Leian Harosky is the principal broker and owner of Harosky Homes LLC, with over 20 years of experience in the real estate business, combining both corporate and government sectors. Her journey began as a Marketing Assistant for a small developer, a job that supported her other academic pursuits under a government scholarship program. Working at the US Embassy abroad gave Leian valuable skills and insights into understanding people’s needs, a lesson reinforced by her grandmother’s advice: understanding people is key to running a successful business, especially in real estate. We at CIO Global are proud to feature Leian Harosky on the cover as one of the Market Disruptor: Women Leaders to Watch, 2024.
Leian has become a market disruptor in the fast-paced real estate industry by consistently adapting to new market cycles and continuously enhancing her skills. She believes that discipline is essential to achieving business goals, creating consistency and confidence. Her journey to success was not easy—it involved late nights, extensive research, and learning to navigate new approaches based on market changes. Despite facing disappointments and betrayals, these challenges helped build her character and core values. Leian Harosky’s mission is to help individuals build wealth and achieve financial freedom through real estate, whether by investing in a house or buying a home to retire in. Many realtors offer to make this dream a reality, but few have earned a name in the market through remarkable strategies blended with kindness. Leian stands out for her compassionate approach and dedication to her clients.
“I strive to inspire young entrepreneurs by sharing my experiences and wisdom, helping them avoid mistakes and succeed in their ventures.”
At Harosky Homes LLC, Leian and her team provide comprehensive real estate services, including home buying and selling, 1031 exchanges, luxury transactions, short sales, and Veterans Affairs (V.A.) home purchases. They also conduct various seminars on topics like home buying, selling, rental property strategies, and Oahu market trends. The company is particularly supportive of military families stationed in Hawaii, offering specialized assistance for their unique needs. Leian’s background is diverse and rich in experience. At 28, she worked at a U.S. Embassy in an Islamic country, gaining valuable training and security clearance. This role allowed her to build relationships with people from multiple countries and backgrounds. Growing up on a farm helped her remain grounded and down-to-earth, treating her business and clients like family. She is also a VA educator, teaching veterans, active military personnel, and their dependents about real estate.
Leian values her team’s diversity, with members speaking various languages, including Tagalog, Mandarin, Malay, Indonesian, Spanish, Italian, Thai, and Korean, which helps them better serve their clients. She believes that building strong vendor relationships is crucial for success, and her team works hard to ensure the best outcomes for their clients. Throughout her nearly 18 years in the business, Leian has developed a range of skills, including being multilingual. Her diverse upbringing and exposure to various cultures have enabled her to connect with a wide range of people. Many of her clients have successfully resold their properties and made money thanks to her strategies and brainstorming sessions. Leian emphasizes the importance of team effort and provides clients with the education they need to achieve their real estate goals.
Leian has received numerous accolades, including the Hawaii Women Means Business 2019 award, a listing in the AREAA A-list 2022, and the Soaring Eagle Award and Fallen Warrior Award. She is also a real estate investor with international experience, having worked with the U.S. State Department and the US Embassy in Asia, assigning houses for Military Diplomats and Foreign Service Officers. Her government and corporate background has taught her to be discreet and diplomatic in all her dealings. Leian Harosky is deeply committed to her community through her nonprofit organization, Helping Ohana, which focuses on supporting less fortunate people, especially children. Growing up on a farm with no external support, Leian understands the importance of helping others. She ensures that 10% of Harosky Homes’ business revenue goes back to the community.
“Discipline creates consistency and confidence, which are essential for achieving business goals.”
As a servant leader, Leian strives to inspire young entrepreneurs. She believes that sharing her experiences and wisdom can help others avoid mistakes and succeed in their ventures. Her leadership role allows her to mentor and guide young entrepreneurs, helping them reach their full potential and contribute positively to the real estate industry. Leian brings a unique perspective to the real estate industry. She believes in identifying and targeting specific market segments to achieve desired results. According to Leian, there is no wrong house or wrong location—it’s about understanding your end goal and creating a roadmap to achieve it. In real estate, it’s not just about entering the market but also having a clear exit strategy for challenging times.
Leian navigates challenges and setbacks with wisdom and calmness, drawing inspiration from her grandmother’s advice: “Don’t fight the waves, learn how to float.” She views setbacks as opportunities for self-reflection and business improvement. To stay ahead of the competition, Leian continually seeks knowledge and resources. She travels to find the best technologies and practices to implement in her office, benefiting her business partners and team. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Leian’s innovative approach allowed her to maintain business operations despite shutdowns. Her new platform and structures led to her being the #1 in closed transactions in Oahu, Hawaii, in 2020.
Leian fosters diversity and inclusion within her organization by promoting a business culture that prioritizes client education. Harosky Homes’ vision is to protect clients by providing the best possible information and support. For aspiring women leaders looking to disrupt their markets, Leian advises focusing on self-growth and improving skills. Offering valuable services to others is key to building a successful business. She emphasizes the importance of balancing professional success with personal well-being, acknowledging the sacrifices made but also the need to live life fully. Leian sees significant opportunities for growth and innovation in the real estate industry, particularly with new Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems that enable realtors to work efficiently. She leverages technology to ensure her business can operate smoothly, even in her absence.
One of Leian’s recent accomplishments is being named one of Hawaii’s Women Means Business and her efforts through Helping Ohana to combat human trafficking. She believes mentorship is crucial for fostering the next generation of women leaders, helping them unlock their true potential and surpass their mentors. Leian remains agile and adaptable in the ever-changing market landscape because real estate is her passion. She is determined to stay resilient and succeed regardless of industry shifts. As a market disruptor and woman leader, Leian hopes to leave a legacy as a true servant leader, dedicated to helping others and making a positive impact in her community.
“Understanding people is key to running a successful business, especially in real estate.”