The Better Podcast

In this episode of The Better Podcast, Jen Baird is joined by Queenstown agents Sarah McBride and Sarena Glass to explore how two different personalities and skill sets have combined to create a strong, sustainable business.
Their paths into property were different. Sarah brought a background in corporate account management, sales and marketing, while Sarena moved from ski racing into property study, valuation and management. Their careers crossed through a luxury rentals business, where they developed a deep understanding of high-end homes, demanding clients and the importance of trusted relationships.
When they moved into sales, that experience gave them an established network and a strong foundation in the Queenstown luxury market. They share why their partnership has always been a business relationship first, how they divide responsibilities around their natural strengths, and why being competitive alongside one another, rather than with one another, keeps them focused on the same goal.
Sarah and Sarena also discuss the realities behind a long-term partnership. They don't always agree, but they challenge each other constructively, debate their options and trust one another to pull their weight. That trust has also supported flexibility through different family stages and helped them remain resilient when the work becomes demanding.
The conversation explores their decision to change brands and join Bayleys, including the appeal of the wider network, marketing flexibility, cross-sector reach and support available to agents. They also explain how taking on new opportunities created the need to expand their team, introduce clearer roles and build better systems so growth did not come at the expense of service or wellbeing.
For real estate agents, this episode offers a practical look at partnership, change and sustainable growth. It is a candid conversation about playing to individual strengths, getting comfortable with discomfort, asking for support and creating the structure needed to keep moving forward.

What does professional rugby teach you about building a sustainable, high-performance real estate business?
In this episode of The Better Podcast, Jen Baird is joined by Bayleys agent and former professional rugby player Adam Whitelock to explore how the habits, disciplines and mindset required in elite sport have shaped the way he builds his business today.
Adam shares his journey from growing up on a dairy farm and playing rugby from a young age to joining the Canterbury Academy, representing Canterbury and the Crusaders, and finishing his professional career in France. He reflects on the work, sacrifice, resilience and supportive environments behind that journey, as well as the importance of preparing for life beyond professional sport.
The conversation follows Adam's transition through rural banking and into real estate, where disciplined prospecting helped him build momentum quickly and win the REINZ Rising Star Award in his first year. He explains why doing the work consistently matters more than looking for shortcuts, and how preparation, product knowledge and professionalism remain essential, regardless of the profile or network you begin with.
Adam also shares the systems that support his business today, from Sunday planning and setting his most valuable priorities to recording client contact, practising with colleagues, seeking feedback and reviewing performance. He discusses the role of exercise, journalling and reflection in sustaining energy, learning from setbacks and balancing the demands of work with health and family.
For real estate agents, this episode offers a practical look at what high performance requires over the long term: clear priorities, purposeful habits, genuine community engagement, trusted relationships and the curiosity to keep learning.
This is a grounded conversation about turning preparation into performance, building a reputation through consistent action and creating a business that supports a better life.

How do New Zealand's wealthiest individuals think about building, protecting and transferring wealth?
In this episode of The Better Podcast, Jen Baird sits down with a leading wealth management expert to explore how high-net-worth clients approach property, investment and long-term wealth creation.
Together, they unpack the role property plays within a broader wealth strategy, examining how affluent New Zealanders balance residential and commercial property with equities, private investments and offshore opportunities. The conversation also explores the changing wealth landscape, current investor sentiment, and how global economic conditions are influencing decision-making among sophisticated investors.
Drawing on extensive experience working with wealthy clients, our guest shares insights into how high-net-worth individuals evaluate opportunities, select trusted advisors and build long-term professional relationships. They discuss the common mistakes investors make, the risks of over-concentration, and why understanding a client's broader financial goals is critical when helping them make important decisions.
For real estate agents, this episode offers practical guidance on how to better understand affluent clients, create value beyond the transaction and position themselves as a trusted part of a client's wider advisory network.
This is a thought-provoking conversation about wealth, trust, relationships and strategic thinking, packed with insights for agents who want to better understand the people they serve and build deeper client relationships.

Important Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast represent the personal views of the speaker and not necessarily those of Pāua Wealth Management. The information is intended for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Before acting on any information discussed, listeners should consider whether it is appropriate for their particular circumstances and seek professional advice where necessary. Before making any financial decisions, you should consult a financial advice provider. Disclosure information relating to Pāua Wealth Management Limited can be viewed at Paua-Wealth-Disclosure-Statement-1.pdf.

What does it take to build one of New Zealand's highest-performing real estate businesses and maintain that success over time?
In this episode of The Better Podcast, Jen Baird sits down with Adam Heazlewood, one of Christchurch's leading residential agents, to discuss the habits, systems and strategies behind a high-volume real estate business.
Adam reflects on his journey into real estate at a young age, the key decisions that helped him gain momentum early, and how his business evolved from a solo operation into a scalable team. He shares how Christchurch's property market has transformed throughout his career and how adapting to change has been critical to maintaining results.
A strong advocate for auctions, Adam explains why they remain central to his approach, how he positions the method with clients, and the role that collaboration and process play in delivering successful outcomes. He also offers practical advice for agents who want to incorporate more auctions into their business and overcome common misconceptions about the process.
This is a practical conversation about consistency, discipline, growth and performance, packed with lessons for agents looking to build a more effective and sustainable real estate business.

How do residential projects actually work — and what can every agent learn from one of the most specialised parts of real estate?
In this episode of The Better Podcast, Jen Baird sits down with Suzie Wigglesworth, National Director of Projects at Bayleys, to demystify the world of residential projects and development sales.
Suzie works across the full lifecycle of residential developments, from acquisition, planning and feasibility through to product positioning, brand development, project marketing and sales. While most agents focus on individual property transactions, Suzie's work often begins years before a project reaches the market.
In this conversation, Suzie shares her journey into projects, explains how development sales differ from traditional residential real estate, and breaks down the process from site acquisition through to launch and sell-down. She discusses the importance of long-term relationships, the role of trust and credibility when working with developers, and why getting the fundamentals right early can determine a project's success.
This is a practical conversation that demystifies residential projects, helping agents better understand the development cycle, where they can add value, and when specialist expertise matters.