Rise Above The Ranks: A Real Estate Podcast

The Blueprint

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. 4D AGO

    "Your Job Is to Lose” — Ryan Serhant’s Brutally Honest Real Estate Truth

    In this episode of Rise Above the Ranks, host James Harris sits down with Ryan Serhant, founder and CEO of SERHANT, for a raw and revealing conversation about success, failure, and what it really takes to win in real estate. Ryan shares a perspective that may surprise many — that early in his career, he wishes he had focused less on passion and more on building success first, explaining that confidence, freedom, and fulfillment often follow momentum, not the other way around.Ryan breaks down one of his most powerful beliefs: in real estate, your job is to lose — and every win is a bonus. From his unlikely start auditioning for a real estate reality show to surviving his first year in the industry during the 2008 financial crisis, Ryan reflects on how rejection, resilience, and relentless effort shaped his career. Together, James and Ryan explore what it means to be both happy and successful, the discipline behind sustained growth, and why embracing failure is essential to rising above the ranks.💼 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: / 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/ Subscribe to Estate Elite Agents and Josh Flagg's Estate Media YouTube channel for all of the best real estate entertainment, education, and news! #EstateElite #RealEstateAgent #RealEstate #MillionDollarListing #AgentLife#MillionDollarListing #JamesHarris

    40 min
  2. JAN 26

    Smart Real Estate Developers are Buying in Portugal, Here's Why

    In this episode of Rise Above the Ranks, host James Harris sits down with Arrow Global Partner, John Calvao for an inside look at why global buyers are setting their sights on Palmares, Portugal. From the realities of purchasing property abroad to the lifestyle and financial incentives driving international demand, John breaks down what makes Portugal one of the most attractive destinations in the world right now. They explore the beauty of the Algarve, the ease of flying internationally, and how Palmares is thoughtfully designed—each residence built with intention, purpose, and a specific buyer in mind. John also shares his role in shaping ownership experiences, explaining how these homes live from the inside out and who they’re truly built for. This conversation pulls back the curtain on what global luxury ownership really looks like—and why buyers aren’t just vacationing abroad anymore, they’re investing.Visit: https://bit.ly/jamesportugalFollow 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/ Subscribe to Estate Elite Agents and Josh Flagg's Estate Media YouTube channel for all of the best real estate entertainment, education, and news! https://www.youtube.com/@estatemediaofficial#EstateElite #RealEstateAgent #RealEstate #MillionDollarListing #AgentLife#MillionDollarListing #JamesHarris

    55 min
  3. 12/23/2025

    How Jason Oppenheim Went From Attorney to LA Power Broker

    In this episode of Rise Above the Ranks, James Harris sits down with Jason Oppenheim for a candid conversation about building a career with pride, patience, and purpose. Jason shares how leaving law for real estate unexpectedly made him happier—and why treating every listing with care became the foundation of his success. From starting with modest deals to steadily building a reputation in the Hollywood Hills, Jason explains how consistency and integrity shaped one of Los Angeles’ top brokerages.They also unpack the moment that changed everything: a simple ad in The Hollywood Reporter declaring the Oppenheim Group the number one team—an ad that ultimately sparked Selling Sunset and Selling the OC. Jason offers perspective on today’s real estate market, the challenges of downturns, and why long-term thinking matters more than hype. This is a conversation about slow growth, self-belief, and building something that lasts.Be sure to explore Estate Elite, the premier membership for agents serious about breaking into luxury real estate. Learn directly from industry leaders Josh Flagg, Tracy Tutor, Glennda Baker, James Harris, and David Parnes.Visit: https://estatemedia.co/elite/?utm_sou...#MillionDollarListing #JamesHarris #davidparnes 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 and David:📸 IG: / https://www.instagram.com/jamesbondst/ 📸 IG: / https://www.instagram.com/davidbondst/ 📸 IG: / https://www.instagram.com/readtheblueprint/

    1h 1m
  4. 12/11/2025

    Why Most Brokerages Will Lose—Unless They Do THIS

    In this episode of Rise Above the Ranks, David Parnes sits down with Chris Heller, CGO of OJO Labs and Lower Mortgage, for a powerful conversation on what brokerages must do to stay competitive in today’s shifting market. Chris breaks down the new expectations for agents, why recruiting has changed forever, and how leadership can stay ahead of the curve instead of reacting too late.They dive into how AI is becoming a competitive advantage—not a threat. From improving agent follow-up, to elevating consumer experience, to creating tech-forward brokerages that scale smarter and faster, Chris explains exactly where the industry is heading and why efficiency will separate the winners from the ones who get left behind.If you want to stay ahead of the game, recruit better talent, and build a future-proof business, this is the episode you can’t afford to miss.#RiseAboveTheRanks #DavidParnes #ChrisHeller #RealEstateLeadership #BrokerageGrowth #AIinRealEstate #AgentRecruiting #EstateMediaVisit: https://estatemedia.co/elite/?utm_sou...#MillionDollarListing #JamesHarris #davidparnes 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 and David:📸 IG: / https://www.instagram.com/jamesbondst/ 📸 IG: / https://www.instagram.com/davidbondst/ 📸 IG: / https://www.instagram.com/readtheblueprint/

    28 min
  5. 07/17/2025

    Lost A Deal? Here’s The Secret To Bouncing Back

    What do you do when the deal falls apart… and your client is spiraling? In this episode of Rise Above the Ranks, David shares the raw truth about losing listings, calming client chaos, and staying in control when everything feels like it’s slipping. If you’ve ever lost a deal and questioned everything, this one’s for you.Ready to level up? Join Estate Elite — the premier membership for agents breaking into luxury real estate. Get direct coaching from icons like Josh Flagg, Tracy Tutor, Glennda Baker, James Harris, and David Parnes. Success leaves clues… and they’re sharing all of them.Visit: https://estatemedia.co/elite/#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 and David:📸 IG: / https://www.instagram.com/jamesbondst/ 📸 IG: / https://www.instagram.com/davidbondst/ 📸 IG: / https://www.instagram.com/readtheblueprint/ Have you ever dreamed of becoming a celebrity real estate agent? Want to join the most exclusive luxury real estate community and get direct coaching from top industry leaders Josh Flagg, Tracy Tutor, Glennda Baker, James Harris, David Parnes, Dawn McKenna, and more?Join Estate Elite Agents and receive:🔑 12+ Hours of Masterclass Courses on Mastering Luxury Real Estate🎥 Live Weekly Q&A's with Founding Coaches🤝 A Supportive Community and Referral Service of High-performing Agents✨ Exclusive Access to VIP Events & Masterminds🏡 Member-Only Discounts on Top CRM and Industry Tools and MORE!If you're ready to take your career to the next level, this is where it begins! Join Estate Elite Agents today for a FREE 14-Day trial. https://estatemedia.co/elite?utm_source=Instagram&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=EstateSubscribe to Estate Elite Agents and Josh Flagg's Estate Media YouTube channel for all of the best real estate entertainment, education, and news! Follow Estate Media: 💻 https://estatemedia.co 📸 IG: / estatemedia 🤳 TT: https://www.tiktok.com/ @estatemediaus 🆇 X: / estatemediaus 💼 LinkedIn: / estatemediaus 🎥 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?... #EstateElite #RealEstateAgent #RealEstate #MillionDollarListing #AgentLife

    16 min
  6. 07/02/2025

    How Brad Inman Built a Real Estate Media Empire | Rise Above the Ranks

    In this episode of Rise Above the Ranks, host James Harris sits down with none other than Brad Inman, the trailblazer behind the Inman Group—the most trusted name in real estate media.Brad shares how he built the company from scratch, what inspired him to serve the agent community, and why storytelling, trust, and tech still matter more than ever in today’s market.If you're an agent looking to elevate your brand, stay ahead of industry shifts, and build something with real impact, this episode is packed with insight, strategy, and inspiration.🔔 Subscribe for more high-level conversations with real estate’s biggest names. Be sure to also check out Estate Elite, the premier membership for real estate agents serious about breaking into the luxury market and advancing their careers. Get direct coaching from top industry leaders Josh Flagg, Tracy Tutor, Glennda Baker, James Harris, and David Parnes.Visit: https://estatemedia.co/elite/?utm_sou...#MillionDollarListing #JamesHarris #davidparnes #BradInman #JamesHarris #RiseAboveTheRanks #RealEstateSuccess #InmanGroup #RealtorStrategy #LuxuryRealEstate #RealEstateLeaders #EstateElite #TopAgentTalksFollow 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 and David:📸 IG: / https://www.instagram.com/jamesbondst/ 📸 IG: / https://www.instagram.com/davidbondst/ 📸 IG: / https://www.instagram.com/readtheblueprint/ Follow Brad Inman:📸 IG: https://www.instagram.com/livelongmedia💻: https://www.hypeboss.com/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hype-bossHave you ever dreamed of becoming a celebrity real estate agent? Want to join the most exclusive luxury real estate community and get direct coaching from top industry leaders Josh Flagg, Tracy Tutor, Glennda Baker, James Harris, David Parnes, Dawn McKenna, and more?Join Estate Elite Agents and receive:🔑 12+ Hours of Masterclass Courses on Mastering Luxury Real Estate🎥 Live Weekly Q&A's with Founding Coaches🤝 A Supportive Community and Referral Service of High-performing Agents✨ Exclusive Access to VIP Events & Masterminds🏡 Member-Only Discounts on Top CRM and Industry Tools and MORE!If you're ready to take your career to the next level, this is where it begins! Join Estate Elite Agents today for a FREE 14-Day trial. https://estatemedia.co/elite?utm_source=Instagram&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=EstateSubscribe to Estate Elite Agents and Josh Flagg's Estate Media YouTube channel for all of the best real estate entertainment, education, and news! Follow Estate Media: 💻 https://estatemedia.co 📸 IG: / estatemedia 🤳 TT: https://www.tiktok.com/ @estatemediaus 🆇 X: / estatemediaus 💼 LinkedIn: / estatemediaus 🎥 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?... #EstateElite #RealEstateAgent #RealEstate #MillionDollarListing #AgentLife

    36 min
4.9
out of 5
73 Ratings

About

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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