Wellbeing isn't optional: Kylie Davis on burnout, pressure, and the future of real estate

In this episode of the REB Podcast, deputy editor Emilie Lauer sits down with the Rise Initiative's Kylie Davis to unpack why wellbeing has become one of the industry's most urgent issues – and why agents can't afford to ignore it heading into 2026. Davis explains why wellbeing shouldn't feel like just another item on an already overwhelming to-do list, arguing instead for small, sustainable habits that help agents manage stress before it escalates into burnout. Drawing on her own experiences, Davis highlights the emotional toll property transactions can have on buyers and sellers, and why agents often find themselves acting as "first responders" to clients in crisis. The conversation explores how agents can support highly stressed buyers and sellers without absorbing that pressure themselves, why switching off over the holiday period is so difficult in a commission-based industry, and how a gradual wind-down can make all the difference. Davis also challenges agencies and networks to move beyond outdated "harden up" mentalities, outlining their legal and moral responsibility to actively support staff wellbeing. Looking ahead, she discusses the role technology and artificial intelligence (AI) could play in identifying stress patterns early – while warning that human connection remains irreplaceable. Did you like this episode? Show your support by rating us or leaving a review on Apple Podcasts (REB Podcast Network) and by liking and following Real Estate Business on social media: Facebook, X and LinkedIn. If you have any questions about what you heard today, any topics of interest you have in mind, or if you'd like to lend a voice to the show, email [email protected] for more insights.