The Presence Podcast

In this episode of The Luxury Presence Podcast, we sat down with three powerhouse leaders of FirstTeam Real Estate: Michele Harrington (CEO), Anna Bennett (VP of Business Development), and Lauren Henss (VP of Marketing & Strategic Initiatives), to discuss leadership, growth, and redefining what it means to be an agent-first powerhouse brokerage. This women’s senior leadership team is breaking the glass ceiling in real estate. Michele’s journey from the Marine Corps to becoming FirstTeam’s first female CEO is as bold as it is inspiring. Anna has recruited talent responsible for more than $20 billion in market share, while Lauren has led marketing at some of the industry’s most influential brands before helping to drive FirstTeam’s innovative “Behind the Agent” philosophy. Together, they’re building one of the most agent-centric and fastest-growing independent brokerages in the nation, and are the women Redefining Real Estate. We cover:  How Michele’s military discipline shaped her leadership and vision for First Team Anna’s approach to recruiting and mentoring talent that consistently outperforms Why Lauren believes authentic, agent-driven marketing is the future of brokerage growth The “Behind the Agent” philosophy and how it transforms careers, not just transactions The women-led leadership initiative that’s inspiring more female executives in real estate How FirstTeam is expanding nationally while staying fiercely independent This episode is packed with leadership insights, recruiting wisdom, and marketing strategies that any agent or team leader can learn from.

Join us for an exclusive conversation with Aaron Kirman, one of the top real estate agents in the United States, founder of Christie’s International Real Estate Southern California, and a leader with over $23B in luxury sales. Known for representing some of the world’s most iconic properties and building one of the most powerful teams in the industry, Aaron has become a household name in global luxury real estate. In this episode of the Luxury Presence Podcast, Aaron shares: The lessons that shaped his career starting at 18 years old Insights into off-market deals & pricing strategy His “three Ps” framework for deciding which listings to take How he markets $200M+ estates and works with ultra-high-net-worth clients The role of AI and digital marketing in the future of real estate Whether you’re an agent just starting out or a seasoned professional, this episode is packed with actionable insights on branding, negotiation, technology, and scaling a luxury real estate business.

In this episode of The Luxury Presence Podcast, we sat down with Eric Haskell, founder of The Haskell Group and one of the most innovative voices in West Coast luxury real estate, for an inspiring conversation on creativity, branding, and breaking the mold in a competitive market.  Eric’s journey from art curator to top-producing agent is anything but conventional. Known for treating real estate like a boutique design experience, his team has built a reputation for cinematic listing videos, architectural fluency, and a marketing style that resonates with buyers on an emotional level. In this episode, he shares what it takes to build a high-touch, high-style business that consistently stands out. We cover: How Eric leveraged his art world network to break into luxury real estate Why branding a home like a boutique hotel leaves a lasting impression The mindset shift agents need to break into the luxury market How video storytelling (and even a live owl) helped close a multi-million dollar deal His approach to leveraging AI, staging, and social media to stay ahead This episode is packed with creative strategy, marketing wisdom, and a fresh perspective on what it really takes to thrive in luxury real estate today.

In this episode of The Luxury Presence Podcast, we sat down with Ricardo Rodriguez, founder of Ricardo Rodriguez & Associates and one of the most respected names in New England real estate, for a powerful conversation on brand, leadership, and the future of the industry. Ricardo came to the U.S. with $25 and a license to dream. Today, he leads a multi-market luxury team known for its design-first philosophy, unwavering consistency, and culture of excellence. In this episode, he opens up about what it really takes to build a legacy-driven business without compromising creativity or authenticity.  We cover:  How he built a team that spans from Boston to Rhode Island to coastal Maine Why luxury is an experience, not a price point How his digital strategy generates over $100M in annual leads The real power of storytelling, brand consistency, and staying ahead of tech trends His mindset on mentorship, leadership, and giving back This one is packed with strategy, substance, and inspiration! --------- Ricardo Rodriguez: https://ricardoboston.com/

In this episode of The Luxury Presence Podcast, we sit down with Jose Prats, a top LA agent, Director of Character Homes at Christie's International Real Estate, and a social media powerhouse who built his business on authenticity and a passion for architecture. Jose shares how he went from nearly pursuing aerospace engineering to flipping homes, carving out a unique niche around LA’s historic character properties, and turning that into a brand that now drives 80% of his business through social media. We dive into:  How Jose built his “character home” niche and why your brand should start with what you love Why most of his business now comes from Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, without running ads How he uses video to create emotion, attract offers before the MLS, and turn followers into real clients The secret to keeping content authentic, and why he avoids the overly polished look How he uses AI for everything from writing captions to organizing offer emails, and why it is changing the way he does business Whether you are a new agent trying to stand out or an established producer looking to capture more leads online, Jose’s insights on niching down, staying consistent, and embracing new technology will give you a clear playbook to grow your brand. --------- Jose Prats: https://joseprats.com/

In this episode of The Luxury Presence Podcast, we sit down with Ben Belack—top luxury agent, Netflix star, and master of building a brand that actually gets clients. Ben shares how he went from acting in Hollywood to closing multi-million dollar deals in Beverly Hills, all by using content to create credibility, connection, and conversations that convert. We dive into: - The content strategy Ben uses to turn followers into clients - Why your goal shouldn’t be likes—but leads - How to leverage video to transmit emotion (and even get 7-figure price improvements) - The key to managing your CRM (and why it’s your biggest moneymaker) - Ben’s perspective on brand vs. business—and how the show on Netflix impacted both Whether you’re a new agent trying to build your name, or an established producer looking to grow your brand in a crowded market, Ben’s insights on marketing, technology, and hyper-local expertise will give you a roadmap to stand out. --------- Ben Belack: https://benbelack.com/ ---------- Luxury Presence: https://www.luxurypresence.com/ Facebook: https://bit.ly/3PzaqMzP Instagram: https://bit.ly/3PDt94t LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/44kZxNo

In this episode, we sit down with Owning Manhattan star and top New York real estate agent Tricia Lee—a self-made entrepreneur whose journey from beauty mogul to luxury broker is as bold as it is inspiring. With a magnetic brand, a breakout TV debut, and a business that’s doubled since her Netflix premiere, Tricia shares the truth behind her rise and the mindset that fuels her momentum. In this episode, we cover: How she built (and exited) a successful chain of beauty bars before pivoting into real estate What it was really like joining Ryan Serhant’s brokerage and being recruited in a WeWork kitchen The behind-the-scenes impact of reality TV—on her brand, her business, and her reputation Why social media works when you stop treating it like a second job Building a business with her partner while protecting her personal time Lessons in scaling, saying no, and staying grounded while doubling her deal volume And more. Whether you’re an agent building your personal brand, a fan of Owning Manhattan, or a woman on your own path to reinvention, this conversation delivers honest insights, sharp strategies, and the kind of entrepreneurial energy you can’t fake.

In this episode, we sit down with Mauricio Umansky, CEO of The Agency, star of Buying Beverly Hills, and one of the most influential figures in luxury real estate. From immigrating to the U.S. as a child to building a global brokerage and reshaping the industry, Mauricio’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and relentless ambition. In this episode, we cover: The early failures, lessons, and mindset shifts that shaped his path to success How he scaled The Agency to 100+ offices without compromising culture The power of brand, storytelling, and the “no assholes” rule What it really takes to serve elite clients in luxury real estate How digital presence, PropTech, and agent-first platforms are transforming the industry The impact of private listings and Clear Cooperation on today’s real estate landscape And more. Whether you’re an agent building your brand, a team leader scaling your business, or simply curious about what it takes to develop one of the world’s most successful brokerages, this episode delivers unfiltered insights, proven strategies, and inspiration from one of the most respected names in the game.

In this episode, we sit down with Roh Habibi—luxury real estate agent, global speaker, and breakout star of Million Dollar Listing San Francisco. From escaping war-torn Afghanistan to building a powerhouse brand in the high-stakes Bay Area market, Roh’s story is as inspiring as it is instructive. In this episode, we cover: His remarkable journey as a refugee and how he established himself in the United States How his finance background shaped his high-touch real estate approach Building powerful referral pipelines through trust attorneys, CPAs, and wealth managers Leveraging TV, media, and speaking engagements to grow a global personal brand Creating digital trust at scale through social media and an elite website Tactical advice for agents looking to break into luxury—and stay there  And more! Whether you're an agent dreaming of working with high-net-worth clients or simply looking for inspiration and strategy, this episode is packed with insight, mindset, and practical takeaways from one of the most dynamic voices in luxury real estate. Roh Habibi: https://rohhabibi.com/

This special episode of the Luxury Presence Podcast was recorded live at Social Summit 2.0, right from the stage at the Saban Theatre in Los Angeles. We sat down once again with Holly Meyer Lucas, a long-time LP client, top-producing agent, and the ultimate entrepreneur. We cover a wide range of topics, including: Why agents must think like entrepreneurs to scale beyond transactions The habits and systems that turn agents into business owners Building a personal brand that resonates The ROI of social media and digital presence PR power: How storytelling and strategic visibility can transform your brand Tips for growing and leading a 40-person real estate team And a rapid-fire game of Overrated or Underrated with help from our live audience! You won’t want to miss this value-packed and engaging episode! --------- Holly Meyer Lucas: https://meyerlucas.com/ ---------- Luxury Presence: https://www.luxurypresence.com/ Facebook: https://bit.ly/3PzaqMzP Instagram: https://bit.ly/3PDt94t LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/44kZxNo 

In this episode, we sit down with Chirag Shah, one of the most sought-after real estate coaches in the country. With a career spanning from agent to independent broker, Director of Coaching and Training at Compass, and now founder of Chirag Shah Coaching, he's helped over 30,000 agents across 38 states level up their business—and their lives. In this episode, we cover: The habits, systems, and mindset that separate the top 1% from the rest The impact of AI on agent workflows and the real estate industry as a whole Balancing brand building with money-making activities Navigating changes in the industry (NAR settlement, Clear Cooperation, and more) Real strategies to avoid burnout and build a sustainable business And more! This conversation is packed with actionable advice and strategic insight for agents navigating today’s ever-evolving market! --------- Chirag Shah: https://www.chiragshahcoaching.com/ ---------- Luxury Presence: https://www.luxurypresence.com/ Facebook: https://bit.ly/3PzaqMzP Instagram: https://bit.ly/3PDt94t LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/44kZxNo

In this episode of the Luxury Presence Podcast, we sit down with Nile Lundgren—top-producing agent with SERHANT., TV personality, content creator, and sought-after speaker. Nile’s journey is anything but ordinary. From launching his real estate career during the 2008 financial crisis to closing over $400 million in sales across major markets, his story is packed with lessons, insights, and inspiration. In this episode, we cover: Starting in Real Estate: How Nile pivoted into real estate and navigated the challenges of the 2008 market Mentorship & Serhant Influence: The impact of working with Ryan Serhant and how mentorship has shaped his career Mastering Mindset in Real Estate: How Nile stays mentally sharp, handles rejection, and balances ambition with enjoyment "Owning Manhattan" & TV Stardom: Behind-the-scenes insights on the hit show and what to expect in Season 2 Personal Branding & Digital Mastery: The secrets behind Nile’s attention-grabbing content, and where agents should focus their efforts online Creative Marketing Campaigns: The story behind his award-winning Mercedes Benz Places Miami campaign and other innovative marketing tactics Whether you're a seasoned agent or just starting to build your brand, Nile’s strategies will leave you feeling empowered and ready to elevate your business. Listen now and get an exclusive look into Nile Lundgren’s world of high-stakes real estate and next-level brand building. ---------- Nile Lundgren: https://nilelundgren.com/ ---------- Luxury Presence: https://www.luxurypresence.com/ Facebook: https://bit.ly/3PzaqMzP Instagram: https://bit.ly/3PDt94t LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/44kZxNo

Andrew Jevin is a seasoned Los Angeles-based Realtor with Compass, bringing over 10 years of experience in sales, personal branding, and business growth. As a sought-after speaker and social media coach, he helps agents all over the country leverage social networks, build confidence, and show up authentically online. He’s also the founder of Social Summit, a high-impact, value-driven in-person event for real estate professionals. In this episode of The Luxury Presence Podcast, we dive into: The role of social media in real estate success Today’s most effective (and ineffective) social media strategies How to embrace authenticity in your online presence Building a community and becoming the digital mayor of your hometown Social Summit 2.0, coming to Los Angeles on March 19, 2025   Andrew Jevin https://www.compass.com/agents/andrew...   Learn more or register for Social Summit 2.0: https://www.socialsummit2025.com/    Luxury Presence https://www.luxurypresence.com/ Facebook: https://bit.ly/3PzaqMzP Instagram: https://bit.ly/3PDt94t LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/44kZxNo

As a local agent deeply embedded in the Pacific Palisades community, Shelton Wilder offers a unique perspective on the recent Los Angeles fires. Wilder has been on the front lines, assisting displaced families with housing needs and guiding them through difficult decisions. She has also been a strong advocate for Palisades homeowners, speaking out in the media about the impact of the fires.  In this episode of the Luxury Presence Podcast, we sit down with Wilder to explore the challenges faced by displaced homeowners and how agents are coming together to support them. We’ll also dive into the future of LA real estate, the housing outlook for the Palisades, and key takeaways that agents across the country should consider when navigating the unforeseeable. ________ Luxury Presence helps its clients share vital resources with their communities during times of crisis by creating dedicated assistance pages on their websites. If you have a site with us and feel this could be beneficial to you, please reach out to support@luxurypresence.com To support wildfire victims and people experiencing housing instability, Luxury Presence is proud to support The LA Tech Community Cares Fund and Giveback Homes. Learn more about each of these organizations at https://www.pledge.to/the-la-tech-community-cares-fund and https://givebackhomes.com/

Matt Breitenbach is one of the top-producing real estate agents in the country and the founder of the Breitenbach Advisory Team (BAT). A true thought leader in the luxury real estate space, Matt has earned a reputation for working with high-net-worth clients, surpassing $3 billion in residential sales in the Hamptons. In this episode of the Luxury Presence Podcast, we dive into: Matt’s journey to becoming a top-producing agent His approach to serving celebrity and high-net-worth clients The power of private and off-market listings The technology Matt leverages to stay ahead Social media and digital marketing techniques for luxury agents …And much more. Don’t miss this episode with Matt Breitenbach! ————————— Matt Breitenbach https://breitenbachadvisory.com/ ————————— Luxury Presence https://www.luxurypresence.com/ Facebook: https://bit.ly/3PzaqMzP Instagram: https://bit.ly/3PDt94t LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/44kZxNo

Tune in to the Presence Podcast for an engaging conversation with Sharran Srivatsaa, the president of Real, the fastest-growing publicly traded real estate brokerage in the world. In this episode, Sharran explores the recent NAR settlement and its implications for agents, shares his extensive leadership experience as a four-time Inc. 500 Entrepreneur, and offers practical advice for modern agents. He also tackles some hard truths that many agents might prefer to avoid. Don't miss Sharran's valuable insights on navigating the evolving real estate landscape and his guidance on how agents can adapt and thrive.   Sharran Srivatsaa: https://sharran.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sharransrivatsaa/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/likesharran LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharran/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzpl_gT1bVB1iNZl9yQbWuA     Real Brokerage: https://onereal.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realbrokerage/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/realbrokerage LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/joinreal/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/RealBrokerage

Join us on the Presence Podcast as we welcome Jeff Biebuyck, top-producing Los Angeles real estate agent and co-founder of Frontgate Real Estate alongside Dana Olmes. In this episode, Jeff shares his journey from musician to leading one of LA's most successful real estate teams. He delves into his leadership approach, discussing how he sets his team up for success with effective tools and strategies. Jeff also covers a multitude of marketing strategies he and his team use to attract and engage clients, his positive experience partnering with Luxury Presence, and other insightful tips valuable for agents at all experience levels including:   Leadership advice How to build a SOI from day one Social media strategies The optimal newsletter SEO and paid advertising strategies Luxury Presence tools he recommends   Frontgate Real Estate website: https://frontgaterealestate.com/   Luxury Presence: https://bit.ly/3NUQKfK Facebook: https://bit.ly/3PzaqMzP Instagram: https://bit.ly/3PDt94t LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/44kZxNo

Join us on the Presence Podcast as we welcome Spencer Rascoff, renowned entrepreneur and co-founder of Zillow, Picasso, and Hotwire. In this insightful episode, Spencer dives into his experiences founding Zillow, discusses the implications of the NAR settlement, and explores how AI is transforming the future of real estate. Don’t miss Spencer’s valuable insights into the evolving landscape of real estate technology and his predictions for the industry’s future. https://www.75andsunny.vc Spencer's LA-based startup studio and venture fund. Luxury Presence: https://bit.ly/3NUQKfK Facebook: https://bit.ly/3PzaqMzP Instagram: https://bit.ly/3PDt94t LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/44kZxNo  

Discover how Vayna Jerabek transformed from a budding agent to a real estate influencer, mastering social media to grow her business and inspire a new generation.   Luxury Presence: https://bit.ly/3NUQKfK | Facebook: https://bit.ly/3PzaqMzP Instagram: https://bit.ly/3PDt94t LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/44kZxNo 

Viral sensation and top Atlanta real estate agent Glennda Baker shares how she built an iconic personal brand, her social media success formula, how much revenue she makes from video content and so much more. Luxury Presence: https://bit.ly/3NUYdLS Facebook: https://bit.ly/46rXg4X Instagram: https://bit.ly/3r7i55E LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/46tNcIy