Rise Above The Ranks: A Real Estate Podcast

Real Estate isn’t slowing down for anyone waiting to catch up. The agents pulling ahead are the ones already using tech to work smarter, not just harder. In this episode of Rise Above The Ranks, James Harris breaks down where real estate technology is actually headed, cutting through the hype to get at what's real, what's working, and what agents need to pay attention to next. He traces ho...

What actually separates a real estate agent from a true professional? Tom Bohn argues that having a license is only the starting point. The agents who stand out are the ones who treat real estate as a profession, build their brands, and become trusted consultants and partners to their clients. In this episode of Rise Above the Ranks, Tom Bohn joins James Harris to discuss the future of the industr...

Success in luxury real estate isn't just about relationships anymore, it's about building a brand that commands attention. In this episode of Rise Above the Ranks, James Harris sits down with Daniel Heider, founder of the Heider Company, to discuss how he became the youngest Executive Vice President in TTR Sotheby's history and one of the top luxury agents in the Washington region. A f...

Success in real estate isn’t about luck-it’s about consistency, discipline, and doing the work others won’t. In this episode of Rise Above the Ranks, James Harris sits down with Jeremy Davis, founder of Davis Sales Training, to discuss the habits, systems, and mindset that helped him sell 75 homes in his first year in real estate. From transitioning out of teaching to becoming a top-performing doo...

What does it take to stay relevant in real estate for over three decades? In this episode of Rise Above the Ranks, James Harris sits down with Glennda Baker to unpack the mindset, work ethic, and strategies that transformed her from a single mom grinding through open houses and expired listings into one of the most recognizable names in real estate. From building a personal brand that outlasts any...

In this episode of Rise Above the Ranks, James Harris sits down with Cynthia Taylor, SVP of Product at Zillow, for a conversation about the systems, tools, and technology shaping the future of real estate. Cynthia shares what she’s seeing from the front lines of product innovation and explains why the agents who scale successfully aren’t just using more tools, they’re building more connected busin...

In this episode of Rise Above The Ranks, James Harris sits down with Krys Benyamein, real estate entrepreneur, content strategist, and founder of Estate of Grace for a conversation on branding, content, technology, and what it takes to stay relevant in a rapidly changing industry. What do today’s sellers actually want from their agents? Zillow’s latest Consumer Housing Trends Report, The Seller’s...

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...

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 fai...

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:💻 ht...

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 a...

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 authe...

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...

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 ever...

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 confi...

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...

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...

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 Hol...

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...

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 bre...

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 e...

In this episode of "Rise Above the Ranks," hosts James Harris and Brad Inman dive into the insider secrets of the real estate industry. Tune in to discover valuable insights and strategies that can elevate your understanding and success in real estate! Be sure to also check out Estate Elite, the premier membership for real estate agents serious about breaking into the luxury market and a...

Join James and David in this thrilling episode of *Rise Above The Ranks* as they dive deep into the captivating world of the luxury real estate market! Discover the latest trends, insider tips, and exclusive insights that will elevate your understanding of high-end properties. Whether you're a seasoned investor or just curious about the glitzy side of real estate, this episode is packed with i...

In this episode of Rise Above the Ranks, hosts David Parnes and James Harris discuss how to present yourself and learn from your mistakes. Been there, done that, here are the strategies to get started in the real estate market and make YOU successful. Be sure to also check out Estate Elite, the premier membership for real estate agents serious about breaking into the luxury market and advancing th...

This special episode is for the serious real estate agent looking to dominate their market. Rise Above The Ranks is an Estate Media real estate podcast hosted by former Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles stars James Harris and David Parnes. Each episode is dedicated to helping you elevate your game as a real estate agent. In this episode of Rise Above The Ranks, David and James sit down with Aaron...