In this episode of The Real Estate Circle, we’re joined by Andrew McCann, CEO of Jellis Craig. From starting out in residential real estate at 19 to leading one of Australia’s fastest-growing real estate groups, Andrew shares insights from his journey through sales, leadership, and business growth.

We chat about what makes a great leader in today’s industry, how to transition from selling to managing, and why empathy and care matter more than commission. Andrew also shares his thoughts on the most underrated skill in real estate, the value of boardroom auctions, and what he looks for when hiring a strong team.

This episode was powered by Delta by Design: https://www.deltabydesign.com.au/

GET IN TOUCH:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.real.estate.circle/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the.real.estate.circle
Email: therealestatecircle.podcast@gmail.com

Podcast edited by Tom Stephenson

In this episode of The Real Estate Circle, we’re joined by Cate Bakos - a seasoned Buyer’s Advocate who’s passionate about representing the buyer, and the buyer only. Cate shares her unique journey from working in chemistry, to starting her career in real estate as a sales agent, and how that experience shaped her commitment to putting buyers first. Tune in for an insightful chat about industry lessons, client advocacy, and why having someone in your corner makes all the difference.

This episode was powered by Delta by Design: https://www.deltabydesign.com.au/

EPISODE REFERENCES:

https://www.catebakos.com.au/

GET IN TOUCH:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.real.estate.circle/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the.real.estate.circle
Email: therealestatecircle.podcast@gmail.com

Podcast edited by Tom Stephenson

In this episode, Matt and Emily sit down with Simon Pintado, Director at Buxton Bentleigh, to explore the highs, lows, and lessons from his journey in real estate.

Simon opens up about resilience - from being fired on the last day of his probation to landing a life-changing opportunity by chance. He shares how discipline shapes success, why young agents can struggle with empathy, and the importance of giving the right advice for the client - not for yourself.

They also dive into the realities of today’s market, the impact of agents cutting fees to win business, and why reputation takes years to build but only moments to destroy. Plus, Simon talks about his health and fasting journey, the mindset shift after becoming a father, and why he values working with buyer’s advocates.

This episode was powered by Delta by Design: https://www.deltabydesign.com.au/

EPISODE REFERENCES:

https://buxton.com.au/bentleigh/simon-pintado/

GET IN TOUCH:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.real.estate.circle/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the.real.estate.circle
Email: therealestatecircle.podcast@gmail.com

Podcast edited by Tom Stephenson

In this episode, Matt and Emily sit down with Sam Rigopoulos, Director of Jellis Craig Northcote, to dive into the realities of leadership, negotiation, and the hard work that drives success in real estate.

Sam shares his journey - from struggling to land his first job in the industry to leading a top-performing team. He opens up about his leadership style, being available to coach his team 24/7, and why he believes some agents shy away from the tough work today.

It’s an insightful conversation about what it really takes to lead, negotiate, and thrive in real estate.

This episode was powered by Delta by Design: https://www.deltabydesign.com.au/

EPISODE REFERENCES:

https://www.jelliscraig.com.au/agents/sam-rigopoulos

Book: Never Split the Difference - Chris Voss

GET IN TOUCH:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.real.estate.circle/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the.real.estate.circle
Email: therealestatecircle.podcast@gmail.com

Podcast edited by Tom Stephenson

In this episode, Matt and Emily reflect on key takeaways from their last three guests, unpacking the insights that stood out the most. They dive into the importance of strong systems and processes behind the scenes, the benefits (and challenges) of living where you work, and why getting recruitment right is crucial for long-term success.

It's a practical, behind-the-scenes chat about what it really takes to build a sustainable and thriving business in real estate.

This episode was powered by Delta by Design: https://www.deltabydesign.com.au/

GET IN TOUCH:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.real.estate.circle/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the.real.estate.circle
Email: therealestatecircle.podcast@gmail.com

Podcast edited by Tom Stephenson

In this episode, we sit down with Carla Fetter, Director at Jellis Craig Stonnington, who shares insights from her 21-year journey in real estate. Carla talks about what’s kept her passionate about the industry—her love for client connections, relationship-building, and mentoring the next generation of agents.

She opens up about her shift toward work-life balance, embracing hobbies outside of real estate, and making time for exercise and family as a mother of two.

We also dive into what makes a great listing agent, the importance of trust, rapport, and humour in client relationships, and why work ethic is something you can’t teach.

This episode was powered by Delta by Design: https://www.deltabydesign.com.au/

Episode references:

Carla Fetter's profile can be found here - https://www.jelliscraig.com.au/agents/carla-fetter

GET IN TOUCH:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.real.estate.circle/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the.real.estate.circle
Email: therealestatecircle.podcast@gmail.com

Podcast edited by Tom Stephenson

In this episode, we chat with Luke Saville, a seasoned agent with over 14 years of experience, and now nearing six years with The Agency.

Luke’s innovative approach has seen him sell five properties through TikTok—without listing them on traditional sites like realestate.com.au or Domain. He talks about how the real estate market is shifting, with vendors now open to sell via social media to save on marketing costs.

Join us for an insightful conversation about adapting to changes in the industry, finding the right approach for each vendor, and how social media is changing the way properties are sold.

Episode references:

Luke Saville's profile can be found here - https://theagency.com.au/team/luke-saville

GET IN TOUCH:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.real.estate.circle/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the.real.estate.circle
Email: therealestatecircle.podcast@gmail.com

Podcast edited by Tom Stephenson

In this episode, we sit down with one of the best in the business—Marcus Chiminello. Marcus shares how he carved out a niche in the luxury property market by identifying an opportunity and stepping into that gap.

We also dive into his mindset around securing listings, building the right team culture, and why he doesn’t rely on listing proposals. Plus, Marcus opens up about work-life balance, setting boundaries, and how disconnecting from work can make you a better agent.

Episode references:

Marcus Chiminello's profile can be found here - https://www.marshallwhite.com.au/agent/marcus-chiminello

GET IN TOUCH:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.real.estate.circle/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the.real.estate.circle
Email: therealestatecircle.podcast@gmail.com

Podcast edited by Tom Stephenson