CONNECT by California MBA

In this special edition of the Connect podcast, outgoing CEO Susan Milazzo sits down with her successor, Paul Gigliotti, to discuss the future of the California MBA (California Mortgage Bankers Association)

Susan celebrates her 21 years of service while Paul, a veteran mortgage leader with a deep background in mortgage technology, outlines his vision for the association. Get an inside look at Gigliotti's journey, from building lenders to advancing mortgage tech, and hear his plans for amplifying California MBA’s advocacy, enhancing member engagement, and leading the industry through an era defined by affordability and AI innovation.

Welcome to Connect, a podcast featuring one-on-one interviews with some of the top movers and shakers in the mortgage industry. This week we welcome Mark Wilson, CEO, Advisent

Episode discussion topics:

How you got into the mortgage industry?

You have big news that just launched – the rebranding of your company. What was CWDL is now Advisent! Why a rebrand and what has been the journey to Advisent?

How does this rebrand help Advisent support clients with long term strategic goals?

I’ve always found it fascinating that your firm specializes in this the mortgage industry. Where to you see accounting in the mortgage banking space going in the next 5 – 10 years?

Can you share with our listeners why you chose to support the California MBA?

To learn more about the California MBA, visit cmba.com

Connect with Lee Gillispie, Senior Managing Principal, Paradatec | Episode 244 by The California MBA

Welcome to Connect, a podcast featuring one-on-one interviews with some of the top movers and shakers in the mortgage industry. This week we welcome Susanne Livingston Owner/Chief Strategy Officer, RWM Home Loans and Jimson Tharayil VP Strategic Partnerships, Acrisure.

Episode discussion topics:


What’s really driving the spike in homeowners insurance rates in California?

What can homeowners — and insurers — do to manage these costs?

How is regulation impacting the insurance landscape in California?

Where is technology helping — and where is it falling short?

To learn more about the California MBA, visit cmba.com

Welcome to Connect, a podcast featuring one-on-one interviews with some of the top movers and shakers in the mortgage industry. This week we welcome Kenon Chen, EVP Strategy and Growth, Clear Capital.

Episode discussion topics:

Tell us how you got into the mortgage industry?

I believe Clear Capital has been involved with the California MBA since its very early days, which is more than 20 years! What have been the most surprising industry changes for the company in that time?

The company’s mantra on your website reads: Wherever it leads, Whatever it takes. What does that mean for your customers?

Clear Capital was one of the early adopters of technology in the mortgage space. Tell us about how Clear Capital is using AI in your products.

Can you share with our listeners why you chose to support our organization?

To learn more about the California MBA, visit cmba.com

Welcome to Connect, a podcast featuring one-on-one interviews with some of the top movers and shakers in the mortgage industry. This week we welcome Daniel Ceniceros, Founder & CEO, Connect Media

Episode discussion topics:

1:59 - What innovative marketing techniques should people be thinking about to get their name out there?

4:37 - What innovative things is Connect doing as a company in this challenging marketing?

10:51 - Let’s do a check in on the commercial real estate finance market in general. How is mid-year 2025 looking for the industry?

13:21 - I’m thrilled to have Connect CRE back at our annual Western States CREF Conference. What should people do to get the most of this event

To learn more about the California MBA, visit cmba.com

Welcome to Connect, a podcast featuring one-on-one interviews with some of the top movers and shakers in the mortgage industry. This week we welcome Cody Charfauros, Principal/Managing Director, Slatt Capital

Episode discussion topics:

What are some of the biggest changes you’ve seen in the CRE market since then?

When you were last on Connect, we talked about the adoption of technology in CRE. Where is the industry today?

How is the insurance crisis impacting the commercial real estate finance industry?

You are also serving as this year’s Chair for our 2025 Western States CREF Conference (wscref.com). What are some of the highlights you can share with our listeners?

Western States CREF is our signature event for the CRE industry but the support we receive through membership is crucial to our continued success. What do you share about the value of the California MBA with companies considering membership?

To learn more about the California MBA, visit cmba.com

Welcome to Connect, a podcast featuring one-on-one interviews with some of the top movers and shakers in the mortgage industry. This week we welcome Jon Brod, Co-Founder & CMO, Roam

Episode discussion topics:

1:14 - Let’s start with your journey—what sparked your move into the world of AI? Was there a defining moment or inspiration behind that transition?

4:54 - We usually record these podcasts on Zoom, but today we’re on your platform—Roam. What makes Roam different, and why do you believe it’s the better choice for conversations like this?

9:05 - Roam clearly has potential across multiple industries, but where do you see it making the biggest

impact within the mortgage space specifically?

11:29 - Jon, you’re an accomplished entrepreneur and founder of several companies over the years. What advice would you give someone who wants to launch their own company?

13:46 - We truly appreciate your support at the Mortgage Innovators Conference and your decision to join the California MBA. What motivated you to get involved, and why does this partnership matter to you?

To learn more about the California MBA, visit cmba.com

Welcome to Connect, a podcast featuring one-on-one interviews with some of the top movers and shakers in the mortgage industry. This week we welcome Amy Moses, Business Development Consultant, MISMO

Episode discussion topics:

1:28 - I always like to get started with a little background, so tell us how you got into the mortgage business

2:44 - Can you share with our listeners a little more about MISMO and the value the organization brings to the lending industry? How can lenders become involved?

6:12 - What are some of the key initiatives underway at MISMO right now that will benefit the industry? Anything that will help lenders cut costs in these trying times?

9:03 - What are the big trends in mortgage technology that you see for the next 12 months? I assume increased use of AI but is there anything in particular?

11:50 - Can you share with our listeners why you choose to support our organization?

Subscribe to MISMO Matters here! https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/a468c0d093284b9ba54fd2f3afad7731

Register for the MISMO Fall Summit, September 15-18 in Annapolis, MD - https://www.mismo.org/events-education/mismo-summit-

To learn more about the California MBA, visit cmba.com

Welcome to Connect, a podcast featuring one-on-one interviews with some of the top movers and shakers in the mortgage industry. This week we welcome Caren Castle, Managing Attorney, California, The Mortgage Law Firm

Episode discussion timestamps:

I always like to get started with our journeys to the mortgage industry. Tell us how you got into this business. 

You’ve had such an impressive legal career and have really been a trailblazer for women in this industry—often the only woman in the room. We’ve even heard you called an icon. How does that label sit with you?

I heard you have a special connection to an Olympic medalist and a member of the judiciary.  Can you elaborate on that?    

With a footprint that spans seven Western states, including Hawaii, your firm clearly has a strategic regional reach. Can you walk us through how that came to be and what that means for your clients?

The Mortgage Law Firm is new to the California MBA and is becoming active. Can you share with our listeners why you chose to support our organization? 

To learn more about the California MBA, visit cmba.com