Meet Lailan Bento

 

We were lucky to catch up with Lailan Bento recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Lailan, you’ve got such an interesting story, but before we jump into that, let’s first talk about a topic near and dear to us – generosity. We think success, happiness and wellbeing depends on authentic generosity and empathy and so we’d love to hear about how you become such a generous person – where do you think your generosity comes from?

My generosity comes from a deep-seated belief in the value of community and giving back to those around me. Growing up in Hawaii, I was taught the importance of aloha – kindness, respect, and love for others. This foundational principle has guided me throughout my life and career. Generosity, for me, is a way of honoring my culture and heritage, ensuring that my actions contribute to the well-being of those around me. I feel a strong sense of kuleana (responsibility) to support and uplift others, creating a positive ripple effect within my community.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

Being born and raised on the Big Island of Hawaii, Lailan Bento has always had a passion for all things Hawaii real estate, but mainly a passion for Hawaii. Lailan started her journey with an interest in showcasing her and her family’s love for Hawaii to other families.

Lailan started her career in the governor’s office, gaining unparalleled experience in understanding Hawaii laws and regulations; while also establishing herself as a respected businesswoman. Lailan is widely known for her relentless drive, integrity, and expertise. After years in the industry, Lailan opened her real estate company, Hawaii Development Group, where she serves as principal broker.

Hawaii real estate is as unique as Hawaii itself, whether it be the dynamics of the island chain or its history unlike any other place in the world. These are just two of the many reasons Lailan ensures every client ends with both satisfaction and a personal connection to Hawaii. Lailan has worked with some of the greatest individuals in the Hawaii real estate industry and that is why she knows how to navigate and curate the real estate process with ease, connection, and trust for all of her clients.

Through Lailan’s past experiences coupled with her love for her island home on the Big Island of Hawaii, Lailan seeks to connect with both her existing and future clientele about Hawaii’s incredible real estate industry. Interested in getting to know more about Lailan and any of your Hawaii real estate needs? Contact Lailan today to connect so you too can see why she loves what she does and why her team at Hawaii Development Group loves working in Hawaii real estate.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Each of these has uniquely contributed to my growth and success, and I believe they are invaluable for anyone starting their journey.

1. Resilience: In any industry, challenges are inevitable. Resilience is the ability to persist through tough times and learn from setbacks. For me, resilience came from staying grounded in my purpose and being open to growth. My advice for developing resilience is to embrace challenges as opportunities to learn. Focus on small steps that build confidence, and remind yourself why you started whenever you face obstacles.
2. Understanding Local Culture: Especially in Hawaii, an understanding of local culture and values like aloha and kuleana is essential. This knowledge has allowed me to connect with clients and communities in a genuine, respectful way. For those early in their journey, I recommend immersing yourself in the culture and community you serve. Take the time to listen and learn from those around you, and prioritize relationships over transactions. Authenticity will always resonate.
3. Effective Communication Skills: Communication is at the heart of building trust and clarity with clients, colleagues, and partners. It involves not just speaking clearly, but also actively listening and empathizing with others. To improve this skill, practice active listening and empathy in every interaction. Remember, communication is not just about what you say but how you make others feel. Being present and engaged goes a long way in building strong, meaningful connections.

For anyone starting out, I’d advise being patient with yourself as you develop these qualities. They take time to cultivate, but with consistency and dedication, they’ll serve as strong pillars throughout your journey.

To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?

The most impactful thing my parents did for me was instilling a strong sense of values – particularly the importance of integrity, respect, and responsibility. They taught me to always lead with kindness, stay grounded in my beliefs, and honor my commitments. Their lessons weren’t just words; they modeled these values in their own lives, showing me the significance of consistency and character. This foundation has guided me through every challenge and decision in my life, keeping me aligned with my purpose and helping me navigate my career and relationships with clarity and heart.

My advice for others is to take the time to reflect on the values that matter most to you and let them be the compass that guides your actions. Values give you strength and resilience, especially when things get tough, and help you stay true to yourself.

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