Whenyouthinkofbuyingyourdreamhome,the
questionoffinancearises,towhichtheanswer isamortgage.Foryears,themortgageindustry wasonasteadyrise,butthechallengingtimeofthe pandemicskyrocketedtheindustryrapidly.Analysts worldwideweren'texpectingthissoaringchange;however, mortgageindustryleaders'uniqueapproachandinnovative strategiesmadetheimpossiblehappen.
Eventhoughthecrisisledtomanycriticalissues,one marvelousthingthatthepandemicpushedforwardwasthe collectiveeffortsofwomenleaderstosupporteachother andinvariouscollaborativeinitiatives.Theseinitiatives focusedonmitigatingthehealthriskswhilepivotingthe businesstowardsadigitalplatform.Tomeettherobust demandinthepandemic,thesewomenleadersnavigated throughtherestrictionsandutilizedtheirstrongpositionsin themarkettodrivetheimpactingchange.
Womenleadersdrovetransformativechangeswith compassionanddedicationthatbuiltastrongrelationship withtheirclients,whichprovedtobeanessentialkeypoint forresolvingproblems.Evenbeforethepandemic,these leaderswerecomingupwithstrategiesthatwouldupscale theindustryoffersmorebenefitstotheirclients.
Theriseintheleadershiprolesintherealestateindustry hasseenwomenleadersempoweringotherwomento ventureintotheindustryastheyholdthecapability, commitment,andcalmnesstodealwithsuddenchanges. Foryears,therehavebeenaparadigmshiftandmore womenventuringintothemortgagewiththeir
entrepreneurialjourneyandfulfillingdreamsof themselvesandclients.
Comeacrosstheinspiringstoriesofwomenleaders inthiseditionof "The 10 Most Empowering Women in Mortgage Industry, 2021." Fromfacingchallenges toovercomingthemwithacompassionateapproach, providinginnovativesolutionswiththought-out strategies,theseleadersarerootingthemselvesto openupdoorsforaspiringwomenintheirrespective industries.
Featuringonthecoverstoryisoneoftheleaders reshapingthelandscapeandpavingthepathfor emergingfemaleprofessionals,LaTashaRowe.She istheGeneralCounselandChiefCompliance OfficeratNFMLending,anaward-winning,multistateresidentialmortgagelenderlicensedin42 states.
Diveintotheplethoraofsuchinspiring entrepreneurialjourneysthatimpactthemortgage spaceandgaininsightsabouttheindustrythrough theCxOstandpointsoftheleadingexperts.While flippingthroughthepages,makesuretogothrough thearticleswrittenbyourin-houseeditorialteam.
Letusbegin!
sourabh@insightssuccess.com Sourabh More
AmyBuynoski VPBuilderService Manager
SouthStateBank southstatebank.com
ChristaDevers WilliamsOwner
COMFEMortgages comfemortgages.com
SouthStateisoneoftheleadingregionalbanksinthe Southeast,servingmorethanonemillioncustomersvia275+ locationsinFlorida.
COMFEMortgageshelpclientsfacilitatethemostappropriate mortgage.
DesiréePatno CEOandPresident
GalindaFleming Sr.LoanSpecialist
NAWRB NAWRB.com
MIDFLORIDA Mortgage midflorida.com
WomenintheHousing&RealEstateEcosystem(NAWRB)is aleadingvoiceforwomen.
MIDFLORIDACreditUnionoffersfriendly,personalized serviceforclientsfinancialneeds.
KathyMorris ManagingDirector
LaTashaRowe GeneralCounseland ChiefComplianceOfficer
SmartLendMortgage smartlend.com.au
NFM,Inc nfmlending.com
LeslieWish SeniorLoanOfficer
LuisaHough MortgageProfessional
McLeanMortgage mcleanmortgage.com
SmartLendMortgagehastheexperienceandknowledgeto understandwhichlendingoptionswillbestsuityourhomeloan needs.
NFMLendingisamulti-stateresidentialmortgagelender currentlylicensedin42states.
McLeanMortgagewillhelpyouconsiderallofyouroptionsby discussingyourfinancingneedstocreateaclearpathfrom findingtheperfecthousetogettingtherightloanthatfitsyour needs.
AdvantageMortgage findtheadvantage.com
RenaMalkah MortgageBroker
SarahSloane Founder
CYRFunding BrokersTeam cyrfunding.com
MintMortgage mymintmortgage.com
AdvantageMortgageisalocallyownedcompanyoffering expertiseinmortgages.
CYRFUNDINGINC.™isoneoftheleadingindependent Ontariomortgagebrokerfirms.
MintMortgagecompanyisadivisionofPointMortgage CorporationserveclientsinthegreaterMiamiandFort Lauderdaleareas.
NFMisdedicatedtoremainingan innovativeindustryleaderbyproviding ourclientsandbusinesspartnerswith exceptionalserviceandopen communicationthroughouttheloan process,workingtogetherasa passionateandreliableteam,and supportingthecommunitiesweserve.
LaTasha Rowe General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer NFM Lending
Traditionally,themortgagebusinesshasbeen surroundedbymen,butthefaceoftheindustryhas beenchanging.Women,whotendtobringa differentperspectiveandcomprehensiveapproachto leadershipanddecision-making,havemadetheirmarkin almosteverydiscipline.Thefinancesectorisnoexception.
Whenitcomestothemortgageindustry,womenare reshapingthelandscapeandpavingthepathforemerging femaleprofessionals.AmongthemisLaTashaRowe
RoweistheGeneralCounselandChiefCompliance OfficeratNFMLending,anaward-winning,multi-state residentialmortgagelendercurrentlylicensedin42states.
Shehasbeenprominentinunlockingthedoorsofsuccess forthecompany,andherpassionforfairlendinghasguided hertowheresheistoday Abigreasonforherachievements istheemphasissheplacesongivingeveryoneachanceat homeownershipand,inreturn,onbuildingcommunities. Whileshewouldn'tchangeathing,Rowesaysherjourney sofarhasn'talwaysbeensmooth.
In2008,whentheworldwasinthemiddleofsignificant financialturmoil,Rowegavebirthtoherson,Joshua.She decidedtoleaveprivatepracticeandbecameastay-at-home momtoJoshuaandhisoldersisterGabrielle.Bythetime Joshuastartedpre-school,therealestateindustryhadbegun itsrecovery,andRowethoughtitmightbeagoodtimeto returntotheworkforce.Whenshestartedapplyingfor positions,shewonderedhowshewouldgetuptospeedon thechangesthatoccurredduringherhiatus.Toherfortune, herfriendandformercolleague,StephaniePyron(formerly Bogan)wasthecurrentGeneralCounselandChief ComplianceOfficeratamortgagecompanycalledNFM, Inc.
Afterherinterviewandmeetingtheotherleadershipteam members,sheknewshewantedtobeapartofNFM.Two yearsintoLaTasha'srole,StephanieleftNFMforanother opportunity,butnotbeforeteachinghereverythingshe knewaboutthemortgageindustryandrecommending LaTashaforherrole.
UnderLaTasha'sleadership,thecompany's accomplishmentsaremany.NFMhasobtaineditsFannie Mae,FreddieMac,andGinnieMaeapproval,whichallows ittosellmortgagesdirectlytothegovernment-backed lenders.ThecompanyrebrandedasNFMLendingand addedtotheNFMLendingFamilywithdivisionsBluPrint HomeLoans,FreedmontMortgageGroup,andMainStreet HomeLoansinthelastfewyears.Theorganizationhas grownfrom175employeeswhenshestartedtoover1,100 todayandislicensedinover40states,furtherestablishing NFM'snationalfootprint.Tosaythatthisrolehasexceeded herexpectationswouldbeanunderstatement.
Inherrole,RoweoverseesNFM'sfairlendingplatform, promotingequityinthehomeloanprocessforwomenand minorities.Equalaccesstocreditisherpassionandthe reasonshejoinedNFMLending.Ithasallowedherto partnerwithseveralorganizationstoclosethetechnology divideandcreateaffordablehousingforlow-to-moderateincomefamilies.
Roweisimpressedbyhowmanywomenarenowemployed inthemortgageindustrybutsaysitisstillevolving,with moreroomforwomenandminoritiesinleadership.She appreciatesherseatatthetableandconsidersherrole"to scootoversothatanotherwomanorminoritycanhave
space."Iftherewasonethingshecouldchange,itwouldbe thecurrentcreditscoringmodelusedtoapprove consumers.Inheropinion,expandingwhatfactorsinto credithistorywouldsignificantlyincreasethenumberof womenandminoritieseligibletobuyahome.
Rowehadtoovercomemanyhurdlestoreachwheresheis. AsChiefComplianceOfficeratNFM,shefindscompliance verydifferentthanwhenshejoinedadecadeago.Soon afterbeingpromotedtoGeneralCounsel,shesawthe ConsumerFinancialProtectionBureau(CFPB)takecontrol ofregulations.Guidingthebusinessbecamedependenton reviewingmultipledirectivesandenforcementactions. StayingengagedintradeorganizationsliketheMortgage BankersAssociationhelpedtremendouslytoprovidemore certaintyastheCFPBevolved.
Rowenotesthatcomplianceisnotalwaysawelcome departmentintheindustryasitisaverysales-driven business.Reframingtheperceptionthatitisthedepartment of"no"oranobstacletoinitiativestakeswork.Building relationshipsinternallyhashelpedRowetremendouslyin gainingthetrustofhercounterpartsthroughoutthe organization.Inmostinstances,shesaysthereisamiddlegroundsolutionwhereeverybodywins.
WhenthewaveofCOVID-19arrived,itrequiredNFM Lendingtofast-tracktechnologyprotocolsthat,innormal circumstances,wouldhavetakenyears.Likeothersinthe financialservicesindustry,NFMisdependentonmany partiestocloseahomeloan.Attheheightofthepandemic, appraisershadlimitedaccesstohomes,titlecompanieshad
todeterminehowtohaveclosingswhilecomplyingwith safetyprotocols,andtheworkforcetransitionedtoaremote environment.Rowesaysthatherteamwouldhave crumbledwithouttheforesightoftheleadershipteamat NFMLending.Fortunately,theleadershipteamisseasoned atthecompanyandintheindustry;theyhavebeenthrough stormstogether Thisleveloffamiliarityshinesintough times,anditbeamedduringCOVID-19.LaTashaasserts, "The true heroes are our staff. In 2020 our sales tripled. Our corporate team did not. Without their grit and agility, we would not have gotten through."
Rowebelievesthatstayingengagediscriticaltopreserving agreatworkculture. "If we are not vested in the success of each of our employees, we cannot survive," shesays. Duringthepandemic,NFMLendingcontinuesgatherings forteamsocialevents,birthdays,andmilestonesvirtually PresidentJanOzgaandCOO/CAOBobTysonhost regularlyscheduledhappyhourswitheachdepartment,and Founder/CEODavidSilvermanholdsquarterlyTownHall meetings.InthewakeoftheGeorgeFloydmurder,Rowe, Mr.Ozga,MadisonGrey(DirectorofHumanResources) andGregSher(ChiefBusinessDevelopment Officer/CreatorofNFMTV),launchedtheDiversity, Equity,andInclusioncommittee(DEI)withafocuson greaterinclusioninwhattheteamcallsthe3“Cs”:the Company,theCommunity,andtheConsumer
NFMisafirmbelieverinemployeerecognition,withone ofitsmostextensiveprogramsbeingitsValueAwards. Employeesnominateotheremployeesbasedonthe companyvaluesofService,Innovation,Teamwork,and Excellence.Winnersarealsorecognizedinaquarterly videoandreceiveaplaquetheyproudlydisplayontheir desks.ThecompanyregularlysendsoutNFM-branded swagtoemployees,whosubmitpicturesofthemselves wearingthegearfordisplayonitssocialmediachannels.
Roweasserts, "It is essential to check in and listen to how the staff is feeling. While getting the work done is important, I am grateful NFM Lending has a culture that cares about the employee achieving personally and professionally.”
Whenaskedheropiniononthenecessityforbusinessesto aligntheirofferingswithnewertechnological developments,Rowestatesthatprovidinganoptimal
‘‘
IamgratefulNFM Lendinghasa culturethatcares abouttheemployee achievingpersonally andprofessionally
consumerexperiencerequiresexploringwherethecompany canimplementtechnologyinallstagesoftheloan transaction.
Buyingorrefinancingahomeisthebiggestpurchasemost willmakeintheirlifetime.Creatingtheabilitytoapply, uploaddocumentation,andreviewtheapplicationstatus fromalaptopormobiledevicecreatestheabilitytoreach moreconsumersandprovideloandecisionsmore efficiently.Byinfusingtechnologyintoitsinternal processes,thestaffofNFMLendingfindsiteasierto analyzethedatainsteadofthetime-consumingtaskofdata entry.
Rowefirmlybelievesthatineverything,thereis opportunity.Sheopinesthathomeownershipopensthedoor towealthcreation,andNFMisjustscratchingthesurface onwhatitcandototransformtheideaofowningahome intoareality.
DavidSilvermanformedNFMin1998alongwithhiswife, Sandy,anditisoneofthefewmortgagecompaniesstill standingthroughthemanychallengestheindustryhas
facedoverthelasttwodecades.Timeandtimeagain,the companyhascomeoutofuncertaintyevenstronger After 9/11,ittransitionedfrombrokertoacorrespondentlender.
Afterthehousingcrisisof2008,thecompanychangedits focusfromrefinancingtopurchase.Asitemergesfromthe pandemic,theorganizationhasagreateremphasisonthe importanceofinclusion.EmployeesofNFMLending embodytheagilitymindset.Becauseofthis,Rowebelieves thecompanywillbeahouseholdnameinthenextfive years.
Inheradvicetoupcomingwomenleaders,whoaspireto enterthemortgageindustry,shesays, “Don't limit yourself. No one wakes up and says, 'I want to be in the mortgage industry!' As a result, many in our field have varied backgrounds, and it is that mixture of skills and experiences that make our industry great. We are an industry of resilience. If you learn your niche, you will always have a place no matter how much the industry changes. Having an open mind and being a sponge will take you far. Secondly, find a mentor and a sponsor (man or woman) who can help you navigate and network."
Imaginewalkingintoabankwhereyoufeelathome,
yourworkprocessiscarriedoutseamlessly,andyou feellikeanessentialaspectofthebank.Seems impossible,right?ButwhenitcomestoSouthStateBank, everythingmentionedaboveistrue.AmyBuynoski,Vice President,BuilderServiceManager,hascultivateda teamthatmakestheirclientsfeellikeafamily
Amyensuresthatherfocusisalwaysonacustomer-first approach;shebelievesinmakingherclientslivesmore accessibleandconvenient.Sheimplicatedvariousfactorsat theworkplace,andSouthStateBankwasvotedoneofthe bestplacestowork.Amywasawardedthe“Lenderofthe Year”byAtlantaAgentMagazineforherdedicatedwork.
SincejoininginDecemberof2019,SouthStateBankis supportedbyacompassionatestaffthatcaresaboutits customerexperience.ThemostcrucialaspectatSouthState isthattheydon'tlookatthecustomerasanapplicationas thecompanyissupportiveandcaresaboutitsclients' experienceasmuchasAmyandherteam.
COVID-19shookeveryworkingsectorglobally,andithas hadadrasticimpactontheentireFinancialServices industry.However,itallowedSouthStateBanktoprovide itsclientswithamoreefficientexperiencethrough improvedtechnology.Ithasthrivedinthisnew environmentwithourexceptionaltechnologyfeaturesand personalizedcustomerservicestoeachclient.
Itwascrucialthaneverthattheclientdeservedtofeela morepersonalconnectiontotheirfinancialinstitution,and SouthStateisproudtoprovidethatineachaspect.COVID hit,andAmyandherteamhadtoadjusttheirusualwayof
doingloans,butthroughthethickofCOVID,theywere supportedandgiventhebesttoolstoend2020onagreat note.
SouthStateBankgaveallthetoolstoitsstaffthatwere neededtocontinuewiththeirwork.Itfoundwaysto communicatewithoutbeinginthesameofficeasotherstaff. Throughzoom,teams,andthegoodoldfashiontelephone iskeptopencommunicationwitheveryone.Itstayed competitivewithratesbyfollowingthemarketandkeeping upwiththedailynews.
Intoday’sworld,whereitisnoteasytomaintainahealthy workenvironment,thatiswhyAmytrulybelievesa positiveworkcultureisimperative.Itsetsthetoneforthe officeanditscustomers.Asateamplayer,Amytriestohelp othersstaypositiveevenwhensomedayspresent challenges.ThroughouttheBuyNowTeamofficeyouwill seemotivationalsignsandsayingsaroundtheoffice,and theteamcommunicatesopenly Thispositivecultureisthen passedontoeachclientineveryinteractiontoshowthey arevaluedandamemberoftheteam.
ThebestwayAmy’steamhasimplemented BuyNowTeam’scultureiswithgreatmutualrespectand admirationforeachteammemberandtheirroleonthe team.Whenclientscometotheiroffice,thefirstthingmost peoplesayishowtheyfeelathome.Eachteammember needstoknowtheyarevalued,andtheywillsharethat valuewiththoseclients,andpartners,thattheyconnect withduringtheworkday
ACompetitiveAdvantage
Innovativetechnologiesarebeingutilized,andithas changedthelandscapeoffinanceindustry.SouthState
Bankhasmovedtoanautomatedsystemthatstreamlines theprocess,allowingittocloseloansquicker.Thatmeans lessfrustrationontheclient’spart,whichisexciting.
SouthStateBankisusingthesetechnologytoolstomake thisimportantprocessmuchmoreefficientforthecustomer anditsinternalteam.Financingthepurchaseorrefinanceof one’shomecanbeintimidatingtoanyclient.However,the company’stechnologydoesagreatjobofmakingita smoothertransactionforeachborrower.
Apartfromworkingatthebank,Amyalsoresidesinthe communityandvolunteershertimeandresourcestohelp strengthenthecommunityoutsideofSouthStateBank.She enjoysvolunteeringatherdaughter’sschoolandcoaching
herdaughterscheerteams.Coachinghasbeenoneofthe bestexperiencesofherlife.IthelpsAmytospendquality timewithherdaughters.Shealsohadanopportunitytobea positiveinfluenceonothergirls.Sportsprogramshave providedjoytoherchildren.
TheinternalcommunityinAmy’sofficegrowsaswell.She doesmanydownpaymentassistanceprogramstohelpfirst timehomebuyers,especiallyinthecitylimitsofAtlanta. Amywouldlikeachancetoarrangeclassesforfirsttime homebuyersandpeoplethinkingofpurchasingahome.To gooverthedosanddon’tsofmortgagesandtheimportance ofkeepingupwithone’screditscore.Foranywoman lookingtoentertheFinancialServicesindustry,Iwould highlyrecommendthatopportunityforlong-termpersonal andprofessionalgrowth.
“You’re going to places, and we’re here to help you plan your next move.”
Inthenextfiveyears,AmyseesSouthStategrowingand becomingwellknownthroughouttheSouth.Sheis constantlylookingforthenextdirectioninimprovingthe Bank'sapproach.SheisexcitedaboutSouthState'sfuture. TheFinancialServicesindustryisgrowingmorecomplex andmorecompetitivewitheachpassingday,andSouth Stateisstrivingtoleavetheirmarkforthelong-terminthis industry.Ascutthroatasthebusinessmaybe,itcannot replacehowonetreatspeopleandprovideclientswith service.
Partnerswillremembertheprocessandhowtheywere treated.Customerserviceandexperiencewillwinevery time.Peoplewillwanttoworkwithpeopletheycantrust andcareaboutthemselvesandtheirfuture.Amyisexcited tobeapartofsuchagreatinstitutionandknowsthebestis yettocomeforSouthStateBank,herteam,andthe community
Throughouthercareerinthefinanceindustry,Amy's experiencehasgrownexceptionallyinbothaspectsofher life.Shewillcherishthoserewardsandmemorieslongafter thenextgenerationofyoungprofessionalwomenhave enteredtheworkforce.Amysays, "If they have a dream, they can achieve it. It can be somewhat of a challenge to be a successful woman in what is still considered a maledominated business. You will get knocked down, and people will try to run over you.”
"Dust yourself off, stand up tall, and don't give up. If someone tells you no, do your own research and don't take the first few nos. Remember who you are, and don't let anyone change you. If you feel strongly about something, stick with that feeling and keep pushing forward," Amy concluded.
Theinclusionofmorewomeninthemortgage
industryisundoubtedlybeneficialforthegrowth anddevelopmentofcompaniesinthisindustry
Theybringdifferentopinions,ideas,andperspectives, leadingtomorefantasticcreativeinnovations,whichhelps companiestogrowmorerapidlyandsustainably.Female leadershipiscrucialforthesuccessofallindustries,andthe mortgageindustryisalsonoexception.Inclusivenessand celebratingvarietyanddiversityarealwaysfruitfulforall businesses,andsuchcultureshouldbepromotedinall sectors.
Femaleleadershipinthemortgageisnotsocommon because,formanyyears,ithasbeenamale-dominated industry.Thereisanincreasingneedforwomenleadersin themortgagebecauseofthevalueandskillstheybringto thetable.Companiesinthemortgageindustryshould advocateforequity,inclusion,anddiversity Theinclusion ofwomeninthisindustrycanleadtoadiversityofthought, newthinking,andthiscanleadtoinnovationanddisruption andshiftfromtheconventionalapproachofdoingbusiness. Femaleleadershipinthemortgageiscriticalbecauseit inspiresotherwomenindifferentindustriesandincreases theirconfidence.Theinclusionofwomeninalltypesof industriesleadstotheinclusivegrowthofthenation.
Thecompaniesinthemortgageindustryshouldincrease andencouragefemaleleadershipintheindustry
Empoweringwomenfordifferentrolesinthemortgage industrycanbeasignificantstepforincreasingtheservices tofemalesinsociety.Anyindustryshouldnotdiscriminate betweenmenandwomensincebotharecapableof
deliveringsomethinguniqueandvaluable.Womencan mentorandguideotherwomenmoreeffectivelyastheycan relatetothemmorethanmen.Therefore,womenleadership inthemortgageindustrycanresolvedifferentwomen's issuesinsociety,andtheycanhelpthemonalllevelswith properguidanceandsuggestions.
Womenleadersinthemortgageindustryarecapableof workingdiligently.Theydon'tunderestimatetheirpotential. Theyknowthattheybringalotofpositivity,creativity, innovation,andvaluetothecompaniesandcustomersin themortgageindustrybecauseoftheiruniquetalents, abilities,andskills.Theyarereadytothriveinthemortgage industry Theleadershipofwomeninanyindustrymakes thatindustrygrowsignificantly,andalsoitincreasesthe reputationofthatindustrybecauseofitsinclusivenature.
Thecontributionwomenleadersmakeinallindustriesis noteworthy,inspiringformanyotherwomenentrepreneurs andyounggirlsintheworld.Womeninthemortgage industrysetthetoneforallotherwomentosucceedinany field.Theyarenotunderestimatingtheirpotentialare courageousenoughtonotbeafraidofanything.Womenin themortgageindustrybringprofoundvaluetotheindustry throughtheiruniqueideas,talents,skills,newperspectives, andinnovativeabilities,leadingtothevaluegrowthofthe industryinmanydifferentways.Thereforewomeninthe mortgageindustryshouldbewelcomed,encouraged, empowered,trained,andcelebratedsothat,inreturn,they willbeabletoprovideimmensevaluetothecompaniesin themortgageindustry.
Achangefromwithincanhelponetransformtheir
lifetobecomeunstoppableintheirfield;thatis exactlywhatresemblesGalindaFleming.Sheis anunstoppableforceknownasthe Mortgage Woman for herdedicationandassistingapproachtowardsherclients.
GalindaisaSeniorLoanSpecialistatMIDFLORIDA CreditUnion,wheresheoverseestheloanorigination, processing,underwriting,andclosingdepartmentsforher loans.
WeatInsightsSuccesscameacrossGalindainour endeavortofind'The10MostEmpoweringWomenin MortgageIndustry,2021.'Weenteredintoaconversationto knowandunderstandhowGalindachangedherlifeto becomeoneofthewell-knownempoweredleadersinthe mortgageindustry.
Galindasaysthatlifeisallaboutchangeandadaptingto thosechangespersonallyandprofessionally Aftergoing throughadivorce,shestartedanewcareerinthemortgage industryin1992asanOfficeManagerandquicklybecame aMortgageBrokerbytheendofthe1990s.
Ahead-hunterofferedGalindaapositionwithPHH Mortgage/Cendant,whoalsoownednumerousother companies,includingarealestatedivisionthatheld ColdwellBanker,C21,andERARealEstateCompanies. PHHMortgagebecameanin-housemortgagecompany withanewprogramcalledPhone-InMove-In,andGalinda
wasoneof12AccountManagersacrosstheUnitedStates hiredtorollthisprogramout.Duringhertenurewiththem, shehelpedcreatetheSales,Marketing,andMotivational TrainingDepartmentfortheAccountManagersnationwide andcreatemarketingandtrainingresourcescalledthe PowerPak.ShetraveledtheUnitedStatesimplementing thisinformationintheAccountManagers'territories,which becameherpassion,andshelearnedalotaboutpeopleand herself.
Galindahasreadnumeroustrainingandmotivational books,butthetwothatstickoutthemostare Who Moved My Cheese? An Amazing Way to Deal with Change in Your Work and in Your Life Spencer Johnson, FISH: A ,by and powerful parable to help you see your life and work in a new way. Shewastouchedbythisbookwhenshereviewed itontheplaneridehome.
Galindaexpressesthatthethirdconceptinthebook,"be present"goesbeyondphysicallybeingpresentwhentalking tosomeone,itisaboutgivingyourfull,undividedattention –activelylistening.Itseemssimpleuntilyoutrytodoit–everytime.
AsGalindareadthisconceptandthoughtaboutherson, Levi,andwhattookplacewhenshecamehomefromher tripsafterpickinghimupfromhisdad.Shethoughtto herself,wasI"present"inourconversation?No,noteven close;areyou"present"inyourconversationswithyour spouse,yourchildren–dotheyhaveyourfullundivided
attention-everytime?Ican'tsayeverytime,butIcansay itbecamebetter
TowardsTheDawn Galindacontinuedherjourneythroughthemortgage industry,andfromtimetotime,sheflirtedwiththeideaof workingwithMIDFLORIDA,butthetimingneverseemed right.Shecouldnevergetherfootinthedoor.Herfirstauto loanwaswithMIDFLORIDAinthelate70sandher savingsandcheckingaccount.
Then2007happened,themortgageindustryandworld changed.Everyindustrythatdealtwithhomeswasaffected; lenders,titlecompanies,builders,appraisers,inspectors, insurance,everyoneinbetween,andsmallmom-and-pop businesses.Galinda'sincomekeptdiminishingasitwas basedoncommission.Shekeptherlicenseactivebut neededtofindadditionalincome.AfriendhelpedGalinda obtainapositionasDirectorofDevelopmentwithanonprofitcalledLighthouseMinistriesInc.Ithadvarious programs:a24/48-monthLifeLearningResidential ProgramforMenandWomen/childrenseekingtorecover fromtheiraddictions,destructivelifestyles,and homelessnessduetopreviousabuseorjustbadchoices.
Duringthistime,Galindasharedapartofherlifethatshe doesnotshareveryoften.Thatisofsexual,physical, mental,andemotionalabuseasasmallchildthroughgrade schoolandthenmentalandemotionalabusethrough
adulthooduntilsheendedatoxicrelationshipwithher motherandfinallystartedhealing.
Galindaexpressesthatlifeisaboutdealingwithchange,the ebbandflowcausedbyothersandsomecausedby yourself,andonemustadapt,learnfromit,askforhelpand growtoflourishandhelpothersinthisworld.Shesays, "Be Kind! That smile or kind word just might save a life; instead of suicide, they may turn around and ask for help!"
Aroundthistime,Galindaknewsomeonethatworkedin theMortgageDivisionatMIDFLORIDAandshesenther resume',andtherestishistory
GalindaexpressesthatMIDFLORIDAkickedintohigh geartomakenecessaryaccommodationstoensure employeesafetywhilestillservingmembersbyproviding allthenecessaryequipment,protectivegear,sanitary supplies,anddividersforoffices.
Tothankthestaffforcontinuedsupportthroughthe pandemic,MIDFLORDAgaveeachemployee$25.00to supportalocalbusinesswiththeCreditUnionsCare Challenge.Employees,members,andthecommunityare VERYimportanttoMIDFLORIDA.Ourphilosophyis excellentpersonalattention!
Galindastatesthatfromthemeagerbeginningsofa shoeboxin1954tonow,MIDFLORIDAhasgrowntoover 60branches,morethan1,200employees,andassetsover $5.7billion.ShehopesthatMIDFLORIDAwillcoverthe stateofFloridawithproductsandservicesthatrivalany localbankinfiveyearswhilemaintainingthecreditunion philosophyofexcellentpersonalattention.
Inheradviceforup-and-comingwomenentrepreneurs, Galindasays, "life may give you lemons, so you make lemonade and proudly serve it with a SMILE!" "When dealing with any human being, NEVER lose that personal touch – put the cellphone on vibrate, better yet, turn it off!
“Be Present" in the Conversation! You will always win because it is a win-win for everyone involved! And Remember – Always Be Kind Because you can Always Be Kind!" concludesGalinda.
Whatareyoupassionateabout?Sports,business, travel,movies,poetry,photography,writing?
Forsomepeopleleadingisalsoapassion,and inmyhumbleopinion,ittakesalotofefforttolead. Leadingisacontinuousprocessofimprovement.Today, conventionalleadingpracticesarenotenoughforleadersas theyneedtostayaheadofthecompetition.Leaderswitha passionlearnandgainknowledgeandimplementtheminto theirbusinesspractices.Thesepracticescomeinhandybut workbestwhenthemortgageindustrycomesintothe picture.
Leaders,especiallywomen,haveimpactedthesector worldwideinthemortgagespacebycreatingadentinthe universewiththeirimmenseknowledgeandpassionate drive.Theyhavehelpedtheclientsbyprovidinga personalizedapproach,resolvingtheirclient'sconcerns withtheirskillsetanddedication.So,ifyouareconcerned aboutyourfinancialandmortgageissues,womenleaders willgiveyouthebestguidance,wiselessonsandwillbea perfectfitforyourfinancialproblems.
Everybodyspeaksabouttheproblem;noonetalksabout thesolution.So,itisnotaboutwhattheworldholdsforus, butwhatbusinessleadersbringtotheworld. Businesswomenalwaysshowthewilltolearnnewthings andareflexibletonurturetheemployees,clients,and mortgagecompanies.Andtheirinfluencecanalreadybe seenonthepeople,whichistrulyinspiring.Ofcourse,the industryisfilledwithchallenges,andthesewomencanface themhead-on.
Thecovidpandemichaschangedthemortgageindustry drasticallybecausetheentireworkingsfromproviding loanstofinancialguidancehadtobedoneonline.Women
leadersofferedtheperfectsolutionsinsuchsituationswith theirinnovativetechnologicalsetup.Andwefeltthe importanceofhavingversatilewomenleadershipthrough thissituation,asitstoodtallinsuchacriticalsituation. Togrowinthefinancialandmortgageindustry,thegoal youstartedasaleaderisimportant;that'swhatsetsthe cultureofleadershipforothers.Beinginthefinancialand mortgagefieldisademandingandresponsiblecause;itis anactofbuildingthefutureroadmapfortheorganization andtheclients.
Withtechnologicalinnovation,womeninthemortgagewill bethenextbigthingintheindustry.Theresultsspeakfor themselves;itisafieldwherecontinuousimprovementis necessarytorevaluetheirprogressand,moreimportantly, theorganization.
Gainingalltheexperience,everypassingday,wecansay thebestisyettocome,andthemortgageindustryasa wholewillbeastrongforceforwomenleadershipisnot justmortgage,buttheentireindustryasawhole.Thenextgenerationwomenleaderswillhavealottolearnandcatch upwith,andthereisnodoubttheywillshineinevery aspectoftheirwork.
So,dreambig;theskyisthelimitinthemortgage,asthe fieldisfullofopportunities,andmakethemortgageyour own.Lastlynever,letanyonetellyouhowwhattodo,have thecouragetotakerisksinsteadofjustthinkingaboutit becausewhatevertheresultitwillalwaysbe,youwillbe proudofit.Keeppunchingaboveweight;that'sthe platformyouwanttosetforthenext-generationwomen leaders.
Beinvolved;theworldwaitsforsuchcreativewomen's mindsinthemortgageindustry
WhatifItoldyouthatthiswillfeellikea'meeting Morpheus'momentforthemortgagebrokeringbusiness?
Moreoomphthanyouexpectedright outofthegate?Or,areyousmiling insidebecausetheopeningsignalsthat thisstorymaydeliveradashoflevity inaplaceyoudidn'texpecttoseeany?
Fingerscrossedthatit'sthelatter Becausethatmeansthatyoualready knowasecretwhichputsyouaheadof mostbusinesspeople.Thatsecret?
Levitycreatesbalance,comfort,and connection.
Levityhelpedelevatemysmall businessintoabelovedbrand.
Butdon'ttakemywordforit.Justask oneofthemosttrustedentitieson earth:Google.
Goahead,Google'mintmortgage Saskatoon'
(IfGoogleknowsanythingforsure,it knowswhatfolkslike,right?Because mostofustellitourdesiresandneeds onadailybasis--especiallythe unspokenones,don'twe?)
Youcheckedusout?Thankyou!
Younowknowthat(asofearlyOct '21)mintmortgagehasover6505-star Googlereviews,andthatfolks regularlysaythatwe'rethemost attentive,easytoworkwith,andfun mortgagebroker.InCanada.
IsitouremailingskillsthatCanadian mortgageshoppersenjoy?Or,isitour non-businessbusinesscards?Or,isit thefactthattheycanplayagameof Asteroidsonourwebsite?
Wouldyoumaybeliketotakeapage (ortwo)fromourplaybookinaneffort tomakeyourbrandmorebeloved?
Ourplaybookwouldchallengeyou.It challengedme.Holyshmoly,didit everchallengemeatfirst!Thiswasin partbecausemyinvolvementwith mortgagesstartedatabank.Ilearneda lotthere.Metsomegreatfolks,too. (I'mstillintouchwithsomeofthem.)
ButIeventuallystartedtothirstfor morefunatwork.SoIbeganthinking outsidethebranch.Andthatledmeon asafariofthenationalguildsfor independentmortgagebrokersin Canada.
Rememberhowenergizedandgood youfeltwhenyoufirststarted imaginingyourlifeasanindependent mortgagebroker?
Fastforwardyou-name-itnumberof daysoryears..
Isitpossiblethat,nowadays,youoften feellikethesinglegreatestthreattothe qualityofyourlifeisthefactthat you'reanindependentmortgage broker?
Ifyou'renodding,Ihearyou.
Thereasonwhyyoufeelthatwayis likelythis:Yourplaybookis amplifyingthechallengingpartsof mortgagebrokering,ratherthan minimizingthem.
Yousee,beinganindiemortgage brokerisnotintrinsicallybad.It’s actuallytheopposite,asitcanbe meaningful,joyful,andevenmagical! That'swhyyoufeltsogoodaboutitat first.
(BTW,Isayindiemortgagebroker becauseevenifyou'repartofoneof thenationalmortgageguilds,you're stillonyourown.Theguildgivesyou accesstosome‘lines,’justlikeTelusor Rogersconnectyouto'lines',but neitherarereallymakingyourphone ring,right?)
So,wouldyouliketohearmy2¢on howtolevelupyourgame?Before yousay'yes'toourchat,twofriendly headsup:
-I’llfirstlistentoyourstory.
-Youunderstandandagreethathighleveltakeawaysfromourchatmayend upinmybook.(Itsworkingtitleis ‘HowtoSolveBizProblems Hilariously.'Don'taskmeaboutthe releasedate.)
Noconfidentialpartsofourchatwould everbemadepublic,ofcourse. Instead,think,"Amyisamortgage brokerinWesternCanada.Shereached outforsomeinputabout..")
Thenextmoveisyours.Youcangoto thenextpageandforgetthatweever met.:)Or,youcancontactmevia sarah@mintmortgage.metocontinue thisconversation.
You'renotalone.I’mreadywhenyou are.
Sloane,FounderofMint Mortgage Sarah
Marguerita (Rita) Cheng Chief Executive Officer Blue Ocean Global Wealth
Technologyhasbeendisruptingeveryindustry,and thewealthmanagementindustryisnoexception.
AccordingtoRichTopia,thereare11technologiesand innovationsdisruptingtheworldasweknowit:artificial intelligence(AI),theInternetofThings(IoT),space colonization,3Dprinting,medicalinnovations,high-speed travel,robotics,blockchaintechnology,autonomous vehicles,advancedvirtualrealityVR),andrenewable energy.
Whilenotallthesetechnologieshaveadirectimpactonthe wealthindustry,someofthemdo,andthatimpactis provingtobesubstantial.
Inthisarticle,weconsiderhowsomeofthesetechnologies aredisruptingthefutureofthewealthmanagement industry.
Blockchain,Cryptocurrency,andtheOpeningofaNew InvestmentWorld
Beforetheinventionofbitcoin,othereffortstocreatea digitalcurrency—BitGold,HashCash,B-Money,andthe like—hadfailed.
Bitcoinsucceededbecauseofthewayitcombined cryptographywithblockchaintechnology Theuseof blockchainallowedbitcointocombineboth decentralizationandtransparency
Everybitcointransactioncanbeindependentlyverifiedon theblockchainnetwork;inotherwords,theownershipofa bitcoincanbeconfirmedfromthenetwork.Yetthis verificationoftransactionandconfirmationofownership happenswithoutacentralagency:computerusersscattered
allovertheworldcreateblocksofbitcointransactions withoutcentralcoordination.
Becauseofitslimitedsupply(nomorethan21million bitcoinscanbecreated),bitcoinhasacquiredastatusasa storeofvaluebecausenocentralagencycancreatemoreof itandtherebyreduceandweakenitsvalue.
Asaresultofitspotentialasastoreofvalueandameansof exchange,bitcoinhasbecomeaninvestmentasset.Froma marketcapof$250billionin2017,bitcoincrossedthe$1 trillionmarkinMarch2021.
Financialanalystsarealreadytoutingbitcoinasthe“digital gold”becauseofitsstatuscomparabletopreciousmetal.It hasshownalmost-zerocorrelationtothestocksandbonds market,makingitagoodwaytoadddiversificationtoa portfolio.
Consequently,wealthmanagersandfinancialadvisorsare askingiftheyshouldincludebitcoinintheportfoliosthey offertoclients.Theydon’treallyhaveachoice,sincea FinancialPlanningAssociation’sJournalofFinancial PlanningsurveyfromMarch2021showsthat49%of advisorssayclientsarealreadyaskingaboutit
Willbitcoin,withitsblockchaintechnology,endup replacinggoldastheinvestment-proofassetthatprovides diversificationinretirementandotherinvestment portfolios?Orwillbitcoinevenbecomeamoreacceptable meansofexchangethatchangesthe“monopoly”offiat currency?
Howeveritplaysout,whatcannotbedeniedisthatbitcoin, poweredbyblockchaintechnology,isalreadydisruptingthe wealthmanagementindustry
Therobo-advisingindustryisbooming.Theindustryis alreadyworthmorethan$460billion,andanalystsexpectit toreach$1.2trillionin2024.
Robo-advisingreliesondataanalyticstoolsmadepossible bymachinelearningtoprovideinvestmentportfoliosand advicethatbestmatchesthecustomer’sprofile.
However,robo-advisorsarealreadydeployingAImore broadly.Betterment,oneofthepopularrobo-advisors, alreadyusesAItoreducetaxesontransactions.SigFig, anotherrobo-advisor,alsousesAItoautomaticallyallocate assetsinawaythatminimizestaxation.AndWealthfront andFidelityaredeployingAIininterestingways.
Itremainstobeseenhowfarrobo-advisorswilltakeAIin thefuture.Whatcannotbedeniedisthatrobo-advisorsare alreadymakinganimpactinthewealthmanagement industrybyusingmachinelearningandAItechnologies.
AMarketsandMarketsreportpredictsthatthemarketforthe InternetofThings(IoT)infinancialserviceswillgrowfrom $249.4millionin2018to$2.03billionby2023,ata compundannualgrowthrate(CAGR)of52.1%duringthe forecastperiod(2019–2024).
AccordingtoOracle,"TheInternetofThings(IoT) describesthenetworkofphysicalobjects—“things”—that areembeddedwithsensors,software,andother technologiesforthepurposeofconnectingandexchanging datawithotherdevicesandsystemsovertheinternet." Connectingsensorsforthehome,thecar,thesupplychain,
andpersonalhealthoffersmanyinterestingdatapointsfor wealthmanagers.
TheuseofIoTallowswealthmanagerstooffer personalizedcustomerserviceastheygathermoreinsights fromcustomerinteraction.Customerdatasuchasspending habitscanbeusedasabasisforfinancialadviceand discussion.
IoTtechnologiessuchasdevice-to-device(D2D) communicationprotocolsandsensorimplementationare helpingbanksperformabetterriskassessmentofpotential customers.
TheIoTisalsodrivingtheincreaseduseofautomationin businessprocesses.
WhiletheuseofIoThasbeenmorepredominantinbanking andinsurancesofar,itwon’tbelongbeforetheimpact becomesmorevisibleinwealthmanagement.Trackinnois alreadyleadingthewayintheassetmanagementsideof things.
Ofcourse,therearemanyothertechnologiesdisruptingthe wealthmanagementindustry,andtheabovearemerelya selectionfromthebroaderpool.
Wealthmanagersmustalwayskeeptrackofthese developmentssothattheycankeepleveragingthebest technologiestoprovidethebestservicesforclients.
Technologyisnotanenemyofthewealthadvisor;rather,it isapartnerthatimprovesthequalitythatthewealthadvisor offerstohisorherclients.
