episode? Show your support by rating us or leaving a review on Apple Podcasts (REB Podcast Network) and by liking and following Real Estate Business on social media: Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. If you have any questions about what you he

Renae Dickey believes that in order to pave the way for a gender-equal era in the real estate space, the industry needs to put more women in rooms where leadership decisions are made. The sales agent at BresicWhitney sits down with Grace Ormsby and Sadhana Smiles to share how her firsthand experience as a property buyer convinced her to make a detour from ballet teaching towards a career path in the real estate sector. Renae discusses the challenges she faced when she entered the industry, explains why agents should view property transactions as an “intimate” interaction rather than a business deal, and why it’s time for the industry to break away from its traditional views when it comes to recruitment.  In this episode, you will hear:  What is the difference between an “okay agent” and a “great agent”  Why there is a need for increased female representation in the industry The importance of growing at your own pace Make sure you never miss an episode by subscribing to us now on Apple Podcasts. Did you li

On this editorial catch-up edition of the Secrets of the Top 100 Agents, host Grace Ormsby is joined by fellow real estate journalist, Kyle Robbins, to unpack the recent outcome of the NSW state election and what Chris Minns’ victory means for the state’s property market. The pair outlines and discusses the first NSW Labor government in over a decade’s housing plans, recounts the campaign trail as a whole, and compares the different policies between the outgoing and incoming governments. In this episode, you will also hear: Does NSW policy guide national thinking? Can partisanship ease supply issues? Make sure you never miss an episode by subscribing to us now on Apple Podcasts. Did you like this episode? Show your support by rating us or leaving a review on Apple Podcasts (REB Podcast Network) and by liking and following Real Estate Business on social media: Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. If you have any questions about what you heard today, any topics of interest you have in mind, or if you’d like to

Are you “feeling the fear” in your next career step? For Catherine McFarlane, it’s a sign that you’re on the right track. Catherine sits down with Grace Ormsby to talk about how she took on different roles in the real estate industry and also explored some forks down her career road before ultimately coming to the left field of the space — the mortgage brokering industry.  She also shares how she continues to draw on her previous work experiences in her leadership role and emphasises the importance of equipping your team with the tools they need to succeed before unpacking why female business leaders should not mould their leadership strategies based on those of their male counterparts but rather, focus on making their own feminine mark.     In this episode, you will hear:  How challenges can be turned into career growth opportunities What goes into building future leaders Why it’s important to forge your own brand of leadership Make sure you never miss an episode by subscribing to us now on Apple Podcasts

Geoff Lucas says that when the market gets tough, the ones who withstand the downturn don’t simply get going — they also focus on growing.  The Agency’s managing director and chief executive officer sits down with Grace Ormsby to talk about how the “dynamic” last six months panned out for the network’s financial results before unpacking aspects of the business that outperformed amid the “softness” in the market. As the network continues to ramp up its growth initiatives, Geoff gives a behind-the-scenes look at how their “well-diversified” income streams have helped underpin the company’s steady but sustainable expansion before explaining how their strategic investments in key parts of the business are expected to reap further benefits for the network in the long run.  In this episode, you will hear about: Why it’s important to have a “disciplined approach” when planning your business’s next step The potential trends that will shape the market from 2023 to 2024  What investments should businesses make t

Whether you’re on the verge of a career breakthrough or on the threshold of a new business venture, Sandy Taylor says “maintaining the rage” is key to overcoming obstacles and attaining your goals. The recently appointed national director and Queensland head of growth for Agents’Agency sits down with Grace Ormsby and Sadhana Smiles to talk about how venturing beyond her own black stump — armed with a never-ending hunger for learning and a “no-blinkers, open eyes” attitude — has helped her establish a successful career in real estate. With over 13 years of experience in various roles, Sandy shares how she draws from her own background as a business owner to assist others in achieving their entrepreneurial ambitions, emphasises that planning is a quintessential step in achieving one’s goals and explains why she sees “untapped potential” in the real estate industry. In this episode, you will hear:   The importance of having an “accountability partner” when setting business goals Why agents and business owners s

What makes a good agent in today’s market? And how does a business make a point of difference amid rapidly shifting conditions? With CampaignAgent proudly partnering with REB’s Awards for 2023, host Grace Ormsby is joined by the firm’s co-founder and chief executive Shaun Moriarty to take a closer look at this year’s finalists and talk about the importance of recognising the major movers and shakers in the sector. As we enter the post-pandemic world, the pair explores the market trends that have emerged and are prevalent in 2022, takes a deep dive into the anatomy of a good agent/business/operator amid the current market conditions and touches on what the future holds for the industry.  In this episode, you will also hear: Why it’s important to “extract” and add value for all involved parties in a transaction How leveraging data can help businesses set higher benchmarks The systems and processes businesses can adopt amid the changing market Make sure you never miss an episode by subscribing to us now on App

Despite being trained not to take risks as a lawyer, Ruby Rozental defied the norm and took the plunge into business ownership. Now, four years later and with a thriving business under her belt, she believes she made the right call. The co-owner and director of operations at Ray White Commercial Western Sydney sits down with Grace Ormsby to talk about how her 16 years of experience working as a corporate and property lawyer helped her hit the ground running when she entered the commercial sector as a business owner. Now leading a 30-strong team, Ruby reflects on the mindset and skills she brought from her previous job to her leadership position and emphasises the importance of creating a working environment where “everyone feels valued” before sharing insights into the future direction of the business.  In this episode, you will hear:   Why leadership is a “two-way street” How systemisation and automation can help a business scale  The strategies that can help fast-track the recruitment process Make sure yo

An expert lays out the argument on why rapid rate increases — which has been the Reserve Bank’s traditional weapon of choice against inflation — won’t just cut it anymore. In this special episode, host Phil Tarrant sits down with Mark Bouris, the founder of Wizard Home Loans and Yellow Brick Road, to talk about why the central bank’s current approach to tackling the high inflationary levels is short-sighted, as it fails to consider current economic trends. With this, the industry commentator called for the government, along with the RBA, to tweak its monetary and fiscal policies and explained why its inflation target band should be a medium-term goal rather than a short-term one based on the chain of events that unfolded during the country’s 1990s recession. The pair also delves into how mortgage holders are specifically being “punished” by the rate hikes, the current state of play in the world of brokers and lenders, and unpacks what options are available to borrowers in today’s high-interest rate environme

To mark International Women’s Day, Grace Ormsby and Sadhana Smiles are holding no prisoners as they unpack the range of challenges and inequalities that women are still facing in today’s world. The editor of REB and the chief executive of Real Estate Industry Partners (REIP) shine the spotlight on the ongoing struggle for gender equality and women’s rights and highlight the work that needs to be done in order to achieve gender equity not just in the industry, but across society. Emphasising that equity is not just a social movement but a “basic human right”, they talk about the ways leaders can drive real change in the sector and underline why removing gender disparity is a conversation everyone should be involved in.  In this episode, you will hear:  The vital role leadership plays in achieving equity in the industry Why it’s important to “keep the conversation” on equity alive beyond International Women’s Day What steps can be taken to drive immediate and significant changes Make sure you never miss an e

For Christine Mikhael, taking charge of an iconic and legendary brand didn’t feel like taking on more than she can handle — it was an opportunity to drive real change across the real estate industry. In this special International Women’s Day episode, the chief executive of the LJ Hooker Group sits down with Grace Ormsby to share how her passion for the real estate industry grew its roots in the early years of her life and how her experiences in different roles, as well as in different parts of the world, prepared her for the leadership role she stepped into 12 months ago. Now at the forefront of a new chapter of growth for the network, Christine explains the process behind creating a sustainable and at-scale expansion strategy, the core values that underpin the brand’s legacy, and emphasises that any internal transformation should also put into perspective a brighter vision for the industry itself.  In this episode, you will hear:  How technology has transformed the real estate industry  Why human connectio

On this episode of Secrets of the Top 100 Agents, Real Estate Institute of NSW (REINSW) chief executive officer, Tim McKibbin sits down with host Grace Ormsby for a discussion on the issues currently facing the state’s property market. Tim provides a snapshot of the NSW property market’s movement across the turbulent last 12 months, before offering up solutions to the approval inefficiencies of the “utterly ridiculous” council approvals process. Additionally, he wonders whether the upcoming state election being a “renters’ election” is compounding market woes. In this episode, you will also hear: What NSW needs to do to match supply with demand Are government and opposition solutions adequate? Is there an accountability issue when it comes to property? Make sure you never miss an episode by subscribing to us now on Apple Podcasts. Did you like this episode? Show your support by rating us or leaving a review on Apple Podcasts (REB Podcast Network) and by liking and following Real Estate Business on social

When Amanda Coles made the risky move to leave behind a long-running career in marketing, not only did she jump careers — she also chose to become the captain of her own ship. The principal of Stone Real Estate Glenorie/Wisemans Ferry sits down with Grace Ormsby and Sadhana Smiles to talk about how she and her husband made the brave decision to become the owners of an independent real estate agency five years ago. With the husband-and-wife duo set to enter a new market under a network, Amanda explains why they made the switch from being a stand-alone brand and unpacks the strategic decision-making process behind every venture they undertake, before talking about the direction she wants to take the business towards as she leads it at the helm. In this episode, you will hear: The importance of attracting the “right agent” to your business Why marketing is important when expanding your area of operations How to grow your business strategically Make sure you never miss an episode by subscribing to us now on Ap

Establishing a standalone agency can be daunting, more so in the competitive market of Sydney’s upper-north shore, but Sash Aptaker believes there are certain factors that can help any brand stand out from the crowd. In this episode, the founder of Sash Aptaker & Associates sits down with Grace Ormsby to talk about how his life experiences and his career journey brought him full circle to his “first option” — the world of real estate. While Sash acknowledged that fear is a constant companion when taking on new ventures, he explains how rising above one’s apprehensions is vital to drive growth before talking about his plans for his business in the coming months.  In this episode, you will hear about: The importance of “doing the hard work” How agents can “level up” by leveraging available resources  Why it’s important to value your personal brand

Whether it’s working in sales, property development or retail, Deirdre McTiernan attributes her success to following a  fundamental belief: treating others the way she wants to be treated. The Perth-based agent, who recently joined the ranks of RE/MAX Extreme team, sits down with Grace Ormsby and Sadhana Smiles to reflect on how certain circumstances throughout her life and career aligned at the right moment and helped to pave the way to a successful career in real estate. Now embarking on the journey to eventually own her own business, Deidre talks about the lessons she brings from her past work experiences, and why it's important to provide a standout service to every client you encounter before touching on her future plans.  In this episode, you will hear: The importance of nurturing business relationships How having the right support system can help drive career growth  Why there is no one-way track to finding your own version of success Make sure you never miss an episode by subscribing to us now on

Creating your own mark in a leadership role is no easy task, but Nicole Prime believes that the true measure of a leader lies within the success and synergy of a team. The top-ranking agent who recently joined McGrath St Kilda office as a principal, sits down with Grace Ormsby to talk about how her love for interacting with people and the community, combined with her goal of achieving financial independence, led to a long-time career in the real estate industry.  She also talks about how leadership is a process of “natural progression”, why it’s important to set up your employees for success, and how leading from the trenches can help unite and drive a team to head towards the “right direction”.  In this episode, you will also hear:  The importance of having a good relationship with your mentors  How to transition from a sales position to a leadership role  Why communication is key to team synergy Make sure you never miss an episode by subscribing to us now on Apple Podcasts. Did you like this episode? S

Jackie Wang thought her real estate job would be a two-year gig at most, but it ultimately led her to discover a career that she could see herself doing every day. The Ashfield-based agent, who recently joined the ranks of Hudson McHugh, sits down with Grace Ormsby and Sadhana Smiles to talk about how her experience across several industries, including tax, accounting, marketing, and hospitality helped provide the right building blocks for her career in real estate. With communication being the foundation of any solid business relationship, she also explained how her multilingualism helped her to break language barriers and helped her service multicultural clients in order to deliver the best results before sharing how she plans to take her already stellar career to the next level.  In this episode, you will also hear: Why being ‘too honest’ can be beneficial to involved parties in a real estate transaction The importance of recognising the boundaries of your capabilities How to build a strong rapport with

Having previously spent time at national brands such as Raine & Horne and Elders, Andrew Brien is no stranger to big business. But his newest challenge sees him operating on a different scale, having moved into the role of general manager and principal at northern NSW’s Dougherty Property. The industry veteran — who also touts career experience as a chef — looks back on the winding road that led him to his latest role, and shares his myriad of motivations that prompted the career shift back “home”. In this episode, you will hear: - Why a leader shouldn't stay too long - How real estate agencies can look outward for recruits - What local businesses can teach corporate (and vice versa) Make sure you never miss an episode by subscribing to us now on Apple Podcasts. Did you like this episode? Show your support by rating us or leaving a review on Apple Podcasts (REB Podcast Network) and by liking and following Real Estate Business on social media: Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. If you have any questions