Rise Above The Ranks: A Real Estate Podcast

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May 2026

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About the show

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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May 28, 202641 min

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!

May 14, 202639 min

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

May 7, 20265 min

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

May 1, 202613 min

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/

April 28, 202617 min

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/

April 1, 202659 min

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 #JamesHarrisFollow 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/

March 4, 202614 min

Winners Are Built, Not Born | James Harris

In this episode of Rise Above The Ranks, James Harris breaks down one of the most misunderstood truths in real estate: failure is not personal—it’s developmental. Too many agents treat temporary setbacks as permanent outcomes, when in reality, failure is the only path to real growth. Reflecting on his own journey—from starting work at just 15 years old to where he is today—James explains that every level of success he’s reached was built by failing, learning, and asking the right question: How do I grow from this? When you do that, you don’t just improve—you grow tenfold.James also dives into the power of mindset, explaining how your morning routine can shape long-term success, why winners don’t wait to “feel ready,” and why hard work still wins in an era obsessed with instant results. Top agents succeed because they’re willing to do what others won’t—consistently, intentionally, and without excuses.For agents ready to level up, be sure to check out Estate Elite—the premier membership for professionals serious about breaking into luxury real estate. Get direct coaching from industry leaders Josh Flagg, Tracy Tutor, Glennda Baker, and James Harris.👉 Visit: https://estatemedia.co/elite/?utm_souFollow Estate Media:💻 https://estatemedia.co📸 IG: / / estatemediaofficial 🤳 TT: / estatemediaus 💼 LinkedIn: / estatemediaus 🎥 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...Follow James and Read The Blueprint:📸 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! #EstateElite #RealEstateAgent #RealEstate #MillionDollarListing #AgentLife#MillionDollarListing #JamesHarris

February 4, 202640 min

"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

January 26, 202654 min

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

January 7, 202648 min

Why Long-Term Thinking Wins in Real Estate | Rise Above The Ranks

In this episode of Rise Above The Ranks, James Harris sits down with Clayton Collins, CEO of HousingWire and one of the most respected voices in housing, mortgage, and real estate media. Clayton shares how leaders and market research executives evaluate the housing cycle—looking beyond headlines to understand where the market is today and where it’s heading next. James reminds agents that as 1099 independent contractors, they are the CEOs of their own businesses and must resist making emotional, short-term decisions. Together, they challenge agents to adopt an executive mindset, asking the bigger question: as we move toward 2026 and beyond, do we believe in the long-term value of homeownership versus the alternatives? A thoughtful conversation on strategy, leadership, and thinking several steps ahead in an evolving market.#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/