At Upstate, success isn’t just about selling property. It’s about building careers, creating opportunities, and pushing boundaries. Every year, we set the tone for the months ahead with LEVEL UP, our annual sales conference designed to sharpen skills, ignite motivation, and empower our team to reach new heights.
This year was our biggest and most impactful yet. Held at the Sydney Swans’ state-of-the-art training facility, the event brought together industry leaders, elite trainers, and a team of ambitious agents ready to take their careers to the next level. It was a day packed with world-class coaching, leadership insights, and a team experience that reinforced why Upstate continues to lead the way in real estate.
For those already in the industry or thinking about making a move, this is a glimpse into what sets Upstate apart. If you’re ready for a career that challenges, rewards, and inspires, it might be time to make the move.
Watch the event highlight reel to see LEVEL UP 2025 in action, and hear from Sales Associate Alle Grace on why this event was a defining moment in her career.
Inside the Experience: What Went Down at LEVEL UP 2025
The Upstate team kicked off the day early, departing for Moore Park at sunrise. After coffee and breakfast, the event officially began with a welcome from Peter Mosedale, setting the tone for a high-energy day focused on learning, growth, and connection.
Josh Phegan – Mastering Sales Performance
Josh Phegan opened the training with a deep dive into the habits and strategies of Australia’s top-performing agents. With experience coaching agents writing over $20.5 million in fees and handling more than $1.1 billion in sales, his insights were designed to push our team to new levels of performance.
His first session covered the foundations of high-performance real estate, focusing on momentum, structure, and the importance of consistency. He outlined how elite agents structure their days, manage their energy, and maximise productivity.
In the second session, Josh was joined by Peter Mosedale for a workshop on advanced sales strategies. This session explored negotiation techniques, building stronger client relationships, and using Upstate’s unique selling points to win more listings.
Jonathan Pease – The Power of Storytelling
In a crowded market, the ability to stand out is crucial. Jonathan Pease, an expert in brand storytelling, took our team through the fundamentals of influence, communication, and personal branding. With a career spanning global giants like Nike, Chanel, and Coca-Cola, his insights into the psychology of storytelling were invaluable.
His session focused on helping agents refine their pitch, develop a compelling personal brand, and connect with clients in a more meaningful way. He shared practical techniques for structuring conversations, building credibility, and leaving a lasting impression.
The key takeaway was clear—clients don’t just buy property, they buy trust and confidence. Knowing how to communicate that effectively is what sets great agents apart.
Nick Papas & Kylie Walsh – Leadership and Industry Growth
Leadership is about more than just numbers. Nick Papas and Kylie Walsh led an open Q&A session where they shared their experiences in building successful real estate careers and leading high-performing teams.
Nick brought a wealth of hands-on experience, discussing how to create lasting relationships with clients and colleagues. He emphasised the importance of personal growth, resilience, and maintaining long-term focus in an industry that moves fast.
Kylie provided a broader perspective on real estate trends and the skills needed to stay ahead. She spoke about adaptability, innovation, and the importance of ongoing learning. Her experience as a mentor and business leader brought valuable insights into what it takes to thrive in an evolving market.
Together, they highlighted the importance of culture, mentorship, and the right mindset for long-term success.
Drew Arthurson – Leadership Lessons from the Sydney Swans
Drawing from his experience at Apple and as COO of the Sydney Swans, Drew Arthurson explored the similarities between elite sports teams and high-performance business teams. His session focused on leadership, culture, and the strategies used by successful organisations to maintain a competitive edge.
He discussed the importance of preparation, teamwork, and maintaining high standards. His insights into the Swans’ approach to performance and resilience resonated with our team, reinforcing that the same principles apply in real estate.
This session provided a fresh perspective on what it takes to stay at the top of your game, no matter the industry.
A Firsthand Perspective: Alle Grace on LEVEL UP 2025
For Sales Associate Alle Grace, this event was a turning point. LEVEL UP reinforced her confidence, gave her new tools to refine her approach, and provided a renewed sense of motivation for the year ahead.
Reflecting on the sessions, she shared how Josh Phegan’s insights on structure and momentum have already changed the way she approaches her daily schedule. Jonathan Pease’s storytelling techniques gave her a new perspective on client relationships, helping her refine how she presents herself in the market.
The leadership discussions with Nick Papas and Kylie Walsh showed her the value of long-term thinking, while Drew Arthurson’s session on culture reinforced why the right team environment makes all the difference.
For Alle, the biggest takeaway was simple—success in real estate isn’t just about skill. It’s about mindset, consistency, and being surrounded by people who push you to do better.
LEVEL UP is more than a training day. It’s a reflection of Upstate’s commitment to investing in its people, staying ahead of industry trends, and creating an environment where ambitious professionals can grow and succeed.
We invest in the best training and mentorship. We challenge our team to perform at the highest level. We believe success happens when great people come together with a shared vision.
This is just the beginning. If you’re looking for a real estate career where you’ll be supported, challenged, and given every opportunity to succeed, Upstate is the place to be.
If you’re ready to find yourself in a better place in 2025, it’s time to start the conversation.
