Thinking outside the box with Gavin Rubinstein

Gavin Rubinstein
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Conversations between Gavin Rubinstein & the people he believes have trailblazed by thinking outside the box in their field, industry or even just in his office. Gavin is defining a new era of real estate. An unparalleled commitment to achieving excellence sees him as one of the most desired property advisers in Sydney. Awarded Ray White’s number 1 salesperson across the state of New South Wales for 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019. In 2018 and 2019, that extended to the Ray White Group globally. As his first year as a principal, he ranked number 1 across Australia & New Zealand based on sales across the entire Ray White Group.

  1. 6D AGO

    #52 Josh Morrissey

    Gavin sits down with Canberra-based Josh Morrissey, founder of Hive Property, to unpack what it really takes to build an elite real estate business from the ground up, and sustain performance at scale. From starting Hive with no money in the bank, a newborn baby, and four staff working out of a concrete garage, to becoming the only independent agency to hold second market share across the ACT, Josh breaks down the mindset, discipline, and systems behind long-term success. This conversation dives deep into compounding time, building high-performance ecosystems, ruthless accountability, and the one percenters that separate good operators from truly elite ones, all while balancing family, health, and leadership at scale. Episode Breakdown 00:00 – 05:00Introduction to Josh Morrissey and Hive Property; early parallels with Gavin’s journey; overview of Hive’s growth, positioning, and vision in the Canberra market. 05:00 – 10:00Founding Hive from scratch, leaving the franchise model, starting with a newborn and no capital; the importance of clarity, vision, and committing before conditions are perfect. 10:00 – 15:00Early-career struggles, burning the ships at 27, losing time due to lack of discipline, and the moment accountability became non-negotiable. 15:00 – 20:00Compounding time through project marketing, delayed gratification, doing the work others avoid, and accelerating wealth creation through leverage. 20:00 – 25:00Building momentum through high-end results while monetising volume stock; running parallel business models to scale faster and smarter. 25:00 – 30:00Discipline, consistency, and accountability are the true differentiators; why most agents are consistent at being inconsistent. 30:00 – 35:00Time chunking, personal KPIs, and managing energy; structuring days for performance without burnout. 35:00 – 40:00The real cost of business ownership: leadership pressure, sacrifice, family strain, and the realities behind polished brands. 40:00 – 45:00Running a real estate business like a professional sports team: culture, retention, standards, and why elite environments attract elite performers. 45:00 – 50:00Results-based selling, market mastery, and adapting strategy to micro-markets; auctions versus private treaty and protecting vendor outcomes. 50:00 – EndOne percenters, brand consistency, belief, and playing the long game; why success compounds quietly before it becomes visible. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    55 min

  2. JAN 25

    #51 Matt Lancashire

    Gavin sits down with Brisbane’s Matt Lancashire to unpack what it takes to build an elite sales career, how to scale a business, and sustain performance over the long term.  From starting broke and nine months without a sale to leading a multi-office operation and breaking Brisbane auction records, Matt unpacks the mindset, systems, and bold decisions that shaped his journey, and the personal frameworks he uses to balance family, health, and business at the highest level. Episode Breakdown 00:00 – 05:00Introduction to Matt Lancashire; career overview; family life, Brisbane market momentum, and the growth of his multi-office business. 05:00 – 10:00Business structure and partnerships; splitting operational and performance leadership; scaling with the right people and systems. 10:00 – 15:00Early career struggles, running out of money, and lessons from financial pressure: building resilience and self-belief. 15:00 – 20:00Learning from top performers, meeting high-performing agents, simplifying success into repeatable fundamentals. 20:00 – 25:00The pivotal case study that changed everything: marketing conviction, bold risk-taking, and owning market visibility. 25:00 – 30:00Creating competitive tension; trust with vendors; why marketing is an investment, not a cost. 30:00 – 35:00Client selection criteria: saying no to the wrong business; focusing on fewer listings for higher performance and satisfaction. 35:00 – 40:00Team consolidation, simplifying operations, and achieving record results through focus and clarity. 40:00 – 45:00Balancing family, health, and business using Matt’s three-bucket framework; managing energy, burnout, and longevity. 45:00 – EndPractical advice for agents today: brand presence, auctions, structured prospecting, hard work, and returning to process when momentum stalls. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    49 min

  3. 12/07/2025

    #50 Josh Phegan

    In this episode, Gavin welcomes real estate coach Josh Phegan for an in-depth conversation on achieving excellence and longevity in the industry. From his upbringing in regional Australia and formative years learning from his family’s real estate legacy, to building a global coaching practice, Josh shares lessons on adaptability, service, and the discipline required for lasting success. Learn how he teaches agents to master the fundamentals, navigate changing markets, and cultivate the mindset and habits that set the very best apart. Episode Breakdown 00:00 – 05:00Introduction to Josh Phegan; early influences from family; learning real estate fundamentals from his father. 05:00 – 10:00Transition from media and creative pursuits to joining the family business; the value of systemisation and process. 10:00 – 15:00First steps into real estate training: finding opportunity, building a diverse client base, and early career lessons. 15:00 – 20:00Expanding into new markets, coaching approaches, and helping clients through major transitions and crises. 20:00 – 25:00Defining the role of a "practitioner" vs agent; foundational skills new agents must master; the importance of listing presentations. 25:00 – 30:00Strategies for effective prospecting, leveraging internal business opportunities, and case studies. 30:00 – 35:00The psychology of uncovering client motivations, language, and advanced selling techniques. 35:00 – 40:00Consistency, competitive nature, and the routines and standards behind top performers. 40:00 – 45:00Work-life balance, scheduling downtime for longevity, the importance of recurring goals and rigorous personal commandments. 45:00 – EndFinal reflections on legacy, energy management, and leaving a positive impact on agents and the industry. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    43 min

  4. 11/30/2025

    #49 Jordan Smith from Dubai

    In this episode, Gavin sits down with Jordan Smith, Dubai’s most dynamic real estate broker. From humble beginnings in Preston to breaking records in Dubai’s luxury market, Jordan details the grit, mindset, and relentless value-add that fueled his rise.  Episode Breakdown 00:00 – 05:00Jordan’s roots in Preston, UK, early career in car and funeral sales, and discovering sales fundamentals. 05:00 – 10:00The pivotal car deal that sparked his move to Dubai; first impressions, financial pressure, and the challenge of starting over. 10:00 – 15:00Culture shock, combating loneliness, navigating the Dubai market, and learning through shadowing colleagues. 15:00 – 20:00Cold calling breakthroughs, adapting pitch strategies, and landing the first big deal in Palm Jumeirah. 20:00 – 25:00Changing mindsets after a key negotiation, validating sales ability, and transitioning to greater deals. 25:00 – 30:00The grind: 14-hour days, no “work-life balance”, and building a deep client-focused work ethic. 30:00 – 35:00Joining White & CO, mentorship from Cal, and the power of broker-focused, incentive-driven cultures. 35:00 – 40:00Defining non-negotiables: value before commission, office culture, and the importance of never forgetting your roots. 40:00 – 45:00Networking strategies, building authentic relationships, and mastering referrals in the Dubai property scene. 45:00 – 50:00Smart income streams, double deals, client education on mortgages and renovations for lasting value. 50:00 – 57:00Personal growth, overcoming burnout, the true drivers behind success, and final reflections on legacy and longevity. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    57 min

  5. 05/25/2025

    #48 Adrian Bo

    In this episode, Gavin sits down with Adrian Bo, one of the most respected names in Australian real estate. With a career spanning over three decades, Adrian shares how he went from stockbroking dreams to commercial leasing, then became a sales titan and now a sought-after coach and auctioneer. Adrian opens up about the lessons he learned from John McGrath, the power of discipline, and what it takes to stay relevant in a constantly evolving market. From building elite teams to surviving career adversity, this is a masterclass in adaptability, mindset, and longevity. Episode Breakdown 00:00 – 05:00Adrian’s early career, from stockbroker ambition to falling into real estate. 05:00 – 10:00Commercial leasing, key contacts, and getting poached by McGrath. 10:00 – 15:00Switching to residential sales and dominating the Eastern Suburbs. 15:00 – 20:00Sales meetings, tough love, and lessons from John McGrath. 20:00 – 25:00From 4 to 100 sales a year, scaling with assistants and structure. 25:00 – 30:00Why he left selling, embraced coaching, and the moment that changed his path. 30:00 – 35:00Mindset, stoicism, and navigating career lows with grace. 35:00 – 39:18The difference between lifestyle and growth agents, and what separates the top 20 percent. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    39 min

  6. 05/04/2025

    #47 Vivien Yap

    Gavin sits down with Vivien Yap, One of Australia’s top female real estate agents, to unpack how she built a powerhouse career after two decades as a pharmacist. Vivian shares the mindset, routines, and lessons that fuel her success.  She opens up about her transition into real estate, the support systems that keep her grounded, and what drives her now as a leader and mentor. This episode is full of practical insights for anyone aiming to lead with impact and longevity. Episode Breakdown 00:00 – 10:00 How pharmacy led to real estate, early lessons, and first listings. 10:00 – 15:00 Record-breaking sales and building momentum. 15:00 – 20:00 Discipline, family support, and long-term vision. 20:00 – 25:00 Vivian’s 5 tips for new agents, from energy to abundance. 25:00 – 30:00 Growing a team and leaving a legacy. 30:00 – 35:00 Daily routines, staying motivated, and balance. 35:00 – 41:00 Handling rejection and keeping perspective. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    41 min

  7. 04/13/2025

    #46 Marcus Chiminello

    In this episode, Gavin sits down with Marcus Chiminello, one of Australia's most respected names in real estate, known for dominating Melbourne’s luxury market and redefining what prestige selling looks like. Marcus opens up about his journey from apprentice carpenter to record-breaking agent, his decision to specialise in high-end properties, and the personal discipline it takes to stay at the top. They discuss everything from mentorship, routines, and database curation, to how Marcus balances a high-stakes career with family life and board-level leadership at Marshall White. This is a masterclass in elite performance, strategy, and staying grounded. Whether you're in real estate or business, Marcus shares playbook-level insights on how to build a brand with integrity, attract the right clients, and lead a fulfilling career. Episode Breakdown 00:00 – 05:00: From apprentice to agent – Marcus’ early career pivot and what drew him to real estate. 05:00 – 10:00: Learning the ropes – Working with top mentors, enduring tough lessons, and switching firms. 10:00 – 15:00: Back to PA – Why Marcus took a step back to learn a new market and how it paid off long-term. 15:00 – 20:00: Database strategy & brand positioning – The mindset shift from generalist to prestige specialist. 20:00 – 25:00: Building a high-performance team – From solo to scale: how Marcus built and structured his elite unit. 25:00 – 30:00: Board responsibilities & balance – Managing 350+ staff, family, and staying deal-focused. 30:00 – 35:00: Mental resilience – The voice in your head, burnout, and how Marcus stays in peak state. 35:00 – 37:00: Fitness, focus, and legacy – What drives Marcus now, and how he leads by example for his family. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    48 min

  8. 03/28/2025

    #45 Oliver Lavers and Zac Rabin

    Gavin sits down with Oliver Lavers and Zac Rabin from TRG, two of the most successful real estate agents in the Ray White network. Known for their high performance, consistency, and drive, these top operators open up about what it takes to succeed in a challenging property market. From personal routines and relentless discipline to vendor management and leadership, Zac and Oliver share hard-earned lessons and strategies that have kept them at the top of their game. They talk about mentorship, the importance of being in the trenches with your team, and how to reignite passion when the going gets tough. Whether you're in real estate or any performance-driven industry, this episode is a playbook on how to show up, stay consistent, and lead with values. Episode Breakdown 00:00 – 05:00: Introduction – Gavin sets the stage for a deep dive with Zac and Oliver on sales performance in today’s real estate climate. 05:00 – 10:00: The no-BS approach – Zac explains his honest method with vendors, managing energy, and choosing who to work with. 10:00 – 15:00: Oliver’s daily routine and the power of consistency – why he treats each day like he’s starting from scratch. 15:00 – 20:00: Discipline, drive, and the ‘off switch’ – the relentless mindset behind top performers. 20:00 – 25:00: Team leadership and mentorship – how Zac and Oliver have built teams that thrive. 25:00 – 27:23: Advice for new and struggling agents – back-to-basics strategies and how to reset when you’ve lost your spark. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    27 min
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About

Conversations between Gavin Rubinstein & the people he believes have trailblazed by thinking outside the box in their field, industry or even just in his office. Gavin is defining a new era of real estate. An unparalleled commitment to achieving excellence sees him as one of the most desired property advisers in Sydney. Awarded Ray White’s number 1 salesperson across the state of New South Wales for 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019. In 2018 and 2019, that extended to the Ray White Group globally. As his first year as a principal, he ranked number 1 across Australia & New Zealand based on sales across the entire Ray White Group.

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