Rise Above The Ranks: A Real Estate Podcast

The Blueprint
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Rise Above The Ranks is a real estate podcast hosted by Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles Star, James Harris. Each week, James deep-dives with his guests on how they went from humble beginnings to rising to the top of their industry. From real estate agents to leading entrepreneurs, each guest gets into their biggest failures, catalysts, and how they skyrocketed and maintained their success. Stay up-to-date on the world of residential real estate w/ their free newsletter, www.readtheblueprint.com.

  1. 6d ago

    AI and the future of Real Estate | James Harris & Cynthia Taylor

    In this episode of Rise Above the Ranks, James Harris sits down with Cynthia Taylor, SVP of Product at Zillow, for a conversation about the systems, tools, and technology shaping the future of real estate. Cynthia shares what she’s seeing from the front lines of product innovation and explains why the agents who scale successfully aren’t just using more tools, they’re building more connected businesses.They also unpack the role of Zillow Pro, AI, and data in helping agents work smarter, better understand consumers, and spend less time managing fragmented workflows. From the challenges facing today’s modern agent to what separates top performers from the rest, Cynthia offers a clear look at how technology can become a true competitive advantage. This is a conversation about building the right infrastructure, adapting with intention, and preparing for the next chapter of real estate.Ready to put these insights into action? Download Zillow's latest Consumer Housing Trends Report (CHTR) to better understand what today's buyers and sellers are looking for, how consumer expectations are evolving, and what top agents are doing to stay ahead - https://bit.ly/CHTR. Subscribe for more conversations with the leaders shaping the future of real estate.Be sure to also check out The Estate Media Agent Growth Program, a comprehensive growth platform designed to help ambitious real estate professionals build their brand, expand their influence, and create new business opportunities through proven marketing and business development strategies.To learn more, visit https://estateagentgrowth.co/Follow Estate Media:💻 https://estatemedia.co📸 IG: /   / estatemediaofficial  🤳 TT: https://www.tiktok.com/ @estatemediaus 💼 LinkedIn:   / estatemediaus   🎥 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...Follow James: 📸 IG: /   / jamesbondst   📸 IG: /   / readtheblueprint

  2. Jun 26

    Krys Benyamein On The Power Of Consistency In Real Estate

    In this episode of Rise Above The Ranks, James Harris sits down with Krys Benyamein, real estate entrepreneur, content strategist, and founder of Estate of Grace for a conversation on branding, content, technology, and what it takes to stay relevant in a rapidly changing industry.What do today’s sellers actually want from their agents?Zillow’s latest Consumer Housing Trends Report, The Seller’s Mindset in 2026, surveyed more than 7,400 sellers to uncover the motivations, expectations, and behaviors shaping today’s market. From what drives sellers to move, to the qualities they value most in an agent, the data reveals actionable insights to help agents win more listings.Download the free report: https://bit.ly/CHTR (all uppercase)As real estate continues to evolve, agents are being forced to think beyond traditional prospecting and embrace new ways of building trust, attention, and influence. Krys has built his business at the intersection of real estate, media, and personal branding, helping agents understand how content and storytelling can become powerful growth tools.James and Krys then dive into: • Why content has become a competitive advantage in real estate • The difference between posting online and building true influence • What most agents still misunderstand about social media • How authenticity and strategy work together to build a brand • The role AI and technology will play in the future of real estate • Why adaptability is one of the most important skills for agents today • Common marketing mistakes holding agents back • What the future of real estate marketing looks likeKrys also shares his perspective on how agents can stay relevant in an industry where platforms, technology, and consumer behavior are constantly changing, and why those who embrace change early will have a significant advantage moving forward.If you’re looking to build a stronger personal brand, leverage content more effectively, and future-proof your real estate business, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.Follow Estate Media:💻 https://estatemedia.co 📸 IG:   / estatemediaofficial   🤳 TT:   / estatemediaus   💼 LinkedIn:   / estatemediaus   🎥 Facebook:   / profile.php  Follow James 📸 IG:   / jamesbondst   📸 IG:   / readtheblueprint   Subscribe to Estate Elite Agents and Josh Flagg's Estate Media YouTube channel for all of the best real estate entertainment, education, and news!

  3. May 28

    What AI Means For The Next Generation Of Real Estate Agents | Brendan Wallace

    In this episode of Rise Above The Ranks, James Harris sits down with Brendan Wallace, CEO & CIO of Fifth Wall, for a conversation on how AI, technology, and innovation are reshaping the future of real estate.Top agents know one thing: proximity matters. That’s why Zillow Unlock 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most important rooms to be in this year. From October 12–15 at Fontainebleau Las Vegas, top agents from across the industry will come together to share what’s actually working right now: real strategies, real conversations, and real connections. Early access ticketing is officially open, and you don’t want to miss it. Secure your spot at https://bit.ly/unlock2026James and Brendan then dive into:• Why AI won’t replace great real estate agents• The future of proptech & real estate innovation• The biggest mistakes agents are making with AI• Why human connection still matters in real estate• How technology is changing the buying & selling experience• What separates successful founders and entrepreneursBrendan also explains why the agents who embrace technology now will be the ones leading the industry over the next decade, while those ignoring it risk falling behind.If you want to understand where real estate, AI, and technology are headed next, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.💼 Looking to level up your real estate career? Be sure to check out Estate Elite, the premier membership for agents serious about breaking into luxury real estate. Get direct coaching from top industry leaders including Josh Flagg, Tracy Tutor, Glennda Baker, and James Harris.Visit: https://estatemedia.co/elite/?utm_sou... Follow Estate Media:💻 https://estatemedia.co 📸 IG:   / estatemediaofficial   🤳 TT:   / estatemediaus   💼 LinkedIn:   / estatemediaus   🎥 Facebook:   / profile.php  Follow James 📸 IG:   / jamesbondst   📸 IG:   / readtheblueprint   Subscribe to Estate Elite Agents and Josh Flagg's Estate Media YouTube channel for all of the best real estate entertainment, education, and news!

  4. May 14

    What’s Actually Wrong With Real Estate Technology Today | James Harris & James Lee

    Real estate agents don’t have a data problem - they have a decision problem.In this episode of Rise Above the Ranks, James Harris sits down with Breezy Chief Product Officer Jimsy Lee. Lee to talk about the real problems agents face every day: outdated systems, too many apps, information overload, and why so many agents feel overwhelmed 24/7.They break down:* Why most real estate tech tools fail agents* How AI is changing the industry* Why agents are constantly juggling too much* The hidden mental load behind being a successful agent* Why simplicity in tech is actually incredibly hard to build* and why AI won’t replace agents - but agents who use AI may replace the ones who don’tA must-watch conversation for agents trying to stay ahead in a rapidly changing industry.#MillionDollarListing #JamesHarris #davidparnes Follow Estate Media:💻 https://estatemedia.co📸 IG: /   / estatemediaofficial  🤳 TT: https://www.tiktok.com/ @estatemediaus 💼 LinkedIn:   / estatemediaus   🎥 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...Follow James:📸 IG: /   / jamesbondst   📸 IG: /   / readtheblueprint

  5. May 7

    A Smarter Way to Work in Real Estate (That Most Agents Miss) | Corey Evans

    Most agents are doing the same things, the same way.In this conversation, Corey Evans shares a small shift in how he approaches his work and why it changes everything.From how he captures information to how he uses it later, it’s not about doing more. It’s about doing things differently. A simple conversation, but one that says a lot about where the industry is heading. Follow Estate Media:💻 https://estatemedia.co📸 IG: /   / estatemediaofficial  🤳 TT:   / estatemediaus   💼 LinkedIn:   / estatemediaus   🎥 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...Follow James📸 IG: /   / jamesbondst   📸 IG: /   / readtheblueprint   Subscribe to Estate Elite Agents and Josh Flagg's Estate Media YouTube channel for all of the best real estate entertainment, education, and news!    / @estatemediaofficial  #EstateElite #RealEstateAgent #RealEstate #MillionDollarListing #AgentLife#MillionDollarListing #jamesharris

  6. May 1

    What It Really Takes to Win High-End Clients in Real Estate

    In this episode of Rise Above the Ranks, host James Harris sits down with Holly Meyer Lucas to break down what it really takes to win and operate at the highest level in real estate.From working with professional athletes and high-profile clients to building a business rooted in relationships, branding, and execution, Holly shares how she carved out her space in the luxury market, and what most agents get wrong when trying to break into it.They dive into the importance of trust, navigating family offices and advisors, and why being fast, sharp, and prepared matters more than anything when working with elite clients.#MillionDollarListing #JamesHarris Follow Estate Media:💻 https://estatemedia.co📸 IG: / / estatemediaofficial 🤳 TT: https://www.tiktok.com/ @estatemediaus 💼 LinkedIn: / estatemediaus 🎥 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...Follow James:📸 IG: / https://www.instagram.com/jamesbondst/ 📸 IG: / https://www.instagram.com/readtheblueprint/

  7. Apr 28

    How Social Media Is Changing Real Estate Agents Forever

    In this episode of Rise Above the Ranks, host James Harris sits down with Julia Wang to break down how social media transformed her real estate career and helped her build a 250-agent brokerage from the ground up. From being doubted early on to closing major deals through content, this conversation dives into what it really takes to stand out in today’s market.They discuss the importance of authenticity, consistency, and putting in the work behind the scenes, and why many agents struggle to succeed in a rapidly evolving industry.#MillionDollarListing #JamesHarris Follow Estate Media:💻 https://estatemedia.co📸 IG: / https://www.instagram.com/estatemediaofficial/🤳 TT: https://www.tiktok.com/ @estatemediaus 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/estatemediaus/ 🎥 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...Follow James:📸 IG: / https://www.instagram.com/jamesbondst/ 📸 IG: / https://www.instagram.com/readtheblueprint/

  8. Apr 1

    Company Size Doesn’t Matter… THIS Does 👀

    In this episode of Rise Above the Ranks, James Harris sits down with Rory Golod to break a belief most agents get wrong: it’s not about how big your company is — it’s about how it’s run. Rory explains that even at scale, the goal is to make a company feel small, connected, and personal. That means real relationships, fast communication, and creating an environment where clients and agents actually feel valued — not processed. But here’s where it gets controversial… Rory challenges the idea of “virtual culture.” According to him, culture isn’t built on Zoom — it’s built in person. From encouraging agents to be in the office to creating real-world interactions, the focus is on energy, presence, and accountability. Because when agents are isolated, performance and connection start to slip — and that’s where companies lose their edge. The real takeaway? Culture doesn’t scale on its own — leadership does. Rory makes it clear that maintaining a strong culture comes down to one thing: does leadership care enough to enforce it? In today’s world, where companies like Compass are expanding globally, the challenge isn’t growth — it’s protecting what made the company successful in the first place. Visit: https://estatemedia.co/elite/?utm_sou... #MillionDollarListing #JamesHarris Follow Estate Media: 💻 https://estatemedia.co 📸 IG: / https://www.instagram.com/estatemediaofficial/ 🤳 TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@estatemediaus 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/estatemediaus/ 🎥 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?... Follow James: 📸 IG: / https://www.instagram.com/jamesbondst/ 📸 IG: / https://www.instagram.com/readtheblueprint/

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Rise Above The Ranks is a real estate podcast hosted by Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles Star, James Harris. Each week, James deep-dives with his guests on how they went from humble beginnings to rising to the top of their industry. From real estate agents to leading entrepreneurs, each guest gets into their biggest failures, catalysts, and how they skyrocketed and maintained their success. Stay up-to-date on the world of residential real estate w/ their free newsletter, www.readtheblueprint.com.

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