In this episode of the REB Podcast, editor Liam Garman sits down with DiJones CEO Dean Mackie and COO Brent May to explore what it takes to be the "agent of tomorrow" and how you can thrive in the rapidly evolving real estate market.

They discuss the speed of industry changes, from anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CTF) reforms and Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) compliance to the disruptive impact of generative AI, and how top agents can balance innovation with the human connection.

Mackie explains the philosophy behind agents needing to "unlearn" outdated habits, while May reveals how enhanced databasing must form a key centrepiece of the agent's strategy – allowing them to find buyers before going to market.

The conversation turns to how competition is reshaping commission structure and the role of technology in marketing and property discovery, providing a pragmatic roadmap for agents and leaders navigating digital transformation and market consolidation.

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, X 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.

In this episode of the REB Podcast, editor Liam Garman sits down with Lloyd Ernst, founder and CEO of Cloudstaff, for a deep dive into how principals and directors can build scalable, future-ready, and tech-enabled real estate businesses.

Ernst reflects on his business's journey, founding companies that have since become multinational, providing insight into how remote workforces that align with local culture and performance objectives are fundamental for growth in today's real estate market.

Ernst and Garman then dive into the challenges of building trust and accountability across offshore teams, how artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping workflows, and why the next generation of agencies will operate more like tech-enabled service companies than traditional offices. They then explore how Cloudstaff helps companies do this securely, overseeing cyber risks and enabling staff to effectively support the business.

Finally, Ernst offers practical insights for principals on how to leverage remote teams of any size without losing control, quality, or brand integrity, and explains how Cloudstaff's tailored training ensures offshore staff can quickly integrate and contribute to business success.

In this episode of the REB Podcast, editor Liam Garman sits down with Sean Hanneberry, CEO of Professionals, for a candid conversation about leadership, culture, and steering a national network through a once-in-a-generation brand transformation.

Hanneberry reflects on leading one of Australia's most recognisable real estate brands through a major rebrand in 2025, unpacking the realities of rolling out change across a vast membership base – and the challenges that inevitably come with it. He shares what it takes to modernise a legacy brand without losing the trust of the people who built it.

The discussion explores the tension between innovation and stability, particularly when it comes to proptech adoption. Hanneberry offers a pragmatic view on why not every new solution is worth the disruption, how network leaders should assess risk, and why members should never feel like guinea pigs in the pursuit of progress.

Hanneberry also dives deep into leadership within a membership model, revealing how democratic decision-making, playing to people's strengths, and elevating diverse voices can drive cohesion in an industry often dominated by individualism and ego.

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, X 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.

In this episode of the REB Podcast, editor Liam Garman sits down with Michael Nitschke, managing director of Nitschke Real Estate, for a raw conversation about leadership when business survival is on the line.

Nitschke reflects on being thrust into the family business after the sudden loss of his father, inheriting an agency with just six weeks' worth of cash left and no margin for error. He unpacks the mindset that kept him moving forward when walking away would have been easier, and the brutal leadership decisions required to keep the doors open.

The conversation explores how to lead through crisis without hiding behind false confidence, why openness can be a strategic strength, and how leaving ego at the door can unlock unexpected paths to survival – including decisions that challenge traditional competitive thinking.

Nitschke also shares practical lessons for business owners facing their own pressure moments: how to prioritise when everything feels urgent, why courageous conversations are a form of leadership kindness, and the one lesson he wishes he'd learned before crisis forced it upon him.

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, X 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.

In this episode of The Property Management Excellence (PMX) Podcast, REB's Alex Whitlock sits down with Nick Georges, industry veteran and director of growth at the Wingman Group, to explore how innovation, relationships, and strategic thinking are reshaping property management.

Whitlock and Georges unpack the widening gap between traditional approaches and next-gen operators, the influx of professionals from adjacent industries, and why tech-enabled, proactive property managers are becoming essential partners for investors.

They reveal how property managers can add real value, beyond rent collection and maintenance, by aligning with owner goals, identifying investment opportunities, and maintaining regular, strategic communication. They also discuss how thoughtful, relationship-driven approaches can transform a rent roll into a scalable, saleable asset, and why those who embrace innovation are best positioned to thrive.

The conversation also highlights the emerging "next-gen agency" model, the power of ecosystems within real estate offices, and practical ways to leverage teams, offshoring, and technology to maximise growth and retention.

In this episode of the REB Podcast, editor Liam Garman sits down with Coronis Group CEO Karuna Mazzocchi for a candid conversation on what it really takes to future-proof a real estate business as the market shifts beneath our feet.

Mazzocchi explains why "good enough" is no longer good enough, how complacency quietly creeps into successful businesses, and why leaders must be willing to disrupt their own models if they want longevity in an increasingly competitive market.

The pair then put digital marketing and proptech solutions under the microscope, examining what truly differentiates tools that drive performance from those that burn time and money - before diving into when it's time for agencies to make hard calls and change course.

Mazzocchi also explores the tension between automation and authenticity, warning that technology should strengthen – rather than replace – human relationships, and outlining how high-performance, human-first cultures can be built and sustained across multiple offices.

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, X 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.

In this episode of the Real Estate Business (REB) Podcast, host Liam Garman sits down with Josh Phegan to share the top strategies agents need to tackle challenges and seize opportunities in the fast-moving 2026 market.

Phegan explains that market cycles have accelerated dramatically, shifting every seven to eight weeks rather than over years, requiring agents to be more agile and strategic.

He emphasises the importance of understanding market dynamics, such as days on market, listing volumes, and government policies, to make informed decisions and seize opportunities.

The discussion highlights the critical role of leadership and coaching in fostering growth, mentoring teams effectively, and building a culture of continuous learning.

Phegan also stresses the value of relationship-driven strategies, leveraging past client connections to generate future business in a competitive environment.

The conversation also touches on government scrutiny, noting new compliance requirements and ethical expectations that demand stricter adherence from industry professionals.

Phegan encourages agents to invest in personal development, embrace continuous learning, and maintain strong client relationships as key differentiators in a tech-driven world.

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, X 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.

In this episode of the REB Business Empowerment Showcase Podcast, editor Liam Garman sits down with Leesy CEO and co-founder Michael Watson to unpack how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming Australia's real estate industry – and why adoption is now a competitive necessity, not a nice-to-have.

Watson breaks down the widening gap between agencies that are embracing AI to drive efficiency, scale, and growth, and those being left behind by outdated processes and resistance to change.

Drawing on real-world examples, he explains how poor or careless use of AI can expose agencies to serious risk, making the case for responsible, ethical implementation as a critical leadership issue.

The conversation explores how AI-powered tools are already reshaping property management – from proactive rental reviews and rent roll retention to smarter business development and exclusive landlord lead generation.

Watson also offers practical guidance for principals and leaders, outlining where to start, how to embed AI into everyday workflows, and why specialised, purpose-built tools will outperform generic solutions.

Looking ahead, he paints a compelling picture of the next five years, where AI-driven efficiencies could dramatically increase portfolio capacity, free up time for higher-value client relationships, and redefine what high-performance agencies look like.