Lending Leadership
Business & Finance
About
Welcome to Lending Leadership: the podcast designed for mortgage loan originators who are looking to elevate their careers and gain a competitive edge in the industry. Whether you're a seasoned professional or an aspiring loan officer, this podcast will have you clear to close with valuable insights, expert advice, and jaw-dropping stories from the cutting edge of the mortgage business. Lending Leadership is two powerful shows in one, alternating every week between The Mortgage Pros and The Creative Brief. In The Mortgage Pros, you’ll be guided by the three dynamic partners of HMA Mortgage—Tom Mills, Dave Holland, and Robert Fillyaw—through the real, unfiltered truth about the mortgage industry. With decades of combined experience and close to a million dollars spent on professional coaching (yes, you read that right), our hosts are ready to share their wealth of knowledge and hard-earned wisdom and maybe even reveal a few facepalm-worthy moments that loan officers will not want to miss. In The Creative Brief, we’ll take a step back from the front lines of the mortgage world and show you results-driven marketing processes that every loan officer will want to use on a daily basis. Hosted by Corrine Bibb, VP of Marketing and Rachael Tresch, Director of Brand and Media Relations at HMA Mortgage, this segment is all about bringing a fresh, dynamic perspective to the world of mortgage marketing. You’ll learn the secrets of effective personal branding, social media marketing, and tips and tricks on how to stand out from the competition. Together, Lending Leadership is more than just a podcast; it's a community of mortgage professionals committed to continuous improvement and excellence. Join us each week as we share pre-approved advice and wisdom, explore the mortgage industry's ins and outs, and empower you to achieve career-defining success. In each episode of the podcast, you can expect to find: Fresh Perspectives and Branding Mastery: Our hosts offer unique insights into the mortgage industry, providing a well-rounded view of what it takes to succeed. Learn the secrets of effective branding and marketing from industry experts who share strategies for building a strong brand, creating compelling marketing campaigns, and leveraging digital tools to reach your target audience. Empowering Leadership: Discover what it means to be a strong leader in the mortgage industry. We’ll discuss leadership styles, team management, and creating a work environment that fosters creativity, collaboration, and success. You can expect candid conversations about the challenges you’ll face and what the heck you can do to overcome them. Business Growth Strategies and Navigating Operations: Growing your mortgage business requires a blend of smart marketing, efficient operations, and continuous learning. Our hosts and guests share practical tips and strategies to help you expand your client base, fine-tune your operations, and enhance your overall business performance. Episodes will break down intricate steps and regulations in the mortgage process, offering insights into streamlining operations, ensuring compliance, and delivering exceptional service. Marketing, Tech Trends, and Building Strong Partnerships: Stay ahead of the curve with the latest marketing trends and new tech in the mortgage industry. Learn how to leverage digital marketing, social media, and innovative tools to attract more referral partners and clients. Stay competitive by honing the art of building and maintaining strong relationships with real estate agents, financial advisors, and other key players in the industry. So Lending Leaders, tune in, subscribe, and become a part of the Lending Leadership community. Let’s make the mortgage industry better, one laugh, one lesson, and one episode at a time.
Episodes
- Overlooked Mortgage Mistakes During Divorce: What Attorneys and Realtors Should Know
This episode of Lending Leadership discusses common mortgage mistakes that occur during divorce proceedings. An expert with both legal and mortgage expertise shares insights and advice for attorneys, realtors, and individuals going through…
- The Right and Wrong Way for Mortgage Leaders to Attend Industry Conferences
This episode of Lending Leadership features Dave Holland and Tom Mills discussing effective strategies for mortgage professionals attending industry conferences. They cover intentionality, discipline in implementing learned concepts, and n…
- Boosting Event Engagement with Apps and Gamification at Lending Leadership
This episode of Lending Leadership explores enhancing event engagement through the use of apps and gamification. The discussion includes strategies for building connections, utilizing technology for attendees and sponsors, and the importan…
- Big Brand Storytelling for Loan Officers: Connecting with Clients on a Small Business Budget
This episode of Lending Leadership discusses how loan officers and small businesses can utilize storytelling and relatability in marketing to connect with clients without large advertising budgets. It covers leveraging video, authenticity,…
- Answer the Damn Phone: The Simple Secret to a 50% ROI Boost
This episode of the Lending Leadership podcast discusses the importance of speed to lead in the mortgage industry. It covers how answering the phone quickly can increase conversion rates, examining borrower psychology and strategies for ef…
- Adapting to Change: How HR Leaders Inspire, Empower, and Guide Teams Through Industry Shifts
This episode of Lending Leadership features Vanessa Godoy, who discusses how HR leaders can inspire, empower, and guide teams through industry shifts, particularly in the mortgage industry. The conversation covers the move from traditional…
- Unlocking Work-Life Balance with Team Phones and Shared Inboxes
This episode of Lending Leadership discusses how mortgage originators can achieve work-life balance by implementing team phones and shared inboxes. The hosts share insights on protecting business, improving client experience, and reclaimin…
- How Consistency Beats Perfection: Sales Habits for Busy Professionals
This episode of Lending Leadership explores the importance of consistency over perfection in sales. It covers topics like effective sales habits, the value of listening, and authentic follow-up strategies, featuring insights from Alicia Du…
- Top 5 Revenue Drivers for Loan Officers: The Playbook from Top Producers
This episode of Lending Leadership explores the top five revenue drivers for mortgage loan officers, as identified by successful producers. It emphasizes the importance of fundamental strategies, such as relationship building and consisten…
- Mastering Mortgage Leadership: Will DeLaTorre on Event Strategy and Team Growth
This episode of Lending Leadership features Will DeLaTorre, who shares insights on building a successful mortgage business. He discusses strategies for team growth, creating a relationship-driven approach, and effective event-driven market…
- Avoiding Assholes and Bad Fits: Defining Your Ideal Loan Officer Avatar
This episode of Lending Leadership discusses recruiting in the mortgage industry. The hosts explore why top producers prefer engaging with executives over recruiters and the importance of leadership in hiring and retaining loan officers. T…
- Less Content, More Connection: A New Social Media Mindset for Loan Officers
This episode of Lending Leadership discusses a new social media mindset for loan officers, focusing on connection over content volume. It explores the importance of authenticity, engagement, and building trust in the evolving digital lands…
- The Power of Culture and People in Mortgage Company Partnerships
This episode of Lending Leadership features John Mirenda, founder of Greentree Mortgage. He discusses building a mortgage company with a focus on people, honesty, and servant leadership, and navigating challenges like growth, culture, and…
- Mastering Your Virtual First Impression: Small Details That Make a Big Impact on Calls
This episode of Lending Leadership discusses mastering virtual first impressions. It covers best practices for camera placement, lighting, wardrobe, and body language to enhance presence on video calls.
- Mortgage Industry Game Changer: Coaching Strategies That Move the Needle for Loan Officers
This episode of Lending Leadership discusses coaching strategies in the mortgage industry with Kristen Watkins. It covers how coaching can help loan officers and other mortgage professionals improve their business and achieve their goals.
- 2026 Marketing Tips: Creative Prompts and Tools for Loan Officer Marketing Growth
This episode of Lending Leadership discusses marketing tips for loan officers, real estate agents, and sales professionals. It focuses on creating a sustainable marketing plan, setting realistic goals, and utilizing tools like AI for conte…
- Building Mortgage Teams: Recruiting with Vision, Values, and Leadership
This episode of Lending Leadership discusses building successful mortgage teams. It focuses on intentional recruiting, the power of servant leadership, and defining ideal team members beyond production. The episode also examines why transa…
- Standing Out in Lending: Systems, Social Media, and the Power of Being Bold
Jeff Shealey, a Texas loan officer and marketing professional, shares insights on leadership and lending. He discusses building systems, utilizing social media, and maintaining authenticity in the lending business.
- Building a Giving Brand: Social Media Strategies for Loan Officers with Dan Andersen
This episode of Lending Leadership features Dan Andersen, a loan officer, discussing how to build a thriving team and a differentiated brand in the mortgage industry. He shares insights on creative marketing, leveraging social media, and t…
- The Loan Officer Blueprint: Building Winning Mortgage Teams through Leadership, Recruiting, and Resilience
This episode of Lending Leadership discusses the transition from a top-producing loan officer to a branch leader. It covers leadership, team building, recruiting, managing financial realities, and operational strategies in the mortgage ind…
- The Loan Officer Blueprint: Transitioning from Originator to Non-Producing Manager
This episode of Lending Leadership discusses the transition from a loan originator to a non-producing manager. It covers the motivations, challenges, and strategies involved in this career shift, including insights into building a sustaina…
- The Loan Officer Blueprint: Going from $50M to $200M with the Right Team and Mindset
This episode of Lending Leadership features Dave Holland discussing his journey of scaling a mortgage business from $50 million to $200 million. He shares strategies, mindset shifts, and systems for growth, including empowering a team and…
- The Loan Officer Blueprint: How to Break the $50 Million Barrier
This episode focuses on achieving high annual loan production in the mortgage industry. Dave Holland shares his experiences and insights on growth, work ethic, and overcoming challenges in the field.
- From Rule Breaker to Leader: Harnessing the Three Act Origin Story
This episode of Lending Leadership discusses using the three-act origin story framework to craft a compelling personal narrative. It offers practical tips for leaders and sales professionals on storytelling.
- Crafting Powerful Origin Stories: The Three-Act Framework to Connect and Inspire
This episode of Lending Leadership features Will Greenblatt discussing his "Three-Act Origin Story" framework. The conversation focuses on how leaders can use storytelling to foster connection and drive change by structuring their personal…
- Mastering Storytelling for Leadership: How Your Personal Story Inspires Trust and Connection
This episode of "Lending Leadership" focuses on the importance of storytelling for leaders and professionals. It features Will Greenblatt, who discusses turning personal stories into tools for connection and persuasion, highlighting the di…
- Surviving and Thriving: What Top Mortgage Originators Need From Their Companies
This episode of Lending Leadership discusses what top mortgage originators need from their companies. It explores factors driving career satisfaction and growth, including self-assessment, the importance of leadership and relationships, an…
- Streamlining Your Life: Tech Tools and Routines for Women in Real Estate
This episode of Lending Leadership discusses organizational strategies, tech tools, and routines for women in the mortgage and real estate industries. It covers managing professional and personal life, improving communication, and using di…
- Old School to New School: The Biggest Changes in Mortgage Sales and Marketing
This episode of Lending Leadership discusses the evolution of mortgage sales and marketing with industry coach and marketing expert Ralph Watkins. It covers the shift from interruption marketing to attraction-based approaches, the use of s…
- How Curiosity and Connection Drive Growth with Brian McGroarty
This episode of Lending Leadership features Brian McGroarty, who discusses how curiosity and connection drive business growth. He covers topics such as identifying personal strengths, adapting to technological changes like AI, and building…
- Navigating Mortgage Change: Branding, AI, and Networking With Rich Swerbinsky
This episode of Lending Leadership features Rich Swerbinsky discussing navigating change in the mortgage industry. Key topics include the importance of in-person networking, digital branding for mortgage professionals, and the impact of AI…
- Building Community Impact: Real Stories from National Branch Charity Events
Rachael and Corrine discuss charitable giving and community engagement, detailing how HMA Mortgage transformed a single event vision into locally focused initiatives during "HMA Gives Back Week." They provide actionable strategies for impa…
- How Top Mortgage Pros Attract Realtors and Build Lasting Partnerships
This episode of Lending Leadership, hosted by Robert Fillyaw and Dave Holland, discusses strategies for mortgage professionals to build strong, lasting relationships with realtors. The conversation focuses on attracting realtors through co…
- Family Values and AI Innovation: Inside the Mortgage Mom and Son Success Story
Deanne "the Mortgage Mom" Katsaros and her son, Tom Katsaros of GreenTree Mortgage, discuss their family-run mortgage business. They share insights on building a legacy business, working as a family, and incorporating AI into their operati…
- Majoring in Mortgage Loans: Rethinking Training for the Lending Industry
This episode of Lending Leadership explores current training methods for aspiring loan officers. It discusses the skills needed for the mortgage industry and proposes new approaches for education in this field.
- Marketing Support Red Flags: What Loan Officers Need to Watch For
This episode of Lending Leadership discusses marketing support for loan officers, focusing on red flags and expectations. It covers topics such as CRM communication, personalized support, and accountability within marketing departments.
- The Power of Partnership: Elevating Customer Experience and Winning Together in Mortgage Appraisals
This Lending Leadership episode explores the power of partnership in mortgage appraisals with Will Eubanks, founder of EA Appraisals. Topics include building vendor relationships, scaling a business, and the importance of customer experien…
- How Positive Self Talk Drives Success in Mortgage Lending with Irene Duford
Irene Duford, founder and CEO of Loan Team Training, joins Lending Leadership to discuss the importance of positive self-talk, intentional communication, and building effective systems for success in mortgage lending. She shares techniques…
- Why Most Managers Fail at Recruiting: Building Teams Loan Officers Actually Want to Join
This episode of Lending Leadership discusses why many managers fail at recruiting in the mortgage industry. It explores the misconceptions holding leaders back and offers insights on attracting and retaining talented loan officers.
- Mastering Event Planning for Loan Officers: Sponsorships, Checklists, and Stress-Free Success
This episode of Lending Leadership discusses mastering event planning for loan officers. Melanie Schuyler shares insights on meticulous planning, the importance of delegation, building relationships with sponsors, and creating a seamless a…
- Mid-Year Mortgage Checkup: Business Planning, Accountability, and Habits for Loan Officers
This episode of Lending Leadership focuses on the importance of a mid-year business plan review for loan officers. It covers strategies for recalibrating business plans, focusing on actionable steps, and prioritizing revenue-generating act…
- Ditch the Sales Pitch: How Real Stories Build Trust and Close Deals
This episode of Lending Leadership discusses how authentic storytelling builds trust and closes deals, featuring Sara Lohse. It covers using real stories for business connection, overcoming vulnerability, and the role of AI in brand voice.
- What Borrowers Want Now: Future-Proofing Your Mortgage Business for 2025 and Beyond
This episode of Lending Leadership discusses how borrower expectations have changed in the tech-driven mortgage world. It explores strategies for mortgage professionals to adapt to these changes and future-proof their businesses for 2025 a…
- Marketing Meets Mortgages: How Lindsay LaBonte Masters Client Relationships in Today’s World
Lindsay LaBonte, inspired by her father, shares her journey in the mortgage industry, from growing up in the business to becoming a branch manager and building a team. She discusses navigating market changes, balancing leadership with fami…
- Surviving the RefI Drought: How to Pivot and Thrive in Today’s Mortgage Market
This episode of Lending Leadership discusses surviving the refi drought in the mortgage industry. Dave Holland and Tom Mills provide insights on adapting business strategies and focusing on sustainable growth, rather than waiting for a ref…
- Creative Branding and Consistency in Lending: Why Being Yourself Wins
This episode of Lending Leadership features Mike Whiteaker, an HMA Team Leader and Senior Loan Officer. He shares his approach to creative branding and authenticity in the lending industry, highlighting the importance of consistency, marke…
- Letting Go of Ego and Embracing Coaching in Mortgage Leadership
This episode of Lending Leadership explores the importance of leadership and coaching in the mortgage business. It covers topics such as ego, mindset, setting boundaries, and overcoming the fear of both failure and success.
- Podcasting for Loan Officers: Authentic Branding, Storytelling, and Getting Started with Larry Roberts
This episode of Lending Leadership features Larry Roberts, who provides insights on podcasting for loan officers. He discusses authentic branding, storytelling, and practical advice for starting and growing a podcast, including gear, AI to…
- Mortgage Leadership Q&A: Tackling Tough Industry Questions from Our Listeners
This episode of Lending Leadership addresses listener questions. Topics include lead generation strategies, understanding competition and pricing, handling unconventional income sources, setting boundaries, and various prospecting methods.
- Different Is Better Than Better: Standing Out as a Loan Officer With Trevor York
In this episode of Lending Leadership, Trevor York from Linkspot discusses how loan officers can stand out in the lending industry. He emphasizes authenticity and creativity over traditional competence marketing, sharing insights on buildi…