Corrina Carter CMS Mortgage Solutions Inc.
Editor’s V I E W
www.X.com/insightssuccess
Why More Women Leaders Mean Better Business
Themortgageindustry,crucialforhomeownershipandeconomicgrowth,
haswitnessedasignificantincreaseinthepresenceofwomenleadersin recentyears.Historically,thisfieldhasbeenmale-dominated,but changingdemographicsandattitudeshaveopeneddoorsforwomentotakeon influentialroles.Statisticsrevealthatwomennowholdabout30%ofsenior managementpositionsinmortgagecompanies,anotablerisefromprevious decades.
Thisgrowthisnotonlyinspiringbutalsobeneficialfortheindustryasawhole. Womenleadersbringdiverseperspectivesandinnovativeideas,whichcan enhancedecision-makingandimprovebusinessoutcomes.Arecentstudyshowed thatcompanieswithmorewomeninleadershiprolestendtooutperformtheir competitorsinprofitabilityandproductivity
Furthermore,womeninthemortgagesectoroftenprioritizecommunity engagementandcustomerservice.Theirleadershipstylestendtofocuson collaborationandempathy,fosteringinclusiveworkplaces.Thisapproachcan leadtohigheremployeesatisfactionandretentionrates,creatingamorestable andcommittedworkforce.
Asmorewomenascendtoleadershippositions,themortgageindustryislikelyto continueevolving,becomingmoreadaptableandresponsivetothechanging marketneeds.Thistrendnotonlyempowerswomenbutalsocontributestothe overallhealthoftheeconomy.Bysupportingandpromotingwomeninleadership roles,themortgageindustryissettingapositiveexampleforothersectors, demonstratingthatdiversityleadstosuccess.
ThelatesteditionofInsightsSuccess,titled "The Most Influential Women Leaders in the Mortgage Industry, 2024," featuresanimpressiverosterofwomen whoaremakingsignificantstridesinthemortgagesector.Thispublication highlightstheachievementsoftheseleaders,showcasingtheirunique contributionsandtheimpacttheyhaveontheirorganizationsandtheindustryat large.
Haveagreatreadahead!
-AlayaBrown
There is no force more powerful than a woman determined to rise.
– W.E.B. Dubois
Carolyn Thornley The Path to Inclusive Leadership
Victoria Coster Transforming Lives Through Credit Repair
Descrip on Featuring
Andrea Glasgow Sales Director
Andrina Valdes CEO
Candice McNaught Senior Vice President of Na onal Sales
Carolyn Thornley-Yates Head of Commercial Development & Distribu on
Charlo e Harrison Senior Financial Advisor
Corrina Carter CEO
Joni Pilgrim CEO
Pa y Arvielo Co-Founder and CEO
Company Name
Hampshire Trust Bank htb.co.uk
New American Funding newamerican funding.com
Supreme Lending supremelending.com
The Stafford Building Society srbs.co.uk
Skipton Building Society skipton.co.uk
CMS Mortgage Solu ons Inc cmsmortgage.com
Andrea Glasgow drives sales strategies within a bank, fostering rela onships and promo ng financial products that meet diverse customer needs.
Andrina Valdes drives strategic ini a ves at a leading funding firm, focusing on innova ve solu ons that empower borrowers and enhance service delivery.
Candice McNaught directs na onal sales efforts, leveraging her exper se to expand market reach and enhance client rela onships in the lending sector.
Carolyn Thornley-Yates oversees commercial development, enhancing distribu on channels and partnerships to strengthen the society's market presence.
Charlo e Harrison provides expert financial advice, guiding clients through mortgage op ons and investment strategies to secure their financial futures.
Corrina Carter leads a mortgage brokerage focused on personalized service, empowering clients and staff through educa on and innova ve home-buying solu ons.
NAN - Na onwide Appraisal Network nan-amc.com
Joni Pilgrim leads a na onwide appraisal network, ensuring quality assessments and streamlined services for real estate professionals across the country
New American Funding newamerican funding.com
Pa y Arvielo co-founded a funding company dedicated to improving access to home financing, championing diversity and inclusion within the industry.
Sofia Rossato President and General Manager
Floify floify.com/ schedule-a-demo
Sofia Rossato manages opera ons at a tech-driven mortgage pla orm, emphasizing efficiency and customer sa sfac on in the loan process.
Victoria Coster CEO
Credit Fix Solu ons credi ixsolu ons. com.au/
Victoria Coster specializes in credit repair services, helping clients improve financial health and achieve their homeownership dreams through tailored solu ons.
Corrina Carter CMS Mortgage Solutions Inc.
Corrina Carter
On
a Mission to Make Homeownership Accessible
“ “
Technological advancements have streamlined many processes, making the mortgage experience more e cient for both clients and lenders.
Thepathtohomeownershipis
oftencoveredwithchallenges, butitsrewardscanbelifechanging.Formany,owningahome representsstability,security,anda keystoneforbuildingabetterfuture.
Thisjourney,however,canbe dismayingwithoutproperguidance andsupport.
Drivenbypersonalexperience,there's adeepunderstandingofhow homeownershipcantransformlives. It'snotjustabouthavingaroofover one'shead;it'saboutcreatinga foundationforfinancialstabilityand personalgrowth.Thisrealization fueledCorrina’spassionforhelping othersmanagethecomplexworldof realestateandmortgagefinancing.
Inaworldwherethedreamof homeownershipoftenseemsoutof reach,CorrinaCarterstandsasa primeexampleofoptimism.Asthe FounderandOwnerofCMS MortgageSolutionsInc.,shehas transformedhertumultuouspastintoa powerfulforceforchangeinthe mortgageindustry.
Corrina’searlylifereadslikea cautionarytale.At12,sheranaway fromhome.By14,shefoundherself institutionalized.At15,shebecame pregnant.Yet,thesehardshipsdidnot breakherspirit—theyforgedit.
Theseexperiencestaughtherthetrue valueofhavingastablehome.She realizedthatahouseisn'tjustfour wallsandaroof.It'safoundationfora betterlife.
Thisrealizationbecamethebaseof CMSMortgageSolutions,Inc. Foundedwiththemissiontomake homeownershipaccessibletoall,the companyhasquicklygaineda reputationforitsinnovativeapproach tomortgagelending.
Corrina’suniqueperspectiveallows hertoseebeyondcreditscoresand incomestatements.Sheunderstands thatbehindeveryapplicationisa personwithdreamsandpotential.This empathy,combinedwithherindustry expertise,hashelpedcountlessfamilies overcomeobstaclestohomeownership.
Underherleadership,CMSMortgage SolutionsInc.hasintroducedprograms
“ “ Built a company that re ects her values of perseverance, integrity, and empathy, ensuring clients feel supported and understood throughout their homeownership journey.
tailoredtofirst-timehomebuyers,selfemployedindividuals,andthosewith less-than-perfectcredithistories.The company'ssuccessstoriesareproofof itsdevotionandloyaltytoitsclients.
Asshelookstothefuture,Corrina remainsfocusedonherultimategoal: transformingthemortgageindustry fromtheinsideout.Herfirmbeliefis thathomeownershipshouldnotbea privilegereservedforthefew.Instead, itshouldbeanachievabledreamfor anyonewillingtoworkforit.
Let us explore her journey:
FromAdversitytoAdvocacy
Corrinahasbuilthercareeronpersonal resilienceandapassionforhelping othersachievehomeownership.Facing challengessuchasrunningawayat12, institutionalizationat14,and becomingpregnantat15,Corrina's experiencesinstilledinheradeep appreciationforthestabilitythata homeprovides.
Herjourneytoindependenceand stabilitydriveshercommitmenttothe mortgageindustry.AtCMSMortgage SolutionsInc.,sheguidesclients throughthehomeownershipprocess, believingthatahomecanbea foundationstoneforabetterlife.
Herpersonalstoryallowsherto connectwithclientsonaprofound level,offeringfinancialsolutions, hope,andstabilitytothosestrivingfor abetterfuture.
AVisionRootedinIntegrityand Compassion
CMSMortgageSolutionsInc.was establishedin2005inChesapeake,VA, withamissiontoofferamore personalizedandclient-centric approachtomortgagelending.
FoundedbyCorrina,thecompanyaims toprovideexceptionalserviceand competitiverateswhileprioritizing peopleoverprofits.
TheinceptionofCMSwasdeeply personalforCorrina,inspiredbyher mother'sworkcodeandherownlife experiences.Underherleadership, CMShasgrownandexpandedits services,steadfastlymaintaininga commitmenttobrilliance,integrity, andcompassioninallitsendeavors.
AResilientLeader
Corrina’srecognitionasaleaderinthe mortgageindustrycameearlyinher career,drivenbyherrelentless dedicationtoclientsandherdeep understandingofthemortgageprocess. Thisearlyrecognitionopened numerousdoors,allowingherto collaboratewithpowerhouselenders andindustryexperts.
Theseinvaluableexperiencesshaped herprofessionaldevelopment,helping herbuildarobustnetworkandgain crucialinsightsforsuccess.Her personaljourneyofovercoming adversityandstrivingforexcellence playedasignificantroleincreatingher reputationasaleader.
Herflexibility,hardwork,andvowto helpothersachievetheirdreamsare thecornerstonesofhervaluedcareerin themortgageindustry.
GainingExpertiseThrough
Collaboration
Corrina’scollaborationswithtop mortgagelendersprovidedherwitha wealthofknowledgeandexperience, teachinghertheintricaciesofthe industryfromloanoriginationto endorsing.
Theguidanceandmentorshipshe receivedfromindustryleaderswere instrumentalinhoningherskillsand creatingherreputationasatrustedand sought-aftermortgagebrokerinthe HamptonRoadsandNorthernVirginia areas.
FocusedVision
Corrina’smotivationtowork independentlystemmedfromadesire toprovideamorepersonalizedand client-focusedmortgageexperience. Havingsuccessfullymanagedafull-net branchoperationsince1998,shehad gainedtheconfidenceandextensive experiencenecessarytoventureouton herownandestablishherown company
In2005,drivenbyhervisiontooffer exceptionalmortgageserviceswitha personaltouch,shefoundedCMS MortgageSolutionsInc.in Chesapeake,VA.Inspiredbyherown personalexperiencesofovercoming significantlifechallenges,shebuilta companythatreflectshercorevalues ofperseverance,integrity,and empathy.
ByestablishingCMSMortgage Solutions,shecreatedanenvironment whereclientsfeelgenuinelysupported andunderstoodthroughouttheirentire
homeownershipjourney.Herpassion toprovideamorepersonalized approachtomortgageservicesisa testamenttoherdedicationtomakinga positiveimpactonthelivesofher clients.
ExpandingtoServeNorth
In2014,CMSMortgageSolutionsInc. madeastrategicdecisiontoestablisha newbranchinFredericksburg, NorthernVirginia,inresponsetothe increasingdemandfortheirservicesin thatarea.Thisexpansionenabledthe companytoenhanceitssupportfor clientsthroughoutNorthernVirginia, maintainingthehigh-qualityservice andcompetitiveratesthatCMS MortgageSolutionsInc.isknownfor Theopeningofthisbranch underscoredthecompany’sdedication toexcellenceandcommitmentto customersatisfaction.
AsthenumberonebrokerinVirginia andamongthetop100nationwide, CMSMortgageSolutionsInc.isnow serving25states,includingtheWest Coast.
CommitmenttoContinuous Learning
Stayingattheforefrontofthe mortgageindustryrequirescontinuous
“ “ Reinforced the company's commitment to excellence and client satisfaction.
“
Believing that a home can be a foundation stone for a better life.
“
learningandadaptation,aprinciple thatCorrinapersonifies.Asanexpert inFHA,VA,Conventionaland ReverseMortgages,sheprioritizes stayinginformedaboutthelatest industrytrendsandregulations.
Thiscommitmenttoongoingeducation guaranteesthatCMSMortgage SolutionsInc.canprovideclientswith themostcurrentandbeneficial mortgagesolutionsavailable, maintainingtheirreputationfor excellenceandclientsatisfaction.
ExpertiseinLoan
Corrina’sextensiveexperienceinloan origination,processing,and underwritinghasbeenimportanttoher successinthemortgageindustry.Her inclusiveunderstandingofthe mortgageprocesspermitshertoguide clientsthrougheachstepwith confidenceandclarity
Thisexpertiseallowshertoidentify thebestloanoptionsforeachclient's uniquesituation,confirmingasmooth andefficientmortgageexperience.
StayingAheadwithSolution
AtCMSMortgageSolutionsInc.,a rangeofstrategiesisemployedtostay
currentandofferthebestmortgage programstoclients.Thecompany continuouslymonitorsmarkettrends andregulatorychanges,investsin ongoingteamtraining,andutilizes advancedtechnologytostreamline processes.
Thesestrategiesconfirmthatclients receivethemostup-to-dateand advantageousmortgagesolutions.Her personalcommitmenttoperseverance andcontinuousimprovementdrivesthe company’sdedicationtoremainingat theleadoftheindustry
MentoringExcellence
Mentoringandtrainingtop-notch MortgageLoanOriginators(MLOs) hasbeenarewardingaspectof Corrina’scareer.Shefocuseson providingcomprehensivetrainingthat encompassesbothtechnicaland interpersonalskills.
Shedevelopedtailoredtraining programsfeaturinghands-on workshops,one-on-onementoring sessions,andcontinuousprofessional developmentopportunities.These effortshaveenabledmanyMLOsto reachtheirfullpotentialandexcelin theircareers.
Herpersonaljourneyofovercoming adversityandstrivingforexcellence
servesasaninspirationtotheMLOs shementors,motivatingthemtopursue theirgoalswithdeterminationand integrity
DerivingFulfillment
ForCorrina,themostrewardingaspect ofherworkinthemortgageindustryis helpingclientsachievetheirdreamof homeownership.Shefindsimmense satisfactioninknowingshehasplayed apartinsuchasignificantmilestonein theirlives.
Moreover,witnessingtheprofessional growthandsuccessoftheMortgage LoanOriginators(MLOs)shehas mentoredisincrediblyfulfilling, particularlyhercommitmenttoboth clientsuccessandthedevelopmentof futureindustryleaders.
EspousalChangeandTechnology
SinceCorrinastartedhercareerin 1997,themortgageindustryhas experiencedsignificant transformations.Technological innovationshavemademanyprocesses moreefficient,benefitingbothclients andlendersalike.
However,theseadvancementsalso presentchallenges,includingthe necessitytokeepupwithevolving technologiesandregulatory requirements.
Corrinabelievesthatthegreatest opportunitieslieinleveragingthese technologiestoenhanceclientservice andbroadenoutreach,showcasingher dedicationtoremainingattheforefront oftheindustry
Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is all about growing others.
- Jack Welch
Glasgow ndrea
Uplifting Women in the Mortgage Sector
AndreaGlasgow SalesDirector
HampshireTrustBank
Being a leader isn't about having all the answers; it's about being there to guide, support and trust your team. That's a lesson I carry with me every day.
The
Most In uential Women Leaders in the Mortgage Industry - 2024
Themortgageindustryis
undergoingaprofoundshiftas womentakecenterstage,using technologytocreatemoreaccessible andtransparentprocessesfor homebuyers,especiallyfirst-time buyersandunderrepresented communities.Thesetrailblazingfemale professionalsareprovingtheir necessityinmakingtheindustrymore equitableandinnovativeforeveryone.
Withastrongcultureofmentorship andadvocacy,womenempowerthe nextgenerationtoriseandthrive, provingtheyarenecessarytothe industry'sevolutionandmakingit moreequitableandinnovativefor everyone.
AndreaGlasgow,SalesDirectorat HampshireTrustBank(HTB),isat theforefrontofthistransformation. Withastrongcultureofmentorship andadvocacy,sheempowersthenext generationtoriseandthriveinthis traditionallymale-dominatedfield.
Glasgow’sapproachreflectsabroader cultureatHTBthatprioritizes mentorshipandadvocacy,empowering thenextgenerationoffemale professionals.Byfosteringstrong relationshipswithbrokers,shehelps themmanagethecomplexitiesofthe mortgagemarket,providingbespoke propositionsthataddresstheunique challengesfacedbyclients.
Aswomencontinuetobreakdown barriersinthemortgageindustry, companieslikeHTBareprovingthat diversitynotonlyenhancesinnovation butalsocreatesamoreequitable landscapeforall.Bychampioning femaleleadership,HTBisnotjust participatingintheindustry's evolution;itisleadingthecharge towardsamoreinclusivefuture.
Below are the interview highlights:
Canyoupleaseintroduceyourself andshareyourcareerjourney?
IstartedoutasaCashieratChelsea BuildingSocietyat20yearsold.Itwas agreatlearningground,Igottoknow thebasicsoffinanceand,more importantly,howtoconnectwith customers.Afterthat,Iwas headhuntedbyBarclaystobea PersonalBanker,whichwasastepup andgavemeagoodtasteofwhata careerinbankingcouldoffer
IthenbecameaPremierBanking Manager,whereIreallylearnedthe importanceofmanagingrelationships andthinkingstrategically.Butthereal turningpointformewaswhenIjoined CastleTrust,andthat’swhenmy journeyinSpecialistMortgagesreally began.Iwasfortunatetowork alongsideAlexUpton,mybiggest cheerleaderandmentor.
ShesawsomethinginmethatIhadn’t evenseeninmyself,andthat’swhen thingsreallystartedtotakeoff.It wasn’tjustaboutunderstanding specialistlending;itwasabout buildingateamthatsupportseach otherandalwaysdeliversforour clients.
Couldyoupleasebrieflyintroduce yourcompanyanditsinception story?
We’reaspecialistBTLlenderthat relaunchedin2018,andsincethen, we’vegrownourbalancesheetfrom £160millionto£2.2billion.Thatkind ofgrowthdoesn’tjusthappen overnight.It’sdowntothehardwork, commitment,andsmartthinkingfrom ourwholeteam.
Whatsetsusapartisthatwe’renotjust abouttheproducts;we’reaboutthe
It’s all about the culture of the company. Leaders need to set the right example and make sure there’s room for everyone to grow and succeed. It’s not just about giving women a seat at the table; it’s about making sure they’ve got a voice there too.
servicetoo.We’veputalotinto buildingateamthatgenuinelycares aboutdeliveringthebestforour brokersandclients,andthat’smadeall thedifferenceinacompetitivemarket.
Canyoushareapivotalmomentin yourcareerthatsignificantlyshaped yourpathinthemortgageindustry?
Oneofthebiggestturningpointsfor mewasleavingthecorporateworld andjumpingintotheSpecialist MortgagesMarket.Irememberitall startedwithasimpleGooglesearch.I foundarecruiterwhospecializedin BDMroles,pickedupthephonefora bitofadvice,andthenextthingI knew,IwasplacedwithCastleTrust.
Thatmovechangedeverythingforme. Itshowedmethatsometimes,you’ve justgottotrustyourgutandtakea leap,evenwhenyou’renotquitesure whereyou’llland.
Whatmotivatedyoutopursuea leadershiprolewithinthemortgage sector,andhowhasyourjourney beenasawomaninthisindustry?
I’vealwaysbeendrivenbytheideaof makingadifference.That’swhat
pushedmetotakeonaleadershiprole. Iwantedtobuildateamwhere everyonefelttheycouldbringtheir besttothetable.
Myteamdoesn’tworkforme;we worktogether,sidebyside.There’s nothingIwouldaskthemtodothatI wouldn’tdomyself.Beingawomanin thisindustryhasitschallenges,but I’veneverletthatholdmeback.
Forme,it’saboutcreatingan environmentwhereeverysalesperson feelstheycangrow—both professionallyandpersonally.It’s aboutshowingthatleadershipisn’t aboutatitle;it’sabouthowyoulift othersup.
Whohavebeenyourrolemodelsor mentorsthroughoutyourcareer,and howhavetheyinfluencedyour leadershipstyle?
That’saneasyone,AlexUpton.She’s anabsolutepowerhouseinspecialist mortgages.Hermanagementstyleis somethingI’vealwayslookedupto; she’salwaysthere,nomatterwhat. Alexbelievedinmewhennooneelse did,andthat’ssomethingI’llnever forget.
Shetaughtmethatbeingaleaderisn’t abouthavingalltheanswers;it’sabout beingtheretoguide,support,andtrust yourteam.That’salessonIcarrywith meeveryday
Asaleader,whatcorevaluesdoyou prioritizeinyourorganization,and howdotheyreflectinyourteam’s culture?
Forme,itcomesdowntofairness, reward,recognition,being approachable,andstayingpersonable. It’snotjustaboutsayingit;it’sabout showingiteveryday.Fairnessmeans givingeveryoneafairshot,no favourites,justopportunitiesforthose whoputinthework.
Rewardandrecognitionarekey becausewhensomeonedoesagreat job,youneedtoletthemknow.Being approachableandpersonablemeans thatnooneisoff-limits;everyone shouldfeelcomfortablecomingtome withanything.Thesevalueshelpcreate aculturewherepeoplefeelvaluedand motivated.
Whatstrategieshaveyou implementedtoempowerother womeninyourorganizationandthe broadermortgageindustry?
I’vemadeitapointtomentorwomen inthecompanyandbearolemodelfor othersinthemortgagemarket. Empowermentisn’taboutbiggestures; it’sinthesmall,everydayactions.I’m involvedinwomen’sfinanceevents andnetworkingopportunitiesbecause it’saboutbeingvisibleandshowing what’spossible.Ifwewantmore womentostepup,theyneedtosee othersdoingit.
Canyoudiscussachallengeyou facedasaleaderandhowyou overcameit?Whatlessonsdidyou learnfromthatexperience?
Everyleaderfaceschallenges, especiallywhenmanagingateam.One ofthebiggestlessonsI’velearnedis knowingwhentostepbackandtakea breath.Sometimes,whenthingsget intense,thebestthingyoucandoisget somefreshair,maybesleeponit,and comebackwithaclearerhead.It’s aboutnotreactinginthemomentbut takingthetimetomaketherightcall foreveryoneinvolved.
Whattrendsdoyouforeseeshaping themortgageindustryinthecoming years,particularlyregarding women'sroles?
I’mexcitedtoseeanewgenerationof salesleaderscomingup,manyof whomI’veworkedwithormentored overtheyears.There’sdefinitelymore supportandrecognitionforwomen now,butwe’vestillgotawaytogo.
Weneedtofindwaystohelpwomen balancehavingacareerandafamily withouthavingtochoosebetween them.It’snotaboutgender;it’sabout talentandself-belief.Companiesthat getthiswillseemorewomenleading theway
Howdoyoubelievethemortgage industrycanbettersupportand promotefemaleleadership?
It’sallaboutthecultureofthe company.Leadersneedtosettheright exampleandmakesurethere’sroom foreveryonetogrowandsucceed.It’s notjustaboutgivingwomenaseatat thetable;it’saboutmakingsure they’vegotavoicetheretoo.
Whatdoyouconsideryourmost significantachievementinyour careertodate,andwhydoesithold suchimportanceforyou?
BeingappointedasSalesDirector, gettingontotheB&CPowerList,and beingnamedanEliteWoman,allin12 months,areallgreatachievements.But forme,mybiggestachievementismy team.Seeingthemnavigateatough UKmortgagemarketandcomeout strongerontheothersideiswhatI’m mostproudof.It’sgreattohave personalsuccess,butthere’snothing likeseeingyourteamthrive.
Howdoyoubalanceyour professionalresponsibilitieswith yourpersonallife,andwhatadvice wouldyougivetoothersstrivingfor thatbalance?
Imakesuretokeepahealthylifestyle, exerciseeverymorningat5am,walk mydog,andfocusonmyspiritual wellbeing.Ilovemyjobandthe businessIworkfor,butIalsobelieve indoingwhatmakesyoufeelgood, evenifthatmeanscheckinginoutside ofofficehours.Myadvice?Findwhat keepsyoucentredanddon’tworry aboutwhatothersthink.It’snotabout aperfectbalance;it’saboutfinding whatworksforyou.
Whatareyouraspirationsforthe future,bothpersonallyandforyour organization,intermsofadvancing womeninthemortgageindustry?
Iwanttoseemorewomenstepping intothisindustryandthriving.Iwant tobeapartofthat,whetherit’s throughrecruitment,mentoring,orjust beingthekindofleaderthatpeople wanttoworkfor.It’saboutbuildinga futurewheremorewomenfeel empoweredtoleadandknowthey belongatthetop.
HowDoPay Disparities Affect Women intheMortgage Industry
Themortgageindustryisoneofthemost
criticalindustriesbecauseithasthepowerto helppeopleandfamiliesgethomes. However,inthisimportantindustry,paydisparities continuetoexistandhavemorenegativeimpactson femalesthanothersexes.Suchpaydisparitiesdonot onlyaffectaperson'sfinancialstabilitybutalso broadentheirimpactonthewholeindustryand society
PayDisparitiesLandscape
Inthelasttenyearsorso,numerousstudieshave highlightedwidepaygapsbetweenmenandwomen workinginseveralprofessionsincludingmortgage business.Arecentstudyclaimsthatforeverydollar earnedbymeninfinanceandrealestate,women receiveapproximately80cents.Thisisadisturbing trendreflectedinanumberofcausesandsystemic imbalancescreatingdisparateopportunities.
CausesofPayDifferential
Anumberoffactorsarethecauseof underrepresentationforwomeninmortgage continuesfacingdisparitiesinpay.Theleadingfactor isunderrepresentationoffemalesinhigherranks. Whilefemalesdominateemploymentintheindustry, theyaregenerallyentry-levelorlowerpositionswith limitedopportunitiestorisethroughtheranks.Such limitedrepresentationmeansthatwomenmissthe associatedhighpayandinfluence.
Thesecondcontributingfactortothisproblemis genderstereotypes.Womenaregenerallyviewedas lesscompetentorlesscommittedthanmen.These stereotypesmaythereforeeasilyimpactnegotiation paywhenhiringandpromotion.
Thus,womenmayendupreceivinglowoffersorevenfail togetpromotions,regardlessoftheirholdingqualifications andexperiencecomparabletothatoftheirmale counterparts.
ImpactonWomen'sFinancialSecurity
AggravationsofPayGapsPaygapsalsoamounttomore thanjustnumbersonacheck.Toillustrate,whilelowerpay maymeanlessinanemployee'spaycheckforthemortgage industry'sfemaleworkers,thereducedpaymaycometo meanalong-termimpactontheirfinancialdecisions.Inthat respect,thesewomenworkerswouldsavelessfor retirement;investlessineducation,andevenstruggleto raiseenoughmoneytobuyahomeoftheirown,thereby followingviciouscyclesofeconomicinstabilitythatreflect negativelyontheirfamiliesandcommunities.
Researchshowsthatwomenaremorecrucialcaregiversof childrenorelderlyrelatives.Thisrolelimitstheir capabilitiestosecuremorelucrativejobsorworkfor extendedhours.Therefore,theconnectionofchildcare dutiesandlowerincomehasatremendousmonetary impact.
BroaderImpactfortheLendingMarket
Paydisparitieshaveimplicationsbeyondthestaff.Indeed, whentalentedwomenleavetheworkforcebecauseofpay disparityorlackofadvancementopportunities,theindustry losessomepreciousskillsandapproaches.Itiswellknown thatdiverseteamsarewhatdriveinnovationandeffective decision-making.Thus,failingtoaddressthesedisparities mayhindergrowthandcompetitivenessinthesector
Companieswhicharen'tfocusedonpayequitymayfindit veryhardtoretainemployees.Excessiveturnoveris expensiveandcanbeoneofthebiggestrecruiterswhenan organizationhaslostproductivity.Companiesseekingto closethepaygapwilloftenfindthemselvesattractingtalent andhelpingtofosteramoreengagedworkforce.
StepsTowardProgress
Equalityofwagedistributioninmortgagefirmscanonlybe achievedthroughensuringallpartiesmakeaneffort. Companieshavetotakeaninitiativeinmakingfair compensationpractices.Thisshouldinvolveconducting periodicaudits,findingthedifferences,anddeveloping salarystructurestransparently.Itcanhelpcompaniescreate aplatformwherebyeveryone'stalentisvaluedthrough compensationopennessandeasycareerdevelopmentpaths.
Inaddition,mentoringcanbeoneofthemostvaluable contributionsbytheorganizationtowardstheadvancement ofwomenatwork.Thatisbyprovidingnewentrantsinto anindustrywithmentorswhohaveyearsofexperienceto
mentorthemthroughvariouschallenges,makingnetworks forgrowth.
Allowingwomenintheworkplaceflexibleadjustmentsat workfortheirpersonalcommitmentswouldeaseabalance betweenprofessionalresponsibilitiesandpersonal commitmentswhilefindinganeasierwayofstayingonto managechildcare.
TheRoleofAdvocacyGroups
Advocacygroupsalsoplayaverysignificantroleinthe eliminationofpayinequalitiesinthemortgageindustry Suchgroupsadvocateforgenderinequality,thereby promotingchangesinpolicytobringaboutfairtreatmentin theworkplace.Workingthroughbusinessesand governmentscanhelppresentanequalenvironmentforall workers.
Paydisparitiesinthemortgagebusinessaresevere challengestowomenwhoaspiretowardsequal opportunitiesandequitablepay.Effectsofdisparitiesacross alllevelsgobeyondpersonalfinancialsecurity:theyhave implicationsonorganizationalsuccessandsocialequityas well.Understandingthecontributingfactorsandtaking proactivestepstowardschangewillleadtoaninclusive environmentwhereeveryonehasanequalchanceto succeed.
Asawarenessonthisissuespreads,itbecomesmore imperativethatallstakeholders,companies,employees, advocacygroups,areworkingtogethertoclosethatgap.It isonlywithcollectiveactionthatrealtractioncanbegained towardscreatingequityinthemortgageindustryand beyond.
Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm.
- Winston Churchill
Carolyn Thornley Yates
The Path to Inclusive Leadership
Carolyn Thornley-Yates Head of Commercial Development & Distribution
The Stafford Building Society
We’ve got a strong community focus and remain a mutual organization, to which we are committed. “
“
Womencontinuetoface
significant underrepresentationin leadershippositionswithinthefinance sector,despitecomprisingnearlyhalf oftheworkforce.Thisdisparitystems fromsystemicchallengessuchas genderbias,asubstantialgenderwage gap,andlimitedopportunitiesfor careeradvancement.
However,womenareactively addressingtheseissuesthrough initiativeslikeeducationalcampaigns andorganizationssuchasWomenin Financeisavuluntarycharternotana organisation.Bypromotingmentoring programs,flexibleworkarrangements, andeffortstoeliminateunconscious biasinhiring,theindustrycancreatea supportiveenvironmentthat encourageswomentopursue leadershiproles.
Empoweringwomeninfinanceisnot onlyamatterofequitybutalsoa strategicadvantagefororganizations. Researchshowsthatcompanieswith diverseleadershipteamstendto performbetterfinanciallyandadoptive greaterinnovation.
Byincreasingtherepresentationof womeninleadership,thefinancesector canenhanceitsoverallperformance andproductivity CarolynThornley Yates,HeadofCommercial Development&Distributionat TheStaffordBuildingSociety emphasizestheimportanceof promotingfemalerolemodelsand encouragingskilldevelopmentas essentialstrategiesforbuildinga pipelineoffuturefemaleexecutives.
Ultimately,empoweringwomenin financewillleadtoamoreinclusive andeffectiveindustryinthetwenty firstcentury.
These are the salient points from the interview:
Canyoupleaseintroduceyourself andshareyourcareerjourney?
Mystoryisprobablyalittleunusual,as Iworkedmywayupfromentry-level todirectorwithinthesamefirm!After leavinguniversitywithaFrenchand Spanishdegree,Iabandonedmyplans tobecomeateacherinfavorofastable roleonthecounterinthebranchofmy localbuildingsociety,whichwaswith Hinckley&RugbyBuildingSocietyat thetime.
Imadeagoodimpressionandworked mywaythroughavarietyofroles, includingBranchManager, Underwriter,BusinessDevelopment Manager,HeadofSales,Headof MortgageProposition&Distribution thenDirectorofMortgageProposition &Distribution.
Ialsohadtheopportunitytositonthe BoardofaLeicestershire-basedmental
The Most Inuential Women Leaders in the Mortgage Industry - 2024
healthcharity,LAMP,asaTrustee, whichIdidfortwoyears.Mental healthisacauseaboutwhichIam passionate,anditwasanhonourto supportthemwiththedirectionoftheir essentialwork.I'mstillinvolvedwith thecharityasIhelptoruntheir businessclub,whichissupportedby localbusinesseswhoalsoprioritisethe centringofmentalhealthinthe workplace.
Ireallyenjoyedmyrole,butaftermore thantwodecades,Ifeltthatitwastime tospreadmywingsandtakeonanew challenge,movingtotheStafford BuildingSocietyastheirHeadof CommercialDevelopment& DistributioninMarchofthisyear.
Staffordisasmallersociety,with fewerstaffandambitiousgrowth plans—IfeltlikeIhadagreater opportunityheretoinfluencethe customerexperiencesideofthe business,whichistheareaI’mmost passionateabout.AtStafford,Ileadthe marketing,savings,andmortgagesales teamsandtakeresponsibilityfor ConsumerDuty.I’mlovingit!
Couldyoupleasebrieflyintroduce yourcompanyanditsinception story?
Wewerefoundedin1877byagroup ofrailwayworkersfromtheLondon& NorthwesternRailwayCompany. We’reheadquarteredinMarketSquare inStafford,whichiswhereourbranch is,too.
We’vegotastrongcommunityfocus andremainamutualorganization,to whichwearecommitted.Wedistribute competitivelypricedsavingsproducts throughourbranch,online,and throughthepost.Weexcelasa specialistlender,particularlytopeople withunusualpropertytypesorthose withcomplexincomes. Ourmembers appreciatethehighlypersonalized servicewedeliver.
Canyoushareapivotalmomentin yourcareerthatsignificantlyshaped yourpathinthemortgageindustry?
Ihadtheopportunityin2015tosign upforthenewlycreatedmaster’s programfocusingonstrategic leadershipinthemutualsector The Mscprogramwasdevelopedbythe MscBuildingSocietiesAssociationin conjunctionwithLoughborough Universityandwithinputfromother societies.
21differentsocietieswererepresented intheprogram,andforthreeyearswe studiedhardalongsideournormaljobs andfamilylife.Itwasachallenge,but sorewarding!Thelecturerswere amazing,andworkingwithpeersfrom othersocietiesgavemeawholenew perspective.Iusetheskillsand knowledgeIlearnedeverydayinmy role.Igraduatedin2018with distinctionandstillretainmytieswith theuniversity,havingservedonthe advisoryboardfortwoyearsafter graduation,helpingtofurtherdevelop thecoursecontentandprogramme.
Whatmotivatedyoutopursuea leadershiprolewithinthemortgage sector,andhowhasyourjourney beenasawomaninthisindustry?
WhenIwasworkinginmyfirstrolein thebranch,weunderwroteourown mortgages,andIknewquicklythat thatwaswheremyheartwouldlie.
Smallersocietiesareamazing specialistlenders,andIlovedtryingto helpcustomersrealizetheir homebuyingorre-financingdreams.
ItookCeMAPandadvancedCeMAP andhadtheopportunitytobuild internalandexternalnetworkswhenI wentintotheBDMworld.Ilovedthe senseofcamaraderiethatexistswithin theindustry,thesupportthatdifferent lendersgivetoeachother,andthe innovativeflairtocreatenewlending solutions.
Ifinditdifficulttotalkaboutmy journeyasawomanspecifically,asyou don’talwaysknowwhatopportunities youdidanddidn’tgetasaresult. Privilegeandbiascanbeso inground thattheyarebarelyvisible.Tothebest ofmyknowledge,I’vebeengivena faircrackateverythingIwantedto achieveandhavesucceededbecauseof hardwork,drive,creativeflair, tenacity,andmy'makeithappen’ attitude.
Whohavebeenyourrolemodelsor mentorsthroughoutyourcareer,and howhavetheyinfluencedyour leadershipstyle?
Iaspiretobeauthentic,strong, knowledgeable,andfair.Ireally admirepeoplewhocanchairdifficult meetingsorspeakateventsconfidently andauthoritatively.Istepoutsidemy comfortzoneasoftenaspossible,for example,whenaskedtotakepartin paneldebates,butIamalwaysnervous beforehand—Idon’tthinkthatwill everceasetobe!Iwasfortunate enoughtobevotedontoIMLA’s
(IntermediaryMortgage Lender’sAssociation) Boardforayearand foundmyfellowfemale boardmembersand industrylegends(Kate Davies,Louisa Sedgwick,Nicola Goldie,andMarie Catch)tobe inspirational.
Fromthem,Iwasableto growmyconfidenceand widerindustry knowledgesothatI couldfeellikeItruly belongedanddeserved tobepartoftheteam. Thesefeelingsofworth arewhatIaspiretodevelop withinmyinternalteams.
Asaleader,whatcorevaluesdoyou prioritizeinyourorganizations,and howdotheyreflectinyourteam’s culture?
Iwasabletobeinvolvedinand influencethecreationofthesociety’s corevalues,the‘4Es.’
WeareEnergised.
WeareEngaged.
WeEnable.
WehaveEmpathy.
Ibelievepassionatelyinthesevalues, thefulldefinitionsofwhichwehave interwovenwithourdefinitionofwhat goodcustomeroutcomesareforeach oftheoutcomeareasofConsumer Duty Thatway,weknowthatallof ourstakeholders’interestsare represented—customers,colleagues, andcommunities.
It’sgreatatStaffordthatwecan regularlycongregateallcolleaguesinto oneroomandcompleteactivitiesthat
reinforceourcorevaluesandset businessandpersonalobjectivesthat incorporatethem.Ialsobelieve passionatelyintheconceptof mutualityandthevalueitadds.
Whatstrategieshaveyou implementedtoempowerother womeninyourorganizationandthe broadermortgageindustry?
I’mabigadvocateofflexibleworking andfeelthatthisbenefitswomen,in particular.I’vecontributedtothe creationofahybridworkingpolicyin bothsocietiesforwhomI’veworked andlooktoapplyabespokeapproach toindividualcolleagues’needs.
Iwasalsopartoftheexecutiveteam thatsigneduptotheWomenin FinanceCharteratH&R.
I’mproudtosupportDIFF(Diversity andInclusivityFinanceForum),whose agendaincludessexualdiscrimination. Encouragingmentorshipforwomenis veryimportanttome,andthroughthe IMLAmentorshipprogram,Ihave bothofferedtoactasamentorand encouragedfemalecolleaguestosign uptoseekexternal,non-biasedsupport inthisarea.It’safantasticinitiative.
Iwashonoredinboth2023and2024 tobenameda‘MortgageIntroducer’ elitewoman,recognizingmy commitmenttoshapingthefutureof mortgagesbyrevolutionizingthe mortgagesector,challenging stereotypes,promotingdiversityand inclusion,andinspiringotherwomen toexcel.Thiswasoneofmyproudest times.
Canyoudiscussachallengeyou facedasaleaderandhowyou overcameit?Whatlessonsdidyou learnfromthatexperience?
Ihadtoleadateamwhoweregrieving thelossofaveryvaluedcolleagueand directreportofmine,agedonly36,in
December2022.Hediedinan accident,sowewereabsolutely blindsidedandhadnotimetoprepare.
Ifounditveryhardtoleadwhilst beingsopersonallyheartbroken,but wetookcomfortintalkingandcreated opportunitiesforthis,amongst ourselvesandwithprofessionals—we supportedcolleaguestodealwithit howevertheyneededto.
Wecreatedamemorybookandan awardinhisname,whichisbeingused annuallytohonourastudentonthe LoughboroughMaster'scourse.We alsoarrangedcharitysportseventsto supportthecharitiesforwhichhewas sopassionate.
Hewaswellknownwithintheindustry andcondolences,tributesand donationsflowedinfromother buildingsocieties,brokerages, suppliersandcustomers,whichwerea furthersourceofcomfortand demonstratesjusthowwellour industrypullstogetherintimesof crisis.
Therewasnoeasyway,butbytreating eachotherwithempathyand flexibility,workingasateam,and celebratingEvan’stohis lifeand achievements,weeachfeltthatwe’d honoredhiminourownwayswhile comforting Evantohisfamily
Whattrendsdoyouforeseeshaping themortgageindustryinthecoming years,particularlyregarding women'sroles?
Idon’tanticipatesignificantchanges overthemediumterm,butIthinkwe’ll continuetoseemorewomenin brokingrolesandfintech.Idoubtthat femalebrokerswillbeanywherenear equaltothenumberofmalebrokers, however
Howdoyoubelievethemortgage industrycanbettersupportand promotefemaleleadership?
Ithinkwe’reoneofthemostswitched onindustries,withinitiativessuchas DIFF,theWomeninFinanceCharter, offersofmentorship,female-centered trainingnetworkingeventsandawards, andanumberoftradeassociationsall combiningtocreateopportunitiesand raiseawarenessofthehurdlesthat differentgroupsofpeoplecanface.
It’dbenaïvetothinkthatthegolf courseculturenolongerexists,butby continuingtoplatformandcelebrate women,wecanedgeclosertowardsa levelplayingfield.
Whatdoyouconsideryourmost significantachievementinyour careertodate,andwhydoesithold suchimportanceforyou?
IledtheimplementationofConsumer DutywithinHinckley&Rugbyand nowleadtheongoingcustomer strategywithinTheStafford.Itwas reallychallengingtoleadonthiswhilst jugglingotherBAUactivities,andI tookaveryhands-onrole.Ididreally enjoythechallenge,however
Ithasgivenmeadeepunderstanding ofthedutyandapassionforcustomer service,whichhastakenmycareerina newdirection.Iwasalsoreallyproud thatourimplementationwasratedas greenbyaninternalauditwhenthey carriedouttheirreviewearlierthis year
Howdoyoubalanceyour professionalresponsibilitieswith yourpersonallife,andwhatadvice wouldyougivetoothersstrivingfor thatbalance?
Ihavetwoalmostadultdaughtersand havealwaysadoptedafamily-first approachintheteamsIlead.This
didn’tmeanthatIdidn’tworklong hoursandhadtotraveloften.Modern communicationsallowustokeepin touchevenwhenwearenotphysically present.
Iaspireformygirlstobeindependent andhaveraisedthemthatway,witha clearworkethic.Ididfeelguiltywhen Iwasdoingmymaster’sdegree alongsidemyfull-timejob,buton balancewhentheywereatmy graduationin2018,seeingtheirproud facesandknowingthatI’dshownthem whatyoucanachievewithhardwork, madeitallworthwhile.
Iwas,however,fortunatetohavesome familyassistanceforschoolpick-ups andsicknesscover.Myhusbandalso worksfulltime,albeitinaterm-time onlyrole,andIhavenoideahow womenwithoutadditionalsupport cope—andbuyingitinissoexpensive.
Whatareyouraspirationsforthe future,bothpersonallyandforyour organizations,intermsofadvancing womeninthemortgageindustry?
I’dliketoseemorewomenonboards andaspiretoanexecutivedirectorrole hereatTheStafford,withanon-exec rolelaterinmycareer.Womenarestill underrepresentedonboards,and there’sstillasex-basedpaygap—there isstillworktodointheseareas.
The Most In uential Women Leaders in the Mortgage Industry - 2024
Vi oster toriaC
Transforming Lives Through Credit Repair
Managingthecomplexitiesof
creditmanagementcanfeel likeanuphillbattle, especiallywhenyourcreditscore dictatesyourfinancialopportunities. Whetherit'ssecuringamortgage, landingyourdreamjob,orobtaining low-interestloans,ahighcreditscore isessential.MeetVictoriaCoster,the imaginativeCEOofCreditFix Solutions,whoistransforminghow Australiansapproachcreditrepair
Foundedin2014,CreditFixSolutions standsoutasarayofhopeforthose strugglingwiththeircreditscores. Victoria’sjourneybeganasasingle motherdeterminedtocreateabetter lifeforherfamily Today,sheleadsa teamthatempowersclientstoimprove theircreditratingsthrough personalizedstrategiesandfinancial education.Underherguidance,the companyhasbecomeatrustedpartner formortgagebrokersandclientsalike, pioneeringa"nowin,nofee"model thatprioritizesfairnessand transparency
Victoria’spassiontoeducationis evident;shefrequentlyengageswith brokers,offeringtrainingsessionsto enhancetheirunderstandingofcredit reporting.Thiscollaborativeapproach hasearnedheraccolades,including recognitionasafinalistinthe2023 FBAAAwardsforIndustryChampion oftheYear
AtCreditFixSolutions,ahighcredit scoreismorethanjustanumber,it'sa
pathwaytofinancialfreedom.With Costeratthehelm,clientsarenotonly fixingtheircreditbutalsoanswering newopportunitiesforabrighterfuture.
Below are the interview highlights:
Canyoupleaseintroduceyourself andshareyourcareerjourney?
I’mVictoriaCoster,CEOandfounder ofCreditFixSolutionsandDirectorof
Today, Credit Fix Solutions is a leading credit repair rm in Australia, known for exceptional service and recognized with awards, including ‘Most Loved Allied Service Provider.’
VictoriaCoster CEOandfounder
CreditFixSolutions
Our core values— ‘Help, Learn, Grow’—are based on the Credo that our team developed in 2021.
CreditFixLawyers.Imovedfromthe UKtoWesternSydneyin2001and spenttwoyearsworkinginpubs.
In2003,Itransitionedtomortgage processingandlatertomortgage brokingin2007.AftertheGFChit,I shiftedtocreditrepair,workinginthe industryforthreeyearsbefore foundingCreditFixSolutionsin2014.
Couldyoupleasebrieflyintroduce yourcompanyanditsinception story?
WhenIfoundedCreditFixSolutions in2014,Iwasdissatisfiedwiththe upfrontfeeschargedbyothercredit repaircompanies,assuccessincredit repaircouldn’tbeguaranteed.
So,Icreatedano-win,no-feemodel.I startedwith40localmortgagebrokers inWesternSydneyandhavesince expandedtoworkwitharound9,000 financebrokersacrossAustralia.
Canyoushareapivotalmomentin yourcareerthatsignificantlyshaped yourpathinthemortgageindustry?
In2015,amortgagebrokertoldmeI neededtopromotemycreditrepair servicestoallbrokers,highlighting theirimportance.Atthetime,asa singlemotherwithlimitedresources,I hadnoclearpathforbusinessgrowth.
Thismomentledmetoinvestin businesscoachingwithDale Beaumont’sBusinessBlueprint.I learnedcrucialskillsinCRM development,marketing,website optimization,andbusinesscompliance. Withthesetools,Iquicklyexpanded from40toover700brokersinayear, partneredwithmortgageassociations, andattendedbrokerProfessional Developmentdays.
Today,CreditFixSolutionsisaleading creditrepairfirminAustralia,known forexceptionalserviceandrecognized withawards,including‘MostLoved AlliedServiceProvider.’
Whatmotivatedyoutopursuea leadershiprolewithinthemortgage sector,andhowhasyourjourney beenasawomaninthisindustry?
Ineveraimedtobealeader;myfocus wasensuringfinancebrokershada trustworthyresourceforcreditrepair.I wantedtoaddresstheindustry's reputationforupfrontfeesand unfulfilledpromises,amissionthatI stillpursue.
Asawomaninamale-dominated industry,especiallystartinginmyearly 30s,Ifacedchallenges,including skepticismaboutmybusiness.I’ve workedhardoverthepastdecadeto earnrespectandprovemyreliability.
Whilemyprogressmighthavebeen fasterifIwereaman,Ican’tsayfor sure.I’vebuiltanetworkoftrusted colleaguesandbelievethatwomen mustleadbyexample,setting standardsandactingratherthanjust talkingaboutchange.
Whohavebeenyourrolemodelsor mentorsthroughoutyourcareer,and howhavetheyinfluencedyour leadershipstyle?
DaleBeaumontofBusinessBlueprint hasbeencrucialtomysuccesssince 2015,andIwouldn’tbewhereIam withouthiscoaching.PeterWhiteof TheFBAAhasbeenasupportive mentorandfriend,offeringinvaluable guidancewhenIwasnewtobusiness.
HankDeJongeofDeJongeRead taughtmeessentialskillslikefinancial foretelling,andhishelpwaspivotal, especiallywhenIinitiallydidn’t
understandbasicfinancialconcepts. AnjaPannekofTheMFAAandJanine AllisofBoostJuiceBarsarekeyrole modelsforme.
RichardBranson’sdisruptiveapproach alsoinspiredmetocreateaflat, collaborativeteamcultureatCreditFix Solutions,whereeveryoneisvalued equallyandnooneismoreimportant thananother
Asaleader,whatcorevaluesdoyou prioritizeinyourorganization,and howdotheyreflectinyourteam’s culture?
Ourcorevalues—'Help,Learn, Grow’—arebasedonthecredothat ourteamdevelopedin2021.WhileI initiallydidn’tunderstandtheconcept ofcorevalues,IknewIwantedtohelp people.Asourbusinesshasgrown, thesevalueshaveevolvedandarenow deeplyembeddedinourteamculture.
HELP
Whateverwedointhebusinesswe focusonwhatwecandotohelp!
LEARN
Wehopetoeducatethrougheverything wedowithinthebusiness,for ourselves,ourreferralpartnersandour clients
GROW
Itisbettertobegreenandgrowing thanripeandrotting!Ifwe’renot growing,thenwhatgoodarewe doing?
HONESTY
Webelievethathonestyisthebest policy.Wehaveastrict‘nobullshit’ codewhenitcomestobusiness!
WHATWEDOSAYSWHATWE ARE
Welivebyouractions.Everythingwe do,wedointentionally,andwedofor good.What’sgoodforourclientsis goodforusandtheworld
WESWEATTHESMALLSTUFF
Detail!Wearebigonit!Weobsesson gettingthingsrightthefirsttime.We practicewhatwepreachanddeliveron ourpromisestoourselves,eachother, ourreferralpartners,andourclients.
RESULTSMATTER
Weareheretodeliveraspromised.We areaccountableanddiligentwithour work.
BENEFICIAL
Whateverwedo,wemakesureitwill benefitourselves,ourteam,andour business.
WEHAVEFUN
Wehustle.Butweknowexactlywhen toletgoofalllogicalthoughtandjust havefun.
Enoughsaid.
Whatstrategieshaveyou implementedtoempowerother womeninyourorganizationandthe broadermortgageindustry?
Inmyorganization,womenare respectedandencouragedtolearnand grow.Iensuretheyfeelheardand addressanyconcernspromptly
ThroughmyBusinessBlueprint coachingprogram,employeescan
I never aimed to be a leader; my focus was ensuring nance brokers had a trustworthy resource for credit repair.
explorevariousbusinessaspectsat theirownpace.
Weregularlyassessjobsatisfaction andcreateasupportiveenvironment whereeveryonefeelsvalued.
Recognizingthatmyteamspendsmore timeatworkthanwiththeirfamilies, wemaintainregularcatchupsand celebratedailysuccesses.
IalsosupporttheWomen’s CommercialFinanceForumand activelynetworkwithfemale professionals,focusingonbuilding genuineconnectionsandservingasa rolemodelforyoungerwomeninthe industry
Canyoudiscussachallengeyou facedasaleaderandhowyou overcameit?Whatlessonsdidyou learnfromthatexperience?
Publicspeakingwasinitially challengingformeasCEO.Iusedto over-prepareandmemorizeeveryword butwouldstillgoblankonstage.I struggledtofindmyownstyleby mimickingothers.
Overtime,Ilearnedtofocusonmy confidenceandknowledge,speaking naturallyratherthanmemorizing.This shiftgreatlyimprovedmypublic speaking.Irealizedthatself-doubtand imitationwereunnecessary;being genuineandconfidentinmyownstyle wasmoreeffective.Peopleseethrough imitationandappreciateauthenticity, sobeingmyselfwasenough.
Whattrendsdoyouforeseeshaping themortgageindustryinthecoming years,particularlyregarding women'sroles?
Womenareincreasinglybecoming primarydecision-makersinhome purchasesandarerisingtoseniorroles inthemortgageindustry Thistrend
willlikelycontinue,leadingto mortgageproductsthatbettercaterto women.
Abalancedrepresentationofbothmen andwomenisessential.There'salso growingsupportforwomen’sfinancial education,whichshouldenhance financialliteracyprogramsand empowerwomen,particularlythose recoveringfromfinancialabuseor domesticviolence.Additionally,AI advancementswillbringefficiencies, particularlybenefitingwomenjuggling careersandfamilybystreamlining mortgageapplicationsandoffering virtualconsultations.
Howdoyoubelievethemortgage industrycanbettersupportand promotefemaleleadership?
Currentleadersinthemortgage industrygenerallysupportfemale leadership,thoughsomeoutdated viewspersist.Astheoldergeneration retiresandyoungerprofessionals advance,theindustrywillnaturally evolvetobettersupportandpromote women.MycolleaguesandIare committedtothisprogress,andIseeit asapositive,ongoingdevelopment.
Whatdoyouconsideryourmost significantachievementinyour careertodate,andwhydoesithold suchimportanceforyou?
Mygreatestachievementisfounding andgrowingCreditFixSolutionsinto arespectedcreditrepairfirmin Australia.Thisisimportanttomefor tworeasons.First,thebusinesshas helpedthousandsoffamiliesachieve financialstability,aligningwithmy goaltoaidothersontheirwealth creationjourney.
Eachsuccessfulclientoutcome reaffirmswhyIstartedthisventure. Second,buildingCreditFixSolutions
hasdemonstratedmyresilienceand capacityforgrowth,bothpersonally andprofessionally.Despiteindustry challengesandcompetitors’practices,I takeprideinofferingavaluableservice thatsupportsbothconsumersand mortgagebrokers.Thisjourneyhas allowedmetogrow,inspire,andhelp others,whichIcherisheveryday.
Howdoyoubalanceyour professionalresponsibilitieswith yourpersonallife,andwhatadvice wouldyougivetoothersstrivingfor thatbalance?
Work-lifebalanceisessentialfor everyone,whetheryou’reanemployee orabusinessowner Tomanageit effectively,buildstructurebyusinga calendartoplantasksdaily,weekly, andmonthly,soyouknowwhatneeds tobedoneeachday,savingtimeand reducingstress.
Don’thesitatetoaskforhelpand delegatetasks—considerhiringaparttimevirtualassistantifneeded.Set clearboundariesbydisconnectingfrom workataspecifictime,like6:30pm, andreservedaysforpersonaltime. Managehouseholdchoresduring workdaystoavoidweekendoverload.
Lastly,bekindtoyourself,enjoysmall momentsofhappiness,andfocuson yourprogressratherthancomparing yourselftoothers.Surroundyourself withsupportivepeople,andremember thatbalancingyourtimeisanongoing processcrucialforyourlong-term happinessandsuccess.
Whatareyouraspirationsforthe future,bothpersonallyandforyour organization,intermsofadvancing womeninthemortgageindustry?
Ihopetoadvancewomeninthe mortgageindustry,makingita necessityforamoreinnovativeand inclusivesector.Personally,Iaimto
deepenmyexpertiseincreditreporting andrepair,stayingaheadoftrendsto inspireotherwomenwithlifelong growthandlearning.
ForCreditFixSolutions,Ienvisionit becomingAustralia'sleadingcredit repairfirmandakeyresourcefor creditreportingadviceandeducation, especiallyforvulnerablecommunities. I’malsoconsideringdevelopingitasa socialenterprisewiththehelpof grants.
Mygoalistoinspirewomentoexcel personallyandprofessionally,andto contributetoamorediverseand inclusivefinancesector.I’mcommitted topavingthewayforfuturefemale leadersinfinance.
HowHasthe Representation of Women in Leadership Rolesinthe Mortgage Industry Changed Over the Years
TheChangingScopeofWomeninLeadershipPositions
intheMortgageBusiness:ATransitionofShiftThe mortgagebusiness,justlikeanyorganization,hasbeen amasculinesector.However,overtheyears,therehasbeenan extremeshiftintheroleofwomeninleadershippositions withinthisindustry Thisisareflectionofdeeper transformationinsocietypertainingtogenderandthe appreciationofwomen'scontributionstoallsectors.
Background
Womenwerestillnoteasytopenetrateintotheranksof mortgageleadership.Womencouldbeonlyassignedauxiliary orclericalroles;therefore,womenweredeprivedofhigher scaleworkingopportunities.Themortgagesectorturnedto changewithinthelate20thcentury;thus,itreflectsnewsocial standardsandeconomicneeds.
The1980sand1990schangedwithmorewomenentering careersinfinanceandrealestate.Theimpetusforthesechanges waspartlybecausegreateramountsofeducationand professionaldevelopmentbecameavailabletowomen.As womenenteredtheworkforceinlargernumbers,thisproved thatwomenwerejustasviablefortraditionallymalejobs.
RiseofWomenLeaders
Fromearly2000,thenumbersofwomenoccupyingleadership positionsinthemortgageindustrybegantoincrease.According toindustryreports,womenenteredtheworkplaceandassumed highermanagerialandtopexecutiveroles.Forinstance,a researchcarriedoutbytheMortgageBankersAssociation indicatedthatwomen'spresenceinseniormanagementhad risenfrom15%in2000tonearly30%in2015.
Therearevariousreasonsforthisgrowth.Forone,firms initiateddiversityandinclusionprogramsthatfocusedon enhancinggenderbalanceintheworkplace.Thepolicies
October, 2024
encouragedorganizationstohireanddevelopfemaletalent andpavethewayforwomentoreachhigherrungsin leadershippositions.
NetworkingandMentorshipImpact
Formalnetworkshavealsobeenemployedinthemortgage industryinadvancingthecareersoffemales.Accordingto thesenetworks,womenseekworkmentors,whoareeither experiencedprofessionalsorgoodatpracticalskillstohelp themadvancetheircareers.Severalorganizationshave designedformalizedandstructuredmentorshiptoprovide anopportunityforaspiringfemaleleadershiptobe connectedwithmoreexperiencedprofessionals.
Women-focusednetworkeventshavealsobecomehighlyin demand.Theseprovideanopportunityforwomento brainstormanddiscussexperiencesandbuildbridgesthat mighteventuallyworkforcareerprogression.Itistruethat suchlinksarepriceless,andindeedresearchdemonstrates thatthosehavingastrongprofessionalnetworkarebetter positionedtoattainpromotionandleadershippositions.
NewTrends
Asof2023,womeninleadershipcontinuetogaingroundin themortgageindustry.Accordingtonewerstatistics, womenhold40%ofallseniormanagementpositionswithin anydivisionsoffinance,includingmortgages.Thisisa markedgrowthcomparedtopreviousdecadesandindicates astronglypositivetrendtowardincreasedgenderdiversity.
Increasingnumbersoforganizationsrecognizethebusiness benefitsfromhavingdiverseleadershipteams.Researchhas shownthatcompanieswithmorewomenholdingtop positionstendtodobetterfinanciallythanothercompanies. McKinsey&Companyresearchstudiesfoundthat organizationswhichhavehighlevelsofgenderdiversityare 21%morelikelytooutperformtheirlessgender-diverse peers.
ChallengesStillAhead
Despitethesedevelopments,greatchallengesexistfor womenseekingleadershiprolesinthemortgageindustry. Thereismuchexistinggenderbias,whichoncemanifested inovertwaysmightnowbemorelatent.Forexample, womenareaskedquestionsregardingtheircapabilitiesor bypassedforpromotionsincontrastwiththeircounterparts.
Work-lifebalanceisyetanotherproblemthatcontinuesto plaguemostwomenmanagers.Thestressinvolvedwith havinghigh-stakesjobsmaysometimesforcesomewomen tochangetheirprofessionorevenchangetoless demandingjobs.Organizationsshould,therefore,comeup withidealsupportingenvironmentsthatallowforwork-life balanceandenforcingpoliciesthatmeetvariousneeds.
Thefutureisbrightforwomeninmortgageleadership positions.Oncepeoplebecomeeducatedaboutthegender gap,moreandmorecompaniesaremakingstrong commitmentstodiversityinitiativesandworkingtoward inclusiveworkplaces.
Further,generationsenteringtheworkforcehavedifferent viewsonissuessurroundinggenderequity.Theseinclude valuingdiversity,notmerelyasamatterofmoral imperativebutasacriticalfactorinmakingchoicesovera career.Inthisregard,suchatrendmightpushorganizations toevolveevenfurther.
Representationofwomeninleadershiprolesinthe mortgageindustryhasbeendramaticallydifferentfromone eratoanother.Fromaneracharacterizedbysignificant barriersthroughincreasedvisibilityandsubsequent influence,womenhavecomealongwayinthisindustry towardachievingparity.Manychallengesremain,but effortstowarddiversityandinclusionpromiseaneven brighterfuturewherewomen'scontributionstothebottom linearerecognizedandvaluedateverylevelofleadership.
Withtheevolutionofthisjourney,organizationscannot losetheirfocusonensuringthereisapositiveenvironment towardwomenanddevelopingleaders.Thismeansbenefits gowellbeyondthecareerfortheindividualinvolved;it meansstrongerorganizationsandamorejustsocietyin general.
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