Laird Nossuli

Ceo

IEMERGENT Urbandale, Iowa

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

Women must be especially confident in their abilities and qualifications to be effective leaders — particularly those working in the many organizations where men outnumber women. It is critical that all leaders get to know the people they lead. That is why the best leaders strive to listen just as much as they speak, if not more.

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

Relationships are everything in mortgage lending. Entry-level professionals should seek support from others who have experience in their roles. Find a mentor who will help you hone your skills, find your passion, and guide you as you follow that passion.

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

The biggest change is a stronger institutional push for inclusivity and diversity in home lending. Government leaders and institutions are leading an unprecedented movement to expand affordable housing and close the racial homeownership gap.

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

I want to see lenders take more concrete steps to extend affordable housing access to low-to-moderate income and minority consumers. My hope is that more financial institutions will develop affordable housing initiatives that will uplift these historically underserved borrowers.

What has been your biggest accomplishment as a mortgage professional?

Since taking the reins as iEmergent CEO, I have had the opportunity to build on my father Dennis Hedlund’s legacy as founder and create a firm that helps lenders accurately forecast diverse homebuyer opportunities with zoomed-in market data. I was even able to manage our company’s growth while starting my own family, which my fellow mothers in the industry will tell you is no easy task.