Meet Kendal Hackett

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kendal Hackett. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Kendal, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.

“Becoming My Own Foundation”

There was a time I walked into rooms hoping no one would notice me—and yet wishing someone would. I’d second-guess my every word, shrink my ideas, and find comfort in silence. Confidence felt like a language I hadn’t yet learned, and self-esteem seemed reserved for people who were born with something special I lacked.

I saw this early on in my professional career, so I forced myself to step outside of the box. With everything! I wanted to stick back where I was comfortable. Where attention was brought my way. My hands would get shakey, my voice would get quiet —but I pushed forward anyway. That “push” wasn’t brave because I was ready. It was brave because I wasn’t.

For a while,things didn’t go perfectly and they didn’t get any easier. But I showed up every day. I listened, I contributed, I adapted. I watched people respond not just to what I said, but to how I carried myself. I realized people weren’t looking for perfection—they were drawn to honesty, effort, and growth.

So I started collecting small wins. I started to speak up about things that I cared about, things that I was passionate about. I began to make more eye contact. I acknowledged my progress instead of my shortcomings. With each intentional action, I built something I had never fully given myself: permission to believe in me.

Confidence didn’t arrive like a lightning bolt—it grew like a muscle. And self-esteem? It was never about becoming someone else. It was about realizing I’ve always been enough—and learning to stand tall in that truth.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

My Journey in Real Estate: Turning Dreams Into Addresses

Stepping into real estate wasn’t just a career move for me—it was a calling. I’ve always been driven by the idea of helping people find not just a house, but the place they’ll call home. Today, I proudly work as a real estate professional dedicated to guiding clients through one of the most exciting—and important—journeys of their lives.

My specialty lies in working with first-time home buyers, and there’s something truly special about that. There’s a unique energy in helping someone purchase their very first home: the nerves, the questions, the excitement—it’s all real, and I love being the steady hand that helps bring it all together. I take the time to educate, inform, and advocate for my clients every step of the way, making sure they feel confident and empowered from start to finish.

That said, my services go far beyond just first-time buyers. Whether you’re upgrading, downsizing, investing, or selling your family home, I’m here to help guide and support you through every stage of life’s real estate journey.

To further support those just starting out, I’ve recently launched an online First-Time Home Buyer Seminar, providing free guidance, tools, and expert advice from the comfort of your own screen. And this summer, I’m taking it one step further by hosting my first in-person seminar, where I’ll connect directly with future homeowners, answer questions, and equip them with the knowledge they need to take that next big step.

Real estate is more than just contracts and keys—it’s about people, dreams, and lasting impact. That’s what excites me every day.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

1. Communication Skills

Why it matters: Real estate is all about relationships. Whether you’re explaining contracts, negotiating offers, or calming nerves, being clear, responsive, and approachable builds trust and keeps deals moving smoothly.

How to develop it:

Practice active listening—focus on understanding people before replying.

Join a local Toastmasters group or take a public speaking class.

Volunteer in customer service roles to build confidence speaking with different personalities.

2. Problem-Solving & Adaptability

Why it matters: No two transactions are the same. From financing hiccups to inspection surprises, a great agent stays calm, flexible, and solutions-focused.

How to develop it:

Take on challenges that force you to think creatively (even outside of real estate).

Play strategy-based games or engage in case studies that improve critical thinking.

Learn from mentors—ask how they’ve handled tough scenarios.

3. Empathy & Patience

Why it matters: Buying or selling a home is emotional. A successful agent can put themselves in their clients’ shoes, stay patient during setbacks, and support people through life-changing decisions.

How to develop it:

Read books or listen to podcasts that explore human behavior and emotions.

Volunteer with people from diverse backgrounds to strengthen your ability to connect.

Practice mindfulness or journaling to increase self-awareness and emotional regulation.

What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?

What I Do When I’m Feeling Overwhelmed (and What You Can Try Too)

There are days when everything feels like too much. Deadlines, decisions, messages, responsibilities—it all piles up. When I hit that point, I’ve learned to pause and lean on a few key strategies that help me reset, refocus, and move forward without burning out.

Here are some tools I use—and that you can try too—when the pressure starts to build:

1. Time Blocking

Instead of reacting to everything that comes my way, I take control by scheduling my day in blocks of time. I dedicate specific hours to certain tasks—like email, client calls, deep work, or admin—so I’m not constantly switching gears. This reduces decision fatigue and brings structure to my day.

2. Daily Scheduling & Prioritizing

Each morning (or the night before), I write down my top 3 priorities for the day. Just three. That forces me to focus on what actually matters and let go of the rest. I use a digital calendar and sometimes a physical notepad—it’s not about the tool, it’s about the clarity.

3. Brain Dump

When my mind is cluttered, I do a brain dump. I jot down every single thing that’s circling in my head—work tasks, errands, ideas, things I’m anxious about. Once it’s out of my head and onto paper, I feel lighter. Then I organize what needs action vs. what can wait.

4. Set Boundaries

Overwhelm often comes from saying “yes” to too much. I’ve learned to protect my time by setting boundaries—whether that’s limiting meetings, saying no to tasks that don’t align with my goals, or even just closing my inbox for an hour.

5. Take Micro-Breaks

When I feel stress building, I step away—even for just 5 minutes. A short walk, some deep breathing, or stretching can reset my mind far better than pushing through fatigue.

6. Limit Multitasking

Multitasking feels productive, but it often leads to mental chaos. I focus on one task at a time. It helps me move faster and feel less scattered.

7. Practice Self-Compassion

Lastly, I remind myself: it’s okay to feel overwhelmed. It doesn’t mean I’m failing—it means I care, I’m trying, and I might just need to slow down for a moment. Grace is part of the process.

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