#725: Leading at Scale – What Every Real Estate CEO Can Learn from Steve Zahnd

Episode Overview

In this episode of the John Kitchens Coach Podcast, John sits down with Steve Zahnd to unpack his journey from running an independent brokerage to leading a three-team merger under Real. They dive into what it takes to lead at scale, why decision-making filters are critical, and how AI is reshaping leadership, communication, and execution.

From lessons learned building SaaS systems to navigating the emotional psychology of mergers, Steve shares how clarity, trust, and technology combine to create exponential growth. Whether you're leading a team, scaling a brokerage, or just trying to stay ahead of the curve with AI, this episode is packed with insights on balancing fundamentals with innovation.

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What You'll Learn in This Episode:

Steve's Journey & The Three-Team Merger

• How Steve went from Century 21 to running his own brokerage to merging three major teams

• Why core values and vision alignment were non-negotiable in the merger decision

• Lessons from missing the EXP wave and how that shaped his second chance with Real

Leadership & Decision-Making

• The two filters Steve uses to make big decisions (and avoid blind spots)

• https://johnkitchenscoachpodcast.com/Why letting go of your brand can be the key to leveling up

• How to build trust among partners and stay in your lane

AI & Operational Excellence

• Why Steve loads every meeting, document, and decision into his "AI Brain"

• How AI acts as a strategic thought partner (and where it still falls short)

• Using AI to improve communication, remove emotion, and accelerate speed of execution

Fundamentals & Balance

• Why AI isn't a replacement for fundamentals but an accelerator

• The role of project managers and integrators in keeping teams on track

• How to capture, validate, and prioritize ideas without losing focus

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Resources & Mentions

• CoachKitchens.ai – AI coaching tool designed for real estate leaders

• The Creative Act by Rick Rubin – On faith, creativity, and problem solving

• Rocket Fuel by Gino Wickman – Understanding the Visionary/Integrator relationship

• Science of Scaling by Ben Hardy – Setting impossible goals with impossible timelines

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Final Takeaway

Growth doesn't come from chasing shortcuts—it comes from clarity, trust, and execution. As Steve puts it, merging three teams and leading at scale is less about having all the answers and more about asking the right questions, leveraging technology, and trusting the process.

"AI isn't here to replace leaders—it's here to make great leaders faster, clearer, and more effective." – Steve Zahnd

Connect with Us:

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• LinkedIn: @johnkitchenscoach
• Facebook: @johnkitchenscoach

 

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