Too many commercial real estate leaders are stuck doing low-value tasks that drain their time and keep them from operating at their highest level. 

In episode 235 of Commercial Real Estate Leadership, Darren Krakowiak introduces the Function Funnel: a neat framework to help principals, agents, and teams eliminate wasted effort, free up capacity, and increase profitability.

Instead of asking “How do I get all of this work done?”, Darren encourages leaders to ask a better question: “Should I be doing this at all?” By applying the Function Funnel, you can systematically evaluate every task in your business and decide whether to eliminate it, automate it, outsource it, delegate it, or improve how it’s done.

You’ll learn: 🔹 The five stages of the Function Funnel and how to apply them 🔹 Why your “effective hourly rate” determines what you should stop doing 🔹 The types of tasks best suited to automation, outsourcing, and delegation 🔹 How to elevate your role while empowering your team

If you feel overworked or bogged down by tasks that don’t move the needle, this episode shows you how to reclaim your time and refocus on what really matters: leadership, strategy, and revenue growth.

And here’s the prompt from the episode you can use so that AI can help you get started: “You are an efficiency expert. I am a commercial real estate [principal/agent/property manager] based in [location]. I am looking to create more efficiency in my day-to-day work. I want you to help me find opportunities to eliminate certain processes, automate particular workflows, outsource certain functions, delegate tasks that are below my pay grade, and find more efficient ways to do the work that is within my zone of genius, but I am not sure where to get started. Please prepare a list to help me make progress in each of those areas.”

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Email [email protected] and put the word "GROW" in the subject line to take the first step towards accelerating revenue growth in your commercial real estate agency with the right people on your team, serving ideal clients inside a business that just works.

Visit the CRE Success website: cresuccess.co

Read the episode anecdote, get the transcript and watch the video recording of the podcast here: cresuccess.co/blog/235

To share this episode or your thoughts on it, tag us on socials: @cresuccess or use our hashtag: #cresuccess

If you enjoy the show, leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Connect with Darren Krakowiak on LinkedIn

Podcast music sourced from audioblocks.com

Darren Krakowiak is making a strategic pivot in his business, and in episode 234 of Commercial Real Estate Leadership, he reveals the plan. 

After two years of focusing on coaching commercial real estate principals, Darren is relaunching a proven program for agents with a new name, enhanced delivery, and a big promise: helping commercial real estate agents grow their production by at least $100,000 in 12 months.

CRE Success Agent Accelerator will combine our six-module Top Performer program with new skill-building content, personalised planning, and weekly accountability sessions to ensure results.

You’ll discover: 🔹 The “Five Ones” strategy that shaped Darren’s original focus 🔹 Why the Top Performer program is returning in a new form 🔹 The three pillars of the Agent Accelerator: skills, mindset, accountability 🔹 How weekly live sessions will keep participants on track and motivated

Whether you are an agent looking for a proven path to growth or a principal exploring new ways to develop your team, this episode gives you a behind-the-scenes look at how CRE Success is evolving and how you can benefit.

Join the waitlist now at cresuccess.co/waitlist

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Email [email protected] and put the word "GROW" in the subject line to take the first step towards accelerating revenue growth in your commercial real estate agency with the right people on your team, serving ideal clients inside a business that just works.

Visit the CRE Success website: cresuccess.co

Read the episode anecdote, get the transcript and watch the video recording of the podcast here: cresuccess.co/blog/234

To share this episode or your thoughts on it, tag us on socials: @cresuccess or use our hashtag: #cresuccess

If you enjoy the show, leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Connect with Darren Krakowiak on LinkedIn

Podcast music sourced from audioblocks.com

Boomerang clients and employees can be one of the strongest endorsements of your business. 

In episode 233 of Commercial Real Estate Leadership, Darren Krakowiak explains why welcoming back former clients and staff is not just smart business, but a sign that your value proposition stands out in the market.

Drawing on experiences from both large corporate environments and small business operations, Darren shares how to leave relationships on a positive note, maintain visibility, and make it easy for people to return. 

He covers practical tips on staying in touch without pressure, delivering ongoing public value, and ensuring there’s no awkwardness if they choose to come back.

Whether you’re managing a large team or running a boutique agency, you’ll discover why boomerangs are worth celebrating, how to position yourself for them, and the mindset shift needed to see departures as future opportunities rather than permanent losses.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why returning clients are a vote of confidence
• How to handle departures with grace and gratitude
• Ways to keep relationships warm without being intrusive
• Why second-time engagements are often smoother and more productive

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Email [email protected] and put the word "GROW" in the subject line to take the first step towards accelerating revenue growth in your commercial real estate agency with the right people on your team, serving ideal clients inside a business that just works.

Visit the CRE Success website: cresuccess.co

Read the episode anecdote, get the transcript and watch the video recording of the podcast here: cresuccess.co/blog/233

To share this episode or your thoughts on it, tag us on socials: @cresuccess or use our hashtag: #cresuccess

If you enjoy the show, leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Connect with Darren Krakowiak on LinkedIn

Podcast music sourced from audioblocks.com

The Multi-Channel Prospecting Playbook™ is a smarter way for commercial real estate agents to consistently fill their pipelines.

📉 Still relying solely on referrals? You’re leaving money on the table. 📞 Cold calling without a system? You’re probably wasting your time. 📲 Pitching in the DMs without a strategy? You could be damaging your brand.

This episode challenges the myths holding agents back and offers a practical framework to generate more qualified leads across the three channels every commercial real estate agent must master: phone, email, and social media…without being spammy, sounding robotic or feeling slimy.

In episode 232 of Commercial Real Estate Leadership with Darren Krakowiak, you’ll learn how to create momentum, gain control over your pipeline, and take the guesswork out of prospecting,

And you can join the live presentation of The Multi-Channel Prospecting Playbook™ by registering for the workshop here: cresuccess.co/multi 

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Email [email protected] and put the word "GROW" in the subject line to take the first step towards accelerating revenue growth in your commercial real estate agency with the right people on your team, serving ideal clients inside a business that just works.

Visit the CRE Success website: cresuccess.co

Read the episode anecdote, get the transcript and watch the video recording of the podcast here: cresuccess.co/blog/232

To share this episode or your thoughts on it, tag us on socials: @cresuccess or use our hashtag: #cresuccess

If you enjoy the show, leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Connect with Darren Krakowiak on LinkedIn

Podcast music sourced from audioblocks.com

There’s more to business success than just hitting revenue targets. That’s why, at the start of the new financial year, it’s worth setting goals that reflect what really matters to you.

In Episode 231 of Commercial Real Estate Leadership, Darren Krakowiak introduces five F-words that go beyond his business: family (and friends), fitness, flying, football and finances. These are the things that give his work meaning and his business purpose.

You’ll learn how setting a freedom goal could shift your entire approach, and why getting clear on your personal drivers can help you to make better business decisions.

If you’re mapping out the year ahead, this episode is your cue to think bigger – and more personally – about what success looks like. Because the right goals won’t just push your business forward; they’ll help you build a business that supports your life, not the other way around.

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Email [email protected] and put the word "GROW" in the subject line to take the first step towards accelerating revenue growth in your commercial real estate agency with the right people on your team, serving ideal clients inside a business that just works.

Visit the CRE Success website: cresuccess.co

Read the episode anecdote, get the transcript and watch the video recording of the podcast here: cresuccess.co/blog/231

To share this episode or your thoughts on it, tag us on socials: @cresuccess or use our hashtag: #cresuccess

If you enjoy the show, leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Connect with Darren Krakowiak on LinkedIn

Podcast music sourced from audioblocks.com

Putting your team front and centre on social media can build trust, lift engagement and help you attract top talent. But many commercial real estate leaders underestimate the risks.

In Episode 230 of Commercial Real Estate Leadership, Darren Krakowiak runs through how to balance the benefits of team-based content with the responsibility of protecting your people and your business.

From privacy risks and legal pitfalls to reputational damage and ethical concerns, this episode covers what every business owner should consider before hitting ‘publish’. 

You’ll learn why consent matters, what your social media policy should cover, and how to lead with care while still building your brand – listen now for what you need to know about your employees and social media.

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Email [email protected] and put the word "GROW" in the subject line to take the first step towards accelerating revenue growth in your commercial real estate agency with the right people on your team, serving ideal clients inside a business that just works.

Visit the CRE Success website: cresuccess.co

Read the episode anecdote, get the transcript and watch the video recording of the podcast here: cresuccess.co/blog/230

To share this episode or your thoughts on it, tag us on socials: @cresuccess or use our hashtag: #cresuccess

If you enjoy the show, leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Connect with Darren Krakowiak on LinkedIn

Podcast music sourced from audioblocks.com

Before you send out a client satisfaction survey, it’s worth asking: are you actually delivering great service? 

In episode 229 of Commercial Real Estate Leadership, Darren Krakowiak shares how a poorly timed feedback request from his own residential property manager sparked a deeper dive into what makes a survey effective.

You’ll learn: – Three key survey scales to consider – 10 smart questions to include in your next client survey – How to lift response rates and collect more meaningful feedback

This episode is a must-listen for commercial real estate principals looking to deliver quality outcomes, strengthen client relationships and uncover growth opportunities.

Want a free survey template tailored for commercial real estate? Email [email protected] with the subject line ‘Survey’.

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Email [email protected] and put the word "GROW" in the subject line to take the first step towards accelerating revenue growth in your commercial real estate agency with the right people on your team, serving ideal clients inside a business that just works.

Visit the CRE Success website: cresuccess.co

Read the episode anecdote, get the transcript and watch the video recording of the podcast here: cresuccess.co/blog/229

To share this episode or your thoughts on it, tag us on socials: @cresuccess or use our hashtag: #cresuccess

If you enjoy the show, leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Connect with Darren Krakowiak on LinkedIn

Podcast music sourced from audioblocks.com

Feeling left behind by AI? You're not alone.

While it’s unlikely that AI will replace you, those who master its use will gain a significant competitive edge. 

In Episode 228 of Commercial Real Estate Leadership, Darren Krakowiak shares how even non-technical commercial real estate leaders can harness AI tools to save time, grow revenue and empower teams. 

To help you get started, Darren has put together a free guide with 100 purpose-built prompts specifically for commercial real estate agencies that you can copy straight into ChatGPT, Claude, Copilot or Gemini. Whether you’re curious, cautious or ready to dive in, these prompts will give you a head start.

Download your free copy at cresuccess.co/100 and listen to this episode for a bonus prompt not found anywhere else.

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Email [email protected] and put the word "GROW" in the subject line to take the first step towards accelerating revenue growth in your commercial real estate agency with the right people on your team, serving ideal clients inside a business that just works.

Visit the CRE Success website: cresuccess.co

Read the episode anecdote, get the transcript and watch the video recording of the podcast here: cresuccess.co/blog/228

To share this episode or your thoughts on it, tag us on socials: @cresuccess or use our hashtag: #cresuccess

If you enjoy the show, leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Connect with Darren Krakowiak on LinkedIn

Podcast music sourced from audioblocks.com

A new financial year means a new opportunity to grow, but what kind of growth are you aiming for?

In episode 227 of Commercial Real Estate Leadership, Darren Krakowiak explores two distinct growth paths: incremental growth and transformational growth. 

Whether you're aiming for a 15% uplift or a fundamental shift in how your business operates, Darren outlines how to set the right goals, implement effective strategies and hold yourself accountable.

Learn how to move beyond default increases driven by market conditions and instead take intentional action toward the future you truly want.

Listen now and decide what kind of year you’re going to create. And if you want support mapping your next chapter, send an email with “grow” in the subject line to [email protected]

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Email [email protected] and put the word "GROW" in the subject line to take the first step towards accelerating revenue growth in your commercial real estate agency with the right people on your team, serving ideal clients inside a business that just works.

Visit the CRE Success website: cresuccess.co

Read the episode anecdote, get the transcript and watch the video recording of the podcast here: cresuccess.co/blog/227

To share this episode or your thoughts on it, tag us on socials: @cresuccess or use our hashtag: #cresuccess

If you enjoy the show, leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Connect with Darren Krakowiak on LinkedIn

Podcast music sourced from audioblocks.com

Are you so focused on finding new business that you’re neglecting the clients who’ve already put their trust in you?

In Episode 226 of Commercial Real Estate Leadership, Darren Krakowiak urges leaders to stop taking their most loyal clients for granted. While it’s easy to chase new leads, the real growth often comes from deepening relationships with the clients you already have.

Darren shares why rewarding loyalty matters more than ever, how to avoid unintentionally sidelining your long-term clients, and what commercial real estate businesses can learn from brands that inspire lifelong devotion.

You’ll hear personal stories, case studies from big-name brands and practical ideas for keeping your top clients engaged – and coming back.

Tune in to learn how to strengthen client loyalty and future-proof your business.

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Email [email protected] and put the word "GROW" in the subject line to take the first step towards accelerating revenue growth in your commercial real estate agency with the right people on your team, serving ideal clients inside a business that just works.

Visit the CRE Success website: cresuccess.co

Read the episode anecdote, get the transcript and watch the video recording of the podcast here: cresuccess.co/blog/226

To share this episode or your thoughts on it, tag us on socials: @cresuccess or use our hashtag: #cresuccess

If you enjoy the show, leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Connect with Darren Krakowiak on LinkedIn

Podcast music sourced from audioblocks.com