Task Me Anything

In Episode 16 of Task Me Anything, Adam sits down with Iza Albania, General Manager of VA4U, during her first visit to Australia.

A proud Filipina and mum of three, Iza shares her incredible journey from growing up in difficult circumstances in the Philippines to becoming one of the driving forces behind VA4U.

Iza began working at just 10 years old, taking on babysitting, cleaning and whatever work she could find to help support herself. Determined to build a different future, she continued school using hand-me-down uniforms and shoes before graduating and looking for better opportunities.

Her first major job came at a golf course, where she progressed from holding umbrellas to caddying and driving golf carts. The income helped her improve conditions at home, while the people she met helped develop her confidence and communication skills.

At just 17, Iza secured a call centre role and continued building her career. Today, she owns multiple properties in the Philippines, is raising three children and helps lead VA4U as General Manager.

Iza also shares how she joined VA4U as Marketing Manager, why the company quickly became more than just a job and how deeply she values the impact virtual professional roles can have on families in the Philippines.

The conversation also explores VA4U’s approach to recruitment, why personality and culture matter just as much as technical skills and what Iza believes creates a successful client and VA relationship.

The episode finishes with Iza reflecting on what she hopes her children learn from her journey and how her definition of success has changed over time.

In this episode:

• Iza’s first trip to Australia
• Growing up in the Philippines
• Starting work at 10 years old
• Working through school
• Finding work at a golf course
• Building confidence and communication skills
• Landing a call centre role at 17
• Buying property in the Philippines
• Joining VA4U
• Becoming General Manager
• The impact virtual work can have on families
• How VA4U finds the right people
• Why personality and culture matter
• What Iza hopes her children learn from her story
• How her definition of success has changed

Approximate Minutes Breakdown

00:00 | Introduction and rapid-fire questions
Adam introduces Iza before jumping into some quick questions about work, coffee, Harry Potter and Australia.

03:00 | Growing up in the Philippines
Iza shares the challenges of her childhood and why she began working from a young age.

06:00 | Education and finding work
From hand-me-down school uniforms to working at a golf course, Iza explains how she kept pushing towards a different future.

10:30 | Building confidence and a career
Iza talks about learning from successful people, developing her communication skills and landing a call centre role at 17.

13:00 | From survival to success
Adam reflects on how far Iza has come, including building a family, buying property and creating a new life for herself.

14:00 | Joining VA For You
Iza explains why VA4U became more than just a job and what made her want to grow with the company.

16:30 | Finding the right virtual professionals
The conversation explores recruitment, culture, personality and why the right fit goes beyond qualifications.

19:00 | Family and what success means now
Iza reflects on her children, the lessons she hopes they learn and what success means to her today.

About Iza Albania

Iza Albania is the General Manager of VA For You, where she plays a key role in leadership, recruitment and client relationships.

Originally joining the business as Marketing Manager, Iza has become an important part of the organisation and brings her own experiences of resilience, hard work and personal growth into the way she leads.

About Task Me Anything

Task Me Anything explores how ambitious business owners build stronger teams, create better systems and buy back their time with the help of skilled virtual professionals.

In Episode 15 of Task Me Anything, Adam sits down with Sachin Nair from Loan Market Fincode, a former police officer turned award-winning mortgage broker, Bayside businessman and self-described Mexican-Indian Freddie Mercury.

Sachin shares his journey from India to New Zealand, where he joined the police force in 2004, before eventually moving to Brisbane with his now-wife, Haley.

What began as a search for part-time work to support a growing family led Sachin into mortgage broking in 2018. For a period, he balanced both careers, working as a police officer while building his finance business on the side. As demand for mortgage brokers increased in 2020, Sachin made the move into broking full-time.

The conversation explores what Sachin enjoys most about helping people buy property, why buyers should speak with a broker early, and common concerns around spending habits, savings, bank statements and borrowing capacity.

Sachin also explains why the lowest interest rate is not always the only factor to consider when choosing a loan, the importance of flexibility, and what he has recently been seeing across home loan enquiries and the property market.

Adam and Sachin also discuss the future of artificial intelligence, how AI could change business and employment, and what those changes could mean for the role money plays in society.

Outside finance, Sachin shares his involvement in Brisbane’s Bayside hospitality scene as a part-owner of Pier 88 in Manly and Bonnet Cafe in Wynnum, along with what he enjoys about living and doing business in the area.

From policing and property finance to restaurants, AI, family and Freddie Mercury costumes, the episode offers an insight into the personality behind Loan Market Fincode and the values Sachin brings to business and life.

In this episode:

• Sachin’s journey from India to New Zealand and Brisbane
• Joining the New Zealand Police in 2004
• Starting mortgage broking part-time in 2018
• Balancing policing and finance
• Moving into mortgage broking full-time
• Why buyers should speak with a broker early
• Savings, spending habits and borrowing capacity
• Why interest rates are not the only consideration
• Variable versus fixed lending
• Changes in lending conditions
• What Sachin is seeing in the property market
• The potential impact of AI on business and employment
• Pier 88 in Manly and Bonnet Cafe in Wynnum
• Family, kindness, freedom and Sachin’s definition of success

Approximate Minutes Breakdown

00:00 | Introduction
Adam introduces Episode 15 and guest Sachin Nair from Loan Market Fincode.

00:30 | Meet Sachin
From police officer and mortgage broker to hospitality business owner and Freddie Mercury impersonator, Adam gets to know Sachin through some rapid-fire questions.

02:45 | India, New Zealand and policing
Sachin shares his journey from India to New Zealand, joining the police force in 2004 and eventually moving to Brisbane.

04:25 | From policing to mortgage broking
Sachin explains how a part-time income opportunity developed into a new career and how he balanced policing with building his broking business.

05:05 | Getting finance-ready
Why speaking with a mortgage broker early can help buyers understand their position, savings requirements and what may need to change before applying.

05:50 | Rates, flexibility and borrowing capacity
Sachin explains why borrowers should consider more than just the interest rate and discusses flexibility, variable lending and changing circumstances.

06:30 | Changes in lending
The conversation covers borrowing capacity, changing lending conditions and how these factors can impact property buyers.

07:10 | AI and the future of business
Sachin and Adam discuss AI, employment, business costs and how technology could reshape the future.

08:00 | Property activity
Sachin shares what he has been seeing across home loan enquiries and whether activity appears to be increasing.

08:40 | Brisbane’s Bayside
Sachin discusses his involvement with Pier 88 in Manly and Bonnet Cafe in Wynnum, along with his connection to the local community.

10:20 | Family and success
Sachin reflects on what he hopes his children learn from him and why kindness, freedom, time and helping others now shape his definition of success.

About Sachin Nair

Sachin Nair is an award-winning mortgage broker with Loan Market Fincode and a former police officer who began mortgage broking part-time in 2018.

Based on Brisbane’s Bayside, Sachin helps clients navigate home loans and property finance while also being involved in the local hospitality industry as a part-owner of Pier 88 in Manly and Bonnet Cafe in Wynnum.

About Task Me Anything

Task Me Anything explores how ambitious business owners build stronger teams, create better systems and buy back their time with the help of skilled virtual professionals.

In Episode 14 of Task Me Anything, Ely Smith and Elke Kendrick from Smith Street Buyer’s Agents share their journeys into property, the story behind the business and what they are seeing across the Brisbane property market.

Ely reflects on moving from country Victoria to Brisbane after being drafted by the Brisbane Lions in 2018. A run of freak injuries changed the direction of his career, while buying his first property at just 19 sparked an interest in property investment and buyer advocacy.

Elke shares her path from automotive sales into real estate, starting in administration and property management before moving into buyer advocacy. She explains how that experience shaped her understanding of the industry and her focus on building strong relationships with buyers.

The conversation also explores the current Brisbane property market, including increased stock, reduced competition, the rise in off-market opportunities and why more choice can sometimes make buying harder.

They discuss the types of properties they believe could become increasingly valuable over the next 10 to 15 years, including larger blocks, Bayside locations and suburbs yet to experience significant redevelopment.

From AFL injuries and first property purchases to zoning changes, migration and market opportunities, the episode offers an insight into the people behind Smith Street Buyer’s Agents and their approach to buying property.

In this episode:

• Ely’s journey from country Victoria to the Brisbane Lions
• Being selected as Brisbane’s first pick in the 2018 AFL Draft
• Dealing with unexpected sporting injuries
• Buying his first property at 19
• How property investing led Ely into buyer advocacy
• Elke’s journey from automotive sales into real estate
• The transition to Smith Street Buyer’s Agents
• What is happening in the Brisbane property market
• Why buyers currently have more choice
• The rise in off-market properties
• Which Brisbane properties could perform strongly by 2040
• Why larger blocks could become increasingly valuable
• Brisbane’s changing suburbs
• The impact of interstate migration and housing supply
• The business philosophy behind Smith Street Buyer’s Agents

Approximate Minutes Breakdown

00:00 | Introduction and rapid-fire questions
Meet Ely and Elke, their backgrounds, competitive personalities and a few quick-fire questions before getting into their careers.

03:30 | From country Victoria to the Brisbane Lions
Ely explains how he went from being told he had little chance of being drafted to becoming Brisbane’s first selection in the 2018 AFL Draft.

05:35 | Injuries, mindset and dealing with setbacks
A run of unexpected injuries changed Ely’s football career and shaped his approach to focusing on the things he can control.

07:45 | Buying property at 19
Ely discusses purchasing his first Kangaroo Point property and how that experience eventually led him towards property investing and buyer advocacy.

08:45 | Elke’s journey into real estate
From automotive sales to administration, property management and buyer advocacy, Elke explains how relationship building shaped her career.

11:15 | Building Smith Street Buyer’s Agents
The story behind the name, the recent rebrand and the agency’s focus across Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

12:15 | What is happening in Brisbane property?
More stock, less buyer competition and why having more options can sometimes make purchasing decisions harder.

15:00 | Off-market properties and current buyer activity
Who is purchasing right now, why experienced investors are still active and why more sellers are testing properties off market.

16:20 | What will we wish we bought in 2026?
Larger blocks, Brisbane Bayside property, redevelopment potential and the suburbs Ely and Elke believe could look very different by 2040.

18:40 | Has the Brisbane market bottomed out?
Supply and demand, interstate migration, the Olympics and the factors that could continue driving South East Queensland property.

20:20 | Dream properties, career reflections and business philosophy
Ely and Elke share their ideal properties, reflect on their careers and explain the simple principle behind Smith Street Buyer’s Agents: do what you say you are going to do.

About Smith Street Buyer’s Agents

Smith Street Buyer’s Agents helps home buyers and property investors identify, negotiate and purchase property across Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

The team takes a straightforward approach to buyer advocacy, combining local market knowledge, property sourcing, negotiation and access to both listed and off-market opportunities.

About Task Me Anything

Task Me Anything explores how ambitious business owners build stronger teams, create better systems and buy back their time with the help of skilled virtual professionals.

In Episode 13 of Task Me Anything, Adam is joined by Steve MacFarlane, CEO of Syfre, an Australian AI studio helping businesses use artificial intelligence to make their people more valuable, not less necessary.

Steve shares his journey from learning to program at 10 to working in digital advertising, building technology startups and eventually founding Syfre.

The conversation explores how AI can reduce repetitive work, improve productivity and free teams to focus on relationships, sales and higher-value tasks. Steve also explains why outbound sales and customer service calls still need a human touch, particularly when tone, timing and empathy matter.

They discuss the fear of job losses, how leaders can introduce AI without creating uncertainty and why employees should be involved in shaping an organisation’s AI roadmap.

From business systems and changing search behaviour to travel planning and horse racing tips, the episode offers a practical look at what AI does well, where it falls short and how businesses can use it responsibly.

In this episode:

• Steve’s journey from childhood programmer to AI founder
• How Syfre helps businesses build tailored AI solutions
• The business tasks AI can handle effectively
• Why outbound sales calls still need a human element
• How AI can improve productivity without replacing people
• The risks of low-quality, unchecked AI output
• How to prepare teams for AI adoption
• Why employees should help shape an AI roadmap
• The rise of AI search and changing customer behaviour
• Why context remains essential when using AI
• What we may look back on and laugh about in 2030

Approximate Minutes Breakdown

00:00 | Introduction to Steve MacFarlane
Adam introduces Steve, Syfre and the episode’s central question: will AI replace jobs or make people more valuable?

01:05 | Rapid-fire questions
Coffee, early adoption, tech heroes, preferred AI platforms, business books, meditation and Steve’s biggest professional risk.

03:25 | Buying back 10 hours a week
Steve explains which technical tasks he would delegate or automate and why he would spend the recovered time meeting people and developing sales opportunities.

05:05 | What business owners should stop doing manually
A discussion about calendar management, email promises, scheduling and combining AI with human support.

06:45 | Why AI should not replace outbound sales calls
Steve explains why automated voices can damage trust and why tone, timing and emotional awareness still matter.

09:10 | Steve’s career journey
From learning to program at 10 to studying marketing, working in digital advertising and launching a boutique agency.

11:25 | Startups, exits and returning to business ownership
Steve discusses building technology products, his involvement with Realty Assist and why traditional employment was not the right long-term fit.

13:20 | How Syfre was created
The original product idea, customer feedback and the pivot into bespoke AI consulting and product development.

15:10 | The rise of AI roles inside small businesses
Why more businesses are hiring people to build automations, develop internal systems and implement low-code or no-code AI tools.

16:50 | Will AI cause mass job losses?
Steve argues that AI is more likely to empower teams and increase output than eliminate the need for human workers.

18:30 | Using AI without turning your brain off
The difference between supervising useful AI systems and producing unchecked, low-quality content that creates more work.

19:30 | How leaders should introduce AI to their teams
Why cross-department involvement, training and shared ownership are essential when developing an AI roadmap.

20:25 | AI search, personal use and changing behaviour
ChatGPT for travel, recipes and research, plus why businesses need to consider their visibility inside AI platforms.

21:20 | What will we laugh about in 2030?
Steve shares his predictions about job-loss fears, regulation and how today’s AI debates may be viewed in the future.

21:48 | Closing thoughts
A final exchange about horse racing, future predictions and the key lesson that context remains critical when using AI.

About Steve MacFarlane

Steve MacFarlane is the CEO of Syfre, an Australian AI studio helping businesses use artificial intelligence to improve productivity and make their people more valuable, not less necessary.

With more than 20 years of experience across software, product development, digital strategy and entrepreneurship, Steve has built businesses, developed technology products and helped organisations create practical AI solutions. His approach focuses on using AI to remove repetitive work, support better decision-making and empower teams while keeping human judgement, communication and relationships at the centre.

About Task Me Anything

Task Me Anything explores how ambitious business owners build stronger teams, create better systems and buy back their time with the help of skilled virtual professionals.

In Episode 12 of Task Me Anything, Adam speaks with Luke Hill, Chief Operating Officer at AAMC, about his journey from panel beater to the C-suite.

Luke shares what he has learned from leading a team of 250 people, including the importance of humility, trust, clear communication and giving credit to the people doing the work.

They also discuss customer experience following a vehicle accident, building a long-term career, staying authentic, learning from mentors and resisting the pressure to achieve success overnight.

The episode finishes with a look at AAMC’s technology transformation and the challenge of choosing systems that can support the business as it grows.

In this episode:

•  Luke’s journey from panel beater to Chief Operating Officer 
•  Why leadership is not about taking the credit 
•  Moving from technical expertise into people leadership 
•  What customer experience looks like after a vehicle accident 
•  Managing trust across a team of 250 people 
•  Handling frustration and difficult workplace conversations 
•  How young professionals can build a successful long-term career 
•  Why authenticity matters in leadership 
•  The danger of trying to go from zero to hero too quickly 
•  Centralising business data and choosing the right technology 
•  Luke’s goals for the next five years

Episode Chapters

00:45 | Rapid-fire questions
Coffee or tea, boardroom or frontline, leadership heroes, business books and Luke’s non-negotiable daily habit.

02:35 | Getting 10 hours back each week
Luke explains why he would spend less time reviewing reports and more time connecting with teams throughout the business.

04:05 | Luke’s biggest leadership lesson
Why leaders should remain humble, recognise their teams and give credit to the people responsible for the ideas and hard work.

05:15 | Leadership beyond technical expertise
Luke reflects on moving from Tasmania to Melbourne and learning that collaboration and team ownership were essential to success.

06:25 | From football ambitions to panel beating
Luke discusses his early career plans, his interest in vehicle assessing and why he completed a panel-beating apprenticeship.

08:05 | What AAMC does
An explanation of outsourced vehicle assessing, repair management and how AAMC supports insurers through its supply chain.

09:25 | What good customer experience looks like
Timeliness, empathy, communication and repair quality following a vehicle accident.

11:00 | Managing and trusting 250 people
How long-term employees, management processes, reporting and regular coaching help maintain trust across a large organisation.

12:30 | Handling frustration as a leader
Why difficult conversations should be clear and respectful, and why leaders need to manage anger professionally.

13:20 | Advice for building a successful career
Luke shares the importance of passion, values, authenticity, mentors and treating people well.

14:45 | You cannot go from zero to hero overnight
Why young professionals need to develop skills, listen, learn and become comfortable with uncomfortable situations.

15:45 | Centralising data and technology
The challenge of bringing multiple systems together and choosing technology that supports the organisation’s long-term strategy.

17:00 | What the next five years could hold
Luke discusses continuing his leadership journey, staying open to future opportunities and taking one step at a time.

17:40 | Closing thoughts
Adam reflects on Luke’s work ethic, friendship and impressive career journey.

About Luke Hill

Luke Hill is the Chief Operating Officer at AAMC, with nearly 20 years of experience in accident management and vehicle assessing. Starting his career as a panel beater, Luke worked his way through assessing and management roles before moving into senior leadership. Today, he leads national teams, drives operational improvement and focuses on creating better outcomes for clients, customers and employees through clear communication, strong relationships and practical leadership.

About Task Me Anything

Task Me Anything explores how ambitious business owners build stronger teams, create better systems and buy back their time with the help of skilled virtual professionals.

In this episode of Task Me Anything, Adam sits down with Christian Hamilton, Director of Ray White Wilston and Ray White Surfers Paradise, and one of Australia’s leading auctioneers.

Christian shares his journey from entering real estate at just 19 years old to becoming Australian Novice Auctioneer of the Year, leading auctions for Harcourts Australia and eventually taking ownership of two major Ray White businesses.

They discuss why the traditional selling-principal model can restrict business growth, the importance of treating agents like clients and what it takes to create an environment where great people can thrive.

Christian also explains why business owners need to step away from day-to-day sales, invest more time into recruitment and leadership, and surround their teams with the right coaching, support and systems.

The conversation finishes with Christian sharing how VA4U helped him bring Haruna into the finance side of his business, proving that virtual assistants can contribute far beyond basic administrative tasks.

In This Episode

• Christian’s rapid rise through the real estate industry
• The auction that took an unexpected turn
• What Christian would do with an extra 10 hours each week
• Why selling principals can struggle to grow their agencies
• Treating real estate agents like the business’s clients
• The coaching and leadership agents genuinely need
• Becoming Australian Novice Auctioneer of the Year at 21
• Calling auctions across Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria
• Leaving a successful corporate career to become a business owner
• Taking ownership of Ray White Surfers Paradise
• Building an environment that helps agents go further, faster
• Outsourcing finance and reconciliation work to a qualified virtual team member
• Why remote employees should be treated like every other member of the team

Episode Chapters

00:00 – Meet Christian Hamilton
Christian’s background as an auctioneer, trainer and real estate business owner.

01:00 – Rapid-Fire Questions
Mentors, business books, daily habits and Christian’s biggest career risk.

03:10 – The Strangest Auction Experience
An elderly bidder, an unexpected collapse and a very awkward auction result.

05:00 – Buying Back 10 Hours a Week
Why Christian would spend less time behind a laptop and more time with his team.

06:10 – The Problem With Selling Principals
Why trying to lead an agency while maintaining a large personal sales business can limit growth.

09:00 – Falling Into Real Estate
How a sharp suit, a Mercedes and a large commission cheque sparked Christian’s interest in the industry.

11:10 – Becoming an Auctioneer at 21
How mentorship, professional development and genuine enthusiasm helped Christian stand out.

14:10 – Leading Auctions Across Australia
Christian’s experience training agents and calling auctions across multiple states during COVID.

16:00 – Leaving Corporate to Build a Business
Why Christian wanted to stop going wide and start making a deeper impact on a smaller group of agents.

18:00 – Taking On Ray White Surfers Paradise
The opportunity, pressure and legacy attached to one of Ray White’s most recognised businesses.

19:30 – More Than Just Administration
How Haruna supports Christian’s finance department through reconciliations, reporting and cash-flow management.

About Christian Hamilton

Christian Hamilton is a Director of Ray White Wilston and Ray White Surfers Paradise. His career has included roles as a sales associate, award-winning auctioneer, national head of auctions, academy trainer and business owner.

Today, Christian focuses on building high-performing real estate businesses where agents receive the leadership, coaching and support they need to succeed.

About Task Me Anything

Task Me Anything explores how ambitious business owners build stronger teams, create better systems and buy back their time with the help of skilled virtual professionals.

In this energising episode, we sit down with Katie Cotton, a powerhouse in real estate recruitment and tech innovation. From her early days in roles ranging from Tupperware sales to law enforcement, Katie shares her unique path into real estate and how it led to founding Recruit RE — a purpose-built platform reshaping how agencies hire and grow their teams.

Katie opens up about her leadership journey, her passion for people, and the creation of tools that empower both agents and businesses. With a refreshing take on VAs, tech development, and what makes a great real estate hire, this episode is packed with insight and personality — including hilarious icebreakers, heartfelt reflections, and one very unlucky cow named Dan.

Whether you're an agency owner, recruiter, or agent looking to thrive in 2025 and beyond, Katie’s vision for smarter, values-driven recruitment will leave you inspired.

🧭 Episode Breakdown

00:00 – 02:00 | Intro & Icebreakers

• Meet Katie Cotton, visionary behind Recruit RE
• Horse-mothering adventures & wild Google searches (yes, cows have best friends… maybe?)
• Fun questions: Napoleon in real estate? Duck-sized horses?

02:01 – 06:00 | Real Estate Career & Philosophy

• Katie’s unconventional path into real estate
• Why “earning your stripes” is outdated advice
• Hiring for personality over skills — and why energy trumps experience
• Real estate is teachable; passion isn't

06:01 – 10:00 | The Recruit RE Vision

• Recruit Re explained: Think “SEEK for real estate”
• Smart-matching tech, Career Passport, and CPD tracking
• Built for the industry, by someone who understands it
• A practical tool, not just another recruiter platform

10:01 – 14:00 | Tech Meets People: Building with VAs & Developers

• Katie’s VA team and global dev squad
• Communication struggles, joke misfires, and mutual trust
• Lessons from managing app builds and understanding integrations
• Why VAs don’t replace, but free up talent for higher-value work

14:01 – 18:00 | Future Plans & Closing Thoughts

• What's live now on Recruit RE (Career Passport)
• What’s launching next: employer/jobseeker functionality
• The mission: empowerment, accessibility, and human connection
• Where to find Recruit RE & why perfection isn’t the goal — progress is

🎧 Available Now – 18 minutes of fresh insights, laughs, and real estate wisdom.
Visit recruitre.com.au
to learn more and sign up for early access.

In this high-energy, fast-paced episode, we’re joined by Jack Tyson — a car-loving, wave-chasing, business-scaling machine who's shaking up the Sydney real estate recruitment scene. As the founder of Venture X Talent Group, Jack shares his sharp insights into building a future-forward recruitment agency that's scaling fast, thanks to a laser focus on people, process, and vision.

Jack dives into the real side of recruitment—beyond resumes and placements—highlighting the emotional intelligence needed to juggle candidates, clients, and expectations. He talks about the crucial role virtual assistants (VAs) play in operational scaling, the truth behind reality TV real estate stars, and why building long-term business infrastructure is more important than fast wins.

If you're in real estate, recruitment, or just love stories of founders with grit and growth vision, this one’s a must-listen.

📌 Episode Breakdown:

00:00 – Icebreakers & Personality Check
Jack kicks off with quickfire questions that reveal his high-octane lifestyle, love for house music, and the adrenaline of placing top-tier talent over test-driving sports cars.

02:00 – The Real Estate Roots
He recounts his career journey from humble beginnings in Sydney’s Northern Beaches to working in the elite eastern suburbs market with multi-million dollar properties and high-profile clients.

04:30 – What’s Real About Real Estate TV?
Jack offers a behind-the-scenes take on luxury real estate shows like Luxe Listings Sydney and shares his real-world experiences with celebrity agents.

06:00 – Why He Founded Venture X
A candid look into the recruitment industry’s transactional pitfalls—and how Venture X is flipping that model with a long-term, scalable approach.

08:00 – VA Game-Changer
Jack explains how hiring virtual assistants is transforming his business operations, increasing efficiency, and laying the groundwork for rapid, smart scaling.

10:00 – The 15-Year Vision
He outlines a bold growth strategy: offices in every state, expansion into Singapore and Dubai, and building a 50–100 person team.

11:30 – Real Estate Forecast & Personal Philosophy
Jack discusses real estate trends, the importance of compounding effort, and what it takes to thrive long-term in a competitive market.

12:30 – Final Words & Gratitude
A wrap-up filled with mutual appreciation and a clear message: success comes from clarity of vision, execution, and a strong support team.

🔥 Why You Should Listen:

• Hear how a top recruiter is scaling using smart systems and sharp strategy
• Get actionable insights into real estate hiring trends
• Discover how VAs are redefining what support looks like in recruitment

🎧 Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more — don’t forget to follow and share!

On this episode of Task Me Anything, we’re joined by Alexander Shean, co-owner of Ray White Ascot and a standout figure in Brisbane real estate. From his early days working the traveling show circuit with his family to leading a high-performing real estate office, Alexander’s journey is anything but typical—and that’s exactly what makes it inspiring.

Alexander opens up about the people skills he developed as a sideshow spruiker, how he transitioned into real estate, and the lessons he’s learned since stepping into business ownership. He also shares how virtual assistants (VAs) have streamlined his agency’s operations and created space for deeper client relationships, better data practices, and more productive teams.

This candid conversation blends personal storytelling with practical takeaways—perfect for agents, business owners, or anyone navigating growth in a service-driven industry.

🗂️ Episode Breakdown

00:00 – 02:00 | Introduction & Icebreakers

• Meet Alexander Shean: real estate principal, bungee jumper, and leader
• Bungee vs. skydiving: which was scarier and why

02:01 – 06:00 | Life in the Showgrounds

• Growing up in a multi-generation traveling show family
• From dodgems to spruiking: learning crowd engagement early
• How show life taught him sales, presence, and energy

06:01 – 09:00 | Starting in Real Estate

• A career pivot from hospitality to real estate in Ascot
• Following in his father’s footsteps
• Loyalty to Ray White: culture, training, and opportunity

09:01 – 13:00 | Leadership & Business Ownership

• Stepping into co-ownership in 2022
• The mindset shift from agent to team leader
• Supporting a team of 40+ across sales and property management

13:01 – 16:00 | Unlocking Scale Through Virtual Assistants

• Why previous VA experiences didn’t work—and what changed
• Training, structure, and daily inclusion as keys to success
• VA integration stories from both the sales and PM teams

16:01 – 19:00 | The Power of Data & Process

• Creating ideal weeks for VAs and agents
• Building databases for long-term growth
• Using tools like NurtureCloud and leveraging AI to stay ahead

19:01 – 22:00 | Crystal Ball: Market Predictions & Olympic Buzz

• The outlook for Brisbane’s blue-chip suburbs
• Anticipated growth leading into the 2032 Olympics
• The evolving real estate landscape in Hamilton, Ascot & Clayfield

📌 Key Takeaways

• Communication skills are built in the trenches—sometimes on the carnival stage
• Leadership is about shifting focus from personal success to team success
• VAs can be transformative with the right onboarding and inclusion
• Data, systems, and culture are foundational to scalable growth
• Brisbane property is on a steady rise—with major movement expected pre-Olympics

🎧 Tune into this episode of Task Me Anything to discover how Alexander Shean is building a legacy in real estate, one system, one sale, and one team win at a time.

🎧 Episode Synopsis:

In this inspiring 16-minute episode, we meet Candace Jarrett, founder of niche recruitment firm Niche People, who shares her unconventional journey from town planning to building a thriving recruitment business—all while juggling life as a mother of three. With practical insights into entrepreneurship, the power of outsourcing, and the underestimated value of town planning, Candace gives listeners a behind-the-scenes look at how she scaled her business with the help of a virtual assistant and leaned into her network to become a leader in her field.

📌 Episode Breakdown:

00:00 – 02:30 | Quickfire Icebreakers
Candace answers lighthearted questions—from her love of coffee and red wine to her late-night work habits and dream holidays.

02:31 – 05:00 | Career Origins
Candace shares how a call from a recruiter and her strong industry network inspired her to leap into recruitment after a successful 20-year career in urban planning.

05:01 – 07:30 | Business Growth & The Role of a VA
She discusses how hiring a virtual assistant transformed her operations, freeing up time for family and business growth.

07:31 – 10:00 | Life Balance & Outsourcing Wisdom
Candace reflects on the importance of support systems, her past ventures, and lessons learned about not doing everything alone.

10:01 – 12:00 | Recruitment Realities
She dives into the complexities of quality hiring, why headhunting matters, and how her VA, Dexter, contributes to sourcing top talent.

12:01 – 14:00 | Town Planning Advocacy
Candace makes a case for town planning as a valuable and underappreciated career path—ideal for students exploring property-related industries.

14:01 – 16:00 | Final Advice & Closing Thoughts
She offers powerful advice for small business owners: outsource smartly, value your time, and focus on what drives growth.

🎯 Why Listen:
If you’re a business owner, aspiring recruiter, or curious about how to pivot careers successfully, Candace’s story will leave you motivated and equipped with actionable insights.