The Better Podcast

In this episode of The Better Podcast, Jen Baird sits down with Bayleys General Manager of Talent and Growth Grant Lynch to explore the lessons, standards and enduring principles that have shaped his career in real estate.

Grant reflects on building and leading Unlimited Potential, selling the business to the Bayley family and moving into a much larger company. He shares why the transition required him to become more of a team player, listen to different perspectives and recognise the value of working alongside deep expertise across the wider Bayleys business.

The conversation returns repeatedly to one central idea: real estate is about people, not property, and circumstance, not price. Grant explains why great agents ask questions before offering solutions, adjust their pace to the person in front of them and take the time to understand what a home and a move genuinely mean to each client.

Grant also discusses what has remained true despite major changes in technology, marketing and the tools available to agents. Every new agent starts at zero, but that starting point is an opportunity. By making every customer experience a winning experience, regardless of whether the property sells, agents can build the trust, reputation and relationships that create a strong business over time.

Jen and Grant explore how technology and AI should support rather than replace human connection. Grant argues that new tools are most valuable when they help agents prepare better and create more time to be front-facing with clients. If technology becomes a way to avoid meaningful customer contact, it risks undermining the very thing that drives long-term success.

The episode also looks at ambition, structure and discipline. Grant shares why agents need to create the right environment around themselves, build a written plan and set achievable goals that can evolve as the business grows. Ambition provides energy, but without structure it can become directionless. Sustainable performance comes from personal standards, consistency and a clear understanding of what success is meant to make possible.

For agents at every stage of their careers, this is a practical conversation about building a better business from the inside out. It is a reminder to slow down, listen carefully, protect your reputation, learn from the people around you and use every experience to become a better version of yourself.

What does it take to build a billion-dollar real estate career?

In this episode of The Better Podcast, Jen Baird is joined by Bayleys agents Angela Rudling and Victoria Bidwell, two of the industry's most respected professionals. Having each individually surpassed $1 billion in career sales, they reflect on the decisions, habits and mindset that have sustained their success over more than two decades in real estate.

While their paths into the industry were very different, both share a deep commitment to client service, continuous improvement and doing the fundamentals exceptionally well. Angela discusses how a change in personal circumstances led her into real estate after a successful career in jewellery sales, while Victoria shares the strategic decision she made to pursue a long-held ambition after years working in HR and change management.

The conversation explores the realities of building a successful business from the ground up. Victoria reflects on having to start again after moving to Auckland with virtually no local network, while Angela shares how relentless follow-up, genuine curiosity and helping people find solutions helped create momentum early in her career.

Jen, Angela and Victoria unpack the behaviours that separate great agents from the rest. They discuss persistence, consistency, and the importance of continuing to show up when results are not immediate. They also explain why many agents give up too early, often just before a breakthrough is about to happen.

For real estate agents, this episode is packed with practical insights on persistence, client care, preparation, negotiation, and long-term business building. More importantly, it is a reminder that extraordinary careers are often built through consistent daily actions rather than dramatic moments.

Do you need to feel confident before taking the next step, or can confidence come after you begin?

In this episode of The Better Podcast, Jen Baird is joined by Bayleys salesperson Charlotte Heaslip to unpack a real estate career built from the ground up, from joining the Deans Ave office in Christchurch straight out of school to moving through administration, personal assistance and into sales.

Charlotte shares why she chose work over university when she was unsure what to study, and how a one-year plan became a career spanning almost 13 years. The conversation follows Charlotte into a dedicated PA role with Angela Webb, where genuine responsibility, clearly defined roles and years alongside an experienced agent helped her build capability long before she had the confidence to sell.

After selling her own home and navigating major life change, she decided to get licensed and back herself. The shift was not easy, leaving the security of a salary, pushing through discomfort around phone calls and new conversations, and keeping going through a difficult market when money was tight.

Rather than trying to become a stereotypical extroverted salesperson, Charlotte learned to work with her own strengths. Face-to-face connection at open homes came more naturally than cold calling, so she focused on showing up prepared, positive and approachable. That shift helped her stop masking who she was and build a way of working that felt authentic and effective.

For agents and support professionals considering their next move, this is a grounded conversation about learning before earning, taking opportunities before you feel fully ready and recognising that ambition can take different forms. Charlotte's story shows how the right environment, trusted people and a willingness to act through discomfort can turn capability into confidence.

What does it really take to build momentum quickly in real estate?

In this episode of The Better Podcast, Jen Baird sits down with Bayleys agent Mike Murphy to explore the habits, choices and mindset that helped him build one of the fastest-growing real estate businesses in the network.

Mike shares his journey into the industry, from growing up around real estate to starting in property management before making the move into residential sales. While real estate was never part of his original plan, he quickly discovered a passion for the pursuit of business, the challenge of growth and the opportunity to create something meaningful.

The conversation explores the early years of Mike's career, including the ambitious goals he set for himself, the intense work ethic that helped him gain momentum and the importance of backing yourself before anyone else will. He discusses why he focused on a specific market rather than trying to be everything to everyone, how he leveraged the network he already had and why mastering the fundamentals remains one of the biggest differentiators in the industry.

Mike also reflects on the critical decision to build a team early. He explains how bringing in the right people unlocked the next stage of growth, why delegation became essential and how focusing on the work he enjoys and performs best has helped Team Murphy continue to scale.

For real estate professionals, this episode is packed with practical insights on prospecting, team building, personal accountability, growth and leadership. It is an honest conversation about doing the work, staying committed when things are difficult and creating a business that is bigger than yourself.

In this episode of The Better Podcast, Jen Baird is joined by Queenstown agents Sarah McBride and Sarena Glass to explore how two different personalities and skill sets have combined to create a strong, sustainable business.

Their paths into property were different. Sarah brought a background in corporate account management, sales and marketing, while Sarena moved from ski racing into property study, valuation and management. Their careers crossed through a luxury rentals business, where they developed a deep understanding of high-end homes, demanding clients and the importance of trusted relationships.

When they moved into sales, that experience gave them an established network and a strong foundation in the Queenstown luxury market. They share why their partnership has always been a business relationship first, how they divide responsibilities around their natural strengths, and why being competitive alongside one another, rather than with one another, keeps them focused on the same goal.

Sarah and Sarena also discuss the realities behind a long-term partnership. They don't always agree, but they challenge each other constructively, debate their options and trust one another to pull their weight. That trust has also supported flexibility through different family stages and helped them remain resilient when the work becomes demanding.

The conversation explores their decision to change brands and join Bayleys, including the appeal of the wider network, marketing flexibility, cross-sector reach and support available to agents. They also explain how taking on new opportunities created the need to expand their team, introduce clearer roles and build better systems so growth did not come at the expense of service or wellbeing.

For real estate agents, this episode offers a practical look at partnership, change and sustainable growth. It is a candid conversation about playing to individual strengths, getting comfortable with discomfort, asking for support and creating the structure needed to keep moving forward.

What does professional rugby teach you about building a sustainable, high-performance real estate business?

In this episode of The Better Podcast, Jen Baird is joined by Bayleys agent and former professional rugby player Adam Whitelock to explore how the habits, disciplines and mindset required in elite sport have shaped the way he builds his business today.

Adam shares his journey from growing up on a dairy farm and playing rugby from a young age to joining the Canterbury Academy, representing Canterbury and the Crusaders, and finishing his professional career in France. He reflects on the work, sacrifice, resilience and supportive environments behind that journey, as well as the importance of preparing for life beyond professional sport.

The conversation follows Adam's transition through rural banking and into real estate, where disciplined prospecting helped him build momentum quickly and win the REINZ Rising Star Award in his first year. He explains why doing the work consistently matters more than looking for shortcuts, and how preparation, product knowledge and professionalism remain essential, regardless of the profile or network you begin with.

Adam also shares the systems that support his business today, from Sunday planning and setting his most valuable priorities to recording client contact, practising with colleagues, seeking feedback and reviewing performance. He discusses the role of exercise, journalling and reflection in sustaining energy, learning from setbacks and balancing the demands of work with health and family.

For real estate agents, this episode offers a practical look at what high performance requires over the long term: clear priorities, purposeful habits, genuine community engagement, trusted relationships and the curiosity to keep learning.

This is a grounded conversation about turning preparation into performance, building a reputation through consistent action and creating a business that supports a better life.

How do New Zealand's wealthiest individuals think about building, protecting and transferring wealth?

In this episode of The Better Podcast, Jen Baird sits down with a leading wealth management expert to explore how high-net-worth clients approach property, investment and long-term wealth creation.

Together, they unpack the role property plays within a broader wealth strategy, examining how affluent New Zealanders balance residential and commercial property with equities, private investments and offshore opportunities. The conversation also explores the changing wealth landscape, current investor sentiment, and how global economic conditions are influencing decision-making among sophisticated investors.

Drawing on extensive experience working with wealthy clients, our guest shares insights into how high-net-worth individuals evaluate opportunities, select trusted advisors and build long-term professional relationships. They discuss the common mistakes investors make, the risks of over-concentration, and why understanding a client's broader financial goals is critical when helping them make important decisions.

For real estate agents, this episode offers practical guidance on how to better understand affluent clients, create value beyond the transaction and position themselves as a trusted part of a client's wider advisory network.

This is a thought-provoking conversation about wealth, trust, relationships and strategic thinking, packed with insights for agents who want to better understand the people they serve and build deeper client relationships.

Important Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast represent the personal views of the speaker and not necessarily those of Pāua Wealth Management. The information is intended for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Before acting on any information discussed, listeners should consider whether it is appropriate for their particular circumstances and seek professional advice where necessary. Before making any financial decisions, you should consult a financial advice provider. Disclosure information relating to Pāua Wealth Management Limited can be viewed at Paua-Wealth-Disclosure-Statement-1.pdf.

What does it take to build one of New Zealand's highest-performing real estate businesses and maintain that success over time?

In this episode of The Better Podcast, Jen Baird sits down with Adam Heazlewood, one of Christchurch's leading residential agents, to discuss the habits, systems and strategies behind a high-volume real estate business.

Adam reflects on his journey into real estate at a young age, the key decisions that helped him gain momentum early, and how his business evolved from a solo operation into a scalable team. He shares how Christchurch's property market has transformed throughout his career and how adapting to change has been critical to maintaining results.

A strong advocate for auctions, Adam explains why they remain central to his approach, how he positions the method with clients, and the role that collaboration and process play in delivering successful outcomes. He also offers practical advice for agents who want to incorporate more auctions into their business and overcome common misconceptions about the process.

This is a practical conversation about consistency, discipline, growth and performance, packed with lessons for agents looking to build a more effective and sustainable real estate business.

How do residential projects actually work — and what can every agent learn from one of the most specialised parts of real estate?

In this episode of The Better Podcast, Jen Baird sits down with Suzie Wigglesworth, National Director of Projects at Bayleys, to demystify the world of residential projects and development sales.

Suzie works across the full lifecycle of residential developments, from acquisition, planning and feasibility through to product positioning, brand development, project marketing and sales. While most agents focus on individual property transactions, Suzie's work often begins years before a project reaches the market.

In this conversation, Suzie shares her journey into projects, explains how development sales differ from traditional residential real estate, and breaks down the process from site acquisition through to launch and sell-down. She discusses the importance of long-term relationships, the role of trust and credibility when working with developers, and why getting the fundamentals right early can determine a project's success.

This is a practical conversation that demystifies residential projects, helping agents better understand the development cycle, where they can add value, and when specialist expertise matters.

What happens when deep real estate experience meets engineering thinking and a drive to constantly improve?

In this episode of The Better Podcast, Jen Baird sits down with Will Alexander, Head of Innovation and National Director of Property Management at Bayleys, to talk about the journey behind one of the most forward-thinking minds in the business — and the role technology is playing in shaping the future of real estate.

Will started his career as a professional cyclist before transitioning into real estate, where he built extensive experience across property management, leadership and proptech — including time with Renti — before returning to Bayleys to lead innovation across the business.

In this conversation, Will shares how his engineering mindset drives him to identify inefficiencies and build smarter solutions, the thinking behind products like the Bayleys rental appraisal app, and why the real opportunity in technology is freeing agents up to focus on what truly matters — people and relationships.

This is a conversation about curiosity, consistency and what it takes to build the systems that support the future of real estate.