Boardroom Banter with Bec

On this episode of the Boardroom Banter podcast, Bec is joined by one of Perth's most respected real estate leaders, Karen Firth (Director, Art of Real Estate). Karen shares her incredible 30-year journey, from running an Applecross video store and hosting high-class guests at the famous Cocos Restaurant to being recruited by an industry icon. They discuss her decision to build her own brand, the power of creating a "safe" and supportive team culture , and why her business philosophy shifted from "hustle" to "help" after a personal tragedy.Key Topics & Timestamps:[00:00] Welcome Karen Firth[02:45] The Origin Story: From an Applecross Video Store to Real Estate[06:15] Getting Started in 1995: Door-knocking & White Pages[10:15] Working with Alan Bourke & The Decision to Start Her Own Brand[15:00] Brand Perception vs. Reality: "You only sell nice houses"[17:30] Karen's Top 3 Leadership Tips[24:00] The "Hustle vs. Help" Mindset ShiftKeywordsBoardroom Banter, Karen Firth, Art of Real Estate, Perth Real Estate, Leadership, Business Culture, Alan Bourke, Entrepreneurship, Perth Business, Real Estate Agent, Podcasting

What happens when the hustle... stops? For most business owners, "success" means a non-stop to-do list, constant problem-solving, and attaching your very worth to how busy you are. But what happens when you finally build the systems, delegate the tasks, and achieve the "utopia" you were chasing... only to find yourself feeling... bored?Ashleigh Goodchild (Perth's Property Management guru) joins Bec for a refreshingly honest chat about the other side of success. She flips the script on the typical "problem-fixing" narrative and dives into the uncomfortable, guilty, and ultimately liberating process of finding peace after the grind.This episode is a must-listen for any business leader who has successfully delegated, only to find themselves "interfering" in their team's work or feeling inefficient. Ashleigh shares her tactical playbook for reframing her time, "gamifying" relaxation, and the one simple trick that took her from inbox-anxiety to inbox-zero.

In this insightful episode of Boardroom Banter with Bec, we dive into the challenges of building a successful team by going straight to the source, chatting with Olivia Whittaker from Longreach Recruitment. Olivia shares her unique career story, tracing her journey from Melbourne and Queensland to becoming a key recruitment specialist in Perth. The discussion provides crucial strategies for business leaders, outlining the key issues they face in the modern talent landscape, what essential qualities to look for in a top candidate, and how to successfully navigate pay negotiations.Furthermore, Olivia offers practical advice on critical modern business challenges, including implementing effective retention strategies, managing working flexibility, and successfully scaling a team for growth. This is a must-listen for any leader focused on building a robust, enduring team.

In this episode of Boardroom Banter with Bec, we sit down with Nathan Want from Attree Real Estate. Nathan shares his unique story, from his beginnings working at a friend’s seafood factory and building key connections at the Maddington footy club, to taking the pivotal plunge into the world of real estate.Bec and Nathan dive into the fascinating parallels between sport and real estate sales, discussing the competitive drive, leadership skills, and constant push for improvement that are essential in both fields.Nathan, who has harnessed his business acumen and leadership skills, now manages one of the fastest-growing real estate businesses in Perth's south-eastern suburbs. This conversation is a testament to the power of hard work, passion, and a strategic mindset.Tune in to hear Nathan's incredible story and get inspired by his journey!

In this episode of Boardroom Banter, host Bec Halton sits down with Kirstin Dunn from Semple Property Group for a candid conversation. They delve into their remarkably similar upbringings, both having followed their mothers' footsteps into the dynamic world of real estate. The discussion extends to the vital importance of self-care in a demanding industry, strategies for working flexibly to prioritise family life, and the equitable sharing of home-life responsibilities. Listeners will also gain insights into effective management styles and practical approaches to scaling your real estate business.

On this episode of Boardroom Banter, Bec Halton interviews Carmen McNamara of Skin Fairy. Carmen delves into her career in the beauty industry, recounting early challenges and how her passion for skincare led to the establishment of her brand. She candidly discusses personal struggles, including difficult pregnancies, and their influence on her life and business philosophy. Listeners will discover the strategic choices that propelled Skin Fairy's expansion, such as the significance of social media and cultivating a strong team environment. Carmen also addresses the challenge of juggling motherhood with a thriving business and the vital role of self-care as she embarks on her new venture: a chemical-free baby spa.

One of the most raw and honest chats on the Boardroom Banter Podcast so far, Bec is joined by Clare Nation of Haiven Property.Clare takes us through her journey from a young go-getter who couldn't wait to get out of school through her triumphs and tragedies, both personally and professionally. Clare explains how she found her strength, resilience and the determination to wake up each morning for those around her, through even the darkest of times. Bit of a trigger warning on this one, if you need support or advice, please reach out to family, friends or colleagues. Alternatively you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14. 

In this episode, we have another fascinating guest. Stefanie Dobro from White House Property Partners is joining Bec Halton to discuss how developing skills in communication and relationships has contributed to her success within the real estate industry and the broader business world.Originating from Canada, Stefanie eventually made her way to the other side of the globe, working for both state and local governments before ultimately flourishing in the Perth real estate market.

In this episode of Boardroom Banter, we're joined by Christine Ewin of My Agent Team, based in the beautiful coastal town of Batemans Bay, NSW. Christine shares her evolution from a successful real estate agent to a dynamic business leader. She delves into the complexities of transitioning from individual contributor to team manager, highlighting the critical importance of mental health awareness and achieving a healthy work-life balance. Christine candidly discusses her experiences with burnout, emphasises the power of vulnerability in leadership, and reflects on valuable lessons gained through motherhood. Throughout the conversation, she underscores the significance of cultivating a supportive workplace and establishing personal boundaries to prioritise overall well-being.

On this episode of the Boardroom Banter Podcast, Shannyn Laird, Head of Strategy for Madecomfy, joins Bec Halton to share her experiences and insights from her journey in the dynamic world of real estate and property management. Shannyn delves into the key factors that have shaped her career, offering valuable life lessons along the way. The discussion highlights the pivotal roles of unwavering focus and dedication as essential ingredients in navigating challenges and success-by-design in both professional and personal endeavours.

In episode 6 of Boardroom Banter, Bec Halton sits down with Joseph Iezzi from Delta Wealth, discussing the intricacies of mortgage brokerage. Joe emphasizes the importance of relationship-building over transactional approaches, offering insights into refinancing, navigating interest rate hikes, and increasing borrowing power. He highlights the role of a mortgage broker in simplifying the lending process and securing favourable terms, stressing the need for personalised advice and proactive financial planning in today's dynamic economic climate.

In this episode of Boardroom Banter, host Bec welcomes Nick Georges of Wingman Group to discuss the ins and outs of offshore outsourcing. A once promising footballer turned real estate professional, Nick now leads a leading outsourcing company in Australia. He shares his unique working philosophy and practical strategies for building successful and sustainable offshore relationships.

Another fascinating chat on the Boardroom Banter Podcast as Bec Halton welcomes Shane Kempton of Harcourts Real Estate into the boardroom.Shane shares his expert insights on leadership, personal development, and the crucial connections between physiology and mental health. Drawing from his diverse background, including military service, personal development coaching, sales experience, and his current leadership role at one of Western Australia's prominent real estate companies, Shane offers a unique and valuable perspective. 

In this episode, Bec chats with Lachlan Sinclair from Pendium Advisory.We hear Lachlan’s journey from a university commerce degree to residential sales to where he finds himself now as an Associate Director of Valuations and Transactions at Pendium.Lachlan gives his valuable insights on managing mergers and acquisitions, navigating rent rolls, due diligence throughout the selling process and what’s next for Pendium Advisory. 

In this Episode Shannon shares her incredible story on how she got to where she is now and how her and her husband are growing their business at an extraordinary rate. A great listen on leadership, working parent life, challenges and how you can have it all! 

Boardroom Banter returns for 2025 as Bec catches up with Ryan Smith from White Fox Real Estate, Subiaco.From hustling on the street to sell gym memberships, to a chance meeting at the Singapore Formula 1 and owning restaurants in Cambodia, Ryan divulges how he went from talented sportsmen to successful Sales Director and proud family man.Ryan gives his candid views on the state of the market, what makes a successful real estate agent, bold marketing strategies as well as his hopes for the future and his ongoing passion for inspiring and assisting those around him. 

On this episode Bec catches up with their newest Business Development Manager who has had a phenomenal Real Estate Career and now is a big part of the LJ Hooker Team.Kelly and Bec had been speaking for a year before she came on board and what Bec has loved the most is Kelly's incredible energy that has been spread across the business and her laser focus on her clients and results! Sit back, relax and enjoy the listen.

Come with us as we dive into JBs brain! How he has mastered delegation, is the founder of the fasted growing property management business in Australia and our favourite offshoring company Wingman! Nothing is off limits as I sit down with my dear friend and Banter all things! 

Meet Brendan and Sharon Smith - 18 year veterans of the industry and possibly the nicest and best looking people in Real Estate.In the Episode we speak about all things Real Estate, the Market, the ups and downs of their careers. How they have navigated their best years whilst raising their two incredibly (tall) boys.I have worked with Brendan and Sharon for 15 years and here we get to dive into the great, the good and hilarious times.