The Leverage Podcast - Real Estate Edition

Steve shares his journey from being an investment banker who lost heavily in 2008 to becoming a top-tier real estate investor specializing in $200k-$400k renovation projects.

He discusses the danger of chasing shiny objects (like losing $1 million in crypto), how to analyze deals using AI tools like Claude and ChatGPT, and the power of hiring Operations Managers and Virtual Assistants to manage multiple LLCs.

Book a call here: https://bit.ly/4xjYYBT

Discover the secrets of building a multi-million dollar brand on this episode of The Leverage Podcast! Host John sits down with Peter Wilken, the "father of brand DNA" and former Asia-Pacific leader for BBDO. Peter reflects on his time during the golden age of advertising, the reality behind the show "Mad Men," and how the industry has evolved. Learn the true definition of branding, the power of a strategic logo, and how to apply the 4Ds process to small businesses or real estate. Plus, get an inside look at the Brand Strategy Academy! Links in the description below!

free audio book: https://www.amazon.com/Dim-Sum-Strategy-Bite-Sized-Stronger/dp/B0CZV14XTQ/ref=sr_1_2?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.sZwv3rGKpI7FrvfgOlHitnbpCEVn-ZWLwG3k9T7OpN_GjHj071QN20LucGBJIEps.58LBs5skkP_fT8KfGFZy6Oa-Bd5Tu0piTV4G8Z5RwpM&dib_tag=se&keywords=Peter+Wilken&qid=1727259

brand strategy community: https://www.peterwilken.com/brand-strategy-masterclass

If you need a VA so you can focus strictly on high-value tasks, pick a slot whenever you're ready: https://bit.ly/3TrTd6O

#BusinessGrowth #Entrepreneur #Leadership #BusinessSystems #CEO #BusinessOwner #ScalingBusiness #BusinessSuccess #Leverage

The businesses that scale the fastest aren't built on transactions—they're built on vision, culture, and great people. Without a compelling mission, it's difficult to attract top talent, build loyalty, and create long-term growth.

Dave Umpress shares how strong leadership, cultural alignment, and empowering the right people helped build a thriving real estate organization. Learn why great operators create leverage, why entrepreneurs should stop trying to do everything themselves, and how a clear vision can unite a team around something bigger than profit.

Want to talk through how a VA fits into your specific setup? Grab a time below: https://bit.ly/4hKGMge

Subscribe for more conversations with founders and business leaders.

#Leadership #BusinessGrowth #CompanyCulture #Entrepreneur #CEO #RealEstate #TeamBuilding #BusinessSystems #Vision #Scalability #LeadershipDevelopment #Leverage

Are you interested in how top agents build long-term success in real estate? In this episode of The Leverage Podcast, we explore how passion and mindset can elevate your real estate career.

In this exclusive interview, we dive deep into the unique world of Texas property. Our guest shares expert insights on what makes a true horse property, highlighting how soil types, terrain, and specialized barn setups matter far more than just acreage. We also explore the unique culture of Austin, its booming metropolis, expanding infrastructure, and why its diverse market continues to attract buyers from across the country.

Beyond buying and selling, you will hear a powerful story about community impact. Learn how a personal passion for the fine arts led to a seat on the board of directors that helped save the historic Paramount Theatre in downtown Austin. Finally, we unpack the essential mindsets needed to thrive through market shifts, including the power of a positive attitude, continuing education, and leading with total honesty. Whether you are a brand-new agent or a seasoned professional, this conversation offers the ultimate roadmap to build a lasting legacy in the real estate career of your dreams.

If you know you need a VA but aren't sure where to start, grab a spot on our schedule: https://bit.ly/4ySX6lr

00:00 - Introduction and Welcome

01:20 - Getting to Know Camille Abbott

01:50 - Passion for Cutting Horses & Defining Horse Properties

06:35 - Integrating Personal Passion into Business

13:25 - Understanding the True Vibe of Texas

22:00 - What Makes Austin a Great Place to Live

25:35 - Preserving the Legacy of the Paramount Theatre

31:00 - Sponsor Message: Sphere Rocket VA

32:16 - The Multiplier Effect: Key Strategies for Success

38:19 - Failing Forward: Lessons Learned from Tough Times

43:33 - Hopes for the Future, Legacy, and Closing Thoughts

#RealEstateCareer #AustinRealEstate #TheLeveragePodcast #SphereRocketVA

The biggest legal risk for business owners isn't a lawsuit—it's waiting too long to plan. Without the right legal structure, tax strategy, and estate plan, years of hard work can be put at risk.

Attorney and CPA Zach Montgomery explains how proactive planning helps entrepreneurs protect their assets, reduce taxes, prepare for succession, and avoid costly mistakes before they happen. Learn why estate planning isn't just about what happens after you're gone, how strong legal systems support long-term business growth, and why relationships and trusted advisors still matter in an AI-driven world.

If you're ready to leverage a VA and free up your calendar, hop on our schedule: https://bit.ly/4c2EaXt

Subscribe for more conversations with founders and business leaders.

#EstatePlanning #BusinessOwner #Entrepreneur #TaxPlanning #BusinessLaw #AssetProtection #Leadership #BusinessGrowth #SuccessionPlanning #CEO #LegalStrategy #Leverage

Discover how economic development organizations can scale their productivity by using advanced AI systems. Learn the secrets of building multiple AI agents to handle complex workflows today!

Are you ready to discover how economic development organizations can scale their operations using artificial intelligence? In this episode of The Leverage Podcast, host John Davidson sits down with Katie Milton Jordan and Julius Stalia from Simple EDO. Together, they share how regional leaders can use powerful AI systems to achieve massive success and dramatically speed up their daily workflows.

Many government groups are slow to adopt new technology, but this conversation shows why staying ahead is so critical. The guests explain how they went from using just three digital tools to managing a team of ten specialized AI agents. This shift allowed them to handle local news research, market updates, and quality control checks completely on autopilot. They also discuss how to handle data security concerns and explain why mixing different large language models yields the best results.

Instead of limiting your work to what a human can do, this episode challenges you to make bold, unreasonable requests of your technology. By treating deliverables as the core units of your workflow, you can easily build automated systems that give you back hours of your week. Tune in to learn how human collaboration and smart technology can transform your community's regional prosperity!

Let's see how much time a VA can save you every week! Lock in a slot here: https://bit.ly/4fSqsro

0:00 Innovative AI for Economic Development

0:38 Defining the Simple EDO Mission

2:16 Current Trends in AI Adoption

4:09 AI's Impact on Economic Missions

7:29 Overcoming Barriers to AI Adoption

13:26 The Art of the AI Tool Mix

21:27 Building a Stable of AI Agents

38:26 The Dynamic Duo: CEO and VA Collaboration

#RealEstateBusiness #DigitalMarketing #TheLeveragePodcast #SphereRocketVA #CareyHughesHomes #PropertyMarket #entrepreneurlife

In this episode of The Leverage Podcast, host John Davidson sits down with real estate expert Carey Hughes to discuss how she uses data and marketing insights from Nike to grow her business.

Are you trying to figure out how to scale a real estate business in a changing market? In this episode of The Leverage Podcast, host John Davidson sits down with real estate expert Carey Hughes to discuss how she transitioned from corporate America to building a successful agency. They explore how she uses data and digital marketing insights from her time at Nike to innovate the housing sector in Beaverton, Oregon.

Building a successful real estate business takes more than just putting up signs and writing offers. It requires clear communication, setting proper expectations with clients, and knowing how to adapt when market conditions slow down. Carey shares how her team approaches data analytics to study local neighbourhoods, pricing strategies, and economic shifts to guide buyers and sellers toward the best decisions. She also opens up about the realities of expanding from a solopreneur to leading a full real estate team, pulling valuable lessons from her 20+ years of industry experience. Whether you want to master digital marketing, learn how to build a strong community-focused brand, or navigate a softening market, this interview is packed with actionable advice for your own real estate business journey.

Looking to leverage a VA for your daily admin? Here's where to grab a spot: https://bit.ly/4xbEUSm

00:00 - Pre-Show Chat and Episode Overview

01:51 - Welcome to The Leverage Podcast with Carey Hughes

06:04 - Transitioning from Corporate America to Real Estate

07:15 - Applying Nike Marketing and Data Insights to Housing

09:13 - Expanding the Team and Embracing Digital Marketing

11:05 - The Power of Thought Leadership and Generosity in Business

16:01 - What the Beaverton, Oregon Market Has to Offer

18:40 - Buying and Selling Strategies in a Softening Market

26:47 - Advice to My Day One Self: Setting Expectations

31:15 - How to Effectively Build a Real Estate Team

36:45 - Abundance, Gratitude, and Leaving a Community Impact

39:14 - How to Connect with Carey Hughes Homes

#RealEstateBusiness #DigitalMarketing #TheLeveragePodcast #SphereRocketVA #CareyHughesHomes #PropertyMarket #entrepreneurlife

Are you tired of feeling stuck in your business and personal life? In this episode of The Leverage Podcast, we explore how a breakthrough biochemical shift can change your life in seconds.

Are you tired of feeling stuck in your business and personal life? In this episode of The Leverage Podcast, host John Davidson sits down with Mark Scherer, the founder and CEO of Encompass Life, to discuss how a breakthrough biochemical shift can help you achieve exponential growth. Discover how moving away from standard positive thinking patterns and focusing on your body chemistry can instantly change your reality.

In this deep-dive interview, Mark shares his incredible journey from hitting rock bottom in 2009 to creating a thriving life coaching university. He explains why four toxic emotions—shame, blame, guilt, and hate—keep entrepreneurs trapped in a cycle of frustration. By understanding the science behind a biochemical shift, you can reprogram your brain, build new neurological pathways, and experience true personal growth. Whether you want to scale your business, improve your health, or fix your relationships, this unique manifestation technique will help you unlock a grand vision for your future. Learn how facing your fears head-on can give you the freedom and leadership skills you have always wanted.

If you need a VA to take the busywork off your plate, pop a time on the calendar here: https://bit.ly/4w9Quwu

00:00 - Introduction to Mark Scherer and Encompass Life

02:12 - Mark's Rock Bottom: Health Issues and Financial Crisis

09:54 - Shifting from Positive Thinking to Body Chemistry and Feelings

15:53 - Redefining Manifestation and Vision

19:51 - The Neuroscience and Brain Mapping Behind the System

21:50 - The "How to Wow" Framework for Entrepreneurs

23:53 - Mid-Show Sponsor: Sphere Rocket VA

28:34 - Online Classes and the Encompass Life University Model

33:50 - Healing Traumas and Creating a Memory of the Future

37:28 - Overcoming Personal Limits and Closing Remarks

#TheLeveragePodcast #BiochemicalShift #PersonalGrowth #SphereRocket #MindsetMastery #Entrepreneurship

Discover how Roberto Diaz builds a successful business with a focus on giving back and integrity. Learn his strategies for leveraging virtual assistants and outsourcing on The Leverage Podcast!

Welcome to another inspiring episode of The Leverage Podcast! In this episode, host John Davidson sits down with Roberto Diaz, the owner of Building Wall Giving, to discuss the power of giving back and running a business with integrity. Roberto shares his incredible journey from the restaurant industry to building a thriving construction company in the Denver metro area. Discover how he grew his business from small donations to thousands of dollars for local nonprofits, all while letting his clients choose where the money goes.

If you want to grow your business, learning the art of giving back and integrating virtual assistants into your workflow can completely transform your business operations. Roberto opens up about the intense financial pressure of starting out, his strict "no plan B" mindset, and the critical importance of keeping a healthy work-life balance for his family. He also explains how hiring two virtual assistants from Sphere Rocket VA allowed him to delegate administrative tasks and marketing efforts. This strategic outsourcing freed up over twenty hours a week, letting him focus on big-picture scaling, working with a business coach, and community networking. Whether you are an aspiring entrepreneur or an established business owner, this conversation is packed with actionable advice on scaling with purpose.

Want the leverage of a VA so you can buy back 10–20 hours a week? Grab a time here: https://bit.ly/4bYzgL2

00:00 - Introduction to Roberto Diaz and Building Wall Giving

01:26 - Service Areas and Geographies Covered

02:01 - Roberto's Personal Background and Move to Denver

02:56 - The Story and Philosophy Behind Building Wall Giving

04:17 - Differentiating Through Generosity and Client-Chosen Nonprofits

08:25 - Annual December Toy Drive Traditions

09:27 - Putting Integrity and Customers First in Construction

11:13 - Shifting from Hospitality to the Construction Industry

14:07 - Mindset Shift: The Financial Pressures of Entrepreneurship

18:41 - Sponsor Break: Sphere Rocket VA Benefits

20:01 - Advice to My Former Self: Guarding Work-Life Balance

21:39 - Leveraging Virtual Assistants for Admin and Marketing Tasks

24:01 - Overcoming Overload and Scaling Down to Essential Projects

27:00 - The Impact of Building Better Communities

28:29 - Contact Information and the Power of Hiring a Business Coach

#GivingBack #VirtualAssistants #BusinessGrowth #TheLeveragePodcast #Entrepreneurship #SphereRocketVA #DenverBusiness #Outsourcing

Discover the power of authentic leadership in the age of AI. Join host John Davidson and HR expert Dwight Clarke as they discuss self-mastery, strategic partnerships, and learning from failure.

Are you ready to redefine your leadership style in the digital age? In this episode of the Leverage Podcast, host John Davidson sits down with Dwight Clarke, the founder of Authentically DC. Together, they explore what it truly takes to develop authentic leadership when tools like artificial intelligence are rapidly changing how we live and work.

Dwight shares his incredible career path, transitioning from an international tax accountant to a cross-industry HR executive. He discusses the fatal flaw of the "fake it till you make it" mentality and explains why programming humanity and character into technology requires authentic leadership. True leaders are grown through vulnerability, self-awareness, and an open mind to evaluate internal biases. Dwight reflects on how early corporate failures forged his path toward self-mastery, proving that every loss offers a powerful lesson if you choose to embrace it.

Later in the episode, the conversation shifts to business growth and the critical role of strategic partnerships. Dwight discusses the time-value-for-money equation, highlighting why entrepreneurs must delegate administrative tasks to focus on revenue-generating activities. Whether you want to improve team collaboration or master self-evaluation, this discussion offers timeless wisdom to elevate your executive mindset.

Connect with us: https://bit.ly/4wbhLP9

00:00 - Introduction to Dwight Clarke

01:58 - Human Connection and AI in Leadership

04:12 - Dwight's Career Journey and Self-Mastery

09:12 - Great Leaders vs. Bad Bosses

14:52 - Confidence, Humility, and Overcoming Anxiety

17:34 - Sponsor: Sphere Rocket VA

18:58 - The Value of Strategic Partnerships

20:49 - Time Management and Delegation for Entrepreneurs

26:33 - Finding Wisdom and Lessons in Failure

32:05 - Career Advice to a Younger Self

38:42 - How to Connect with Authentically DC

#AuthenticLeadership #LeveragePodcast #SphereRocketVA #ExecutiveMindset #StrategicPartnerships #selfmastery