REB Podcast Network

In this episode of the REB Podcast, deputy editor Emilie Lauer sits down with the Rise Initiative's Kylie Davis to unpack why wellbeing has become one of the industry's most urgent issues – and why agents can't afford to ignore it heading into 2026. Davis explains why wellbeing shouldn't feel like just another item on an already overwhelming to-do list, arguing instead for small, sustainable habits that help agents manage stress before it escalates into burnout. Drawing on her own experiences, Davis highlights the emotional toll property transactions can have on buyers and sellers, and why agents often find themselves acting as "first responders" to clients in crisis. The conversation explores how agents can support highly stressed buyers and sellers without absorbing that pressure themselves, why switching off over the holiday period is so difficult in a commission-based industry, and how a gradual wind-down can make all the difference. Davis also challenges agencies and networks to move beyond outdated "harden up" mentalities, outlining their legal and moral responsibility to actively support staff wellbeing. Looking ahead, she discusses the role technology and artificial intelligence (AI) could play in identifying stress patterns early – while warning that human connection remains irreplaceable. 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 [email protected] for more insights.

In this episode of the REB Business Empowerment Showcase Podcast, editor Liam Garman sits down with Kate Bain and Lucy Zheng from National Australia Bank (NAB) to unpack the economic, technological, and regulatory forces redefining Australian real estate – and what agents need to do now to stay competitive. Bain, executive of professional services at NAB, shares a macro view of the market, explaining how rate movements, confidence shifts, and structural supply challenges are shaping conditions across residential, retail, and office sectors. She outlines why resilience has defined the past year, but why complacency is a growing risk as the market normalises. Zheng, business banking executive for professional services, brings the on-the-ground perspective from working closely with agencies nationwide. She explores the pressure points agents are grappling with daily, from cash flow and margin compression to talent attraction, retention, and the cultural tensions around hybrid work. The conversation also dives into artificial intelligence, with both guests making it clear that artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer optional. They discuss how agents are already using AI in marketing, virtual inspections, and customer engagement, and why trust, relationships, and human judgement will become even more valuable as technology accelerates. Looking ahead to 2026, Bain and Zheng highlight succession planning, compliance readiness, and leadership depth as critical priorities, particularly with new anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CTF) obligations on the horizon. They close by outlining how NAB is supporting agents beyond banking, helping businesses future-proof, lift productivity, and navigate the next phase of industry change with confidence.

In this episode of the REB Business Empowerment Showcase, editor Liam Garman sits down with Giordano Stepancic, founder and CEO of Property Credit, to explore how the company is transforming property transactions with innovative finance solutions and enhanced vendor support. Stepancic explains Property Credit's holistic approach, going beyond funding to support marketing, repairs, and compliance, while giving home owners access to their property equity throughout the sale process. He also shows how agents can move from traditional sales roles to solution providers, turning complex transactions into seamless experiences, helping agents to stand out in a competitive market. The discussion highlights how buyers and sellers can navigate timing challenges, leveraging equity in current homes to secure new purchases, all underpinned by a focus on human connection in a tech-driven industry. They close by exploring the company's expansion across Australia and New Zealand, demonstrating how a customer-first mindset, integrated solutions, and agent empowerment are setting new benchmarks for real estate.

In this episode of the REB Business Empowerment Showcase, REB deputy editor Emilie Lauer sits down with A Home for All chair and LJ Hooker CEO Christine Mikhael and committee member Natalie Hortz to discuss how the industry is coming together to address the nation's homelessness crisis. Mikhael and Hortz discuss the foundation's rapid progress, raising over $1 million in just two months, and highlight the often-overlooked realities of hidden homelessness, including couch surfing, living in cars, or moving between temporary accommodations. The conversation also delves into domestic and family violence as a key driver of homelessness, and how the foundation is carefully directing resources to make the most difference for women and children in need. The episode closes with a call to action for real estate professionals and beyond, exploring ways to get involved from fundraising and volunteering to immersive awareness events like "A Night Without Home". 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 [email protected] for more insights.

In this episode of the REB Business Empowerment Showcase, editor Liam Garman sits down with Ben White, co-founder and CEO of Ailo, and Jodie Stainton, Harcourts Solutions Group director of property management, to examine the forces redefining modern property management, from new technology to cultural change, and shifting consumer expectations. White charts the sector's evolution across three major waves: the digitisation of paperwork, the rise of cloud connectivity, and now a third wave focused squarely on the customer experience. He explains why this era demands a complete rethink of how landlords, renters, and tradies interact with property managers, and how technology can streamline this shift. Stainton talks about how Harcourts Solutions Group is unpacking new property management models and leading large teams through transformation, sharing why personalised service delivery is becoming non-negotiable, and why culture and team empowerment sit at the heart of any successful change program. The discussion digs into the fear and friction that often accompany technological shifts, and why the agencies that confront this head-on are the ones lifting efficiency, strengthening relationships, and setting new service benchmarks. The episode closes with an emphasis on leadership, alignment, and culture – the foundations that enable property management businesses to innovate, adapt, and thrive. With the third wave of property management now in full swing, White and Stainton reveal why vision, technology and a customer-first mindset will define the next generation of industry leaders. 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 [email protected] for more insights.