In this episode of The John Kitchens Coach Podcast, John Kitchens sits down with Ryan Smith for an honest and powerful conversation on leadership, mindset, and faith in real estate.

From navigating a tough market and having hard client conversations, to leading with integrity, core values, and purpose, Ryan shares the timeless principles that help his team thrive—no matter the conditions.

This is more than a real estate conversation; it’s a masterclass in faith-based leadership, culture building, and personal alignment. If you’ve been feeling the tension between growth and gratitude, business and balance, this episode will remind you what really matters and how to lead from the inside out.

• Why your mindset determines your altitude, not the market conditions.

• How to stay proactive when transactions slow and uncertainty rises.

• Why fundamentals and skill mastery always win over hype and panic.

• How to bring clients back into what Ryan calls the “Circle of Reality.”

• Why early expectation-setting prevents frustration later in the process.

• When to walk away from clients—and how honesty always builds trust long-term.

• The power of hiring based on values, not production alone.

• Why culture is just a collection of your people—and how one wrong fit can shift everything.

• The “gardener” analogy: pruning your team for health and growth.

• How Ryan structures his business around his faith and family priorities.

• Why excellence in business flows from spiritual and personal alignment.

• Balancing ambition with purpose: redefining success beyond production numbers.

• The “Story Model” for self-awareness: how your internal narrative shapes your results.

• Why agents must master mindset before strategy.

• How to create a culture where team members can call each other out with truth and trust.

• Why honesty and excellence set you apart when others take shortcuts.

• The shrinking competition and growing chance to win listings and market share.

• The power of attraction through doing the right thing—consistently.

• JohnKitchens.coach – Executive coaching for growth-minded agents

• The Culture Code by Daniel Coyle

• Working Genius by Patrick Lencioni

• The Strangest Secret by Earl Nightingale

• Simple Numbers, Straight Talk, Big Profits! by Greg Crabtree

• The Bible, Matthew 7:24–27 – Building your foundation on the rock

True leadership isn’t about selling more homes—it’s about building your business on character, consistency, and conviction.

As Ryan puts it:

“All I can do is the next right thing. Do it over and over, and that’s what leads to your breakthrough.”

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• Facebook: @johnkitchenscoach

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a review. Stay tuned for more insights and strategies from the top minds. See you next time! 🔥