Episode Overview In this Power Hour episode, John Kitchens is joined by Joel Perso for a deep dive into one of the most overlooked growth constraints in real estate businesses: operational chaos. As agents and teams ramp up lead flow, listings, and transactions, most don't realize they're unintentionally building a treadmill instead of a scalable business. John and Joel kick off a multi-week Power Hour series focused on helping agents and team leaders move from production overload to operational clarity—without losing momentum. This episode zeroes in on the single most common operational question agents ask once growth kicks in: Who should I hire first—and why? From admins to operations managers, integrators, and COOs, John and Joel break down each role, when you actually need it, and the costly mistakes teams make when they hire out of order. If your business feels busy but fragile, this conversation will help you close the "back door," protect your pipeline, and start building a business that lasts. Key Topics Covered Conquering Operational Chaos Why growth without operations creates burnout, bottlenecks, and missed opportunities The difference between building a business vs. building a treadmill How operational clarity protects momentum as deal flow increases The Right Hire, in the Right Order Why most teams hire too much responsibility into one role The difference between an admin, operations manager, integrator, and COO How to identify what stage your business is actually in The Admin Role (Where Most Teams Should Start) What an admin should and should not be responsible for Why admins follow processes—not create them Common mistakes that cause admin hires to fail Virtual vs. in-office admin considerations Operations Managers & Scaling Support When an admin is ready to grow into an operations manager role How operations managers turn chaos into order Why this role helps leaders finally "breathe again" Head of Operations vs. Integrator vs. COO Why titles matter—and how they can backfire if misused The danger of inflated titles in small teams Why "Head of Operations" often creates clarity without compensation confusion The real definition of an EOS Integrator—and why most teams aren't ready for one COO Reality Check Why the COO role is defined by the CEO's strengths and weaknesses The 7 types of COOs and which ones show up most in real estate How to decide if you truly need a COO—or just better execution Compensation & Personality Fit Why operations team members value stability over incentives Why bonuses don't motivate ops roles the way they motivate agents Disc profile considerations for operational leadership The importance of tenacity and execution over ideas Resources & Mentions Honey Badger Nation – Community and leadership resources EOS / Traction / Rocket Fuel – Referenced frameworks (with important clarifications) CoachKitchens.ai – AI-powered coaching tool for real estate leaders Joel Perso – The Growth Centric Fractional COO services for 7-figure real estate teams Contact: [email protected] Final Takeaway More leads don't fix broken operations—they expose them. If you want to scale without chaos, burnout, or constant firefighting, you must hire intentionally, in order, and with clarity. This episode lays the groundwork for building an operational foundation that supports growth instead of suffocating it. "If you don't counterbalance growth with operations, you're not building a business—you're building a treadmill." - John Kitchens Connect with Us: Instagram: @johnkitchenscoach LinkedIn: @johnkitchenscoach Facebook: @johnkitchenscoach If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a review. Stay tuned for more insights and strategies from the top minds. See you next time! 🔥

Episode Overview In this episode, John Kitchens is joined by Gogo Bethke for a high-level, real-world conversation on where real estate, leadership, and technology are heading next. Fresh off one of the fastest-moving years the industry has ever seen, John and Gogo break down how AI, automation, and social media are fundamentally changing how agents work, market, and scale. Gogo shares how she's leveraged technology to reduce her workload to 15 hours a week while increasing revenue—and why the agents who embrace AI without losing the human connection will dominate in 2026 and beyond. This episode is a masterclass on CEO thinking, time leverage, social media strategy, and building a business that funds your life instead of consuming it. Key Topics Covered AI, Automation & Working Less While Making More Why AI is collapsing time and accelerating opportunity How Gogo reduced her workweek to 15 hours without sacrificing growth Using AI as leverage—not a replacement for leadership The danger of trading hours for dollars in a scalable world Knowing Your Hourly Worth as a CEO How to calculate your real hourly rate Why saying "yes" to the wrong activities steals from your future The difference between good ideas and great ideas Creating decision filters that protect your time and energy Social Media Strategy for 2026 Why social media will be the easiest lead-generation channel moving forward Short-form vs. long-form content and how each plays a role Using stories for daily connection and feeds as your digital storefront Why consistency—not luck—wins the algorithm AI-Powered Content & Marketing Creating content without being on camera Using AI to clone voice, style, and messaging Turning social media into a shoppable asset How to create once and distribute everywhere Community, Leadership & Human Connection Why human connection becomes more valuable as AI scales Building culture and community inside large organizations Celebrating agents, gifting, and creating belonging at scale Why unreasonable hospitality is the new competitive advantage The Future of Real Estate Agents Why lead generation will get easier—but closing will matter more The agents who will struggle vs. the ones who will thrive Why professionalism, negotiation skills, and trust are non-negotiable Adapting faster than the market instead of fighting it Resources & Mentions Expert Mentors Live 2026 Go High Level – CRM & automation platform ChatGPT & AI Content Tools Giftology by John Ruhlin Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara The GoGet Community by Gogo Bethke Final Takeaway The future doesn't belong to the busiest agents—it belongs to the most leveraged ones. AI will not replace great agents, but it will expose average ones. The agents who win in 2026 and beyond will be those who understand their value, protect their time, embrace technology, and double down on human connection. As Gogo Bethke puts it: work smarter, lead intentionally, and build a business that gives you your life back. Connect with Us: Instagram: @johnkitchenscoach LinkedIn: @johnkitchenscoach Facebook: @johnkitchenscoach If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a review. Stay tuned for more insights and strategies from the top minds. See you next time! 🔥

Episode Overview In this episode of the John Kitchens Coach Podcast, John Kitchens sits down with his uncle, Jeff Kitchens, for a powerful, principles-driven conversation on leadership, relationships, and building businesses that stand the test of time. Jeff brings decades of experience across retail, finance, mortgage, real estate, and brokerage leadership—and distills it all into a simple but rare framework: timing, relationships, and follow-up. From sweating the small details to creating unforgettable client experiences, this episode is a masterclass in professionalism, long-term thinking, and leading with intention. They also dive into recruiting, retention, mergers and acquisitions, exit strategies, and why most agents and business owners fail to treat their business like a true asset. If you want to build a real estate business—or any business—that creates opportunity, freedom, and legacy, this conversation delivers timeless lessons you can apply immediately. Key Topics Covered The Foundation of Excellence Why "sweating the small stuff" is the difference between chaos and consistency How standards, discipline, and professionalism compound over time The real meaning of customer service and unreasonable hospitality Timing, Relationships & Follow-Up Jeff's three non-negotiables for long-term success Why timing beats pressure in recruiting, sales, and acquisitions How consistent follow-up creates opportunities years later Recruiting & Retaining Top Talent Why internal recruiting matters more than external recruiting How to identify and avoid "hoppers" who poison team culture The small acts of recognition that keep top producers loyal Leadership & Team Dynamics Hiring people smarter than you—and why it accelerates growth How to read people, body language, and energy as a leader Why acknowledgment matters more than most leaders realize Business Ownership & Exit Strategy Why every business needs a "will" and an exit plan How to think about valuing your business as a true asset The hidden risk of building a business that can't run without you Mergers, Acquisitions & Industry Consolidation What motivates brokers and owners to sell—or merge The role of fatigue, timing, and clarity in exit decisions Why many owners don't actually know what their business is worth AI, Wisdom & the Future of Leadership Why AI is a tool—not a replacement for critical thinking The shift from knowledge-based value to wisdom-based leadership How experienced leaders will win by questioning, not blindly trusting, technology Resources & Mentions Hug Your Customers by Jack Mitchell Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara Honey Badger Nation John Kitchens Executive Coaching → JohnKitchens.coach Final Takeaway Success doesn't come from chasing shiny objects—it comes from mastering fundamentals. Jeff Kitchens reminds us that businesses grow when leaders commit to relationships, follow through relentlessly, and treat people with respect and intention. Whether you're recruiting agents, serving clients, or planning your exit, this episode reinforces a powerful truth: If you take care of people and stay consistent, the opportunities will always come back around. "If you take care of your clients, they'll take care of you. If you're focused on taking care of yourself, you've already missed the point." – Jeff Kitchens Connect with Us: Instagram: @johnkitchenscoach LinkedIn: @johnkitchenscoach Facebook: @johnkitchenscoach If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a review. Stay tuned for more insights and strategies from the top minds. See you next time! 🔥

Episode Overview In this timely and thought-provoking episode of the John Kitchens Coach Podcast, John Kitchens is joined by returning guest Eric Post, AI strategist, founder of Huzi.ai, and one of the sharpest minds at the intersection of technology, consumer behavior, and real estate. This conversation goes far beyond "how to use AI." John and Eric unpack the real threat and opportunity in the market today: the AI-powered consumer. As consumers gain instant access to information, agents can no longer win by being the knowledge holder. Instead, success now belongs to the wisdom worker—the advisor who brings clarity, discernment, experience, and trust. They explore how the internet has shifted from a place of search to a place of conversations, why SEO alone is no longer enough, and how agents must rethink branding, content, leadership, and customer experience to stay relevant in 2025 and beyond. This episode is a masterclass in AI, leadership, consumer psychology, and designing unforgettable client experiences in a rapidly changing world. Key Topics Covered The Rise of the AI-Powered Consumer Why the #1 consumer complaint is no longer lack of communication—but "I know more than my agent" How AI has shifted the internet from search to conversation What it means when 90%+ of AI interactions never click through to a website Why Zillow is no longer the real threat—and what is From Knowledge Worker to Wisdom Worker Why memorizing contracts, stats, and processes is no longer a competitive advantage The difference between information and discernment How top agents win by understanding people, not just data Why "good enough" agents are the most vulnerable in an AI world Trust, Purpose, and the New Agent Value Proposition Defining your role when consumers already have the answers Why agents must become guides, not order-takers The importance of emotional intelligence, intuition, and presence How trust is built through personalization, not speed alone Content, Branding & Being Found in an AI World Why agents must start writing content for both humans and AI The difference between SEO, AEO (Answer Engine Optimization), and GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) Why upstream life events (death, divorce, debt, downsizing) matter more than listing searches How to position yourself as the authority AI pulls from—not just another result Efficiency vs. Experience: Choosing Your Lane Why the "middle ground" is the most dangerous place to operate The difference between budget efficiency and premium experience Why memorable, designed client experiences create defensibility How "unreasonable hospitality" becomes the ultimate moat AI as a Force Multiplier (Not a Crutch) Why AI should augment thinking—not replace discipline How tools like Huzi.ai, Spark Pad, and Halo help agents scale wisdom Using AI to clarify niche, ICP, and proprietary processes faster than ever The danger of letting AI lead instead of using it intentionally Resources & Mentions Huzi.ai – Purpose-built AI for real estate professionals Spark Pad – AI workspace for clarity, messaging, and strategy Halo – AI visibility and monitoring across ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, Perplexity, and more CoachKitchens.ai – Custom AI tools built for Agent to CEO operators The Empty Room by Eric Post – Manifesto on wisdom, creativity, and AI Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara Rick Rubin – Creativity, taste, and intuition references Final Takeaway AI isn't replacing real estate agents—but it is replacing average ones. In a world where consumers have instant access to information, the agents who win are those who bring wisdom, clarity, trust, and experience to the table. Speed and efficiency are now table stakes. Differentiation comes from insight, personalization, and the ability to guide people through complex, emotional decisions. As Eric Post makes clear, the future belongs to those who design memorable experiences, understand the AI-powered consumer, and intentionally evolve from knowledge workers into true advisors. "You can't compete with AI on speed or memory. You win by being human—by bringing wisdom, taste, and discernment." – Eric Post Connect with Us: Instagram: @johnkitchenscoach LinkedIn: @johnkitchenscoach Facebook: @johnkitchenscoach If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a review. Stay tuned for more insights and strategies from the top minds. See you next time! 🔥

Episode Overview In this episode, John Kitchens sits down with Dr. Matt Townsend for a powerful, reflective conversation on emotional resilience, leadership maturity, and what high performers must leave behind to move forward. As the pace of business accelerates and uncertainty continues to rise, John and Matt unpack why most leaders feel overwhelmed—not because they lack ability, but because they're carrying outdated thoughts, unhealthy emotions, and destructive habits into the future. This episode is a deep dive into growth through subtraction: letting go of what no longer serves you so you can step into clarity, confidence, and CEO-level leadership. If you're heading into a new season of business or life and feeling stuck, this conversation will help you reset, refocus, and lead with intention. Key Topics Covered Why Everything Feels Faster (and Heavier) The acceleration of business, information, and expectations How "snacking culture" and constant noise erode focus and clarity Why overwhelm is often a signal—not a failure Leaving Behind Unhelpful Thoughts Common limiting beliefs leaders carry into every year: "I have to do it all myself" "My team can't perform" "I'm not good enough for this market" Why you can't solve problems at the same level of thinking that created them Identifying the thoughts you're most embarrassed to admit—and why those matter most Emotions, Energy, and Leadership Impact How unresolved emotions leak into tone, body language, and presence Why untransformed pain always gets transmitted to others Understanding the "second arrow": how emotional reactions cause more damage than the event itself Breaking the Loop: Thoughts → Feelings → Actions How feelings make thoughts permanent Why repeated emotional associations create stuck patterns Learning to separate events from identity and meaning The Observer Mindset The difference between being your thoughts vs. observing them Why awareness creates power and choice How emotional resiliency starts with noticing—not forcing—change Habits, Dopamine, and Self-Sabotage Cheap dopamine vs. earned dopamine How modern habits (phones, news, scrolling) quietly drain courage Why habits persist until you sit with their true cost Using mindfulness to reprioritize and dissolve unhealthy patterns Values as the Foundation for Growth Why goals without values don't stick Defining values as how you do the work—not just what you want A powerful exercise: writing what you want people to say about you on your 90th birthday Character Strengths & Sustainable Confidence Why knowing your strengths changes how you show up as a leader Using strengths as superpowers—not trying to "fix" weaknesses How self-awareness fuels confidence, resilience, and clarity Leadership Is Not a Solo Sport Why growth rarely happens in isolation The importance of mirrors, mentors, masterminds, and accountability How collaboration accelerates awareness and shortens the learning curve Resources & Mentions AuthenticHappiness.org – VIA Character Strengths Assessment Unwinding Anxiety by Judson Brewer Deep Work by Cal Newport Concepts from emotional resiliency, mindfulness, and cognitive diffusion John Kitchens Executive Coaching → https://johnkitchens.coach Final Takeaway You don't move forward by adding more—you move forward by letting go. When leaders release unhelpful thoughts, unresolved emotions, and unhealthy habits, they reclaim energy, clarity, and agency. True growth doesn't come from forcing change, but from awareness, values-driven action, and choosing to lead from your highest self—not your survival instincts. Happy Holidays everyone. "If you can observe your thoughts and feelings, you are not them—and that's where real power begins." Connect with Us: Instagram: @johnkitchenscoach LinkedIn: @johnkitchenscoach Facebook: @johnkitchenscoach If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a review. Stay tuned for more insights and strategies from the top minds. See you next time! 🔥

Episode Overview In this episode of the John Kitchens Coach Podcast, John Kitchens and Joel Perso close out the Agent to CEO six-part series by unpacking the final and most critical milestone: The Leadership Flywheel. This conversation is all about building a self-managing, self-sustaining team—one that doesn't rely on you as the bottleneck. John and Joel break down how elite leaders design lean organizational structures, recruit true A-players, and create leadership development systems that generate momentum instead of burnout. If you've ever felt trapped by your team, overwhelmed by people decisions, or unsure how to scale without chaos, this episode delivers the blueprint for moving from operator to architect—and leading at the CEO level. Key Topics Covered The Leadership Flywheel Explained What a flywheel really is—and why leadership must create momentum, not friction Why teams fail when leadership systems aren't intentional How leaders move from "doing" to designing the business Designing a Lean, Modern Org Structure Using the Functional Accountability Chart (FAC) to separate people from roles Why you must define functions before hiring humans How AI-first thinking reshapes org design and eliminates unnecessary roles A-Players, Defined What an A-player actually is (and what they are not) Why "job done 90% of the time within the pay range" is the real standard How resourcefulness separates high performers from everyone else AI, VAs, and Fractional Talent The correct order: AI → VAs → Fractional → Full-time Why hiring out of pain creates long-term damage How modern leaders raise the talent ceiling while lowering overhead Scorecards, Agreements, and Ownership Why expectations fail—and agreements win How data-driven scorecards eliminate ambiguity Creating clear ownership so leaders stop rescuing their team Leadership Development That Scales Why leadership isn't just for managers—it's for everyone Creating micro-leadership opportunities inside your organization The power of daily wins, public accountability, and cultural ownership Preventing Burnout in A-Players Why C-players burn out A-players faster than workload How to identify when roles need to split before performance drops Monitoring hours, opportunity alignment, and growth paths Resources & Mentions The Agent to CEO Framework Functional Accountability Chart (FAC) Honey Badger Nation John Kitchens Executive Coaching → JohnKitchens.coach Concepts from Jim Collins, Patrick Lencioni, David Marquet Final Takeaway You don't scale by hiring more people—you scale by designing better leadership systems. The Leadership Flywheel isn't about control. It's about clarity, ownership, and momentum. When leaders design the structure, recruit intentionally, and develop leadership at every level, the business stops relying on them—and starts growing without them. "You can't build a self-sustaining business without developing leaders. That's the flywheel." – John Kitchens Connect with Us: Instagram: @johnkitchenscoach LinkedIn: @johnkitchenscoach Facebook: @johnkitchenscoach If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a review. Stay tuned for more insights and strategies from the top minds. See you next time! 🔥

Episode Overview: In this episode, John Kitchens welcomes back powerhouse leader Brett Sikora for a deep, real-world conversation on intentional growth, leadership decisions, and scaling without chaos. Recorded nearly five years after Brett's first appearance during the height of COVID lockdowns, this conversation reflects on the pivotal moments that shaped his brokerage's evolution—from doubling down during uncertainty to building one of the most stable, scalable, and culture-driven organizations in the country. Brett breaks down how real growth doesn't come from chasing shiny objects or expanding out of ego, but from clarity around avatar, disciplined recruiting, financial visibility, and relentless focus on developing leaders who create leaders. If you're a team leader, broker-owner, or agent thinking about growth, mergers, or expansion, this episode delivers hard-earned lessons you can apply immediately. Key Topics Covered Growing Through Uncertainty How Brett leaned into opportunity during COVID instead of playing defense Identifying the right buyers and agents when the market feels unstable Why growth during hard times creates long-term leverage Intentional vs. Accidental Team Growth Why most teams grow by accident—and why that kills profitability The dangers of recruiting without a clear avatar How Brett filters agents before they ever join the organization Recruiting With Standards Why part-time and misaligned agents drain leadership energy The numbers behind effective recruiting conversations How saying "no" protects culture, profitability, and leadership focus Leadership, Coaching & One-on-Ones Why systems don't replace leadership The real power of one-on-one coaching conversations Shifting from leading agents to developing leaders who create leaders Profitability & Financial Clarity Understanding P&Ls before scaling or merging The hidden costs inside team growth Why knowing your numbers is non-negotiable for CEOs Expansion: When It Works—and When It Doesn't The mistakes Brett made expanding too early Why most expansions lose money before they make sense How to evaluate markets, leadership, and density before expanding The difference between a "sexy idea" and a smart decision Culture, Vision & Long-Term Scale Protecting A-players by not tolerating B- and C-players Why leadership energy must be invested where it compounds Building an organization where agents can achieve their biggest goals Resources & Mentions Expert Mentors Live John Kitchens Executive Coaching → https://johnkitchens.coach Concepts referenced: Intentional recruiting & avatar clarity Leadership development through coaching Financial discipline and P&L awareness Expansion strategy vs. ego-driven growth Final Takeaway Growth doesn't come from adding more people—it comes from making better decisions. The teams that win long-term are led by CEOs who know when to say no, who they're building for, and how to invest their time where it creates the most leverage. Expansion, recruiting, and scale only work when they're rooted in clarity, leadership, and discipline—not ego. "If it's not a hell yes, it's a no. And knowing when to say no might be the most powerful leadership skill you have." Connect with Us: Instagram: @johnkitchenscoach LinkedIn: @johnkitchenscoach Facebook: @johnkitchenscoach If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a review. Stay tuned for more insights and strategies from the top minds. See you next time! 🔥

Episode Overview In this episode of the John Kitchens Coach Podcast, John Kitchens and Joel Perso break down Milestone 5 of the Agent to CEO Framework: The Execution Roadmap—the critical bridge between strategy and real-world results. Most agents don't fail because they lack ideas or effort. They fail because they work on the wrong things, in the wrong order, with no execution rhythm. John and Joel unpack why second-best problems kill momentum, how to identify the single biggest constraint in your business, and how elite CEOs turn long-term vision into focused 90-day sprints. This episode is a masterclass in prioritization, accountability, and disciplined execution—designed for agents and team leaders who are done guessing and ready to scale with intention. Key Topics Covered Why Most Businesses Stall The real reason businesses fail: working hard on the wrong problems Why second-best problems only create incremental results How to identify the one thing that can 2–3X your business in 90 days The CEO Mindset Shift Moving from task-based thinking to purpose-driven execution Understanding your role as a leader in an AI-powered, consumer-driven market Why your value must go beyond tasks that can be automated Identifying Your True Constraint The most common constraints at each revenue level: Under six figures: no compelling offer Six figures to $500K: not enough leads $500K–$1M: conversion issues $1M–$3M: delivery bottlenecks and owner dependency Traffic, conversion, fulfillment, and retention—how to diagnose what's really broken The Execution Roadmap Explained Turning strategy into a focused 90-day action plan Why one priority per quarter beats five half-finished initiatives How to reverse engineer outcomes instead of guessing your way forward Setting Objectives That Actually Work Writing clear, measurable objective statements Defining success before starting Avoiding vague goals filled with buzzwords and zero accountability Key Results & Accountability How to define results—not tasks Why numbers matter more than opinions Creating key results that stretch the team without overwhelming them Ownership & Execution Rhythm The power of single-point ownership (one person, not a committee) Using weekly sprints to maintain momentum Why reporting beats brainstorming in execution meetings How Scrum principles accelerate progress without chaos Build, Fix, or Optimize Deciding whether your next move is: Building something new Fixing what's broken Optimizing what's already working Why optimization often produces the fastest ROI Resources & Mentions Agent to CEO Framework – Core operating system for scaling with clarity Scrum by Jeff Sutherland – Execution rhythm and sprint methodology Good Strategy / Bad Strategy by Richard Rumelt CoachKitchens.ai – AI-powered execution support for real estate CEOs John Kitchens Executive Coaching → https://johnkitchens.coach Final Takeaway Execution—not effort—is the difference between agents who stay stuck and CEOs who scale. If you can identify your real constraint, commit to one priority, assign clear ownership, and execute in focused 90-day sprints, everything changes. Clarity eliminates overwhelm. Discipline creates momentum. And momentum compounds into freedom. "If you could only work on one thing for the next 90 days that would 2–3X your business, what would it be?" That question—and your willingness to answer it honestly—determines your next level. Connect with Us: Instagram: @johnkitchenscoach LinkedIn: @johnkitchenscoach Facebook: @johnkitchenscoach If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a review. Stay tuned for more insights and strategies from the top minds. See you next time! 🔥

Episode Overview In this episode of the John Kitchens Coach Podcast, John Kitchens and Joel Perso break down Milestone 5 of the Agent to CEO Framework: The Execution Roadmap—the critical bridge between strategy and real-world results. Most agents don't fail because they lack ideas or effort. They fail because they work on the wrong things, in the wrong order, with no execution rhythm. John and Joel unpack why second-best problems kill momentum, how to identify the single biggest constraint in your business, and how elite CEOs turn long-term vision into focused 90-day sprints. This episode is a masterclass in prioritization, accountability, and disciplined execution—designed for agents and team leaders who are done guessing and ready to scale with intention. Key Topics Covered Why Most Businesses Stall The real reason businesses fail: working hard on the wrong problems Why second-best problems only create incremental results How to identify the one thing that can 2–3X your business in 90 days The CEO Mindset Shift Moving from task-based thinking to purpose-driven execution Understanding your role as a leader in an AI-powered, consumer-driven market Why your value must go beyond tasks that can be automated Identifying Your True Constraint The most common constraints at each revenue level: Under six figures: no compelling offer Six figures to $500K: not enough leads $500K–$1M: conversion issues $1M–$3M: delivery bottlenecks and owner dependency Traffic, conversion, fulfillment, and retention—how to diagnose what's really broken The Execution Roadmap Explained Turning strategy into a focused 90-day action plan Why one priority per quarter beats five half-finished initiatives How to reverse engineer outcomes instead of guessing your way forward Setting Objectives That Actually Work Writing clear, measurable objective statements Defining success before starting Avoiding vague goals filled with buzzwords and zero accountability Key Results & Accountability How to define results—not tasks Why numbers matter more than opinions Creating key results that stretch the team without overwhelming them Ownership & Execution Rhythm The power of single-point ownership (one person, not a committee) Using weekly sprints to maintain momentum Why reporting beats brainstorming in execution meetings How Scrum principles accelerate progress without chaos Build, Fix, or Optimize Deciding whether your next move is: Building something new Fixing what's broken Optimizing what's already working Why optimization often produces the fastest ROI Resources & Mentions Agent to CEO Framework – Core operating system for scaling with clarity Scrum by Jeff Sutherland – Execution rhythm and sprint methodology Good Strategy / Bad Strategy by Richard Rumelt CoachKitchens.ai – AI-powered execution support for real estate CEOs John Kitchens Executive Coaching → https://johnkitchens.coach Final Takeaway Execution—not effort—is the difference between agents who stay stuck and CEOs who scale. If you can identify your real constraint, commit to one priority, assign clear ownership, and execute in focused 90-day sprints, everything changes. Clarity eliminates overwhelm. Discipline creates momentum. And momentum compounds into freedom. "If you could only work on one thing for the next 90 days that would 2–3X your business, what would it be?" That question—and your willingness to answer it honestly—determines your next level. Connect with Us: Instagram: @johnkitchenscoach LinkedIn: @johnkitchenscoach Facebook: @johnkitchenscoach If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a review. Stay tuned for more insights and strategies from the top minds. See you next time! 🔥

Episode Overview In this powerhouse episode, John Kitchens sits down with Oklahoma City powerhouse and brokerage owner Will Mahan for a raw, real, and revealing conversation about leadership, obsession, building culture, and the evolution every top-producing agent must go through to truly become a CEO. Will takes us through his 15-year journey—from life insurance to top-tier real estate producer, to team leader, to eXp influencer, and now the founder of a rapidly growing hybrid brokerage built around entrepreneurship, investing, and true wealth creation. He breaks down why most agents stall out, why leadership matters more than ever, and how to build a business that aligns with your strengths, your energy, and your long-term vision. If you're craving clarity on scaling, culture, leadership, and building a business that actually gives you time, money, and location freedom, this episode will hit you right between the eyes. Key Topics Covered Will's Origin Story & Early Pivots How selling life insurance built the foundation for his real estate success Why obsession—not interest—is the real separator in this industry The mentors who shaped his business mindset and leadership style The CEO Shift: From Hustling to Building a Business How Will realized "commission checks" weren't the same as "building a business" The mindset traps that hit agents once they reach $250K… $500K… and even $1M GCI Why ego is the silent killer of progress Leadership, Culture, and Obsession The difference between being interested, committed, and obsessed Why humility is the single greatest leadership trait What Will looks for in mentors and why "yes-men" are dangerous The Decision to Launch His Own Brokerage The strategic thinking behind leaving eXp How he identified a massive gap in the OKC market The rise of the Hybrid Agent and why his brokerage attracts entrepreneurs, investors, and multi-cultural talent Building a culture where agents learn flipping, BRRRR, private money, and wealth-building methods—not just how to get commissions Why Most Agents Never Grow—Even at 7 Figures The harsh truth: agents stop doing what got them to success The false comfort of leverage when you don't reallocate your time correctly How agents accidentally sabotage their growth by abandoning the fundamentals Pruning for Growth: Cutting 30% of His Brokerage Why Will intentionally reduced his agent count to increase production The dramatic results: double the transactions with fewer agents What his top 25 agents do that the others don't: They show up They take notes They stay coachable They stay consistent The Heart of the Business: People, Passion, Purpose – Why leading with energy and passion fuels culture – The fulfillment that comes from watching agents become wealthier, empowered, and confident – How to create a business that supports your life—not the other way around Resources & Mentions – The Need to Lead by Dave Berke – Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink & Leif Babin – Agent to CEO Coaching Framework – John Kitchens Executive Coaching → JohnKitchens.coach Final Takeaway You don't build a real estate business by accident—you build it with clarity, consistency, leadership, and obsession. As Will demonstrates, the path to real freedom comes from knowing who you are, what energizes you, and building the business that aligns with that vision. "Show up with passion. Show up with energy. If you pour into your people, they'll run through a brick wall for you." – Will Mahan Connect with Us: Instagram: @johnkitchenscoach LinkedIn: @johnkitchenscoach Facebook: @johnkitchenscoach If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a review. Stay tuned for more insights and strategies from the top minds. See you next time! 🔥