In this episode of Rise Above the Ranks, host James Harris sits down with Julia Wang to break down how social media transformed her real estate career and helped her build a 250-agent brokerage from the ground up. From being doubted early on to closing major deals through content, this conversation dives into what it really takes to stand out in today’s market.
They discuss the importance of authenticity, consistency, and putting in the work behind the scenes, and why many agents struggle to succeed in a rapidly evolving industry.

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In this episode of Rise Above the Ranks, James Harris sits down with Rory Golod to break a belief most agents get wrong: it’s not about how big your company is — it’s about how it’s run. Rory explains that even at scale, the goal is to make a company feel small, connected, and personal. That means real relationships, fast communication, and creating an environment where clients and agents actually feel valued — not processed.
But here’s where it gets controversial… Rory challenges the idea of “virtual culture.” According to him, culture isn’t built on Zoom — it’s built in person. From encouraging agents to be in the office to creating real-world interactions, the focus is on energy, presence, and accountability. Because when agents are isolated, performance and connection start to slip — and that’s where companies lose their edge.
The real takeaway? Culture doesn’t scale on its own — leadership does. Rory makes it clear that maintaining a strong culture comes down to one thing: does leadership care enough to enforce it? In today’s world, where companies like Compass are expanding globally, the challenge isn’t growth — it’s protecting what made the company successful in the first place.
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In this episode of Rise Above The Ranks, James Harris breaks down one of the most misunderstood truths in real estate: failure is not personal—it’s developmental. Too many agents treat temporary setbacks as permanent outcomes, when in reality, failure is the only path to real growth. Reflecting on his own journey—from starting work at just 15 years old to where he is today—James explains that every level of success he’s reached was built by failing, learning, and asking the right question: How do I grow from this? When you do that, you don’t just improve—you grow tenfold.James also dives into the power of mindset, explaining how your morning routine can shape long-term success, why winners don’t wait to “feel ready,” and why hard work still wins in an era obsessed with instant results. Top agents succeed because they’re willing to do what others won’t—consistently, intentionally, and without excuses.

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In this episode of Rise Above the Ranks, host James Harris sits down with Ryan Serhant, founder and CEO of SERHANT, for a raw and revealing conversation about success, failure, and what it really takes to win in real estate. Ryan shares a perspective that may surprise many — that early in his career, he wishes he had focused less on passion and more on building success first, explaining that confidence, freedom, and fulfillment often follow momentum, not the other way around.Ryan breaks down one of his most powerful beliefs: in real estate, your job is to lose — and every win is a bonus. From his unlikely start auditioning for a real estate reality show to surviving his first year in the industry during the 2008 financial crisis, Ryan reflects on how rejection, resilience, and relentless effort shaped his career. Together, James and Ryan explore what it means to be both happy and successful, the discipline behind sustained growth, and why embracing failure is essential to rising above the ranks.

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In this episode of Rise Above the Ranks, host James Harris sits down with Arrow Global Partner, John Calvao for an inside look at why global buyers are setting their sights on Palmares, Portugal. From the realities of purchasing property abroad to the lifestyle and financial incentives driving international demand, John breaks down what makes Portugal one of the most attractive destinations in the world right now. They explore the beauty of the Algarve, the ease of flying internationally, and how Palmares is thoughtfully designed—each residence built with intention, purpose, and a specific buyer in mind. John also shares his role in shaping ownership experiences, explaining how these homes live from the inside out and who they’re truly built for. This conversation pulls back the curtain on what global luxury ownership really looks like—and why buyers aren’t just vacationing abroad anymore, they’re investing.

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In this episode of Rise Above The Ranks, James Harris sits down with Clayton Collins, CEO of HousingWire and one of the most respected voices in housing, mortgage, and real estate media.
Clayton shares how leaders and market research executives evaluate the housing cycle—looking beyond headlines to understand where the market is today and where it’s heading next. James reminds agents that as 1099 independent contractors, they are the CEOs of their own businesses and must resist making emotional, short-term decisions.
Together, they challenge agents to adopt an executive mindset, asking the bigger question: as we move toward 2026 and beyond, do we believe in the long-term value of homeownership versus the alternatives? A thoughtful conversation on strategy, leadership, and thinking several steps ahead in an evolving market.

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In this episode of Rise Above the Ranks, James Harris sits down with Jason Oppenheim for a candid conversation about building a career with pride, patience, and purpose. Jason shares how leaving law for real estate unexpectedly made him happier—and why treating every listing with care became the foundation of his success. From starting with modest deals to steadily building a reputation in the Hollywood Hills, Jason explains how consistency and integrity shaped one of Los Angeles’ top brokerages.
They also unpack the moment that changed everything: a simple ad in The Hollywood Reporter declaring the Oppenheim Group the number one team—an ad that ultimately sparked Selling Sunset and Selling the OC. Jason offers perspective on today’s real estate market, the challenges of downturns, and why long-term thinking matters more than hype. This is a conversation about slow growth, self-belief, and building something that lasts.
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In this episode of Rise Above the Ranks, David Parnes sits down with Chris Heller, CGO of OJO Labs and Lower Mortgage, for a powerful conversation on what brokerages must do to stay competitive in today’s shifting market. Chris breaks down the new expectations for agents, why recruiting has changed forever, and how leadership can stay ahead of the curve instead of reacting too late.
They dive into how AI is becoming a competitive advantage—not a threat. From improving agent follow-up, to elevating consumer experience, to creating tech-forward brokerages that scale smarter and faster, Chris explains exactly where the industry is heading and why efficiency will separate the winners from the ones who get left behind.
If you want to stay ahead of the game, recruit better talent, and build a future-proof business, this is the episode you can’t afford to miss.
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What do you do when the deal falls apart… and your client is spiraling? In this episode of Rise Above the Ranks, David shares the raw truth about losing listings, calming client chaos, and staying in control when everything feels like it’s slipping. If you’ve ever lost a deal and questioned everything, this one’s for you.

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In this episode of Rise Above the Ranks, host James Harris sits down with none other than Brad Inman, the trailblazer behind the Inman Group—the most trusted name in real estate media.Brad shares how he built the company from scratch, what inspired him to serve the agent community, and why storytelling, trust, and tech still matter more than ever in today’s market.If you're an agent looking to elevate your brand, stay ahead of industry shifts, and build something with real impact, this episode is packed with insight, strategy, and inspiration.

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Subscribe to Estate Elite Agents and Josh Flagg's Estate Media YouTube channel for all of the best real estate entertainment, education, and news! Follow Estate Media: 💻 https://estatemedia.co 📸 IG: / estatemedia 🤳 TT: https://www.tiktok.com/ @estatemediaus 🆇 X: / estatemediaus 💼 LinkedIn: / estatemediaus 🎥 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?... #EstateElite #RealEstateAgent #RealEstate #MillionDollarListing #AgentLife