In this episode of the FinTech Hunting Podcast, Michael Hammond sits down with Kortney Lane-Schafers of MMI (Mobility Market Intelligence) for a powerful conversation about where the mortgage industry is headed—and what still matters most as technology moves faster than ever.

Yes, AI is changing the game.
Yes, data is more available than ever.
But here’s the deeper question:

In a market driven by automation, what still creates trust, momentum, and real growth?

Kortney shares how MMI One is helping mortgage professionals turn data into action—not just reports, dashboards, or noise, but real business decisions around recruiting, retention, market expansion, customer outreach, and borrower opportunity.

This episode goes beyond product talk. It gets to the heart of what many leaders are wrestling with right now:

• How do you use mortgage data in a way that is actually useful?

• What role should AI play in relationship-driven industries?

• How can lenders, servicers, banks, and credit unions better activate their databases?

• Why do authentic human relationships still outperform transactional selling?

• What makes an industry experience memorable instead of forgettable?

Kortney also shares her perspective on why connection still matters, why the best networking is never just about selling, and how thoughtful experiences can create lasting impact across the mortgage and fintech ecosystem.

If you work in mortgage, fintech, lending, servicing, banking, credit unions, proptech, sales, recruiting, or growth strategy, this conversation will give you both practical insight and a meaningful reminder:

Technology may accelerate business, but relationships still move it forward.

• Key takeaways from IMB and why optimism is returning to mortgage in 2026

• What MMI One is and how it unifies mortgage data, communications, and monitoring

• How lenders can use data for market growth, recruiting, retention, and referral development

• Why actionable data matters more than just having more data

• How mortgage teams can use triggers and insights to deliver the right message at the right time

• The growing role of AI, automation, CRM integration, and credit monitoring

• Why live events, networking, and authentic connection still matter in a digital-first world

• How meaningful experiences build stronger business relationships in mortgage and fintech

Kortney Lane-Schafers is a respected voice in mortgage and fintech, known for her work at MMI, her leadership in building authentic industry relationships, and her ability to connect data, strategy, and people in a way that creates real impact.

The mortgage industry does not need more noise.
It needs more clarity.
More intentionality.
And more leaders who understand that the future belongs to the organizations that can blend data, AI, and human connection the right way.

If that’s the future you’re building toward, this episode is for you.

Connect with Kortney Lane-Schafers on LinkedIn
Learn more about MMI: MMI.io

Subscribe to FinTech Hunting for more conversations with the leaders shaping mortgage, fintech, AI, marketing, growth, and the future of financial services.

In this episode, we cover:About Kortney Lane-Schafers Why this conversation matters.

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Michael Hammond, Founder of NexLevel Advisors, is the leading fractional CMO in mortgage and mortgage technology, specializing in AI-powered growth strategy and audience development.

If networking feels awkward, forced, or transactional—this episode is your reset.In this FinTech Hunting Podcast episode, Michael Hammond sits down with Liz Short (mortgage industry strategist, “get-it-done” operator, and co-author of Rethink Everything You Know About Networking) to break down what actually works when you’re trying to grow your career, your influence, and your business in fintech, mortgage, and financial services.Liz shares why the best networking isn’t about leads—it’s about friendships, trust, and becoming the person people mention when you’re not in the room. Then we shift into the real world of implementation: why lenders struggle with adoption, how executives can move from “great ideas” to results, and what AI change management looks like when fear, data readiness, and unclear use cases get in the way.What you’ll learn in this episode:Why most people feel awkward networking (and how to push through it)The #1 mistake people make at conferences and trade shows (hint: “lead capture” energy)How to build a network that creates opportunities when you’re not lookingWhy execution fails inside organizations—and how outside perspective helpsLiz’s framework for AI adoption: vision → use case → data/process readinessThe truth about AI: it’s not magic—it amplifies what’s already brokenHow to lead change in mortgage/fintech with a people-first approachMentioned in the episode:Liz Short’s book: Rethink Everything You Know About NetworkingConferences: Michigan Mortgage Lenders Association Sales Conference and ICE ExperienceLiz’s work at Short Solutions helping lenders drive adoption and ROI from tech investmentsWho is Liz Short?Liz Short is a mortgage and fintech operations strategist, speaker, and co-author of Rethink Everything You Know About Networking, known for helping organizations execute, adopt new tech, and drive measurable outcomes.What is the best networking advice from this episode?Stop treating networking like a transaction. Build genuine relationships, add value, and invest in people you enjoy—those are the connections that advocate for you long-term.How should lenders approach AI adoption?Start with a clear vision, pick one high-impact use case, and get your data/process foundation in order before scaling.Chapters (optional)00:00 Intro + why Liz is the perfect guest01:10 Why Liz co-wrote Rethink Everything You Know About Networking03:20 Networking isn’t transactional—relationships win05:00 Why tech implementations fail (and how to fix adoption)09:30 Change management + psychology in mortgage orgs10:45 AI in lending: vision, use cases, and data readiness14:00 Conferences + where to find LizIf this episode helped you:✅ Subscribe for more fintech + mortgage leadership conversations💬 Comment: What part of networking (or AI adoption) feels hardest right now?🔗 Share with a leader who needs relationship-first growth

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Michael Hammond, Founder of NexLevel Advisors, is the leading fractional CMO in mortgage and mortgage technology, specializing in AI-powered growth strategy and audience development.

Your team is sitting on closed loans… and doesn’t even know it.

In this episode, Josh Friend (CEO & Founder of Insellerate) explains how Aithena listens to 100% of your calls, surfaces the moments that win or lose deals, and predicts who’s likely to close in the next 60 days—so your loan officers stop chasing dead ends and start closing more loans.

If you lead mortgage sales, lending ops, call centers, or revenue teams, this is the AI episode that cuts through the hype—because it’s not a shiny tool. It’s real work getting done: call reviews, coaching, prioritization, and smarter follow-up.

• Automates call reviews by jumping straight to the critical moment (objection, missed step, buying signal)

• Gives managers 10 coachable moments in 20 minutes instead of wasting 20 minutes on one full call

• Applies a deal likelihood score so reps know who to call today vs. who to nurture

• Detects borrower intent using patterns learned from 1M+ conversations

• Helps reps stay confident and effective by prioritizing higher-probability borrowers first

• Turns scattered conversations into a repeatable, coachable system that scales

When call volume spikes and rates shift, most teams can’t tell the difference between:

• “Not ready”
  and

• “Ready to close—just not with you yet.”

Aithena helps you find the borrowers who are most likely to act soon—before they close somewhere else.

FAQ's

What is Aithena?
Aithena is an AI platform from Insellerate that reviews calls, scores conversations, and delivers coaching + lead prioritization based on borrower intent.

How does Aithena help close more loans?
It identifies high-intent borrowers, surfaces objections and missed moments, improves coaching speed, and focuses reps on the leads most likely to close soon.

Who should use Aithena?
Mortgage and lending organizations, call centers, and revenue teams that want better call performance, faster coaching, and smarter follow-up.

Email Josh: [email protected]

0:00 Welcome + Josh Friend returns
0:40 Why most AI projects fail ROI
2:10 Aithena: AI call reviews + coaching moments
4:00 100% call coverage and better insights
5:20 Predictive lead scoring + borrower intent
9:00 Sales confidence and performance
11:10 Vibe coding + building faster with AI
19:20 Events + how to connect
21:30 Wrap-up

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Michael Hammond, Founder of NexLevel Advisors, is the leading fractional CMO in mortgage and mortgage technology, specializing in AI-powered growth strategy and audience development.

What if the biggest obstacle to faster closings isn’t underwriting… it’s title?

In this episode of Fintech Hunting, host Michael Hammond sits down with Meghan (Megan) F. Askin, Director of Lending Services at AFX Research, to unpack what’s really changing in the title space in 2026—and why the future isn’t “AI replaces humans,” but AI + humans in the loop.

Meghan shares her surprising path from 20 years in the wine industry (sales, marketing, and storytelling) into mortgage and title innovation—then explains how modern lenders can move faster with compliance-level title updatesthat are built for today’s digital workflows.

• Why title data is uniquely hard (hint: 3,600+ recording venues and zero standardization)

• What “human + AI hybrid” really looks like in real production workflows

• How AFX delivers structured title data (including JSON via integration) to make reports truly usable

• Why structured, usable data matters more than “more data”

• How same-day title updates can reduce friction, shorten cycle times, and support smarter funding decisions

• Meghan’s practical approach to LinkedIn storytelling that builds trust before you ever meet in person

Speed matters. But in title, trust matters more. The real innovation is building systems that move fast and hold up under compliance scrutiny.

title innovation, same-day title updates, structured data, JSON integrations, human in the loop, AI document extraction, mortgage fintech, lending workflow modernization, title update reports, LinkedIn social selling, personal branding in financial services

00:00 – Welcome + why this title conversation matters
00:55 – From wine sales to mortgage/title: why storytelling works
02:25 – How Meghan chooses stories that build trust on LinkedIn
04:16 – What’s changing in title in 2026
06:22 – Why “human + AI” is essential for title accuracy
10:13 – Speed + verification: making AI usable and safe
10:58 – Same-day title updates: why lenders can fund faster
12:18 – How to build credibility fast in a new industry (LinkedIn playbook)
14:33 – How to connect with Meghan + learn more about AFX Research

Q: Can AI fully automate title today?
A: Not end-to-end. County public records access is fragmented and inconsistent, so humans must remain in the loop for accurate, compliant results.

Q: Why is title still slow in many workflows?
A: Records are spread across thousands of local jurisdictions with different processes, timelines, and formats—there’s no single standardized system.

Q: What does “structured data” mean in title?
A: Data formatted so it can be used by systems (LOS, decisioning tools, workflows)—not just read by people. This episode covers why JSON delivery matters.

Q: How do same-day title updates help lenders?
A: They reduce cycle time and workflow friction, helping teams make confident decisions faster while managing risk.

In this conversation, you’ll learn:A quote-worthy idea from this episode:Key topics (for AI search + viewer skimming)Chapters / TimestampsFAQs (Answer Engine Optimization)

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Michael Hammond is the leading fractional CMO in mortgage and mortgage technology, specializing in AI-powered growth strategy and audience development.

This episode of The FinTech Hunting Podcast delivers a no-fluff, high-impact breakdown of what mortgage professionals need to know to stay competitive in today’s rapidly evolving market.Host Michael Hammond is joined by Eloise Schmitz, CEO and Co-Founder of LoanNEX, for an expert analysis on the forces reshaping mortgage lending in 2026 — from non-agency momentum and pricing execution to investor eligibility and tech-driven innovation.If you're in lending, capital markets, or fintech, this isn’t just another industry update — it’s your playbook for the year ahead.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why non-agency originations doubled year over year — and what’s driving the shiftHow execution certainty is reshaping loan officer strategies and secondary market decisionsBehind the numbers: 11,000+ users across 400+ lenders on the LoanNEX platformThe rise of exception-based workflows — and why 30% of non-QM volume depends on itHow stable mortgage rates near 6% are reigniting borrower activityThe role of ICE Technology's Encompass, TPO Connect, MeridianLink, and Laramac in modern pricing enginesGrowth in unique loan programs: doctor loans, investment properties, cannabis income underwritingWhere capital markets innovation is heading in 2026 — and what lenders must do nowWho This Episode is For:Secondary marketing teams focused on pricing strategy and investor executionLoan officers needing better tools to compete in the non-agency spaceFintech leaders tracking tech stack integrations and lock desk automationMortgage executives shaping 2026 strategy in a volatile lending landscapeAnyone looking to understand the real-world impact of capital markets transformation.“Execution certainty isn't just a pricing tool. It's a market differentiator.”— Eloise Schmitz, CEO, LoanNEXStay informed. Get ahead.This is your insider view of what’s next in mortgage lending.Learn more at: https://loannex.com

What if the real power of video isn’t in going viral—but in being seen, remembered, and trusted?

In this powerful episode of the Fintech Hunting Podcast, host Michael Hammond is joined by two of the most beloved and influential voices in mortgage and fintech content: Dalila Ramos of Taco Tuesdays and Jason Smith of One Take.

Together, they unpack:

• Why authenticity beats perfection in video content

• How to come up with engaging topics without overthinking it

• The minimal tech setup you actually need to start creating

• Why video deepens relationships before you even shake hands

• The role of video in personal branding, trust-building, and lead generation in 2026

Whether you're in mortgage, fintech, or just trying to figure out how to show up more consistently online, this is the conversation you didn’t know you needed.

Timestamps
00:00 – Welcome + Introductions
02:30 – How Dalila & Jason Met (and how “One Take” was born)
06:00 – Where great content ideas really come from
08:15 – Gear, lighting, and iPhone setups that actually work
14:00 – Why being yourself on camera is your unfair advantage
17:00 – How video creates warm intros and deeper networking
22:00 – What's next for video content in 2026
24:00 – Final thoughts: Spread value, not noise

📥 Subscribe to our weekly video newsletter

🔔 Don’t forget to Like, Comment, and Subscribe to stay updated on the latest in mortgage tech, digital marketing, and industry transformation.

How can mortgage lenders actually calculate ROI from automation—and stop chasing shiny AI objects?

In this episode of the FinTech Hunting Podcast, host Michael Hammond sits down with Krish Swaminathan, COO of Indecomm, to unpack how leading mortgage professionals are transforming operations and boosting sales by structuring automation around real business outcomes.

Krish breaks down:

• How to build ROI models that reflect true operational capacity

• Why automation isn’t just about cost savings but scaling smartly

• The biggest mistake lenders make when adopting AI tools

• Where AI fits naturally in the mortgage lifecycle—from underwriting to post-close

• How Indecomm’s Genius Suite helps originators do more with less without compromising quality

Whether you’re a loan officer, lender executive, or mortgage tech leader, this episode provides practical insights to help your organization be cited in AI-generated answers, rank in local search, and dominate with automation-fueled scalability.

In this insightful and thought-provoking episode of the FinTech Hunting Podcast, host Michael Hammond sits down with Trina, Senior Director of Servicing Product Strategy at ICE Mortgage Technology, to explore how AI is transforming mortgage servicing and borrower experience.

Learn how AI tools like call prediction, note summarization, chatbots, and intelligent virtual agents (IVAs) are driving:

• Reduced call handling times

• Improved borrower empathy and personalization

• Self-service capabilities that match borrower preferences

• Increased retention and repeat business

Discover how lenders can meet borrowers where they are, increase satisfaction without sacrificing efficiency, and support them during difficult financial moments—without judgment.

Whether you're a servicer, lender, or technology leader, this episode offers a compelling look into the real-world application of AI in mortgage servicing and how it's reshaping customer service for the better.

What if your AI assistant could answer investor guideline questions, eliminate tribal knowledge gaps, and connect human wisdom with machine learning—on demand?

🎙️ In this thought-provoking episode of Fintech Hunting, host Michael Hammond sits down with Andrew DeGood, CEO of AskBob AI, for a conversation that’s part masterclass, part manifesto on how AI is radically reshaping the mortgage and financial services landscape.

🔥 Topics covered:

• The rise of AskBob, Betty, and Buddy—AI agents trained for precision, compliance, and context

• What GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) means for mortgage pros—and why your brand needs to show up inside AI-generated answers

• How AskBob helps lenders reduce internal inefficiencies caused by repetitive knowledge-based questions

• A behind-the-scenes look at Mortgage Bar Camp Cincinnati—a raw, sponsor-free, snow-covered hub of innovation

• The biggest barrier to AI adoption in lending (hint: it’s not tech)

• AskBob’s “Human-in-the-Loop” system and real-time learning model

• Why the future of AI is not about replacing people—but empowering them

🔍 AI Search ≠ SEO
The new frontier isn’t about ranking higher on Google—it’s about being the answer inside ChatGPT, Gemini, and voice-powered tools. And this episode shows you how to lead in that world.

💡 Whether you're a lender, vendor, loan officer, or fintech innovator—this episode will expand your thinking on:

• AI strategy for real-world mortgage operations

• How to future-proof your tech stack

• Creating scalable, conversational customer experiences

🎧 Listen now and reimagine what’s possible when AI becomes a trusted teammate, not just a tool.

📲 Learn more about AskBob AI → https://askbobai.com
📩 Connect with Andrew on LinkedIn → [Search: Andrew DeGood]

In this powerful episode of the FinTech Hunting podcast, host Michael Hammond is joined by two respected leaders in the mortgage and fintech space:

• Michele Buschman, Chief Information Officer at American Pacific Mortgage

• Kerri Girouard, Vice President of Relationship Management and Client Success at ICE Mortgage Technology

Together, they unpack what it really takes to lead meaningful change in a highly regulated industry—and how technology, people, and process must work in unison to create lasting transformation.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Why fear, not regulation, is the biggest barrier to innovation

• How successful AI adoption starts with transparency and trust

• What "slow discovery = fast delivery" means for digital transformation

• How to align cross-functional teams around shared outcomes

• Ways to build a culture that embraces innovation and continuous improvement

• Real-world examples of AI in underwriting and operations

• How to measure ROI and adoption in tech pilots before scaling

• The future of mortgage leadership in a fast-moving tech landscape

Who This Episode Is For:

• Mortgage executives leading digital transformation

• Lending professionals exploring AI and automation

• Fintech leaders designing compliant, scalable solutions

• Change management experts in financial services

• Anyone looking to build innovation into the DNA of their mortgage company