Linda Simmons: The Power of Storytelling in Real Estate

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.