Category: Top 1% Interviews

Darwin Stephens shares how he transitioned from a secure Fortune 10 leadership role in corporate America into full-time luxury real estate after the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped his original business plans. He discusses building the federally trademarked Selling Dallas brand and establishing authority in the Dallas luxury market through extensive media exposure and a consultative approach tailored to high-net-worth and C-suite clients. Darwin also explains how technology like Metaology’s hyper-real visualization tools is transforming real estate development by allowing investors and developers to experience projects before they’re built. As a triple-licensed professional and CEO/broker of the Raddr Group, he focuses on helping clients maximize their real estate portfolios. He also previews his upcoming podcast exploring the evolving idea of the American Dream and new paths to wealth, retirement, and housing in today’s economy.

If you’d prefer to watch this interview, click here to view on YouTube!

Darwin Stephens can be reached at (469) 756-3221 and closewithdarwin@gmail.com

This episode is brought to you by Real Geeks and Courted.io.

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Welcome to our monthly feature Learn With A Lender with Austin Clarence.

In this episode, Austin discusses what the recent drop in 30‑year fixed rates below 6% really means for buyers. Austin describes how to use the new FHA loan limit as a pricing strategy, and why non-QM and DSCR loans are game-changers for self‑employed buyers and investors. Last, Austin also shares his concept of “ghost buyers”, people who could qualify but don’t realize it, and gives agents practical ways to turn this hidden group into closed deals.

Subscribe to Austin’s newsletter by sending an email to aclarence@nexalending.com.

If you’d prefer to watch this interview, click here to view on YouTube!

Austin Clarence can be reached at +1 650-906-2376 and aclarence@nexalending.com

This episode is brought to you by Real Geeks and Courted.io.

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Welcome to The Inner Game of Real Estate Success with high-performance hypnotherapist and mindset coach Paul Salter.

In this episode of The Inner Game of Real Estate Success, Paul breaks down the hidden cost of indecision – and how hesitation quietly drains confidence, overwhelms the mind, and holds real estate professionals back from making bold moves, closing deals, and operating at their highest level.

You’ll learn why indecision isn’t just a lack of clarity, but a psychological pattern rooted in fear, uncertainty, and a breakdown in self-trust. Paul explains how unresolved decisions increase cognitive load, invite doubt, and create a dangerous gap between the results you say you want and the actions you take.

If you’d prefer to watch this interview, click here to view on YouTube!

Schedule a high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching session with Paul here.

Learn more about mindset and performance coaching for real estate agents here.

This episode is brought to you by Real Geeks and Courted.io.

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In this episode D.J. talks to our in-house mindset coach, the high-performance hypnotherapist Paul Salter to unpack why most agents don’t have a systems problem but they have a mindset problem. Paul describes how fear, anxiety, and old stories stop us from doing simple, high-impact actions like going to the gym, making prospecting calls, or reconnecting with past clients, even when we know exactly what to do. Paul shares practical tools for shifting from unconscious reaction to conscious response using mindfulness, daily rituals, and identity-level work, along with real client examples of agents who rebuilt their relationship with success to earn more while feeling better.

If you’d prefer to watch this interview, click here to view on YouTube!

Schedule a high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching session with Paul here.

Learn more about mindset and performance coaching for real estate agents here.

Check out Paul’s “The Scratch Golfer’s Mindset Podcast” here.

This episode is brought to you by Real Geeks and Courted.io.

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Amanda Pendleton, the Zillow house trends expert, unpacks fresh data on today’s buyers and sellers. Amanda discusses  the growing importance, and fragility, of buyer loyalty, why repeat clients often don’t return to their original agent, and the re‑engagement strategies top producers use to stay top of mind for 10–15 years between moves. Next, Amanda talks about how online research and AI are changing how consumers find agents, what a powerful digital presence and brand should look like in 2026. Amanda also emphasizes that GenZ is a bigger force in the market than most agents realize. Last, Amanda explores what today’s sellers really want and how data-driven agents can use Zillow’s insights to win more listings and build long-term loyalty.

If you’d prefer to watch this interview, click here to view on YouTube!

This episode is brought to you by Real Geeks and Courted.io.

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We are thrilled to announce our newest monthly segment The YouTube Lab with Sarah Maslowski.

The YouTube Lab will be a monthly segment hosted by Sarah Maslowski, a real estate agent who has closed over $150 million in sales from YouTube without any paid ads. Each episode will focus on teaching agents how to be successful with YouTube—what to post, how to structure their videos, how to attract the right leads, and how to convert those leads into clients. You’ll also hear interviews with agents who are actively using YouTube to grow their business, with honest breakdowns of what’s working and what’s not.

If you’d prefer to watch this interview, click here to view on YouTube!

Sarah Maslowski can be reached at hello@keypointhomesgroup.com and +1(470) 577-6472.

This episode is brought to you by Real Geeks and Courted.io.

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Kristee Leonard shares her journey from helping her mother break into real estate to building a successful solo career. Kristee discusses the keys to her success: relentless work ethic, flexibility with clients, and a refusal to limit herself to a specific niche. She also discusses the importance of luxury branding and how social media—especially targeting other agents—has helped her generate valuable referrals. Last, Kristee talks about her challenges, future goals, and her belief in collaboration over competition within the real estate industry.

If you’d prefer to watch this interview, click here to view on YouTube! 

Kristee Leonard can be reached at Kristee@TheLeadersRealty.com and 512.695.5144

This episode is brought to you by Real Geeks and Courted.io.

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Marisa Kashino talks about her journey from journalist to novelist and her achievements, including “Best Offer Wins” and TV adaptations. Marisa discusses the differences between fiction and journalism, the importance of editors and coaches, and Marissa’s personal editing experiences. Next, Marisa unpacks the book’s themes of status, societal pressures, and female rage as experienced by both homebuyers and professional women. Marisa also talks about how social media and technology shape our perceptions of success and perfection, especially within real estate. Last, Marissa and DJ discuss industry practices like buyer “love letters” and share insights for both readers and real estate professionals.

You can buy Marisa’s “Best Offer Wins” book here.

If you’d prefer to watch this interview, click here to view on YouTube! 

Please follow Marisa on Instagram here.

This episode is brought to you by Real Geeks and Courted.io.

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Connie Mahan shares her inspiring journey from restaurant management to becoming Realtor of the Year in Central Florida. Connie talks about the value of building authentic community relationships, and her hands-on approach to leading and motivating her team. Connie also emphasizes the importance of mindset, gratitude, and resilience in overcoming industry challenges.

Check out D.J.’s Listing Reviewer here.

If you’d prefer to watch this interview, click here to view on YouTube! 

Connie Mahan can be reached at (352) 569-0233.

This episode is brought to you by Real Geeks and Courted.io.

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Welcome to The Inner Game of Real Estate Success with high-performance hypnotherapist and mindset coach Paul Salter.

When Everything Feels Like an Attack: How to Defuse Anger, Reactivity, and Taking Things Personally in Business

In this episode, Paul unpacks why high-performing real estate entrepreneurs are so easily triggered by feedback, questions, and perceived criticism—and how those reactions quietly sabotage leadership, relationships, and results. Learn why your nervous system is wired to feel attacked, how unresolved doubt and identity gaps fuel anger and defensiveness, and how reframing triggers as teachers can help you respond with clarity, composure, and authority instead of reactivity.

Check out D.J.’s Listing Reviewer here.

If you’d prefer to watch this interview, click here to view on YouTube!

Schedule a high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching session with Paul here.

Learn more about mindset and performance coaching for real estate agents here.

Book a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call here.

This episode is brought to you by Real Geeks and Courted.io.

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify