Bothsides Podcast

• EP 124: Shane Smollen — The $70M Exit, Strategic Scale & Staying Calm Under Pressure

  In this compelling episode of The Both Sides Podcast, we sit down with renowned entrepreneur, real estate leader, and motorsport enthusiast Shane Smollen. From a humble, working-class upbringing in Ipswich, Brisbane, to building a real estate empire with an enterprise value of over $70 million, Shane's journey is a testament to the power of growth, resilience, and staying true to your instincts.Shane shares his non-traditional blueprint for success—one that doesn't rely on rigid goals but instead centers around alignment, strategic thinking, and building powerful habits. We dive into his early days with McGrath, selling 10 offices in 2015, and how his love for motorsport parallels his approach to business and life.Whether you're an aspiring agent, entrepreneur, or simply navigating your own professional grid, Shane’s insights on composure, growth mindset, and performance under pressure will leave you inspired and ready to move the needle in your own journey.Guest: Shane Smollen – Entrepreneur, Investor, Former McGrath Sales Director, Motorsport Champion and current director of Central Elements Developments Topics Covered:Introduction to Shane Smollen and his $70M real estate successGrowing up in a working-class family and finding property by fateWhy Shane doesn’t believe in traditional goal settingPrinciples behind Shane’s “helicopter view” of life and decision-makingEarly career: Director of Sales at McGrath and private office ownershipLeaving corporate structure to follow alignment and autonomyMaking smart decisions without fixed goalsSelling his business and finding joy in helping others growMotorsport as a metaphor for business resilience and performanceComparing amateur and elite performance—what sits in the gap?How to identify weaknesses and turn them into habitsTrusting your instincts and becoming unconsciously competentReal estate’s human side vs. performance metricsComposure under pressure: advice for staying calm in chaosThe importance of practicing in business and not just consuming informationFollow Shane Smollen: @smollenmotorsportFollow Both Sides Podcast: @bothsides_podcast

  --------  

  1:34:01

  --------

  1:34:01
• EP 123 | Emily Davidson: Director & Top 1% Agent by 30

  At just 30 years old, Emily Davidson is a Director at Sotheby’s International Realty Paddington–Woollahra. She works alongside McLay Longhurst — ranked the number 4 agent in the country — as part of an elite business unit. But Emily is a powerhouse in her own right: managing a team, leading high-end deals, and carving her name into Sydney’s prestige market.In this episode, we unpack the story behind her rise:From growing up in Brisbane and losing her father at a young age...To moving to Sydney solo and building a reputation in one of the most competitive markets in the country.Emily opens up about what it really takes to succeed in real estate — the mindset, the discipline, the sacrifices, and the power of showing up with consistency, class, and confidence.Whether you're a young agent, entrepreneur, or someone chasing excellence — this episode is packed with insights, lessons, and raw inspiration from someone operating at the top of their game.

  --------  

  1:00:33

  --------

  1:00:33
• EP 122 | Tim Bryant – The Future Top Agents Aren’t In the Industry Yet

  What if the future top agents aren’t in the industry yet—but could be, with the right support? In this episode of Both Sides, we talk to ex-HR Executive, Tim Bryant, Co-founder and CEO of Calibre Talent, about Calibre’s mission to build a stronger, smarter pipeline of real estate professionals. Tim shares how Calibre is flipping the traditional recruitment model on its head—using AI to spot potential, delivering hands-on training through a 7-day bootcamp, and providing a 12-month development framework that actually sticks. We get into the real challenges facing real estate agencies—from high turnover to hit-and-miss hiring—and what it takes to build teams that last. Tim also opens up about his journey, the “aha” moment that sparked Calibre, and why early-career talent could be the industry’s biggest untapped asset. If you're serious about growing your agency—or your own career—this is the episode you need.

  --------  

  44:36

  --------

  44:36
• EP 121 | Anthony Bell OAM: Australia’s Most Trusted Advisor to the Elite

  In this episode, we sit down with Anthony Bell OAM—Founder and CEO of Bell Partners, one of Australia’s top accounting firms and most respected business figures.A recipient of the Order of Australia Medal, Anthony is a true operator. Known for his loyalty, elite execution, and people-first leadership, he’s built a $100M+ business while serving some of the country’s biggest names—celebrities, high-net-worth individuals, and many of Australia’s leading real estate agencies.In this episode, we unpack the real story behind his success: • What it actually takes to build a $100M+ business • His blueprint for performance, leadership, and staying power in a competitive industry • How he creates loyalty, retention, and a fun, high-performing workplace culture • The hidden cost of success—and what most people never see • His philosophies on money, business, and investing • And how sailing, service, and stillness shaped the man behind the brandAnthony rarely shares this side of his journey. In this raw and honest conversation, he opens up about the pressure, the sacrifices, and what it truly takes to build something great.If you’re an entrepreneur chasing scale, clarity, or legacy—this is a masterclass.Hosted by Daniel Beardall, with special feature Josh Morrissey.

  --------  

  1:25:53

  --------

  1:25:53
• EP 120 | Will Phillips: The Reinvention Blueprint — From Sydney Agent to Byron’s #1

  Will Phillips was one of Sydney’s top-performing real estate agents. Then, he walked away from it all.He sold everything. Moved to Byron Bay. And started again—no listings, no clients, no local brand.Within just a few years, he became the #1 agent in Byron and the entire Northern Rivers region.In this episode, Will breaks down the blueprint behind that reinvention:→ Why he left a thriving Sydney career behind→ How pressure drove his early success—and what replaced it→ The power of living below your means→ Systems, habits, and the mindset to rebuild from scratchWhether you’re at the top or at a crossroads, this is a masterclass in clarity, courage, and building aligned success.

  --------  

  1:05:01

  --------

  1:05:01

More Business podcasts

Trending Business podcasts

About Bothsides Podcast

Bothsides Podcast: Podcasts in Family