Shane Smollen is synomous with multiple success stories in multi office real estate practice , luxury property development and international motorsport.

In this rare opportunity to hear his story first hand, he shares what the common denominators are between all 3 and how he has managed to build explosive and sustainable growth whilst increasing time for family , travel and adventure.

The habits, the secrets , the mistakes to learn from all wrapped up into an hour you won’t forget. Bring your most challenging questions for an open mike session after the interview.

 

shane’s session

From OK to Epic – Secrets to Explosive
Growth and an Awesome Life

Leading our exceptional team, situated in the heart of Remuera, Auckland, is both an honor and a privilege.

Nineteen years ago, I was drawn to the real estate industry because I understood that authentic human connections and unparalleled service were vital components of any successful enterprise.

With experience in healthcare, commerce, and property, along with the completion of my MBA and AREINZ credentials, I am fully dedicated to and passionate about effectively marketing and selling real estate for our valued clients.

Throughout my career, I have listened to countless stories and guided individuals on their real estate journeys. I have collaborated with my team and their clients to ensure that their aspirations, desires, and expectations are fully realized.

What makes a successful team of colleagues? According to Aristotle, “The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.” At Ray White Remuera, we embody this philosophy by fostering mutual trust, friendship, and support for our colleagues, while maintaining collective professionalism.

A good business contains great people, but a great business is created by extraordinary people. We are working towards being the best that we can be – every single day.

I genuinely care about our team, and they are aware of it. Through our shared values and collaborative efforts, we are transforming the real estate industry to benefit those we are privileged enough to serve.

megan’s session

Leadership Wisdom – What I’ve Got Right and Wrong Over the Years

O’Brien Real Estate has achieved unparalleled growth since inception in October 2010, now having a multitude of offices across all the regions of Melbourne and regional Victoria.

OBrien offer a unique ‘Right to Sell’ network, cutting edge dashboard technology, innovative database management systems and monthly training and a strong focus on world-class marketing but with a local community connection ensures they stay Victoria’s fastest-growing real estate brand.

DEAN’s session

Sadhana Smiles is the host of the podcast Future Fit Leadership, that is regularly in the top 50 podcasts in Australia. She is also CEO of REIP, runs a property mangement business and has been a legend in the Australian real estate industry for decades.She has interviewed leaders from various industries and in this presentation, Sadhana will distil the most impactful lessons and strategies shared by top leaders and innovators featured on the podcast.

In an era defined by rapid technological advancements, global interconnectedness, and unprecedented challenges, traditional leadership models are being reimagined, and our workplaces are dynamically adapting. We know the static paradigm of the industrial era simply doesn’t work for today’s knowledge economy. But! We don’t yet know what the new paradigm is exactly.

What are global CEO’s and changemakers doing in this space and what are their future ready strategies around skills, capability, talent, culture and mindset.

Whether you are a seasoned executive or an aspiring leader, this session will provide invaluable perspectives on staying agile and visionary in an ever-changing world and gain a deeper understanding of what it takes to be future fit in leadership.

 

SADHANA’s session

Future Fit Leadership

For someone who has achieved such a high level of success, Gary Peer is a man with his feet firmly on ‘South-Eastern’ ground.

Since starting the agency in 1986, Gary has been utterly focused on growing the business into the immense success it is today. His unwavering commitment to exceeding the expectations of each client, and to inspiring and supporting his team, is as strong now as it was back then.

And yet, despite the energy he pours into work, this born and bred local maintains a wide range of interests. Gary is passionate about golf and racehorses, though hasn’t reached the pinnacle of success in either! He also plays squash, tennis, table tennis and cards, and is a fervent supporter and sponsor of both Carlton and Ajax football clubs.

It seems clear that Gary’s family had no choice but to work in the business in order to see him!

Ultimately though, it is Gary’s relationship with his business partner Phillip that forms the backbone of the organisation. Their close friendship of more than 30 years, mutual trust, respect and shared values are what keep the business strong.

That, and a really poor game of golf.

 

GARY’s session

Leadership Wisdom – What I’ve Got Right and Wrong Over the Years

Scott Bateman has firmly cemented himself as one Australian Real Estate’s most influential voices on organisational strategy, technology and innovation. Scott’s previous work includes more than a decade at Westpac and IAG before leading the growth and transformation of Australia’s largest Property Management business.

In 2020 Scott launched Kolmeo – the game-changing property management platform now being embraced by Australia’s largest and most innovative property management businesses like Nelson Alexander, Xceed, Melbourne Real Estate and Marshall White. Educated by Harvard Business School, Scott provides a unique form of insight that blends rigorous academic research with real-world practise.

 

SCOTT’s session

Taking the Lead in a Disruptive World

Chris returned to McGrath in June 2017 as Head of Franchise & Network Services, bringing extensive experience in the real estate industry spanning 30 years. Formerly Head of Real Estate and Head of Commercial for LJ Hooker, Christopher was responsible for over 500 offices nationally. Prior to that, he spent over seven years at McGrath in various senior roles with both the franchise and company owned sales divisions, as well as being an accomplished auctioneer. Chris has been a leader in the real estate industry for many decades now and will share the wisdom he has collected over the years.

 

CHRIS’ session

Craig is a founding partner of both Lowe & Co Realty and the Andco Realty Group of agencies and is currently Wellington’s most successful salesperson. Although he has been selling homes for two decades, real estate experience is best measured in deals: Craig sells more real estate in a single year than many salespeople do in an entire career. 

Seeing an opportunity to lift standards within the industry, he founded what is now Wellington’s fastest growing real estate company. Supported by a rock solid management and administration team, you will still find Craig doing open homes and working with buyers and sellers. Unlike most other company founders, Craig will personally apply his extensive marketing experience to your sale.

Craig has one unwavering focus: to obtain the highest possible price for your home.

 

CRAIG’S session

Jason began his career as a commercial lawyer but has spent the last 20 years in sales and general management roles across a range of industries including media, innovation and software. Jason is an experienced property investor and will confess to loving property and the relationship many of us have with property in New Zealand. His role at Lowe & Co involves supporting our sales people in providing the best possible experience for those undertaking a sale or purchase of property through Lowe & Co. He also plays a vital role in supporting Wellington’s fastest growing real estate business to scale without losing the teamwork and fun that has been instrumental in our success to date.

 

JASON’S session

Brimming with kindness, light and excitement for life, Stefanie Dobro is widely regarded as one of the State’s most trusted agents.  A multi-award-winning REIWA agent and Real Estate Results Network (RERN) hall of fame recipient, Stefanie has been serving the East Fremantle and greater Fremantle community for more than a decade as a trusted advisor in all things property.  Stefanie has represented the owners of some of the area’s most beautiful heritage homes.

In 2019 Stefanie established White House Property Partners, a client-focussed, heart-centred real estate agency that focusses on nurturing clients through their property journeys, understanding their goals and then strategising and executing a plan to achieve them.

Having worked, lived and raised a family in East Fremantle, Stefanie commands an impressive market share and unparalleled local knowledge. Consistently ranked amongst the top agents in East Fremantle and the greater Fremantle area, Stefanie achieves outstanding and even record-breaking results, always striving to accomplish premium selling prices for her clients.

When you work with Stefanie, you will feel in safe hands, consulted and confident in your property decisions. Known in the community for her extensive network, sharp negotiation skills and premium results, she is rewarded by the continual stream of repeat and referral business from many satisfied clients who often become part of Stefanie’s friendship and social network.

An avid supporter of local businesses, the local community and schools, Stefanie is committed to giving back to the community that she lives and works in.

When Stefanie isn’t working, she loves spending time with her family, including her daughters, Catherine and Sophie and their golden retriever, Winnie.   Family dinners and cheering on their beloved Fremantle Dockers bring her great pleasure.  Time in nature and the ocean, long walks, pilates, and gardening (while listening to podcasts!) bring the balance to Stef’s go getter lifestyle.

 

STEPHANIE’S session

Shaun is a licenced real estate agent, auctioneer, stock and station agent and holds more than 20 years of varied experience across the residential and commercial property sectors.

Shaun’s passion for real estate was fostered during his childhood, where he spent a lot of time attending auctions with his father, who was the owner of an independent agency for 30 years.

Shaun is relatable, level-headed, and has a natural affinity for developing meaningful relationships with people.

Shaun appreciates the unpredictability of the industry. His experience through different market cycles has given him the ability to advise people confidently. To ensure the best outcome is achieved by adopting the right strategy & process for each property.

In a further string to his bow, Shaun became a qualified auctioneer in 2018 and has conducted over 40 auctions to date.

Shaun believes preparation is the key to success. How you present your property to the market & to buyers is not with just marketing alone. Transparency greatly affects your result & Shaun’s recommendations are to ensure buyers who inspect your property can confidently decide to purchase a property without delay.

“I want to do more & add value. My goal is to be known for having the highest standards, a high level of attention to detail & to take steps to reduce risk & maximise results for my clients”.

Shaun’s session

Standing Out in the Market

Steve was born and bred in Port Lincoln and raised in a real estate family. He has worked in the Port Lincoln real estate industry since 1987 and has been Principal of the company since 2000 after taking over from his father and founder of the business, Reg Kemp.

Steve has an exceptional knowledge of the industry and specialises in all aspects of real estate sales and developments in Port Lincoln and surrounding areas of the Lower Eyre Peninsula. Steve has always taken great satisfaction and personal pride in achieving the high goals he sets for himself. He believes that success in sales depends on one’s ability to listen to the needs of both sellers and buyers.

Having a wealth of knowledge to pass on to both buyers and sellers, Steve is recognised as an industry leader and successful auctioneer. Never one for complacency, Steve is continually improving and evolving to suit business and market needs and recognises the value in self development and training for himself and his team.

Steve is a member of the Real Estate Institute of South Australia (RESIA) and has also served as a director on the board of the REISA for 7 years, further developing his knowledge of the industry and providing a vital role in the real estate industry

In 2016 Steve was awarded the highest honour South Australian real estate, The Sir Robert Torrens Award by the South Australian governing body Real Estate Institute of South Australia.

Currently Steve gives his time as Chairman of the Board for Matthew Flinders Home, which is Port Lincoln’s local high care residential aged care facility. Steve regularly donates to Royal Flying Doctor Service and as a company has donated over $48,000 to the valuable service. He is actively involved as support person to the bike riders for the bi-annual charity bike ride, Treasure Life Ride, raising valuable funds for Matthew Flinders Home and Ronald McDonald House Adelaide as well as other community groups by donating his time through auctions or speaking events.

In recognition of Steve’s dedication to his community and passion for the Eyre Peninsula, he was awarded 2024 Citizen of the Year for Port Lincoln.

In his spare time, he enjoys his other passion of sailing professionally, fishing and being with his grandchildren.

STEVE’S session

Sally O’Connell is a trailblazer in Australia’s real estate and finance sectors, renowned for transforming businesses, inspiring teams, and navigating industry shifts with precision.

With two decades of experience leading high-performing teams through dynamic market conditions, she has built a reputation as both an astute strategist and a mentor who fosters excellence.

Sally’s career began in finance, where she directed capital-raising initiatives for property-backed funds, private equity investments, and aviation assets at Investec. Transitioning to real estate, she brought with her an entrepreneurial acumen and pioneering mindset, quickly becoming a trusted force in the Melbourne luxury property market.

Working with some of the industry’s most esteemed brands, she honed her expertise in high-value transactions and client relationships, laying the foundation for her leadership in the sector. Her ability to predict and adapt to industry shifts led her to Macquarie Bank, where she served as Victorian Segment Head of Real Estate, advising top-performing businesses and driving innovation across the division. Now, as CEO of Abercrombys, Sally is redefining what’s possible in real estate. She is passionate about empowering her teams, embracing change, and pioneering strategies that position the business for the future.

Real estate is evolving—and Sally is at the forefront, shaping what comes next.

 

SALLY’s session

Redefining what is possible in real estate

Daisy is the Chief Operations Officer and Property Management Licensee at Xceed Real Estate, where she has been instrumental in scaling the company’s rent roll from 90 to over 4,000 properties. A visionary leader, she has driven 23 acquisitions over the past 8 years and played a key role in establishing Xceed as a multi-award-winning property management agency. Xceed is the biggest property management business in WA. The story is extraordinary with the team also branching into sales, lending, conveyancing and maintenance.Known for her innovative approach and people-first leadership, Daisy is a sought-after speaker and industry influencer, regularly sharing insights on property management, business growth, and leadership at major real estate events and on industry podcasts.

Daisy will share:

Saving minutes per day
How we measure the dollar-productive vs non-dollar productive minutes and how over-engineering your processes can cost your business

Outsourcing vs insourcing
If its profitable for an outsourcing company to carry out agency inspections then it should be profitable for you to keep it in-house

Vertical integration
Maximising your customer database

 

DAISY’s session

Profit Pathway – Unlocking your Property Management Business

Mike Green has over 35 years’ experience in the real estate industry. Joining the industry in sales in Parnell, Auckland at 19 years old, as well as sales, Mike has managed company owned offices, grown his own franchise and held senior corporate roles as well as now being a 50% owner and Managing Director of Harcourts International.

He is the former owner of Harcourts franchise, Mike Green Real Estate Ltd (Auckland). With nine offices and over 150 people, the operation achieved No 1 Harcourts Franchise for Harcourts New Zealand for four consecutive years.

Moving to Queensland, Australia in 1997, Mike and Irene Green were responsible for the establishment and growth of Harcourts’ Australian arm. Taking over as Managing Director of Harcourts International in December 1999, Mike then became responsible for the overall operation and direction of Harcourts’ group of companies.

In 2000 the Group had a total of 105 offices across New Zealand and Queensland, Mike has led the group over the last 23 years, growing the organization to now encompass over 900 offices operating in ten countries with more than 10,000 people. Harcourts is number 1 in New Zealand, number 2 in Australia and number 3 in South Africa and completed in excess of $50 billion in sales volume in the last financial year.

 

MIKE’s session

Leadership Wisdom – What I’ve Got Right and Wrong Over the Years

Damian Hackett is the CEO of Place Estate Agents, one of Brisbane’s most successful real estate networks. He began his career in 1991, opening a small agency in Brisbane’s east, which became the foundation for Place in 2002.

Since then, Damian and his partners, Paul Curtain and Sarah Hackett, have grown Place into a market leader, with a network of high-performing offices across greater Brisbane.

The business operates under a unique shared services model, giving business owners, agents and property managers access to expert support in marketing, recruitment, HR, legal, training and technology – so they can focus on what matters most: their clients.
Guided by the core values of excellence, innovation, respect and community, Damian continues to lead a business that puts people first, with a clear purpose: to help people find their happy Place.

 

DAMIAN’s session

Laser Focus – What Do You Also Say No To?

With over 20 years’ experience coaching and consulting some of the best real estate leaders and teams, Michael has been a champion of change for the industry – helping transform the reputation and results of Australasian nreal estate professionals.

As CEO of Australasia’s leading network of Independent real estate agencies – The Network – and Founder of DRIVE Performance, Michael is one of the most well recognised and respected thought leaders in the Australasian real estate landscape.

 

MICHAEL’s session

Unlocking Your Leadership Potential

One Team Approach with Anne Crarey

With 26 years of experience in real estate across London and Australia, Anne Crarey leads a national team of over 140 professionals at Little Real Estate. She drives a “one team approach,” fostering seamless collaboration to deliver exceptional customer service and innovative solutions. Anne’s leadership is centred around empowering leaders within her team, ensuring they have the tools and support to succeed. Her commitment to a customer-centric culture and building strong relationships helps her team consistently deliver quality results and meet the needs of both investors and tenants.

Anne’s session

The Future of Property Management

 

Tech Leader Angus Ferguson on The Evolution of Leadership

Angus Ferguson, BOSS 2023 Young Executive of the Year, PropTech founder, Executive Leader, Mentor, Startup investor

Angus’ significant career achievements were recognised by his naming as one of the AFR BOSS Young Executives of 2023. Having co-founded Real Time Agent, Angus successfully raised $2.5 million in capital and scaled it to one of the largest Australian PropTechs in just 3 years before Real Time Agent was acquired by Domain in 2019 for $24 million. Since which time, Angus then became an invaluable member of the Domain Team leading their Customer Solutions division with a focus on developing PropTech that saves agents time, helping them list and sell more & spanning a responsibility of close to 100 team members and revenue under management of over $300 million.

Most recently Angus has ventured back into the startup world, co-founding FOUNDIT with the mission of helping buyers navigate through the housing affordability crisis and to realize the Australian dream of owning their own home or investment property. Angus has evolved his leadership style enormously as he moves throught the ranks of start-up through to big corporate.

Angus’ session

Evolution of Leadership with Scale – Panel

Ben Chick is the owner of Explore Property Mackay which he started in 2015 with a team of four and now has over 30 staff servicing the Mackay region. His office averages over 500 sales per year and with 750 property managements, his business is amongst the best regional businesses in the country. Having won many individual awards as an agent, his passion is now leading and growing people and getting the most out of those in his business rather than have a business built on bums on seats. Explore Property Mackay market share sits at 25% amongst 50 other real estate agencies.

Ben’s session

Evolution of Leadership with Scale – Panel

With 2 decades worth of property experience, combined with running one of the most elite real estate teams in the country, Hayley Van de Ven is an agent growth specialist and proud Director of the Limitless Group and owner of the highly awarded and Ranked #1 Offices in the country, RE/MAX Results & RE/MAX Bayside Properties. Co Founder of Limitless VAs which is now rebranded to VA4U a Virtual Assistant Company based in Bali, Sri Lanka & The Philippines.

Her dedication to helping her team grow, has seen over 4000 sales transacted across the Queensland property market under her guidance.

Hayley’s achievements have seen her emerge as a global sales leader and an in-demand real estate agent mentor. She has grown her business from a team of 4 to over 120 in the last eight years and she continues her rapid expansion from the Bridge to the Bayside. Hayley is always looking forward to the next challenge and helping another team member succeed and achieve their goals as property professionals. She thrives on the success of her team and has built a unique culture of the collective success within the Limitless Group.

Hayley’s session

The Evolution of Leadership as you Scale

John joined Domain as Chief Revenue Officer in September 2021 from his most recent role as Global Director of Account Management at Uber California.

He is focused on accelerating Domain’s marketplace strategy across the Residential, Commercial, Developer, Media and Agent Solutions businesses, as well as Go To Market, Sales Operations, and Customer Experience teams. Leveraging Domain’s mantra of ‘Better Together’, John will help agents build sustainable and effective businesses. By offering a set of connected solutions, we hope to supercharge the agent workflow, allowing them to complete today’s tasks half the time.

Prior to Uber, John spent 12 years at Google holding a range of go-to-market leadership roles, including leading Google Cloud’s multi-billion dollar global partner/agent sales team. John’s earlier roles include working as a consultant for McKinsey & Company in Sydney, and for the US Agency for International Development in Mozambique.

John holds a Bachelor of Commerce honours degree from the University of NSW and and MBA/MA (Education) from Stanford University.

John’s session

Becoming a Data Driven Business

With a background in Business and Law, Kelly brings a sharp analytical mindset and a strategic, solutions-focused approach to her leadership role at Cunninghams. As Head of Operations, she plays a pivotal role in driving business innovation, overseeing legal compliance, and implementing cutting-edge technologies that enhance efficiency across the company and improve client experience.

A specialist in real estate data systems, Ai and operational strategy, Kelly is instrumental in managing high-impact projects and optimising workflows, ensuring Cunninghams remains at the forefront of the real estate industry. Her ability to navigate complex challenges, systemise processes, and lead high-performing teams makes her an invaluable asset to the company’s executive leadership.

Recognised for her contributions to operational excellence, Kelly was awarded the 2022 Real Estate Institute of Australia national Operational Leadership Award, following her 2021 REI NSW Operational Leadership Award and the ARERA Manager of the Year Award.

Out of the office she can be found playing golf or tennis and catching up with friends over good food and coffee.

Kelly’s session

Working with Founders

The Essentials of Culture and Growth

Robert Ozzimo learned the fundamental elements of Real Estate at a very young age. Coming from a family involved in the industry, he recalls attending his very first Auctions at the age of 4 and almost every weekend since then. Robert’s intimate knowledge of his area is the result of growing up and living locally. Upon completing high school at St. Monicas College, Robert immediately obtained his Agents Representative certificate and began selling property. Robert is a firm believer in education, having obtained a Business degree as well as numerous certificates in Real Estate and Property, as Robert puts it: ‘learning helps me grow and improve the skills that I offer my clients’. As Director of Harcourts Epping, Robert’s focus is on providing clients who come into contact with his company an experience far above their expectations by offering an exceptional level of service unlike they have encountered before. 

robert’s session

Culture, Acquisitions, and Auctions

The Essentials of Culture and Growth

With a distinguished career spanning over two decades in the real estate industry, Tony has established himself as a seasoned real estate specialist focusing on the suburbs of Melbourne, where his true passion for the property sector began. Currently holding the positions of Director, Auctioneer and Officer in Effective Control at Harcourts Rata & Co, the leading franchise in the Harcourts Victoria group, Tony has cultivated a vast network and accumulated extensive expertise in both the residential and commercial property markets. Tony’s unwavering enthusiasm for auctions and real estate strategy has been the cornerstone of his success, evident in his leadership in the field of auctioneering, calling over 7500 auctions during his career. Driven by a keen interest in navigating complex deals and a talent for creative problem-solving in high-pressure environments, Tony thrives in real estate negotiations. Leading his team towards mastering negotiation skills and upholding best practices, he ensures optimal client satisfaction.

Tony’s session

Culture, Acquisitions, and Auctions