Telle VanTrojen

COO/Partner

GENEVA FINANCIAL Chandler, Ariz.

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

Bias, discrimination, and outdated stereotypes relating to women in leadership still exist in our industry and can impact a woman’s ability to lead others. At Geneva we are interrupters. We value, encourage, and uplift our female employees and have one of the highest ratios of female-to-male originators in the industry. Our executive team is composed primarily of female and LGBTQ professionals of varying racial identities. Our top producing branches are led by women. Our culture encourages diversity, understanding, and celebrating heritage.

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

Jump in with both feet and hit the ground running. Be loud, be proud, and don’t ever dull your shine to please anyone else. Don’t worry about how you compare to others. Hard work, determination, and passion will take you further than a negative mindset ever will.

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

The number of females in leadership and management positions. We are dominating right now, pioneering a new vision that is appealing to borrowers. These women are growing bigger, learning faster, and closing more loans than ever before.

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

To see the industry become more proactive than reactive to the rate environment. Preparedness for an industry that often swings back and forth in drastic measures would ease stress on operations, sales staff, and the industry.

What has been your biggest accomplishment as a mortgage professional?

Being an integral part of developing a company that is known nationwide for its culture of humanity and kindness to one another. So many trials and tribulations, and I am still standing.

Serene Vernon President

LOANSTREAM MORTGAGE Irvine, Calif.

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

I don’t believe there is anything gender specific about being a great leader. A variety of factors impact the ability to lead others, including empathy, strength, commitment, and, above all else, ability to lead by example.

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

Create stability in your resume/profile. Everyone knows the mortgage banking business is cyclical. I see too many women jump around when enticed with the next salary/benefit package, rather than speak with their current employer about their needs. I always tell each employee leaving for this reason that the salary sounds great, but what if you only get it for a couple of months before getting laid off? I have seen far too many women with these stories. The last hired are going to be the first laid off. When employers choose who to hire, it’s likely going to be the resumes that showed past dedication and tenure. Be that long-term company employee, and your employer will return the same respect. When it comes time for layoffs, you will still be employed.

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

Oddly enough, I’ve never been in any industry other than mortgage. I entered the industry at 18, while putting myself through college. For me, mortgage had a unique way of using all of my skills, keeping me wildly challenged, and giving me a runway for growth without any ceiling.

What has been your biggest accomplishment as a mortgage professional?

Being able to mentor others. It is extremely fulfilling to give someone their first job in the industry, then see them years later leading their own teams or entire platforms.