Kristi Pickering

President

ACADEMY MORTGAGE CORPORATION Draper, Utah

What factors impact a woman’s ability to lead others?

Two of the biggest factors are influence and impact. Being a positive influence can help strengthen connections, lift others, and encourage growth. We can make an impact by finding ways to help others become the best version of themselves. It’s so important to invest in your people to help them achieve their potential.

What advice would you give to those just getting started in the mortgage industry?

Always keep a positive mindset. We are in a cyclical industry, and you will experience many highs and lows, but as long as you have a positive mindset, you can overcome any obstacle. Absorb all the industry knowledge you can and continually learn from your mentors and peers. Most importantly, remember to be patient and kind to yourself as you learn and grow.

What’s changed for you the most since you joined the mortgage industry? Technology has changed tremendously. Today, we have AI technology, automation, and other advanced technologies that streamline the way we do business. It has allowed us to gain greater efficiencies and create a far better experience for our loan officers, operations team, customers, and partners.

What significant changes would you like to see from the mortgage industry in 2023?

I would like to see more options that provide greater affordability for first-time homebuyers. I would also like to see new home builds that are not overpriced.

What has been your biggest accomplishment as a mortgage professional?

My biggest accomplishment has been helping people to grow and become their best self. I love encouraging and supporting others to stretch beyond their limits to achieve their potential. Many times, people accomplish things they never thought possible, and the joy this brings me is indescribable.

Cristen Talbert Chief Process Officer

GOLD STAR MORTGAGE FINANCIAL GROUP, CORP. Ann Arbor. Mich.

What factors impact a woman’s ability to lead others?

A woman’s ability to lead can be impacted by positive and negative factors. Strong female leaders need to find a balance between confidence and compassion in their decision-making ability. The ability to lead isn’t just assumed when you are a woman, even with equal education and experience. Most women fight their way to the top.

What advice would you give to those just getting started in the mortgage industry?

Be tenacious. Get your arms around every part of the manufacturing process of a mortgage life cycle. Proving your worth will become your best asset, and with knowledge comes power. Seek out a female leader to mentor you.

What’s changed for you the most since you joined the mortgage industry?

Technology. In the early ‘90s, the 1003 loan application was a carbon document in triplicate. Technology is the main reason my company was able to pivot easily during COVID and maintain turn times with little interruption.

What significant changes would you like to see from the mortgage industry in 2023?

More women in senior and executive level leadership roles. It is especially important to have leaders who have experience prior to the mortgage crisis in 2007 because we have wisdom about this industry and the ebbs and flows that cannot be taught.

What has been your biggest accomplishment as a mortgage professional?

The development and mentorship to my team. Despite large signing bonuses and over-inflated salaries being thrown at people during COVID, none of my team left. It was my servant leadership style and open communication about what was sure to come that helped protect them and their careers. We continue to grow despite our competition falling apart.