John Kitchens Coach Podcast Experience

• #751: The Leadership Playbook Behind Sustainable Scale with Brett Sikora

  Episode Overview: In this episode, John Kitchens welcomes back powerhouse leader Brett Sikora for a deep, real-world conversation on intentional growth, leadership decisions, and scaling without chaos. Recorded nearly five years after Brett's first appearance during the height of COVID lockdowns, this conversation reflects on the pivotal moments that shaped his brokerage's evolution—from doubling down during uncertainty to building one of the most stable, scalable, and culture-driven organizations in the country. Brett breaks down how real growth doesn't come from chasing shiny objects or expanding out of ego, but from clarity around avatar, disciplined recruiting, financial visibility, and relentless focus on developing leaders who create leaders. If you're a team leader, broker-owner, or agent thinking about growth, mergers, or expansion, this episode delivers hard-earned lessons you can apply immediately. Key Topics Covered Growing Through Uncertainty How Brett leaned into opportunity during COVID instead of playing defense Identifying the right buyers and agents when the market feels unstable Why growth during hard times creates long-term leverage Intentional vs. Accidental Team Growth Why most teams grow by accident—and why that kills profitability The dangers of recruiting without a clear avatar How Brett filters agents before they ever join the organization Recruiting With Standards Why part-time and misaligned agents drain leadership energy The numbers behind effective recruiting conversations How saying "no" protects culture, profitability, and leadership focus Leadership, Coaching & One-on-Ones Why systems don't replace leadership The real power of one-on-one coaching conversations Shifting from leading agents to developing leaders who create leaders Profitability & Financial Clarity Understanding P&Ls before scaling or merging The hidden costs inside team growth Why knowing your numbers is non-negotiable for CEOs Expansion: When It Works—and When It Doesn't The mistakes Brett made expanding too early Why most expansions lose money before they make sense How to evaluate markets, leadership, and density before expanding The difference between a "sexy idea" and a smart decision Culture, Vision & Long-Term Scale Protecting A-players by not tolerating B- and C-players Why leadership energy must be invested where it compounds Building an organization where agents can achieve their biggest goals Resources & Mentions Expert Mentors Live John Kitchens Executive Coaching → https://johnkitchens.coach Concepts referenced: Intentional recruiting & avatar clarity Leadership development through coaching Financial discipline and P&L awareness Expansion strategy vs. ego-driven growth Final Takeaway Growth doesn't come from adding more people—it comes from making better decisions. The teams that win long-term are led by CEOs who know when to say no, who they're building for, and how to invest their time where it creates the most leverage. Expansion, recruiting, and scale only work when they're rooted in clarity, leadership, and discipline—not ego. "If it's not a hell yes, it's a no. And knowing when to say no might be the most powerful leadership skill you have." Connect with Us: Instagram: @johnkitchenscoach LinkedIn: @johnkitchenscoach Facebook: @johnkitchenscoach If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a review. Stay tuned for more insights and strategies from the top minds. See you next time! 🔥

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• #750: The CEO Execution Roadmap That Scales

  Episode Overview In this episode of the John Kitchens Coach Podcast, John Kitchens and Joel Perso break down Milestone 5 of the Agent to CEO Framework: The Execution Roadmap—the critical bridge between strategy and real-world results. Most agents don't fail because they lack ideas or effort. They fail because they work on the wrong things, in the wrong order, with no execution rhythm. John and Joel unpack why second-best problems kill momentum, how to identify the single biggest constraint in your business, and how elite CEOs turn long-term vision into focused 90-day sprints. This episode is a masterclass in prioritization, accountability, and disciplined execution—designed for agents and team leaders who are done guessing and ready to scale with intention. Key Topics Covered Why Most Businesses Stall The real reason businesses fail: working hard on the wrong problems Why second-best problems only create incremental results How to identify the one thing that can 2–3X your business in 90 days The CEO Mindset Shift Moving from task-based thinking to purpose-driven execution Understanding your role as a leader in an AI-powered, consumer-driven market Why your value must go beyond tasks that can be automated Identifying Your True Constraint The most common constraints at each revenue level: Under six figures: no compelling offer Six figures to $500K: not enough leads $500K–$1M: conversion issues $1M–$3M: delivery bottlenecks and owner dependency Traffic, conversion, fulfillment, and retention—how to diagnose what's really broken The Execution Roadmap Explained Turning strategy into a focused 90-day action plan Why one priority per quarter beats five half-finished initiatives How to reverse engineer outcomes instead of guessing your way forward Setting Objectives That Actually Work Writing clear, measurable objective statements Defining success before starting Avoiding vague goals filled with buzzwords and zero accountability Key Results & Accountability How to define results—not tasks Why numbers matter more than opinions Creating key results that stretch the team without overwhelming them Ownership & Execution Rhythm The power of single-point ownership (one person, not a committee) Using weekly sprints to maintain momentum Why reporting beats brainstorming in execution meetings How Scrum principles accelerate progress without chaos Build, Fix, or Optimize Deciding whether your next move is: Building something new Fixing what's broken Optimizing what's already working Why optimization often produces the fastest ROI Resources & Mentions Agent to CEO Framework – Core operating system for scaling with clarity Scrum by Jeff Sutherland – Execution rhythm and sprint methodology Good Strategy / Bad Strategy by Richard Rumelt CoachKitchens.ai – AI-powered execution support for real estate CEOs John Kitchens Executive Coaching → https://johnkitchens.coach Final Takeaway Execution—not effort—is the difference between agents who stay stuck and CEOs who scale. If you can identify your real constraint, commit to one priority, assign clear ownership, and execute in focused 90-day sprints, everything changes. Clarity eliminates overwhelm. Discipline creates momentum. And momentum compounds into freedom. "If you could only work on one thing for the next 90 days that would 2–3X your business, what would it be?" That question—and your willingness to answer it honestly—determines your next level. Connect with Us: Instagram: @johnkitchenscoach LinkedIn: @johnkitchenscoach Facebook: @johnkitchenscoach If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a review. Stay tuned for more insights and strategies from the top minds. See you next time! 🔥

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• #750: The CEO Execution Roadmap That Scales

  Episode Overview In this episode of the John Kitchens Coach Podcast, John Kitchens and Joel Perso break down Milestone 5 of the Agent to CEO Framework: The Execution Roadmap—the critical bridge between strategy and real-world results. Most agents don't fail because they lack ideas or effort. They fail because they work on the wrong things, in the wrong order, with no execution rhythm. John and Joel unpack why second-best problems kill momentum, how to identify the single biggest constraint in your business, and how elite CEOs turn long-term vision into focused 90-day sprints. This episode is a masterclass in prioritization, accountability, and disciplined execution—designed for agents and team leaders who are done guessing and ready to scale with intention. Key Topics Covered Why Most Businesses Stall The real reason businesses fail: working hard on the wrong problems Why second-best problems only create incremental results How to identify the one thing that can 2–3X your business in 90 days The CEO Mindset Shift Moving from task-based thinking to purpose-driven execution Understanding your role as a leader in an AI-powered, consumer-driven market Why your value must go beyond tasks that can be automated Identifying Your True Constraint The most common constraints at each revenue level: Under six figures: no compelling offer Six figures to $500K: not enough leads $500K–$1M: conversion issues $1M–$3M: delivery bottlenecks and owner dependency Traffic, conversion, fulfillment, and retention—how to diagnose what's really broken The Execution Roadmap Explained Turning strategy into a focused 90-day action plan Why one priority per quarter beats five half-finished initiatives How to reverse engineer outcomes instead of guessing your way forward Setting Objectives That Actually Work Writing clear, measurable objective statements Defining success before starting Avoiding vague goals filled with buzzwords and zero accountability Key Results & Accountability How to define results—not tasks Why numbers matter more than opinions Creating key results that stretch the team without overwhelming them Ownership & Execution Rhythm The power of single-point ownership (one person, not a committee) Using weekly sprints to maintain momentum Why reporting beats brainstorming in execution meetings How Scrum principles accelerate progress without chaos Build, Fix, or Optimize Deciding whether your next move is: Building something new Fixing what's broken Optimizing what's already working Why optimization often produces the fastest ROI Resources & Mentions Agent to CEO Framework – Core operating system for scaling with clarity Scrum by Jeff Sutherland – Execution rhythm and sprint methodology Good Strategy / Bad Strategy by Richard Rumelt CoachKitchens.ai – AI-powered execution support for real estate CEOs John Kitchens Executive Coaching → https://johnkitchens.coach Final Takeaway Execution—not effort—is the difference between agents who stay stuck and CEOs who scale. If you can identify your real constraint, commit to one priority, assign clear ownership, and execute in focused 90-day sprints, everything changes. Clarity eliminates overwhelm. Discipline creates momentum. And momentum compounds into freedom. "If you could only work on one thing for the next 90 days that would 2–3X your business, what would it be?" That question—and your willingness to answer it honestly—determines your next level. Connect with Us: Instagram: @johnkitchenscoach LinkedIn: @johnkitchenscoach Facebook: @johnkitchenscoach If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a review. Stay tuned for more insights and strategies from the top minds. See you next time! 🔥

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• #749: Leading With Passion: The Real Estate Leadership Playbook with Will Mahan

  Episode Overview In this powerhouse episode, John Kitchens sits down with Oklahoma City powerhouse and brokerage owner Will Mahan for a raw, real, and revealing conversation about leadership, obsession, building culture, and the evolution every top-producing agent must go through to truly become a CEO. Will takes us through his 15-year journey—from life insurance to top-tier real estate producer, to team leader, to eXp influencer, and now the founder of a rapidly growing hybrid brokerage built around entrepreneurship, investing, and true wealth creation. He breaks down why most agents stall out, why leadership matters more than ever, and how to build a business that aligns with your strengths, your energy, and your long-term vision. If you're craving clarity on scaling, culture, leadership, and building a business that actually gives you time, money, and location freedom, this episode will hit you right between the eyes. Key Topics Covered Will's Origin Story & Early Pivots How selling life insurance built the foundation for his real estate success Why obsession—not interest—is the real separator in this industry The mentors who shaped his business mindset and leadership style The CEO Shift: From Hustling to Building a Business How Will realized "commission checks" weren't the same as "building a business" The mindset traps that hit agents once they reach $250K… $500K… and even $1M GCI Why ego is the silent killer of progress Leadership, Culture, and Obsession The difference between being interested, committed, and obsessed Why humility is the single greatest leadership trait What Will looks for in mentors and why "yes-men" are dangerous The Decision to Launch His Own Brokerage The strategic thinking behind leaving eXp How he identified a massive gap in the OKC market The rise of the Hybrid Agent and why his brokerage attracts entrepreneurs, investors, and multi-cultural talent Building a culture where agents learn flipping, BRRRR, private money, and wealth-building methods—not just how to get commissions Why Most Agents Never Grow—Even at 7 Figures The harsh truth: agents stop doing what got them to success The false comfort of leverage when you don't reallocate your time correctly How agents accidentally sabotage their growth by abandoning the fundamentals Pruning for Growth: Cutting 30% of His Brokerage Why Will intentionally reduced his agent count to increase production The dramatic results: double the transactions with fewer agents What his top 25 agents do that the others don't: They show up They take notes They stay coachable They stay consistent The Heart of the Business: People, Passion, Purpose – Why leading with energy and passion fuels culture – The fulfillment that comes from watching agents become wealthier, empowered, and confident – How to create a business that supports your life—not the other way around Resources & Mentions – The Need to Lead by Dave Berke – Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink & Leif Babin – Agent to CEO Coaching Framework – John Kitchens Executive Coaching → JohnKitchens.coach Final Takeaway You don't build a real estate business by accident—you build it with clarity, consistency, leadership, and obsession. As Will demonstrates, the path to real freedom comes from knowing who you are, what energizes you, and building the business that aligns with that vision. "Show up with passion. Show up with energy. If you pour into your people, they'll run through a brick wall for you." – Will Mahan Connect with Us: Instagram: @johnkitchenscoach LinkedIn: @johnkitchenscoach Facebook: @johnkitchenscoach If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a review. Stay tuned for more insights and strategies from the top minds. See you next time! 🔥

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• #748: Breaking Through Your Biggest Real Estate Roadblocks

  Episode Overview In this another powerful guest episode, John Kitchens takes the hot seat for a deep dive into the real roadblocks holding agents back from real success. This conversation unpacks the journey from overwhelmed producer to intentional CEO — and why most agents stay stuck far longer than they should. John opens up about his early days in real estate, the tough lessons learned through market crashes, building and scaling brokerages, and how escaping "hero mode" transformed everything. He breaks down the exact mindset shifts, business models, and strategic frameworks agents must adopt if they want real freedom — not just another job disguised as a business. From hiring mistakes and bottlenecks to leadership identity and the future of AI-driven consumer behavior, this episode is a blueprint for any agent ready to scale with clarity, systems, and confidence. This is the episode that will challenge how you think — and change how you run your business. What You'll Learn in This Episode John's Real Estate Origin Story How a chance introduction to Jay Kinder changed the trajectory of his life What he learned from operating in both small-town and mega-market environments Why tough markets (like 2007–2011) built the muscle that made long-term success possible The Agent-to-CEO Shift The mindset move from salesperson → business owner Why clarity, forecasting, and financial visibility matter more than "hustle" Understanding your "freedom number" and the Perfect Day framework The Biggest Roadblocks Agents Face How skipping steps creates collapse later Why most agents actually have a talent problem, not a lead problem Understanding the Theory of Constraints and using bottlenecks to guide growth Building a Business That Scales How proven systems (not heroics) remove you from production Why agents should leverage VAs, AI, and the global workforce What "unique ability" means — and how it decides who you should hire next Team Building Mistakes Most Leaders Make Hiring out of pain instead of strategy Jumping too fast without a clear role or process How to time your first and second key hires Behind the Move to eXp Realty The breakfast that changed everything — sitting across from Glenn Sanford How John, Jay Kinder, and Al Stasek hit their 10-year vision in 18 months Why eXp's platform, flexibility, and long-term sustainability matter The Future of Real Estate Why agents must become knowledge-based experts, not order-takers How AI will change consumer behavior — and what pros must do now Why adaptability, trust, and content leadership will dominate the next 5 years Resources & Mentions CoachKitchens.ai — AI-powered real estate business systems John Kitchens Executive Coaching → JohnKitchens.coach The Goal by Eli Goldratt — Theory of Constraints Who Moved My Cheese? — Adaptability mindset The Perfect Day exercise by Frank Kern Final Takeaway You can't scale chaos. If you want real freedom — financial and lifestyle — you must think, act, and decide like a CEO. That means knowing your numbers, identifying your constraints, and building a business that uncovers opportunities instead of chasing transactions. "Skipping steps only presents the illusion of speed." — John Kitchens Connect with Us: Instagram: @johnkitchenscoach LinkedIn: @johnkitchenscoach Facebook: @johnkitchenscoach If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a review. Stay tuned for more insights and strategies from the top minds. See you next time! 🔥

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