In this episode of ReadyTalk, Jack Johnstone speaks with Cieran Kayes, one of Australia’s most dynamic and versatile property developers.

From starting out as a bricklayer under his father, to running some of Melbourne’s busiest pubs, and ultimately leading landmark developments with Edge Development Group, Cieran has built a remarkable career.

Jack and Cieran's conversation explores how timing and cashflow have shaped his journey, the challenges of turning heritage pubs into successful projects, and the risks he faced during market downturns like the GFC. Cieran also reflects on the evolution of Melbourne’s property market — from townhouses to apartments and beyond — and shares his views on building strong teams, mentoring the next generation, and even venturing into new areas such as NDIS housing. 

For our next episode of ReadyTalk, Jack Johnstone sits down with Gerald Delany, a true pioneer of Melbourne real estate. 

With over 40 years at the top of the industry, Gerald has built an extraordinary career defined by consistency, integrity, and record-breaking success. Now Chairman of Kay & Burton, one of the most prestigious brands in Australian real estate, he has seen it all—from the early days of managing rent rolls to setting national sales records in the luxury property market.
 
In this episode, Gerald reflects on his unlikely entry into real estate, the early challenges of breaking into Melbourne’s exclusive high-end market, and the risks and turning points that shaped his career. 

He shares lessons on leadership, mentorship, and the importance of presentation and professionalism, as well as his experiences navigating market downturns and growing Kay & Burton from a single office to a multi-branch powerhouse. 

Gerald shares the pivotal moments that shaped his career, the risks that paid off, and the timeless lessons he passes on to the next generation of agents. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting, his story is packed with insights, resilience, and inspiration.

Beyond business, Gerald opens up about his personal definition of success, what continues to drive him after decades in the industry, and the habits that have sustained his remarkable longevity.

In our next episode of ReadyTalk, Jack Johnstone sits down with Illan Samuel, founder and managing director of Samuel Property, a family-owned Melbourne-based property development firm, which specialises in high-end multi-residential projects. 

Illan founded the firm around 10 years ago and in that time has emerged as one of Melbourne’s most progressive new contributors within the contemporary residential landscape. 

With a background in property valuation, Illan shares his journey from buying his first development site, based on a bad Mexican meal, to managing complex projects across Victoria. He discusses market trends, the importance of precise feasibility analysis, community consultation, and the practicalities of navigating planning processes.

Tune in for direct insights, industry realities, and practical lessons from the front lines of property development.

For our next episode of Ready Talk, we have the second part of a two-part edition featuring special guest Barry Plant, a respected figure in the Australian real estate industry whose full story has never been heard before.

Barry's journey began in 1969, leading him from entry-level roles to building a highly successful real estate empire alongside his wife Karen.

Barry shares his pioneering marketing strategies, such as detailed canvassing and vendor-paid advertising, and insights gained from successfully navigating multiple recessions, emphasising adaptability and forward-thinking.

Barry also discusses significant trends shaping the industry, including the increasing role of technology in real estate marketing and sales.

Join us for a thoughtful discussion about real estate, business growth, and partnership, with lessons from Barry's five decades in the industry.

For our next episode of Ready Talk, we have a two-part edition featuring special guest Barry Plant, a respected figure in the Australian real estate industry whose full story has never been heard before.

Barry's journey began in 1969, leading him from entry-level roles to building a highly successful real estate empire alongside his wife Karen.

Barry shares valuable insights from his extensive experience, including strategies for effective sales and auctions, navigating market downturns, and making pivotal business decisions. He reflects on his early days in St Kilda, sales growth in Glen Waverley, and the key factors behind the establishment and expansion of his own agency in Templestowe.

Additionally, Barry offers practical advice on leadership, cultivating strong client relationships, and maintaining resilience in the face of industry changes.

Join us for a thoughtful discussion about real estate, business growth, and partnership, with lessons from Barry's five decades in the industry.

In this episode of ReadyTalk, Jack Johnstone sits down with Lauren Staley, Managing Director of Infolio Property Advisors. With 25 years of experience, Lauren shares practical insights into Melbourne's real estate market, her journey from property management to buyer advocacy, and how she built a successful business by filling a crucial gap for homebuyers and investors.

Lauren explains the critical role a buyer’s advocate plays, including sourcing off-market properties, negotiating deals, and using data-driven methods to avoid common pitfalls in the buying process.

She explores her experiences navigating complex negotiations, providing valuable insights into current market trends, build-to-rent opportunities, leveraging AI in real estate and strategies for success in Melbourne's dynamic property landscape.

For our next episode of Ready Talk, we welcome Mark Greenberg, Director and Founder of Lambert Capital.

Mark is a Chartered Accountant with over 30 years’ experience in Accounting, General Management, Banking, Property, Direct Private Lending and Funds Management.  He has a Bachelor of Commerce from Melbourne University, an MBA from the Melbourne Business School, and Diplomas of Financial Services and Financial Planning.

Mark discusses his early exposure to property development, his beginnings in accounting and transition into corporate property division into ANZ and finally the birth of Lambert Capital, a non bank fund which lends to property development finance. 

Mark gives great insight into the modern market dynamics of property development financing, advice for developers in getting project finance, common feasibility oversights Mark encounters and what trends Mark is seeing in the property development finance space.

In our next episode of Ready Talk, Jack Johnstone sits down with Mat Steinwede, Director of McGrath Estate Agents.

Ranking consistently as the number one agent in the McGrath Network, combined with leading one of the most successful sales teams in Australasia, Mat Steinwede is a sought-after property sales specialist.

Mat's achievements have seen him recognised by global sales leaders, and a thought leader and emerge as an in-demand high-performance speaker. Outside his passion for Real Estate, Mat is an author and founder of the 31 Minute Global Movement which helps people who want to unlock their true potential and live their best life.

In this episode, Mat opens up about his rocky beginnings in Sydney’s underworld and how he turned his life around to become one of Australia’s highest-performing real estate agents.

He breaks down the sales tactics that have propelled his success, the daily processes that keep him at the top, and why going deep on a focused area beats going broad every time. 

Mat also shares his insights on where the residential development market is headed and what savvy developers should pay attention to next.

In our next episode of Ready Talk, Jack Johnstone had the opportunity to sit down with Tas Costi and Simon Cohen, Co-founders of Australia's first commercial property buyers agency, Costi Cohen.
 
With over a decade in the field, Tas is an established property mentor with peak industry affiliations. As Co-Founder of Costi Cohen, Tas is leading a team of strategically chosen professionals in a growing world of opportunity, with his clients at the forefront to reap all the rewards derived from his ambition.
 
As Co-Founder of Costi Cohen, Simon has built his reputation on providing outstanding service for his clients, helping them secure properties for the right price and with unrivalled access to exclusive off-market listings. 
 
Jack's discussion with Tas and Simon delves into their beginnings in real estate, how the pair continue to challenge each other in a way that keeps Costi Cohen ahead of the pack and some of the most unique buyer requests they've had.
 
Tas and Simon give valuable insight into the changes to commercial real estate from a branding perspective in the modern era, the importance of process in due diligence, and the rise of buyers agents in both residential and commercial markets.

For our next episode of Ready Talk, Jack Johnstone sits down with Matt Lahood, Founder and CEO of The Agency.

With than more than 35 years of real estate experience, including 25 years in leadership and growth roles, Matt knows what it takes to significantly grow business and has worked alongside most of Australia’s property industry icons throughout his career.

Matt has coached and mentored many of the industry’s finest sales agents to become million-dollar writers and has been recognised with countless performance awards.

Jack's talk with Matt delves into the beginnings of The Agency, and the unique approach it takes in the brand to agent relationship, the step away from a franchise model and the changing climate of real estate in Australia. 

Matt gives indispensable insight into brand building, the importance of speed in the modern business landscape and how fostering a culture agent autonomy has enabled The Agency to scale where it is today. 

For our next episode of Ready Talk, Jack Johnstone sits down with Mark Earle, Chairman and Director of Buxton Real Estate Group.

When it comes to a passion for real estate Mark Earle is renowned for his unwavering commitment and his unyielding motivation to succeed. Head-hunted into real-estate at an early age, Mark's desire to lead the way in his chosen profession was always clear...he has been in the business since 1994; almost all spent as one of Victoria's top real estate agents.

Selling via auction continues to play a central role in today’s premium markets. As an accomplished auctioneer, Mark naturally instils pre-auction confidence; putting even the most nervous vendor at ease.

This same calm, confidence and energetic assertiveness extends to Mark’s place at the negotiating table. Here, Mark's ability to read the room, lead the negotiation, and extend purchasers to their upper limits ensures his vendors always achieve the best possible outcome.

Jack's discussion with Mark discusses his beginnings in real estate, from a junior property manager to the chairman of one of the most successful franchises in the country.

Mark gives valuable insight into how to differentiate a brand while touching on key market trends; how construction costs have affected land values, shifting trends in residential developments, and how developers can navigate these trends to maximise value in their projects.

For our first episode of Ready Talk, Jack Johnstone sits down with Leonard Teplin, Director, Marshall White. 

Known for his ability to create sales at the highest level, over the last decade Leonard has been involved in some of Melbourne’s most iconic and successful off-the-plan residential developments.

Leonard’s extensive experience in the real estate industry and particular expertise in the inner urban residential property market have seen him in demand with some of Australia’s largest public and private companies. His strength in establishing a global agent and referral partner network has set him apart; connected to the best developers and builders in Melbourne. Leonard enjoys managing his client's projects from inception to completion.

Jack's discussion with Leonard dives deep into his beginnings in real estate, how he moved into the development space and subsequently the off-the-plan sales market. Leonard gives his tips for residential developers trying to maximise value for their projects and what trends are upcoming throughout the market.