The John Kitchens Podcast Experience is your essential guide to unlocking 7-figure success in your real estate journey. Hosted by one of the most sought-after real estate coaches, John Kitchens. He brings over 20 years of experience and insights to help you create significant breakthroughs in the real estate market. With a blend of inspiring personal stories and enlightening interviews with industry leaders, this podcast aims to spark your ambition and equip you with the knowledge to elevate your real estate business. Each episode is packed with clarity, confidence, and the tools to turn your real estate business into a thriving empire.
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Episode Overview In this episode, John Kitchens sits down with Joel Perso for a forward-looking conversation about the 2030 Real Estate Team. Together, they unpack the five business models available to real estate agents and team leaders, how to align those models with your vision and season of life, and what it really takes to build freedom, profitability, and sustainability into your business. From the “ATM Cash Machine” model to traditional teams and hybrid mega-organizations, Joel and John break down the pros, cons, and exit strategies of each. They also preview how AI, fractional leadership, and new business structures will reshape what winning real estate teams look like in the years ahead. Whether you’re an agent trying to scale, a team leader considering your next evolution, or simply curious about the future of the industry, this episode provides a roadmap for thinking bigger about your business model. What You’ll Learn in This Episode The Five Real Estate Business Models The ATM Model: high profit, low freedom—and why the only exit strategy is asset acquisition Leverage Models: adding licensed support to create time for a “plus one” revenue stream Traditional Teams: the in-production vs. out-of-production dilemma Team Ridge: scaling with headcount, leadership, and agent as your customer Hybrid Models: why mixing leads teams with traditional teams may define the next five years Freedom vs. Profitability How each model fits on the freedom/profitability quadrant Why lifestyle creep can kill your exit strategy The mindset shifts required to move from one model to the next Exit Strategies & Long-Term Growth How to avoid the trap of selling yourself until you retire Why joint ventures in mortgage, title, or home services open new doors The path to creating scalable, acquirable businesses in real estate Vision & Alignment Choosing the right vehicle based on your strengths, season of life, and vision Why leadership—not just systems—determines scalability The importance of aligning goals with values and family support Resources & Mentions Agent to CEO 2025 (Cleveland) – Business Model Canvas Framework John Kitchens Executive Coaching → Final Takeaway There’s no “one-size-fits-all” for building a real estate business. Each model—from solo ATM producers to large-scale teamridges—comes with tradeoffs in profit, freedom, and leadership requirements. The key is aligning your vision, strengths, and season of life with the right vehicle to get you where you want to go. “These are business models. These are not ways to be an agent—these are ways to build a real estate business.” – Joel Perso Connect with Us: Instagram: LinkedIn: Facebook: If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a review. Stay tuned for more insights and strategies from the top minds. See you next time! 🔥
#729: Intentional Leadership with Veronica Figueroa
Episode 729
Saturday, September 20, 2025 • Duration 46:48
Episode Overview In this episode, John Kitchens, Jay Kinder, and Al Stasek sit down with the powerhouse herself, Veronica Figueroa, to talk about leadership, culture, and the future of transformational events in real estate. From her groundbreaking “Build at Sea” event to her women’s leadership mastermind “Be Still Sisterhood,” Veronica shares why vulnerability, faith, and authenticity matter more than ever in business and life. The crew also dives into the upcoming Agent to CEO event in Cleveland, why intimate events are replacing mega-conferences, and how real leaders balance vision, core values, and community to build something that lasts. This is a candid and inspiring conversation about leading with heart, creating culture that sticks, and amplifying your mission without losing yourself along the way. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Transformational Events That Last Why conferences must respect attendees’ most valuable asset: their time How Build at Sea combined AI, prayer, personal growth, and business strategy Why intimate events (50–100 people) create deeper, lasting impact compared to mega conferences Leadership & Vulnerability Why Veronica believes “real estate is what we do, but we are humans first” How sharing personal struggles creates connection and trust Why true leadership starts with being open, honest, and authentic Core Values & Culture The difference between people who “say” they’re aligned and those who embody it Why core values both attract and repel—and why that’s a good thing How smaller, tighter communities create unshakable culture Team Building & Vision How Veronica scaled her team to #1 in Florida without being in the weeds Why clarity of vision and grooming leaders is more powerful than control The role of diversity in leadership styles, faith, and experience in building stronger teams Resources & Mentions Agent to CEO 2024 (Cleveland) – Limited seating, capped at 100 agents Moments of Impact – Book on designing events that transform lives The Perfect Day 2.0 Exercise – Vision & AI-powered personal transformation HoneyBadgerNation.com – Community, training, and resources Final Takeaway Events, teams, and culture are only as strong as the leaders behind them. As Veronica Figueroa reminds us, leadership isn’t about being at the front of the stage—it’s about being in the back of the room, empowering others, and amplifying the mission with clarity and authenticity. “Real estate is what we do, but we are humans first.” – Veronica Figueroa
#728: Revolutionizing Portugal’s Real Estate Market with Rodolffo Carvalho & Nuno Batista
Episode 728
Thursday, September 18, 2025 • Duration 41:13
Episode Overview In this episode of the John Kitchens Coach Podcast, John sits down with Portuguese real estate leaders Rodolffo Carvalho and Nuno Batista to unpack their journey of disrupting one of Europe’s toughest real estate markets. From breaking free of legacy brands like Century 21 to building Portugal’s #1 eXp Realty team, they share how mindset, perseverance, and innovation helped them create explosive growth in an environment with no MLS, limited data access, and outdated practices. This is a masterclass in faith, consistency, and execution—a story of how two agents trusted the process, built proof, and are now leading an expansion movement that’s changing the way real estate is done in Portugal. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Breaking Into the Market The unique challenges of selling real estate in Portugal (no MLS, watermarked listings, fragmented data). Why 80% of new agents quit within months—and how to survive beyond the early hits. The critical decision to go all-in on listings over buyers. Building Proof & Momentum Why mindset and perseverance were the foundation for success. The three phases of their growth journey: mindset, execution, and consolidation. How they doubled GCI year over year by staying consistent with ads, social media, and training. Marketing & Expansion The game-changing move to partner with a marketing agency for scale. How investing in branding and content positioned them as market leaders. Why proof had to come before recruiting—and how patience set the stage for expansion. Leading with Value The value proposition they now offer agents: lead generation, training, and on-the-ground support. Why helping agents “work smart” (not just hard) creates long-term loyalty. How they’re building a revenue share team and a leadership hub in Lisbon to support growth. Resources & Mentions John Kitchens Executive Coaching → eXp Realty – Global growth platform Rick Rubin, The Creative Act: A Way of Being Eric Post – huzi.ai Final Takeaway Success in real estate doesn’t come from following the crowd—it comes from trusting the process, building proof, and leading with value. Rodolffo and Nuno’s story proves that even in the toughest markets, consistency and faith can disrupt an entire industry. “Faith is rewarded perhaps even more than talent or ability.” – Rick Rubin (quoted in this episode) “You wake up and you go to sleep thinking about motivated sellers. That is the game.” – John Kitchens Connect with Us: Instagram: LinkedIn: Facebook: If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a review. Stay tuned for more insights and strategies from the top minds. See you next time! 🔥
#727: Leading Smarter with Fractional Talent & EOS with Kristyn Drennen
Episode 727
Tuesday, September 16, 2025 • Duration 55:53
Episode Overview In this episode, John sits down with Kristyn Drennen, founder of Transform CXO, to dive deep into leadership, scaling, and the power of fractional executives. They explore how business owners can break through growth ceilings, leverage the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), and free themselves from solopreneur chaos. From the difference between visionaries and integrators, to how fractional COOs help real estate teams scale without overextending, this is a masterclass in leadership clarity, accountability, and sustainable growth. Kristyn shares her unique perspective from working across multiple industries, showing why the right frameworks and talent can transform both businesses and lives. What You’ll Learn in This Episode The Power of Operating Systems Why Scaling Up often overwhelms smaller businesses How EOS provides clarity and simplicity for real estate teams Why consistency, not complexity, drives growth Fractional Executives Explained What fractional COOs and integrators actually do Why “fractional horsepower” beats hiring too early How to know if fractional talent is the right next step Visionary vs. Integrator Roles The difference between creating ideas, executing, and managing Why many team leaders get stuck wearing too many hats How to free yourself into the visionary role without losing momentum Leadership & Team Development Why most growth challenges come down to people or process How to use Working Genius to identify strengths and frustrations Why leadership development gets pushed aside—and why it shouldn’t Scaling with Intention Why loyalty can cap your team’s growth The importance of building an accountability chart How to hire people who’ve already been where you want to go Resources & Mentions Traction by Gino Wickman – The foundation of EOS Scaling Up by Verne Harnish – Framework for larger businesses The Motive & The Advantage by Patrick Lencioni – Must-reads for leaders The Six Types of Working Genius by Patrick Lencioni – Productivity assessment for leaders and teams Transform CXO → Follow Kristyn on Instagram: @kristyndrennencxo John Kitchens Executive Coaching → Final Takeaway Leadership clarity is the ultimate growth accelerator. By understanding your true role, bringing in the right fractional support, and implementing proven systems, you can scale your business without sacrificing your freedom. “Fractional means fraction of the time, fraction of the cost—but full horsepower.” – Kristyn Drennen Connect with Us: Instagram: LinkedIn: Facebook: If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a review. Stay tuned for more insights and strategies from the top minds. See you next time! 🔥
#726 Building Community - The Secret to Leading Agents and Loving Clients with Cindi Shields
Episode 726
Sunday, September 14, 2025 • Duration 54:30
Episode Overview In this episode, John Kitchens sits down with industry leader Cindi Featherstone-Shields to uncover the power of community in both real estate and leadership. From dominating her East Texas golf course community to building one of the most agent-centric offices in the business, Cindi reveals the strategies that have made her business recession-proof. They dive into why true success isn’t about transactions—it’s about relationships. From moving trucks and margarita Fridays to 8:30 a.m. accountability calls and Working Genius assessments, Cindi has built a culture where clients feel loved, agents feel supported, and business continues to thrive no matter the market. This is a masterclass in creating connection, leading with authenticity, and building a business that fuels both profits and fulfillment. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Building Client Communities That Last Why embedding yourself in a neighborhood makes your business recession-proof How events, moving trucks, and small touches create lifelong clients Turning past clients into friends—and friends into repeat customers Leading Through Agent-Centric Culture How Cindi designed her office to feel like a coffee shop, not a brokerage The role of Working Genius in aligning agents with their strengths Why daily 8:30 Zoom huddles are non-negotiable for accountability The Power of Events & Experiences From golf tournaments to Christmas parties: why shared experiences fuel referrals Why spending on food and hospitality beats spending on funnels How to gamify agent production with challenges and competitions Mindset & Long-Term Growth Why chasing listings (not buyers) creates leverage The danger of “backup plans” in real estate success Why the best leaders never stop showing up for their people Resources & Mentions Working Genius by Patrick Lencioni – Framework for leadership and team alignment HoneyBadgerNation.com – Coaching, training, and community for growth-minded agents Cindi’s Nonprofit: Wags – Supporting rescue animals through fundraising John Kitchens Executive Coaching → Final Takeaway Community is the ultimate competitive advantage. When you invest in people—whether it’s clients or agents—you create loyalty, referrals, and impact that no market shift can take away. “This is not transactional business. This is about loving people, supporting them, and becoming part of their lives.” – Cindi Shields Instagram: LinkedIn: Facebook: If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a review. Stay tuned for more insights and strategies from the top minds. See you next time! 🔥
#725: Leading at Scale – What Every Real Estate CEO Can Learn from Steve Zahnd
Episode 725
Friday, September 12, 2025 • Duration 43:58
Episode Overview In this episode of the John Kitchens Coach Podcast, John sits down with Steve Zahnd to unpack his journey from running an independent brokerage to leading a three-team merger under Real. They dive into what it takes to lead at scale, why decision-making filters are critical, and how AI is reshaping leadership, communication, and execution. From lessons learned building SaaS systems to navigating the emotional psychology of mergers, Steve shares how clarity, trust, and technology combine to create exponential growth. Whether you’re leading a team, scaling a brokerage, or just trying to stay ahead of the curve with AI, this episode is packed with insights on balancing fundamentals with innovation. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Steve’s Journey & The Three-Team Merger How Steve went from Century 21 to running his own brokerage to merging three major teams Why core values and vision alignment were non-negotiable in the merger decision Lessons from missing the EXP wave and how that shaped his second chance with Real Leadership & Decision-Making The two filters Steve uses to make big decisions (and avoid blind spots) https://johnkitchenscoachpodcast.com/Why letting go of your brand can be the key to leveling up How to build trust among partners and stay in your lane AI & Operational Excellence Why Steve loads every meeting, document, and decision into his “AI Brain” How AI acts as a strategic thought partner (and where it still falls short) Using AI to improve communication, remove emotion, and accelerate speed of execution Fundamentals & Balance Why AI isn’t a replacement for fundamentals but an accelerator The role of project managers and integrators in keeping teams on track How to capture, validate, and prioritize ideas without losing focus Resources & Mentions CoachKitchens.ai – AI coaching tool designed for real estate leaders The Creative Act by Rick Rubin – On faith, creativity, and problem solving Rocket Fuel by Gino Wickman – Understanding the Visionary/Integrator relationship Science of Scaling by Ben Hardy – Setting impossible goals with impossible timelines Final Takeaway Growth doesn’t come from chasing shortcuts—it comes from clarity, trust, and execution. As Steve puts it, merging three teams and leading at scale is less about having all the answers and more about asking the right questions, leveraging technology, and trusting the process. “AI isn’t here to replace leaders—it’s here to make great leaders faster, clearer, and more effective.” – Steve Zahnd Connect with Us: Instagram: LinkedIn: Facebook: If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a review. Stay tuned for more insights and strategies from the top minds. See you next time! 🔥
#724: The Leadership Gap, Radical Responsibility & Building a Winning Culture with Blake Sloan
Episode 724
Wednesday, September 10, 2025 • Duration 41:14
Episode Overview In this episode, John Kitchens, Jay Kinder, and Al Stasek are joined by Blake Sloan for a raw and powerful conversation about leadership, culture, and personal transformation in one of the toughest real estate markets in the country. Blake pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to lead at a high level—through pain, discipline, and relentless personal growth. From doubling down on personal development, to holding yourself and your team accountable with “stop f***ing lying,” Blake reveals why radical responsibility and a culture of truth are the foundation for scaling a profitable and sustainable real estate business. If you’ve been feeling stuck, frustrated, or burned out, this episode is your wake-up call. Blake shares how pain has been his greatest teacher and how building a culture rooted in values and accountability has allowed his team in Myrtle Beach to consistently sell 500+ homes a year. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Personal Development & Leadership Why the skill gap between agents is widening in today’s market Blake’s radical commitment to body, mind, spirit, and business growth Why pain is the gift that forces change and transformation Radical Responsibility & Culture The power of “stop f***ing lying” (SFL) as a personal and team mantra How accountability is the highest form of love in leadership The 3 values that matter most right now: Radical Responsibility, Personal Development, and Contribution AI & The Future of Real Estate Why sales IQ and human connection still matter in the AI era How to combine fundamentals with AI tools to overcome resistance and uncover client pain Why the agents who adapt, grow, and tell the truth will always win Mindset, Habits & Growth How raising the floor of your daily standards leads to exponential growth Why most people overcomplicate success instead of doing the basics The importance of truth-telling, vulnerability, and living by your code Resources & Mentions Agent to CEO 2024 in Cleveland – HoneyBadgerNation.com The Science of Scaling by Ben Hardy The AI Driven Leader by Jeff Booth The Untethered Soul by Michael Singer Warrior Way frameworks for leadership & accountability Final Takeaway The market is tough, the gap is widening, and only the leaders who embrace radical responsibility, truth, and relentless personal growth will thrive. As Blake Sloan says: “Pain is a gift from God—it’s the only thing that will make you change and do the things you’ve been avoiding.” Connect with Us: Instagram: LinkedIn: Facebook: If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a review. Stay tuned for more insights and strategies from the top minds. See you next time! 🔥
#723: The Smartest Way to Find Motivated Buyers & Sellers Using AI with Jay Kinder
Episode 723
Saturday, September 6, 2025 • Duration 46:29
Episode Overview In this forward-looking episode of the John Kitchens Coach Podcast, John Kitchens and Jay Kinder break down how Artificial Intelligence is transforming lead generation, consumer experience, and the very definition of what it means to be a successful agent. Forget chasing every lead—Artificial Intelligence now allows you to identify the most motivated buyers and sellers, understand their hopes and fears, and build trust faster than ever before. From practical Artificial Intelligence applications in lead follow-up to long-term predictions about agent productivity and the future of brokerages, this conversation is a roadmap for agents who want to stay relevant and profitable as the industry shifts. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Finding Motivated Buyers & Sellers How Artificial Intelligence pinpoints real buyers and sellers in today’s market Why knowing your client’s hopes, fears, and desires creates better marketing and follow-up The #1 inefficiency in most real estate businesses—and how Artificial Intelligence solves it The Consumer Experience Moat How Artificial Intelligence personalizes communication and curates client experiences Why generic follow-up is dead and trust-based personalization wins Using Artificial Intelligence to create lifetime value instead of one-off transactions The Future of Real Estate & Artificial Intelligence Predictions for agent count and productivity over the next 5–10 years Why Artificial Intelligence won’t replace agents—but it will replace order-takers How brokerages and teams must adapt (or die) in the Artificial Intelligence revolution Leadership & Adaptation Why most agents don’t need to know how the “AI sausage” is made—they just need the results How top leaders will use Artificial Intelligence to recruit, train, and scale more effectively Why clarity of goals must come first before AI implementation Resources & Mentions John Kitchens Executive Coaching – Custom strategy, accountability, proven systems → Honey Badger Nation – Community, training, and resources for agents The Science of Scaling by Ben Hardy – Book on goal clarity and scaling systems Working Genius & Ideal Team Player by Patrick Lencioni – Tools for identifying team strengths and culture fit Final Takeaway Artificial Intelligence isn’t replacing real estate agents—but it is replacing inefficiency. The agents who thrive will be those who combine AI-driven leverage with human trust, strategy, and leadership. As Jay Kinder reminds us: “Being good with people won’t cut it anymore. You must become a trusted advisor, not just an agent.” Connect with Us: Instagram: LinkedIn: Facebook: If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a review. Stay tuned for more insights and strategies from the top minds. See you next time! 🔥
#722: The Leadership Blueprint for Tough Markets with Jim Griffin
Episode 722
Friday, September 5, 2025 • Duration 54:44
Episode Overview In this powerful conversation, John Kitchens sits down with Jim Griffin to unpack what it really takes to lead a team, build accountability, and thrive when the real estate market gets tough. They dive into the widening gap between committed, high-performing agents and the “average frustrated agent,” and why excuses simply don’t work in today’s environment. Jim opens up about his own leadership journey—from pushing agents too hard to discovering the power of emotional anchors, self-selection, and meeting people where they are. The discussion goes deeper into the role of seasons in business and life, how to manufacture pressure when you’re too comfortable, and why proximity can sometimes erode respect and effectiveness as a leader. Jim also shares his surprising backstory as an award-winning pianist and how music shaped his discipline and mindset. This isn’t just a conversation about real estate—it’s about leadership, personal growth, and building a life of true impact. What You’ll Learn in This Episode The Divide in Real Estate Why the gap between rockstar agents and struggling part-timers is widening Why excuses won’t cut it in today’s market The danger of instant gratification thinking for agents Leadership & Accountability How to create emotional anchors that inspire consistent action The right (and wrong) way to hold your team accountable Why accountability should be self-selected, not forced The difference between standards and suggestions—and why consequences matter Seasons, Pressure & Purpose How to recognize when people are in different seasons of life and business Why financial comfort can kill drive—and how to manufacture pressure for growth The role of purpose in sustaining performance beyond financial goals How proximity and vulnerability affect respect and leadership dynamics Personal Story & Transformation Jim’s journey from practicing piano on paper keys to winning international competitions The lessons music taught him about practice, resilience, and discipline How personal growth and emotional connection drive lasting impact in leadership Resources & Mentions John Kitchens Executive Coaching → Drive by Daniel Pink – Why purpose matters more than money Honey Badger Nation – Community and training resources Agent to CEO Framework – Tools for building accountability and clarity Final Takeaway Success in today’s market isn’t about shortcuts—it’s about pressing into the hard, creating emotional anchors, and leading with purpose. As Jim Griffin puts it: “You can have excuses or results—but you can’t have both.” Connect with Us: Instagram: LinkedIn: Facebook: If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a review. Stay tuned for more insights and strategies from the top minds. See you next time! 🔥
#721: The Real Estate AI Revolution with Gogo Bethke
Episode 721
Wednesday, September 3, 2025 • Duration 57:22
Episode Overview In this high-energy episode of One Big Fire, John Kitchens, Jay Kinder, and Al Stasek are joined by GoGo Bethke for a candid conversation about AI, trust, and the future of the real estate brokerage. From the rise of AI-powered ISAs to the shrinking role of traditional team structures, the crew pulls back the curtain on what’s really coming next for agents, teams, and brokerages. They tackle the big questions head-on: Will AI replace human agents? Are we entering the era of the “AI brokerage”? What happens to the average frustrated agent (AFA)? And how will trust—between consumers, agents, and technology—reshape the entire industry? Whether you’re a team leader, solo agent, or broker-owner, this episode is a blueprint for understanding how to adapt, thrive, and lead in a rapidly evolving marketplace. Key Topics Covered The AI Brokerage of the Future Why the brokerage that integrates AI first will likely win How lead generation, follow-up, and ISA roles are being replaced by AI Why consumers may one day prefer AI responses over human ones GoGo’s Perspective: Efficiency & Trust Cutting her team from 43 employees down to 9 using AI without losing revenue Why AI can’t “call in sick” but still faces trust barriers with consumers The opportunity to clone your voice, face, and personality into AI for scale Teams vs. Solo Agents in an AI World Are teams becoming obsolete—or evolving into leaner showing-agent models? Why AI may empower solo agents to compete at scale How brokerages offering AI infrastructure could eliminate the need for teams The Consumer Experience Moat AI as a personal real estate COO—handling search, negotiation, vendors, and more The looming threat (and opportunity) of AI-curated consumer journeys Why local nuance, trust, and brand will still matter The Future of Agents & NAR Could AI—not lawsuits—be the biggest threat to NAR? Why professionalism must rise as AI raises the consumer’s baseline knowledge The widening gap between high producers using AI and low producers avoiding it Personal Transformation Through AI How Jay is using AI to parent, lead, and self-improve Why the agents who survive will be advisors, negotiators, and educators—not order takers The power of continuous growth and using AI as a true thinking partner Resources & Mentions Agent to CEO 2024 – Sept. 24–25 in Cleveland → HoneyBadgerNation.com – Community, training, merch, CHSA/CHBA resources The AI-Driven Leader – Framework for adapting leadership to AI StoryBrand by Donald Miller – Messaging framework to guide clients with clarity The Strangest Secret by Earl Nightingale – Classic on mindset and thought power Final Takeaway AI isn’t just a tool—it’s a tidal wave. The agents, teams, and brokerages who survive will be the ones who combine AI efficiency with human trust, authority, and leadership. As Jay Kinder put it: “Being good with people won’t cut it anymore. You must become a trusted advisor, not just an agent.” Connect with Us: Instagram: LinkedIn: Facebook: If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a review. Stay tuned for more insights and strategies from the top minds. See you next time! 🔥
