The Better Podcast

What happens when deep real estate experience meets engineering thinking and a drive to constantly improve? In this episode of The Better Podcast, Jen Baird sits down with Will Alexander, Head of Innovation and National Director of Property Management at Bayleys, to talk about the journey behind one of the most forward-thinking minds in the business — and the role technology is playing in shaping...

What does it take to reinvent yourself in real estate — moving to a new market, joining a new brand, and building something from the ground up? In this episode of The Better Podcast, Jen Baird sits down with Hayden Ringrose, a Bayleys agent based on Waiheke Island, to talk about the career pivots, personal disciplines and mindset shifts that have defined his journey in real estate. Hayden's path t...

What does it take to build a world-class marketing campaign for one of New Zealand's most extraordinary private coastal estates? In this episode of The Better Podcast, Jen Baird sits down with James Phelan, National Residential Marketing Manager at Bayleys, to unpack the strategy, discipline, and thinking behind the Andersons Cove campaign. Set across 48 hectares of palm-fringed coastline between...

What does it take to perform at the highest level in the world—and then apply that mindset beyond sport? In this episode of The Better Podcast, Jen Baird sits down with Olympic silver medallist Ethan Mitchell to explore a career defined by relentless pursuit, discipline, and high performance. From winning silver at the Rio 2016 Olympics as part of New Zealand’s track cycling Team Sprint squad, to...

What really separates top performers from everyone else? In this solo episode of The Better Podcast, Jen Baird reflects on the lessons she’s learned from more than 20 years in real estate — and the consistent habits shared by some of the industry’s highest performers. Recorded during awards season at Bayleys, Jen unpacks the five key foundations that repeatedly show up behind long-term success: ma...

What does it really take to start again — and succeed? In this episode of The Better Podcast , Jen Baird sits down with Heather Walton-Bycroft to unpack a career shaped by reinvention, resilience, and high performance under pressure. From running a legal firm to stepping away from property development and rebuilding her life and career, Heather shares the realities behind starting again in real es...

Kathryn Robertson, Bayleys Takapuna Residential Manager, joins The Better Podcast for a conversation about leadership, personal growth, and building a thriving real estate business. Before entering real estate, Kathryn had a successful career in the New Zealand Police. In this episode she shares how the skills she developed in policing — resilience, communication, discipline, and problem-solving —...

Jen Baird is joined by Sarah Wood, CEO of realestate.co.nz, for a future-focused conversation on the changing dynamics of the real estate industry. Sarah shares her perspective from inside one of the country’s most influential property platforms, discussing how agent behaviour, consumer expectations, and property marketing have evolved over time.

In this episode, we sit down with Lorraine Young and Carolyn Ryan to unpack the first stage of a successful auction campaign: the strategy behind choosing auction as the method of sale. They discuss how to guide vendors through the decision-making process, when auction is the right approach, and how experienced agents position auctions with confidence. Lorraine and Carolyn also share how they navi...

This episode features a conversation with Josh Nixon and Tricia Lafferty to explore what happens on auction day and how agents prepare for the energy, pressure and opportunity in the room. They discuss their approach to auction day preparation, how they manage nerves for vendors and buyers, and how they work closely with the auctioneer to guide the process. Josh and Tricia also share how they appr...

We’re joined by Conor Patton, National Auction Manager, to explore the auction process from the auctioneer’s perspective. Conor shares how strong collaboration between agents and auctioneers helps create the conditions for a successful auction day. He discusses the behaviours that set the best agents apart, common pitfalls to avoid, and what effective communication looks like throughout the campai...

In this episode, we sit down with Cristelle Blanchard, Social Media Manager and Marketing Coordinator for Bayleys Auckland, to discuss how agents can use social media more effectively - without overcomplicating it. Cristelle shares why clarity, consistency and authenticity outperform volume and perfection, how storytelling and video build long-term trust, and how ads can be used strategically to s...

In this episode, we sit down with Denise and Courtney Jenner, a mother–daughter duo who have built a successful lifestyle real estate business. They share their journey into real estate, the realities of working together as a family, what sets lifestyle property sales apart, and the values and ambition behind their success.

In this episode, we sit down with Chris Farhi to discuss what 2026 might hold for the New Zealand economy and what that means for the property market. Chris shares his perspective on economic trends, the outlook for house sales volumes and prices, and how changes to the official cash rate could shape the year ahead. We’ll also explore what could derail the recovery and how you can prepare for unce...

In this episode, we explore the remarkable journey of Linda Simmons—Bayleys Devonport’s #1 salesperson and a master of emotionally driven marketing. From her global career in marketing with Nestlé to building a standout real estate business and having her sister Jacquie Macdonald join the team, Linda shares how storytelling, empathy, and authenticity have become her superpowers in property sales.

This episode will explore Nick Gilbert's journey into real estate, his strategies for success, and his advice for those just starting out. Background in sales and property development, Nick brings relatable and transferable experience and a unique perspective. We'll delve into his passion for property, his approach to building trust with clients, and the key factors that have made a difference in...

In Episode 2 of  The Better Podcast , we sit down with Lawrence Liew to explore what it really takes to elevate your profile, presence, and performance in real estate.  Lawrence shares how he’s built a reputation as a trusted advisor, sharpened his market presence, and developed the mindset and discipline needed to perform at a high level — consistently...

In this episode, we sit down with Hayley and Roberta—two powerhouse agents whose partnership is redefining what collaboration looks like in real estate. From their infectious energy to their community-first mindset, they share how teaming up has amplified their impact, brought joy to their work, and helped build lasting relationships in the market. 

Get ready to level up your real estate game. This podcast delivers real-world insights, proven strategies, and education from industry experts.