Cohen Handler Founder & CEO: Simon Cohen – Real Estate, Risk, and Reinventing the Rules

The Gstaad Guy sits down with Simon Cohen, the South African-born, Australian-raised entrepreneur behind Cohen Handler, the buyer's agency that turned a gap in the market into a movement, to explore what it truly takes to build something original in an industry resistant to change. From discovering real estate to flipping the traditional agent model on its head, Simon reflects on the drive, honesty, and relentless problem-solving that transformed a bold idea into one of Australia's most trusted property firms.

The conversation ventures into the lessons only life can teach, taking risks before you're ready, earning client trust through radical transparency, and why chasing your dreams means being willing to reinvent the wheel entirely. Simon shares the values that shape his team, the passion that fuels his process, and why in a world of imitators, being genuinely original is still the greatest competitive advantage. A candid, grounded conversation about building with purpose, betting on yourself, and what luxury real estate truly demands of the people who serve it.

Filmed at the TASCHEN London bookstore.

(00:00) Intro ✨🎙️

(01:33) Discovering Real Estate 🏠🔍

(03:00) Seller Agent vs. Buyer Agent 🤝🏻🤝⚖️

(04:56) From Salesman To Entrepreneur 💼🚀

(06:45) Entrepreneurial Landscape 🌍📈

(09:08) Doubt 🤔😰

(09:56) Main Business Driver ⚙️💡

(11:06) Australian Market 🦘🇦🇺

(12:19) Innovation 💡🔧

(15:40) Earning Trust 🤝🏻🏆

(18:38) Team Values 👥❤️

(20:16) Passion 🔥❤️

(21:16) Outcome vs. Process 🎯🛠️

(26:10) Building Connections 🤝🏻🌐

(30:41) Competition Breeds Innovation ⚡💡

(34:34) Buying A Property 🏡💰

(38:38) The Real Life Gstaad Guy 🎿🏔️

(43:33) Decision Makers 🧠👔

(44:23) Who You Want To Be 🪞✨

(46:33) Technology 💻📱

(48:12) Remote Lifestyle 🌴💻

(51:10) Seizing Opportunities 🙌🏻⚡

(54:19) Understanding Your Customer 👂🏻🎯

(57:32) Transfer Of Wealth 💸🔄

(59:31) Luxury Requires Luxury 💎👑

(1:01:30) À La Poubelle vs. Fantastique 🗑️✨

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