Get ready for a powerful conversation! In this month's series, I'm thrilled to host three incredible leaders: Stacy Durbin, Maria Kazakos, and Jenny Moyer.
They're here to share how their innovative approaches and unwavering dedication shape the real estate industry. Join me as I chat with these three lovely next-level powerhouses to delve into their unique challenges and learn their secret to success.
Meet the Leaders
Stacy Durbin, President of HomeServices, KOI, Inc.
Maria Kazakos, President, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Carolinas Realty
Jenny Moyer, Vice President, Network Services, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices
Start in Real Estate and Current Positions
Stacy started her journey into real estate in 2004, after her friend’s encouragement. In 2009, she entered the corporate side of a company she was working with at the time and became a relocation director, which started her leadership career. Only being in her current role since the start of 2025, Stacy found that listening, learning, and engaging with others helped her step into it effectively and thrive in her new responsibilities.
Jenny began her career after leaving her Old Navy job at 17, and her mom, who was a managing broker, invited her to become a receptionist for her company. After graduating from college, she was able to move up in her leadership positions. Stepping into the position she has now was sudden and unexpected, but eventually she came to the realization that with time and help, she would be able to overcome the challenges and excel in her new leadership capacity.
After leaving the teaching profession, Maria found that real estate aligned with the goals in all areas of her life. She believed that every role she has ever had since entering the industry could be considered a leadership position. Maria began her current position nine months ago, and found that having the right team members around makes the transition seamless and fosters a supportive environment for success.
Navigating Agents through Current Shifts and Challenges
Stacy shares how she likes to keep her agents motivated through the current changes by evolving how they do things within the company. She provides a positive workplace to help her agents reflect on the first quarter and see how they can be successful for the rest of the year.
Knowing how often the unexpected changes can disrupt the real estate field, Maria teaches her real estate agents that they have to own the outcomes. Nothing goes as planned, and as long as you’re taking the time to reflect and adapt, success will come.
Favorite Books and Quotes
Jenny lives by the "work hard, play hard" philosophy, believing that achieving your dreams comes before enjoying life's pleasures. A favorite quote from Sara Blakely, "Don't be intimidated by what you don't know. That can be your greatest strength and ensure that you do things differently from everyone else," truly resonates with her.
Stacy, meanwhile, recommends Lead Like You Mean It, highlighting its valuable insights on nurturing relationships and supporting others.
Favorite Books and Quotes
Jenny lives by the "work hard, play hard" philosophy, believing that achieving your dreams comes before enjoying life's pleasures. A favorite quote from Sara Blakely, "Don't be intimidated by what you don't know. That can be your greatest strength and ensure that you do things differently from everyone else," truly resonates with her.
Stacy, meanwhile, recommends Lead Like You Mean It, highlighting its valuable insights on nurturing relationships and supporting others.
Maria finds her father to be a guiding light, offering essential advice throughout her life. She's currently enjoying The Energy Bus, appreciating its message about the importance of positive energy.
When you help another woman rise, we all shine. And that’s how we make an impact. So, let’s build each other up and shine brighter than the sun. For more great content from Teresa, connect with her on LinkedIn, join her Women Who Lead Series on Facebook, and subscribe to her YouTube channel. You can find more episodes of Women Who Lead on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and anywhere else podcasts can be found.
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