The Elite Agent Masterclass

The Elite Agent Masterclass

Welcome to the Elite Agent Masterclass Podcast, co-founded by James Humphries-Stone and Jack Durkin. Our mission is straightforward: to help both self-employed and employed estate agents excel in the competitive world of estate agency.We share real stories and proven strategies from top-performing agents and industry experts alike.We explore essential frameworks for success: lead generation, personal branding, and market positioning. We discuss the environments where great agents flourish, emphasizing the importance of support systems for all estate agents.James and Jack reveal their journeys from modest beginnings to significant earnings. James, for example, progressed from earning £12,000 a year to £14,000 per deal. Jack speaks about the transition from corporate constraints to the freedom of self-employment, demonstrating that with the right mindset and strategies, extraordinary success is within reach.The Elite Agent Masterclass Podcast is your guide to mastering estate agency, whether you’re self-employed or working within a larger firm. We cover practical tactics, from door knocking and direct mail to creating impactful social media content.Join us to learn from those who have succeeded. Understand the power of consistent effort and smart strategies. Discover how building a strong personal brand can attract the clients and properties you seek.Whether you’re new to the industry or a seasoned professional, the Elite Agent Masterclass Podcast offers the tools, knowledge, and inspiration you need to thrive in estate agency.

  1. 12/01/2025

    Building Resilience | Rob Graves on Vision, Fees, & Estate Agency for the Long Run

    Send us a text In this week’s episode of The Elite Agent Masterclass, we sit down with Rob Graves — veteran estate agent, business owner, and founder of Key Coaching. With over three decades in the property industry, Rob shares the real story of building (and rebuilding) businesses, navigating market crashes, and developing the skillset to survive in an ever-changing estate agency landscape. From growing multiple offices to mentoring self-employed agents, Rob brings depth, clarity, and wisdom to the conversation. 💡 Key topics covered: • The difference between being a great agent and a great business owner  • How to survive when the market turns — and what to focus on  • Why fees and pricing are the foundation of a sustainable agency model  • Common mistakes that kill momentum — and how to avoid them  • Coaching insights for agents ready to scale, stabilise, or reset  • The power of vision, values, and process in long-term success Whether you’re a new self-employed agent, a franchise owner, or an experienced business builder, this episode will give you tangible takeaways to raise your standards and future-proof your business. New episodes drop Mondays at 6PM. 🗣 Hosted by Jack Durkin and Holly Boylan 👤 Guest: Rob Graves Engage With Us Have questions or topics you'd like us to cover in future episodes? Send us your thoughts and stay engaged with the Elite Agent Masterclass for more expert insights on transforming your career. Connect with James on Socials: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn Connect with Jack on Socials: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn Connect with TEAM on Socials: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn

    41 min
  2. 10/27/2025

    Breaking the Mould | Dan Cohen on Leaving Corporate for Real Connection

    Send us a text This week on The Elite Agent Masterclass, Jack is joined by Dan Cohen, founder of You, Me and Property — an agent redefining what “client care” really means in estate agency today. With a background spanning Steve Gooch, Paul Carr, and a directorship through a management buyout, Dan shares an incredibly open and powerful conversation about what it takes to go from burnt out and misaligned… to building a values-led, client-first business rooted in relationships. In this conversation, Dan shares: 🏡 How his earliest estate agency lessons came from sweeping the pavement and selling raffle tickets  📈 What went wrong in his MBO experience — and the emotional cost of ignoring his gut  🧠 Why “effort evidence” became the cornerstone of his brand (and results)  🤝 How he builds freakishly strong relationships with clients who turn into friends  📊 The balance between marketing for new business vs nurturing old clients  💥 Why some agents stall after a few months and the mindset gap that separates top performers This isn’t just another business origin story — it’s a candid look into the real mechanics of what it takes to serve your community, market homes properly, and stand out without shouting the loudest. Dan also drops practical strategies on: 🛠 What to do when your portal listings aren’t getting traction  🔁 How to turn your old client list into your future business pipeline  📲 Blending old-school buyer hot boxes with new-school social media  📣 Persistent consistency — why doing the work is only half of it  🧭 Why pricing from fear is the downfall of most agents Whether you’re new to agency, scaling your self-employed model, or trying to get back to basics in a tougher market — this episode is a practical masterclass in mindset, authenticity and sales process. You, Me and Property isn’t just a brand — it’s a blueprint for agents who care about people more than just property. 📲 Subscribe now for weekly episodes to help you grow your business, your mindset, and your impact. Engage With Us Have questions or topics you'd like us to cover in future episodes? Send us your thoughts and stay engaged with the Elite Agent Masterclass for more expert insights on transforming your career. Connect with James on Socials: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn Connect with Jack on Socials: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn Connect with TEAM on Socials: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn

    51 min
  3. 10/05/2025

    From Corporate to Community | Graham Howell on Agency, Mentoring & Self-Employment

    Send us a text In this week's episode of The Elite Agent Masterclass, Holly sits down with Graham Howell; estate agency veteran, mentor, and now self-employed partner agent at The Avenue Estate Agents. From corporate beginnings at Connells to regional training at Purplebricks and Yopa, Graham has lived and breathed agency for over 20 years. Now, he’s building a business rooted in local community, family values, and relationship-first agency. They explore the real journey behind self-employment: the freedom, the pressure, the mental game, and the honest realities no one talks about on LinkedIn. Graham shares his experience of launching his self-employed business just weeks before the COVID-19 lockdown, why personal brand and process matter more than ever, and what most agents get wrong when they transition from employed to self-employed. Topics covered include:  – The difference between great agents and great business owners  – Mentoring with meaning and the importance of lived experience  – How self-employed agents can protect their energy and build relationships that last  – Building a brand that reflects who you are, not who you think you should be  – Why more training doesn’t always mean better training  – What Graham learned from the tough moments and how they shaped his values  – The truth about support, accountability and what makes a brokerage model work Graham also reflects on working with the co-founders of The Avenue and the camaraderie and connection that define the network. With heartfelt stories, a touch of humour, and real insight, this episode is a must-watch for anyone in the estate agency space, especially those considering a leap into self-employment. 📍Watch now on YouTube or listen via Spotify & Apple Podcasts.  📲 Subscribe to the podcast to never miss an episode. Engage With Us Have questions or topics you'd like us to cover in future episodes? Send us your thoughts and stay engaged with the Elite Agent Masterclass for more expert insights on transforming your career. Connect with James on Socials: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn Connect with Jack on Socials: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn Connect with TEAM on Socials: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn

    26 min
  4. 09/29/2025

    In conversation with Stephen- James Copp: How to Create Your Own Luck | Lessons from Psychology & Success Stories (part 3 of 3)

    Send us a text Welcome to the final part of our special In Conversation trilogy with the UK’s leading psychological performance coach, Stephen-James Copp. In Episode 1, we explored how the brain is wired and why the stories we tell ourselves matter. In Episode 2, we uncovered the origins of those stories, from parents and peers to experiences that leave lasting imprints. And now in Episode 3, we dive into the solutions: how to break free from limiting patterns, how to implement practical tools into your life, and how to turn pain into purpose. Stephen also shares his deeply personal journey into psychology — from growing up with low self-esteem to navigating the devastating loss of his son, and ultimately dedicating his life to understanding the human mind and helping others transform. 👉 In this episode, you’ll discover: Why belief is the foundation of lasting change Practical solutions you can start applying immediately How to create new data sets and rewrite your narrative Why success stories (Lady Gaga, Freddie Mercury, Elton John, Adam Lambert) are built on persistence, not luck How to distinguish “overnight success” myths from the years of work behind them Why famous performers are just normal people who developed exceptional skills The real meaning behind the Law of Attraction (without the woo-woo) Why you can become whatever you want to be (with self-awareness of limits) The truth: you make your own luck, and lucky people are often those who work hardest The urgent need for belief, inspiration, and positive role models in today’s world Stephen’s message is both scientific and inspiring: you don’t need to wait for a break, you can create one. By applying consistent effort, reframing setbacks, and building strong daily habits, you can step into the version of yourself you were meant to become. This episode concludes a journey that took us from awareness → origins → solutions. If you’ve watched the whole trilogy, you now have the clarity, inspiration, and tools to move forward. 📌 Revisit Episodes 1 & 2 for the full context. 📺 Subscribe to the Elite Agent Masterclass channel for more conversations that blend psychology, performance, and mindset growth. 🎧 Available on Spotify & Apple Podcasts. Engage With Us Have questions or topics you'd like us to cover in future episodes? Send us your thoughts and stay engaged with the Elite Agent Masterclass for more expert insights on transforming your career. Connect with James on Socials: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn Connect with Jack on Socials: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn Connect with TEAM on Socials: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn

    33 min
  5. 09/22/2025

    In conversation with Stephen- James Copp: How to Become the Best Version of You, Starting Today (part 2 of 3)

    Send us a text Welcome back to In Conversation — the Elite Agent Masterclass series with James Humphries-Stone and leading psychological performance coach Stephen-James Copp. In Part 1, we explored how the brain can be rewired and how stories shape our beliefs. In Part 2, we go deeper: where do these thought patterns actually come from, and how can we begin to change them today? Stephen shares powerful insights into how subtle experiences in childhood, the words of our parents, or even the dynamics we observe between others can leave lasting imprints. These narratives often grow into the most common limiting belief: “I’m not good enough.” 👉 In this episode, you’ll learn: Why even loving parents unintentionally plant limiting beliefs The hidden power of words — “words are spells” that shape identity How mirror neurons mean children copy what they see, not just what they’re told Why peers and teachers play a pivotal role in rewriting early stories How trauma or dysfunction can either drag you down… or drive you to succeed The difference between compliance and rebellion — and how it shapes adult outcomes Why journaling, micro-habits, and daily rituals are powerful tools for change How to use anchors (smell, colour, memory) to lock in positive beliefs Why no-one is coming to save you — and how to take accountability today Stephen’s examples range from simple childhood misunderstandings, to sibling rivalries, to how one supportive teacher or coach can flip a lifelong story of self-doubt. His message is clear: awareness, reframing, and small daily wins are the pathway to lasting confidence and performance. Whether you’re a parent, a leader, or someone looking to break free of unhelpful stories, this episode gives you practical tools you can use immediately. 📌 This is Part 2 of 3 with Stephen-James Copp. Subscribe now to catch Part 3, where we dive into actionable solutions and the outcomes you can expect by making these mindset shifts. 🎧 Available on Spotify & Apple Podcasts (search: The Elite Agent Masterclass) 📺 Subscribe here on YouTube for the full series Engage With Us Have questions or topics you'd like us to cover in future episodes? Send us your thoughts and stay engaged with the Elite Agent Masterclass for more expert insights on transforming your career. Connect with James on Socials: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn Connect with Jack on Socials: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn Connect with TEAM on Socials: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn

    23 min
  6. 09/15/2025

    In conversation with Stephen James Copp: Mastering the mind for high performance (part 1 of 3)

    Send us a text In this first part of our three-part series, In conversation with Stephen James Copp: mastering the mind for high performance, James sits down with the UK’s leading psychological performance coach to explore the power of the mind and how our stories shape who we are. Stephen unpacks why the belief that “a leopard never changes its spots” is one of psychology’s biggest myths — and how, with awareness and the right tools, anyone can reframe their thinking and create lasting change. From the science behind neuroplasticity to the role of perception in shaping our reality, Stephen shares practical insights that business owners, agents, and high performers can apply immediately. Expect real-life examples, thought-provoking analogies (including rollercoasters and Father Christmas!), and a reminder that the stories we tell ourselves aren’t fixed — they can be rewritten. This is part one of three, so make sure you’re subscribed to catch the full series as we go deeper into mastering performance and mindset. Engage With Us Have questions or topics you'd like us to cover in future episodes? Send us your thoughts and stay engaged with the Elite Agent Masterclass for more expert insights on transforming your career. Connect with James on Socials: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn Connect with Jack on Socials: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn Connect with TEAM on Socials: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn

    30 min
  7. 09/08/2025

    Listen First, Sell Better | The Power of Coaching-Led Conversations with Matt Selby

    Send us a text "How do I sell without sounding salesy?" That’s the question Matt Selby has spent years helping business owners answer — and in this episode of The Elite Agent Masterclass, he joins James Humphries-Stone and Jack Durkin for a powerful conversation on selling ethically, effectively, and with emotional intelligence. If you’ve ever struggled with fee objections, felt awkward about ‘closing’, or wished you could convert more clients without the cringe — this episode will give you practical tools and powerful reframes. Matt shares his frameworks for coaching-led sales, deep listening, early fee positioning, handling objections through collaboration (not convincing), and building stronger businesses through emotional detachment and authenticity. 🎯 What You’ll Learn: — Why agents fear sales (and how to shift your mindset)  — How to reframe objections as opportunities  — How to introduce fees early without feeling pushy  — How emotional detachment = better outcomes  — Why curiosity > charisma in great conversations  — The difference between pushy selling and ethical influence  — How to win more referrals through self-awareness  — What the best agents do differently (and why you can too) Whether you're self-employed or working within a traditional model, this conversation will help you build confidence, reduce anxiety around selling, and close more deals — the right way. Matt shares stories from the field, lessons from Expert Empires, and decades of coaching experience — all focused on helping you become more effective and more human in your sales process. If you want to remove the pressure, the pushiness, and the fear from your sales process — this is a must-listen. Engage With Us Have questions or topics you'd like us to cover in future episodes? Send us your thoughts and stay engaged with the Elite Agent Masterclass for more expert insights on transforming your career. Connect with James on Socials: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn Connect with Jack on Socials: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn Connect with TEAM on Socials: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn

    34 min

About

Welcome to the Elite Agent Masterclass Podcast, co-founded by James Humphries-Stone and Jack Durkin. Our mission is straightforward: to help both self-employed and employed estate agents excel in the competitive world of estate agency.We share real stories and proven strategies from top-performing agents and industry experts alike.We explore essential frameworks for success: lead generation, personal branding, and market positioning. We discuss the environments where great agents flourish, emphasizing the importance of support systems for all estate agents.James and Jack reveal their journeys from modest beginnings to significant earnings. James, for example, progressed from earning £12,000 a year to £14,000 per deal. Jack speaks about the transition from corporate constraints to the freedom of self-employment, demonstrating that with the right mindset and strategies, extraordinary success is within reach.The Elite Agent Masterclass Podcast is your guide to mastering estate agency, whether you’re self-employed or working within a larger firm. We cover practical tactics, from door knocking and direct mail to creating impactful social media content.Join us to learn from those who have succeeded. Understand the power of consistent effort and smart strategies. Discover how building a strong personal brand can attract the clients and properties you seek.Whether you’re new to the industry or a seasoned professional, the Elite Agent Masterclass Podcast offers the tools, knowledge, and inspiration you need to thrive in estate agency.