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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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! 🔥

In this episode of The John Kitchens Coach Podcast, John Kitchens and Joel Perso unpack what it really takes to scale your real estate business and eventually step out of production—without losing control, clarity, or cash flow.

From AI-powered leadership and communication to strategic planning and financial modeling, this conversation breaks down the mindset and systems behind building a business that serves your life, not the other way around.

Whether you’re a solo agent working toward your first million or a team leader looking to escape production, this episode delivers a playbook for scaling with strategy, clarity, and confidence.

• Why AI should amplify your leadership—not replace it.

• How to prompt AI to challenge your thinking instead of feeding your bias.

• The key difference between AI-assisted leadership and AI-dependent leadership.
  
  

• Why every agent and team needs a repeatable planning process.

• How to build clarity into your vision, model, and execution.

• The “Agent to CEO Framework” — a proven structure for thinking like a CEO.
  
  

• The three pillars of stepping out of production:

• 1. Strategic planning to prevent drift.

  2. Repeatable value propositions for buyers, sellers, and agents.

  3. A clear financial model that supports your next move.

• Why most leaders fail at stepping out—and how to forecast before you leap.
  
  

• Why market-based wages are the foundation of sustainable growth.

• The financial traps that keep leaders stuck in production.

• How to leverage your real estate business as a wealth engine for investments.
  
  

• Why clarity and vision come before every major decision.

• The mindset shift from chasing transactions to building opportunities.

• How top agents are turning their teams into vehicles for financial freedom.

• JohnKitchens.coach – Executive Coaching for agents ready to scale like CEOs

• The Agent to CEO Framework – Proven path from production to leadership

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

• The Working Genius by Patrick Lencioni

• The Culture Code by Daniel Coyle

• The Strangest Secret by Earl Nightingale

Final Takeaway

Building a business that gives you freedom isn’t about hustling harder—it’s about leading smarter. Strategic planning, financial clarity, and the right systems turn production into profit and chaos into control.

And as Joel Perso reminds us:

“The essence of strategy isn’t what you do—it’s what you decide not to do.”

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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! 🔥

In this powerhouse episode that is originally streamed 7 months ago, John Kitchens, Jay Kinder, and Al Stasek dive deep into the future of real estate leadership, the evolution of brokerage models, and what the next 18 months will look like for the industry.

From Keller Williams’ latest strategic moves to the unstoppable rise of EXP Realty, the crew unpacks the business lessons, market realities, and leadership frameworks that define success in a rapidly changing market.

This conversation isn’t just about brokerage wars—it’s about building a moat around your business, leading through uncertainty, and embracing innovation, data, and AI to stay relevant in the new era of real estate.

• Why your moat—the defensibility of your business model—will determine survival in the next 18 months.

• How to think like a wartime CEO and lead through disruption.

• Why leadership loyalty, core values, and promoting from within build unbeatable organizations.

• What Keller Williams’ latest moves reveal about the state of traditional brokerages.

• Why culture kept KW alive—and why innovation is now leaving it behind.

• The pitfalls of the franchise model vs. the agility of cloud-based companies.

• Why EXP’s operational efficiency and same-day pay systems are redefining brokerage excellence.

• How EXP’s value stack—EOS leadership training, luxury branding, and legal support—creates a true “business in a box” for agents.

• The next strategic move EXP is making (hint: it’s about to cripple the competition).

• The race between brokerages to own data + AI—and why that’s where the real power lies.

• How AI will reshape not just agent operations but also the consumer buying and selling journey.

• Why the agents who learn to leverage AI now will dominate the next decade.

• How fast growth exposes weak talent—and why “ones and threes” matter for scaling.

• Why every CEO must master the cycle of clarity, constraint, and culture.

• What EXP’s leadership lessons from Glen Sanford and Leo Pareja teach about visionary vs. wartime leadership.

• JohnKitchens.coach – Executive coaching for agents ready to lead like CEOs.

• HoneyBadgerNation.com – Community, training, and resources for top-performing agents.

• Working Genius by Patrick Lencioni

• The Ultimate Question 2.0 by Fred Reichheld

• The Theory of Constraints by Eliyahu Goldratt

• The Culture Code by Daniel Coyle

The next era of real estate belongs to leaders—not just agents.
Those who master adaptability, embrace AI, and lead with clarity and conviction will outlast every market shift.

“The companies that win are the ones that keep adding value faster than anyone else.” - Jay Kinder

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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! 🔥

In this episode of The John Kitchens Coach Podcast, we break down the biggest lessons, takeaways, and leadership insights from the Agent to CEO 2025 event in Cleveland. From mindset and systems to vision, strategy, and people, they unpack what it truly means to lead like a CEO in today’s evolving real estate landscape.

The conversation dives deep into clarity, culture, and leadership—exploring why vulnerability, storytelling, and alignment matter more than ever. With takeaways from powerful sessions featuring Blake Sloan, Tina Caul, Veronica Figueroa, and Jay Kinder, this episode is a masterclass in building scalable businesses that thrive through clarity and connection.

Whether you’re running a solo operation or leading a growing team, this is your blueprint for thinking, acting, and executing like a CEO.

Mindset & Vision

• Why every breakthrough starts with clarity—and how to find yours.

• The power of vision: how to cast it, communicate it, and get your team aligned.

• Why leaders fail when they accomplish a goal and forget to reset it.
  
  

Leadership & Team Culture

• Blake Sloan’s framework for leading with vulnerability and transparency.

• The Culture vs. Productivity Matrix—how to identify and remove “terrorists” in your organization.

• How “Working Genius” reveals what drives people and how to communicate with your team effectively.
  
  

Systems & Strategy

• The “half-built bridges” problem: why unfinished projects drain momentum.

• How to identify your biggest bottleneck (“Herbie”) and build strategy around it.

• Why focusing on the right three priorities each quarter drives consistent growth.
  
  

Vision, Model, Strategy, People

• The four pillars of the Agent to CEO framework—and how they work together.

• How to design a business model that serves your lifestyle and goals.

• The difference between a business hire and a life hire—and how both create freedom.
  
  

Event Highlights

• How Blake Sloan set the tone with raw honesty and next-level leadership.

• Why storytelling builds trust in an age of skepticism.

• Key takeaways from Jay Kinder, Tina Caul, and Veronica Figueroa’s sessions.
  
  

• The Agent to CEO Framework – Learn more at JohnKitchens.coach

• Working Genius by Patrick Lencioni – Discover your unique leadership type

• The Culture Code by Daniel Coyle

• Atomic Habits by James Clear

• Vivid Vision by Cameron Herold

• No B.S. Trust-Based Marketing by Dan Kennedy

The agents and leaders who win in this market aren’t just better at selling—they’re better at leading. Vision, systems, and culture are the real multipliers.

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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! 🔥

This special episode originally aired on The Leverage Lounge Podcast with Mike Collier, where John Kitchens joined as a guest to unpack what it really takes to transition from agent to CEO.

If you’ve ever felt stuck in the production grind—drowning in deals, chasing status instead of freedom, or struggling to scale without burning out—this conversation is your roadmap to clarity. John shares how to shift from chaos to clarity, why systems equal freedom, and the keystone habits every leader must build to escape production and create a business that serves their life.

From alignment and accountability to talent attraction and the four levers of scalability, this episode is packed with practical insights and timeless leadership lessons.

Chaos to Clarity

• Why most agents mistake “being busy” for being productive

• How radical honesty creates true clarity about your current reality

• The two-part formula for moving from point A to point B without circling endlessly

Habits & Reflection

• The power of weekly strategic thinking time

• Why half-built bridges kill momentum and how to finally finish what you start

• Keystone habits for staying in CEO mode

Systems = Freedom

• The four levers of growth every business must master: traffic, conversion, fulfillment, and profit

• Why retention matters more than acquisition for long-term scalability

• The #1 most valuable system in your business (hint: it’s about talent)

Leadership & Alignment

• Hiring A-player talent—and why it changes as your business grows

• How to ensure your team is aligned with your vision, values, and purpose

• Why tens don’t stick around eights (and how to level up your leadership)

Exiting Production

• The real signs a team leader is ready to step out of production

• How to evaluate opportunities and passions outside the day-to-day grind

• Why chasing freedom beats chasing status every time

• The Leverage Lounge Podcast with Mike Collier → LeverageWithMike.com

• SmartHireVA.com – VA talent placement for real estate teams

• The Miracle Morning for Real Estate Agents by Hal Elrod

• Rocket Fuel by Gino Wickman & Mark Winters

• John Kitchens Executive Coaching → JohnKitchens.coach

Escaping production and becoming the CEO of your business isn’t about working less—it’s about working with clarity, systems, and purpose. The agents and leaders who win in today’s market will be the ones who chase freedom over status and build teams aligned with their vision and values.

“The size of your business is in direct proportion to the size of your leadership capabilities.” – John Kitchens

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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! 🔥

In this powerful episode of the John Kitchens Coach Podcast, John Kitchens and Joel Perso break down what it truly means to make the leap from Agent to CEO. From Gary Vee’s prediction that real empires are being built right now to the uncomfortable truth about lifestyle businesses, they unpack the mindset, strategy, and habits required to not just survive—but thrive—in today’s shifting real estate market.

This conversation dives into the power of commitment, the danger of chasing “status” over freedom, and how building intentional systems can position you to withstand downturns and capitalize on opportunities. Whether you’re just starting out or leading a growing team, this is a no-fluff masterclass on business evolution, discipline, and creating the freedom you’re truly chasing.

Agent to CEO Mindset

• Why success starts with showing up and treating real estate like a job

• The difference between being interested, committed, and obsessed

• Why mindset always comes first when scaling

Building for Freedom, Not Status

• The difference between a lifestyle business and a scalable asset

• Why chasing freedom beats chasing status every time

• The three critical elements to escape production

Systems, AI & Working Yourself Out of a Job

• How to systematically replace yourself in every role with VAs, AI, and hires

• Why organic social media is the #1 priority for agents right now

• How to use AI as a thought partner—not a thought leader

The Perfect Day & The Freedom Number

• The “Perfect Day 2.0” exercise and how it shapes your goals

• How to calculate your freedom number and reverse-engineer to hit it

• Why intentionality and discipline are the ultimate competitive advantage

Leadership & Vision

• Why the #1 thing people look for in leaders is hope

• How to create clarity and inspire people to buy into your vision

• Why discipline equals freedom in both business and life

• Agent to CEO 2024 – Sept. 24–25 in Cleveland → AgentToCEOCE.com

• Buy Back Your Time by Dan Martell

• The AI-Driven Leader by Jeff Wood

• StoryBrand by Donald Miller

• The Strangest Secret by Earl Nightingale

Becoming a CEO isn’t about working less—it’s about working smarter, building systems, and chasing freedom, not status. As John Kitchens reminds us:

“It’s never about the goal—it’s about how much pain you’re willing to withstand to get there.”

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• LinkedIn: @johnkitchenscoach
• 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! 🔥

In this episode, John Kitchens sits down with Joel Perso for a forward-looking conversation about the 2030 Real Estate Team. Together, they unpack the five business models available to real estate agents and team leaders, how to align those models with your vision and season of life, and what it really takes to build freedom, profitability, and sustainability into your business.

From the “ATM Cash Machine” model to traditional teams and hybrid mega-organizations, Joel and John break down the pros, cons, and exit strategies of each. They also preview how AI, fractional leadership, and new business structures will reshape what winning real estate teams look like in the years ahead.

Whether you’re an agent trying to scale, a team leader considering your next evolution, or simply curious about the future of the industry, this episode provides a roadmap for thinking bigger about your business model.

The Five Real Estate Business Models

• The ATM Model: high profit, low freedom—and why the only exit strategy is asset acquisition

• Leverage Models: adding licensed support to create time for a “plus one” revenue stream

• Traditional Teams: the in-production vs. out-of-production dilemma

• Team Ridge: scaling with headcount, leadership, and agent as your customer

• Hybrid Models: why mixing leads teams with traditional teams may define the next five years
  
  

Freedom vs. Profitability

• How each model fits on the freedom/profitability quadrant

• Why lifestyle creep can kill your exit strategy

• The mindset shifts required to move from one model to the next
  
  

Exit Strategies & Long-Term Growth

• How to avoid the trap of selling yourself until you retire

• Why joint ventures in mortgage, title, or home services open new doors

• The path to creating scalable, acquirable businesses in real estate
  
  

Vision & Alignment

• Choosing the right vehicle based on your strengths, season of life, and vision

• Why leadership—not just systems—determines scalability

• The importance of aligning goals with values and family support

• Agent to CEO 2025 (Cleveland) – AgentToCEOCE.com

• Business Model Canvas Framework

• John Kitchens Executive Coaching → JohnKitchens.coach

There’s no “one-size-fits-all” for building a real estate business. Each model—from solo ATM producers to large-scale teamridges—comes with tradeoffs in profit, freedom, and leadership requirements. The key is aligning your vision, strengths, and season of life with the right vehicle to get you where you want to go.

“These are business models. These are not ways to be an agent—these are ways to build a real estate business.” – Joel Perso

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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! 🔥

In this episode, John Kitchens, Jay Kinder, and Al Stasek sit down with the powerhouse herself, Veronica Figueroa, to talk about leadership, culture, and the future of transformational events in real estate. From her groundbreaking “Build at Sea” event to her women’s leadership mastermind “Be Still Sisterhood,” Veronica shares why vulnerability, faith, and authenticity matter more than ever in business and life.

The crew also dives into the upcoming Agent to CEO event in Cleveland, why intimate events are replacing mega-conferences, and how real leaders balance vision, core values, and community to build something that lasts.

This is a candid and inspiring conversation about leading with heart, creating culture that sticks, and amplifying your mission without losing yourself along the way.

Transformational Events That Last

• Why conferences must respect attendees’ most valuable asset: their time

• How Build at Sea combined AI, prayer, personal growth, and business strategy

• Why intimate events (50–100 people) create deeper, lasting impact compared to mega conferences

Leadership & Vulnerability

• Why Veronica believes “real estate is what we do, but we are humans first”

• How sharing personal struggles creates connection and trust

• Why true leadership starts with being open, honest, and authentic

Core Values & Culture

• The difference between people who “say” they’re aligned and those who embody it

• Why core values both attract and repel—and why that’s a good thing

• How smaller, tighter communities create unshakable culture

Team Building & Vision

• How Veronica scaled her team to #1 in Florida without being in the weeds

• Why clarity of vision and grooming leaders is more powerful than control

• The role of diversity in leadership styles, faith, and experience in building stronger teams

• Agent to CEO 2024 (Cleveland) – Limited seating, capped at 100 agents

• Moments of Impact – Book on designing events that transform lives

• The Perfect Day 2.0 Exercise – Vision & AI-powered personal transformation

• HoneyBadgerNation.com – Community, training, and resources

Events, teams, and culture are only as strong as the leaders behind them. As Veronica Figueroa reminds us, leadership isn’t about being at the front of the stage—it’s about being in the back of the room, empowering others, and amplifying the mission with clarity and authenticity.

“Real estate is what we do, but we are humans first.” – Veronica Figueroa