In this episode of Lending Forward, hosts Hannah McManus and Bill Hitchcock sit down with Kyle Draper and Shane Kidwell to challenge how originators think about business planning. Together, they unpack why traditional planning often falls short—and how shifting from reactive habits to intentional, authentic action can redefine success in 2026 and beyond.

From social media strategy and brand building to mindset and purpose, Kyle and Shane share how loan officers can create impact by showing up as their real selves—without the burnout or the endless to-do list. They discuss what top originators are doing differently, why “top of funnel” is where the fun really happens, and how authenticity is becoming the ultimate differentiator in today’s market.

A huge thank you to our friends at The Collective Coaching for sponsoring this conversation!

Lending Forward is the home for real discussions about the industry we love. Hear first-hand accounts from people at the heart of the business—Mortgage Bankers, Realtors, Financial Advisors, Coaches, and more—as they cultivate transparency around the future of lending.

So tell us, how are you lending it forward?