Stay Paid Podcast: "This Mindset Shift Made Jimmy Burgess Leave the C-Suite"

Release Date: June 2, 2025

Introduction

In this compelling episode of the Stay Paid Podcast, hosts Luke Acree and Josh Steich delve deep into the transformative journey of Jimmy Burgess, a real estate veteran and former CEO of Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Beach Properties of Florida. Known for being Inman's most-read contributor for three consecutive years and garnering over 30,000 YouTube subscribers with 100,000+ monthly views, Jimmy has established himself as a pivotal voice in real estate strategy and success.

Jimmy Burgess's Decision to Step Down from the C-Suite

Key Discussion Points:

• Personal Reflection and Career Trajectory

  • At 00:55, Jimmy shares his feelings about returning to the podcast, indicating a period of introspection and change.
  • Reflecting on his 31-year career in real estate, Jimmy emphasizes the importance of aligning one's career with personal purpose over corporate progression.

• Influence of Mentors and Leadership

  • Jimmy highlights the profound impact of leaders like Gino Bafari and Chris Kelly on his professional growth.
  • Quote: "Chris Kelly has the ability to really step into any situation... Every single person he talks to, you feel like you're the only one in the room." (04:19)

• The Eagle Metaphor: Embracing Change

  • Drawing from a scripture about eagles, Jimmy illustrates his realization that to grow, one must sometimes step out of their comfort zone.
  • Quote: "As I climbed the corporate ladder, I was getting further away from my purpose, which was spending time with and helping agents." (05:42)

Purpose-Driven Decisions Over Comfort

Key Discussion Points:

• Distinguishing Between Discomfort and Purpose

  • Jimmy explains that his decision to leave the CEO position wasn't based merely on discomfort but a deep-seated desire to fulfill his purpose of aiding agents.
  • Quote: "It's not about being uncomfortable as much as it is about purpose." (10:53)

• Strategic Planning During Turbulent Times

  • Emphasizing preparation, Jimmy compares the real estate market to seasonal changes, urging agents to prepare during the "winter" to thrive in the "spring."
  • Quote: "These are the times when people are going to make strides they can't make in a market that's moving up." (21:22)

• Balancing Personal and Professional Goals

  • Through the insights shared by Cody Smith and Stephen Acree, the discussion underscores the importance of aligning coaching and leadership with individual agent goals.

Building and Maintaining Integrity in Leadership

Key Discussion Points:

• Authenticity and Purpose

  • Luke Acree commends Jimmy for his authenticity, highlighting how leaving a CEO role to follow his passion resonates deeply with audiences.
  • Quote: "Your ability to be so real about what you want and make the tough decision... allows you to function in a way that has complete integrity." (22:14)

• Impact of Integrity on Influence

  • The conversation delves into how lacking integrity can erode confidence and influence, emphasizing honesty with oneself as the foundation of effective leadership.

The Napa Valley Analogy: Cultivating Quality Through Preparation

Key Discussion Points:

• Great Soil Equals Great Outcomes

  • Jimmy narrates an enlightening experience in Napa Valley, drawing parallels between viticulture and personal growth.
  • Quote: "Great wine always starts with great soil. If a flower is not blooming... it's not the flower, it's the soil." (25:13)

• Grafting and Building Strong Foundations

  • The episode explores the concept of "grafting" in both viticulture and professional networks, emphasizing the importance of surrounding oneself with complementary strengths.
  • Quote: "You have to graft into their team... to be a part of something where you know they're going to give you what you don't have." (28:50)

• Eliminating Non-Productive Influences

  • Drawing from the analogy of removing "suckers" from grapevines, Jimmy advises agents to identify and eliminate unproductive relationships that drain resources and energy.
  • Quote: "You have to get rid of those suckers... It's the problem is a lot of times we just allow those suckers." (29:41)

Actionable Insights and Takeaways

• Preparation for Future Opportunities

  • Just as vineyards prepare for varying seasons, agents are encouraged to consistently prepare and innovate to seize upcoming opportunities.

• Prioritizing Personal Purpose Over Corporate Comfort

  • Jimmy's journey underscores the significance of aligning career moves with personal mission, even if it means stepping away from established positions.

• Maintaining Integrity and Authenticity

  • Authentic leadership fosters trust and influence, essential for long-term success and meaningful relationships in business.

• Eliminating Drains on Productivity

  • Identifying and removing non-contributive relationships and activities can redirect focus and resources toward more fruitful endeavors.

Conclusion

The episode concludes with heartfelt exchanges, reinforcing the themes of integrity, preparation, and purposeful action. Josh Steich and Luke Acree extend their gratitude to Jimmy, encouraging listeners to connect with him via Instagram and YouTube for further insights. The overarching message emphasizes the importance of taking deliberate actions aligned with one's purpose to achieve sustainable success in the ever-evolving real estate landscape.

Notable Quotes:

• "Honor is not truly given unless it's spoken." (09:16)
• "These are the times when you're going to look back and say, these were the good old days." (22:14)
• "Everything great takes time. Be patient with the process." (34:45)

Connect with Jimmy Burgess

• Instagram: @JimmyBurgess
• YouTube: Jimmy Burgess Channel

For more insights and actionable strategies, subscribe to Jimmy Burgess's YouTube channel and follow him on Instagram.

Thank you for tuning into the Stay Paid Podcast. For show notes and additional links mentioned in this episode, visit staypaidpodcast.com. Don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel and give this episode a thumbs up!