Lending Leadership

Welcome back to Lending Leadership: The Creative Brief, the podcast where we dive deep into the world of marketing and brand strategies for loan officers. Today, we have a special treat for our listeners as we flip the script and Corrine Bibb interviews her very own co-host, Rachael Tresch, who has been the interviewer over the past few episodes.

In this episode, we’re taking a trip through Rachael’s career–from her roots in PR and voice acting to her transition into coaching and recruiting in the mortgage space. We also explore how her diverse experiences converge to make her an effective mentor and strategist for loan officers.

Key takeaways:

1. Embrace Change and Adaptability in Your Career: Rachael emphasizes the importance of going with the flow and being open to change. She shares how adaptability has been a cornerstone of her career, illustrating that each role she has taken on has built upon the previous one, creating a rich tapestry of experiences.
2. Bring Authenticity and Creativity into Professional Roles: Drawing from her background in voice acting and coaching performers, Rachael discusses how uniqueness and creativity can set professionals apart. She encourages loan officers to break away from the conventional and infuse their personal flair into their professional endeavors.
3. The Power of Encouraging Confidence and Individuality: Rachael talks about her passion for helping individuals, whether children or professionals, to become the best versions of themselves. She highlights the importance of validating and encouraging each person’s unique strengths and abilities.
4. Gamify and Innovate to Overcome Reluctance: One of Rachael's unconventional tactics involves creating an alter ego named Bridget to make cold calling more bearable and fun. This tactic not only helped her overcome call reluctance but also demonstrated how playing with unconventional ideas can yield effective results.
5. Harnessing Personal Interests for Professional Growth: Rachael shares a lesser-known aspect of her life—her singing and voice acting credentials, including a memorable ad for Amazon. She underscores the value of integrating personal interests and passions into professional life, allowing for a richer and more fulfilling career.

We hope you enjoy this insightful episode as much as we enjoyed putting it together. Don't forget to like, share, and follow us to stay updated with the latest episodes of Lending Leadership: The Creative Brief.

Join us next time for more inspiring insights and actionable strategies. Thanks for listening!

Rach & Rinn

Welcome back to Lending Leadership: The Mortgage Pros!

In today’s episode, we’re talking to the last (but not least) of our co-hosts, Robert Fillyaw, managing partner at HMA Mortgage. Stepping in as host is Rachael Tresch of the Creative Brief, and I’m talking to Robert about leadership within mortgage lending, though the principles we discuss today are universally applicable.

We kick off with a discussion on the difference between leadership and management. Often confused with one another, we clarify that management is about processes, while leadership is about people. Robert passionately talks about servant leadership, emphasizing that true leadership involves serving and caring for your team members, not just directing them.

We then explore the critical traits of effective leaders. It’s not just about being in charge; it’s about being humble and leading by example. Effective leaders put their personal egos aside to better serve and guide their teams.

Robert shares his belief that leadership is a learned skill—a craft honed over time and experience. This segues into a conversation about nurturing young leaders by giving them opportunities to practice and develop their skills.

We also touch on the significance of vulnerability in leadership. Both of us agree that vulnerability allows leaders to accept criticism and challenges, fostering personal growth. Rachael brings up a thought-provoking quote about the transformative power of accepting truths about oneself.

As we conclude, Robert emphasizes putting your team members first is key to successful leadership. He shares insights from his career, backing this philosophy with real-life examples. We end the episode discussing the unique collaborative leadership model at HMA Mortgage, which likens their leadership structure to the checks and balances system, promoting accountability and aligned goals.

Five Key Takeaways:

1. Leadership vs. Management: We clarify that while management focuses on processes, leadership centers around people. Effective leadership is about serving your team and caring for their well-being.
2. Traits of Effective Leaders: Humility and leading by example are crucial. Leaders must set aside their personal ego to truly guide and support their team.
3. Leadership Development: Leadership is a learned skill developed through experience. Young leaders should be given opportunities to practice and refine their leadership abilities.
4. Vulnerability in Leadership: Accepting vulnerability is essential for strong leadership. It promotes personal growth by allowing leaders to accept criticism and challenges constructively.
5. Collaborative Leadership and Accountability: The leadership structure at HMA Mortgage emphasizes the importance of collaboration and accountability, keeping leaders aligned with common goals and preventing mistakes through mutual support.

Thank you for joining us on this enriching exploration of leadership. Don’t forget to like and subscribe for more insightful episodes. Until next time, keep leading with integrity and care.

Welcome back to Lending Leadership: The Creative Brief.

Continuing on the trend we set on the Mortgage Pros, Rachael Tresch is taking over as host to interview co-host, Corinne Bibb. Together, we dive into the nuances of effective leadership and team management. Plus, we uncover the importance of understanding tasks that team members might excel at but not necessarily enjoy, the art of delegation, and how truly knowing your team's motivations can lead to collective success.

Corrine kicks things off with her journey from her first job as a sales assistant to her current role as VP of Marketing. Her story is filled with valuable lessons and practical tips from her experiences in sales and event management, offering listeners a tangible look into the building blocks of a successful career.

Our discussion doesn't stop at personal journeys; we also explore the significance of blending directness with kindness in leadership, the much-misunderstood world of marketing, and the exciting potential of integrating AI into our workflows.

Key Takeaways:

1. Triad of Awesomeness: In the episode, we break down the "triad of awesomeness" concept, which underscores that tasks should ideally be something you’re good at, love doing, and provide value. Those tasks that don’t fit this mold should be delegated to those who find joy and effectiveness in them.
2. Understanding Team Motivations: We emphasize the importance of understanding your team members' motivations and aligning tasks with their strengths and passions. This approach can significantly enhance team productivity and morale.
3. Event Planning Pitfalls: Drawing from Corrine's experience, a standout tip emerges: always inquire about construction schedules at event venues for the event dates. It's a detail that can prevent major last-minute disruptions and ensure smoother event execution.
4. Human Connection in Leadership: We touch on the essential balance of fostering human connections and celebrating team successes while maintaining the ability to be direct when necessary. This combination cultivates a productive and positive work environment.
5. Embracing AI in Marketing: We express excitement about the potential of AI to boost productivity and creativity in marketing. Encouraging teams to explore AI with available resources can make the learning journey less intimidating and more rewarding.

We hope these insights inspire you to rethink your approach to leadership, task delegation, and team management, whether you're in the mortgage industry or any other professional field.

Rach & Rinn

Welcome back to Lending Leadership: The Mortgage Pros. 

In today’s episode, we’re highlighting another of our co-hosts, Tom Mills, managing partner at HMA Mortgage. Stepping in as host is Rachael Tresch of the Creative Brief, and I’m talking to Tom about his career and the lessons he has learned within the mortgage industry. 

He’s sharing his insights on the importance of non-negotiables in our personal lives and how those boundaries contribute to effective leadership. We also explore the substantial shifts Tom has seen in the mortgage industry over his 21-year career, from the subprime crisis to the COVID-19 pandemic, and how current challenges are reshaping the landscape.

Get ready for a candid discussion on leadership, adaptability, and personal motivation. Both Tom and I will share our insights on stepping outside comfort zones, the importance of consistency, and the value of doing work you love. 

Plus, some fun moments as we imagine our leadership styles as coffee orders!

Key Takeaways:

1. The Role of Personal Non-Negotiables in Leadership: We discuss how setting certain non-negotiables, like prioritizing gym time, contributes to a sense of control and discipline in leadership. These personal commitments help foster resilience and focus, which are crucial qualities for effective leadership.
2. Navigating Major Industry Changes: Tom highlights several significant shifts he has witnessed, from the subprime lending crisis to the regulatory changes brought by CFPB and Dodd-Frank. The COVID-19 pandemic also brought about profound market fluctuations, emphasizing the need for the industry to constantly adapt.
3. Adapting to a Challenging Market: The current mortgage landscape is markedly tougher, with fewer refinancing opportunities and a pivot towards cash-out refinancing driven by increased national debt. Tom emphasizes that many mortgage professionals are now reinventing themselves by learning new marketing strategies and technologies to stay relevant.
4. Complexity of the Mortgage Process: There's a common misconception that mortgages are straightforward transactions. In reality, closing a loan involves numerous steps and multiple parties, requiring a lot of coordination to make the process seamless for customers.
5. Importance of Relationship Building: Tom shares how transitioning from a lead-based approach to a relational one has been pivotal. In today's market, building and maintaining relationships with realtors, builders, financial advisors, and clients is key to driving future business, as success in the mortgage industry heavily relies on these long-term connections.

Whether you're a seasoned veteran or new to the mortgage industry, embracing change, building relationships, and maintaining focus on the controllable aspects can pave the way to sustained success.

Don't forget to like and subscribe to Lending Leadership for more episodes packed with valuable industry insights and leadership tips. Join us every Wednesday as we continue to explore the fascinating world of mortgage lending.

Welcome back to Lending Leadership: The Creative Brief!

In this episode, we tackle a common pain point for many professionals: content creation burnout. In an era where maintaining a consistent online presence is crucial, we understand that finding time to generate engaging content can be overwhelming. This is why we've dedicated this episode to providing our listeners with practical tools and strategies to streamline their content creation process.

You won't want to miss our deep dive into "Social Coach," a platform we've found to be incredibly valuable for creating, scheduling, and personalizing content. This tool has revolutionized our approach, allowing us to maintain authenticity while ensuring a steady flow of posts.

Overview of Topics Discussed:

1. The Challenge of Consistency in Content Creation: We begin by discussing the difficulties professionals often face when trying to keep up with regular content posting.
2. Introduction to Social Coach: Our primary focus for this episode, Social Coach is a powerful scheduling and automation tool that we’ve personally vetted and found highly effective.
3. Features of Social Coach: We discuss the key features, including its compliance tools, the ability to connect multiple social media platforms, and the option to personalize content with unique branding materials.
4. Using Social Coach for Video Content: We highlight new, game-changing features like video scripting and teleprompter options that make creating professional-looking videos a breeze.
5. Real-life Success Stories: From loan officers who’ve transformed their online presence to navigating the platform’s learning curve, we share success stories that underline the tool’s effectiveness.

Key Takeaways:

1. Strategic Content Planning with Social Coach: The platform’s scheduling capabilities ensure that you can maintain a consistent online presence without the stress of daily content creation. This strategic approach allows you to measure and grow your efforts systematically.
2. Maximizing Efficiency and Minimizing Distractions: Using Social Coach can help professionals stay on task, reducing the time wasted on social media by providing a centralized location for content management.
3. Enhancing Personal Branding: Social Coach allows for custom branding, significantly boosting engagement. Personalized graphics and unique branded stickers help your posts stand out in a crowded digital space.
4. Incorporating Video for Higher Engagement: Videos are memorable and engaging, which is why Social Coach’s video features, including teleprompters and script libraries, are vital. They allow for professional editing without requiring extensive technical expertise, thus saving time and enhancing your content’s impact.
5. Adapting to New Tools with Ease: Even those who consider themselves “technically challenged” can find success with Social Coach. The platform simplifies complex tasks, offering both ease of use and extensive support, making it accessible to everyone.

Our goal with this episode was to empower you to maintain a strong, consistent online presence while minimizing the stress and time burden often associated with content creation. We'd love to hear from you! Share your thoughts, questions, and experiences with Social Coach or similar tools. Your feedback helps us bring you more actionable insights in future episodes.

Thanks for joining us, and we'll see you next time on Lending Leadership: The Creative Brief!

Rach & Rinn

Welcome back to Lending Leadership: The Mortgage Pros, your go-to podcast for everything leadership in the mortgage industry.

In today's episode, we're turning the spotlight onto our very own co-host, Dave Holland. Rachel had a unique opportunity to sit down with Dave for an intimate, one-on-one conversation about his journey in the mortgage industry. We're diving deep into his past, his experiences, and what drove him to become the respected leader he is today. This is a rare chance to get to know Dave beyond his co-hosting duties, and trust us, you don’t want to miss it.

We'll start with the basics: Dave's first job and the early lessons in leadership he learned on the soccer field. We'll explore his unexpected path—from dreaming of being a lawyer to living in his grandparents' basement while breaking into the mortgage business. We’ll also discuss the pivotal moments that solidified his commitment to this industry and the values that have guided him along the way.

Without further ado, let's dive into this exclusive interview with Dave Holland.

Key takeaways:

1. Foundations of Early Leadership: Dave recalls his first job as a youth soccer league field general and head ref. Despite his young age, this experience honed his leadership skills as he handled responsibilities like setting up nets and dealing with irate parents.
2. Navigational Career Changes: Initially aspiring to be a lawyer, Dave pivoted to the mortgage industry after realizing it was a better fit for him. This change was facilitated by real-world experiences in his father's and uncle's law firm, which provided invaluable knowledge about the real estate and mortgage sectors.
3. The Importance of Being Uncomfortable for Growth: Dave emphasizes the value of placing oneself in challenging scenarios. These experiences helped him adapt, learn, and ultimately excel in his career by forcing him to constantly push beyond his comfort zone.
4. Commitment: Dave’s early career challenges instilled a sense of ‘hunger’ and determination that continues to drive him today. This period of his life taught him the virtues of hard work, dedication, and the importance of building a strong professional foundation.
5. Vision and Teamwork in Leadership: Dave speaks highly of the collaborative dynamic amongst him, Robert, and Tom. Despite their different leadership styles, their shared vision and strategic goals keep the team aligned and moving forward cohesively. He stresses the necessity of seeking help and valuing teamwork to avoid burnout and achieve long-term success.

Join us in getting an inside look at Dave Holland's path to becoming a key figure in the mortgage industry. His story is both inspiring and insightful, offering valuable lessons for aspiring leaders in any field.

And remember, make sure you like and subscribe to Lending Leadership: The Mortgage Pros so you never miss an episode! We'll see you next time.

Welcome back to Lending Leadership: The Creative Brief. In this episode, we dive into the world of social media strategies, sharing ways to effectively communicate with your audience and what we consider the essentials of intentional social media engagement. 

We start by emphasizing the importance of intentionality in social media. It’s not just about checking off a box; it’s about thoughtful content that resonates with your ideal client or referral partner. Corrine and Rachael share insights on creating engaging, purposeful content, starting with the all-important hook, moving through your main points, and finishing strong with a call to action.

Highlighting real-world examples, we break down a video from Dan Anderson's team that creatively covers crucial messaging in a light-hearted and engaging manner. They demonstrate how to incorporate a hook, deliver valuable information, and close with a call to action—all while keeping the audience entertained.

Key takeaways:

1. Intentionality in Social Media: It's crucial to go beyond simply posting content. Understand your audience, define your ideal client or referral partner, and craft your messages purposefully to avoid getting lost in the noise.
2. Effective Hooks: A strong hook can be anything from a powerful statement to a question or an unusual action. It’s about capturing attention immediately so your audience stays engaged and doesn’t scroll past your content.
3. Planning Your Content: Whether it’s a short video or a lengthy presentation, map out the key points you want to cover. This ensures that your message is clear, concise, and impactful, keeping your audience’s attention throughout.
4. Creative Presentation: Don’t be afraid to think outside the box. Change your location, mix up your style, and add humor or unexpected elements to keep your content fresh and engaging. The example from Dan Anderson’s team is a testament to how creativity can make your message memorable.
5. Call to Action: Every piece of content should end with a clear call to action. Direct your audience on the next steps, whether it’s liking your post, subscribing to your channel, or reaching out for more information. Your goal is to turn engagement into meaningful interactions and ultimately, conversions.

Join us as we dive deep into these strategies and offer practical tips and examples to elevate your social media game. Remember, your social media presence is not just about random posts; it's about creating meaningful and impactful interactions with your audience.

Until next time, keep engaging intentionally, stay creative, and as always, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe!

Feel free to DM us if you have any questions or want to share some of your own social media success stories. We’re always looking to connect and learn from our fellow loan officers and realtors. Thanks for tuning in!

Rach & Rinn

Welcome back to Lending Leadership: The Mortgage Pros. Today, we’re diving into a topic that might seem mundane at first, but is absolutely crucial for both your professional success and personal well-being—time management. Coordinating schedules for our podcast isn't always a breeze, and managing time effectively is something we constantly grapple with.

We, Tom Mills, Robert Fillyaw, and Dave Holland, are here to share actionable strategies and personal experiences that highlight the importance of time management. In this episode, you'll find invaluable insights into setting boundaries, time blocking, and the significance of daily routines.

Dave kicks things off by emphasizing the necessity of setting boundaries, such as not working during major holidays, and exploring how these choices affect client relationships. We all agree that time management directly impacts our business results and personal lives. There’s a candid reflection from Robert on how being a workaholic in the past contrasts with his current, more balanced approach, which you'll find incredibly relatable.

Tom underscores self-awareness in tailoring time management strategies to fit your unique needs and capacity. From scheduling techniques to maintaining boundaries, this episode is packed with practical advice aimed at helping you manage time more effectively without compromising on your personal commitments.

Key takeaways:

1. Setting Boundaries and Their Impact: Dave Holland outlines why it's crucial to establish clear boundaries, such as not working during major holidays, and assesses how these boundaries can shape client relationships and expectations.
2. Self-Awareness in Time Management: Tom Mills highlights the importance of self-awareness in time management strategies. He suggests focusing on the 3 to 5 most important things across different areas of life and making sure these priorities are evident in your calendar.
3. Managing Client Expectations: We stress the importance of setting the right expectations with clients. This compares to how doctors schedule appointments, ensuring better preparedness and order in managing workload and client communications.
4. The Realities of Work-Life Balance: Robert Fillyaw shares a transformative personal story about regaining control of his schedule by hiring a sales manager, which allowed him to take a much-needed vacation in Paris. This demonstrates how making conscious decisions can significantly impact one's work-life balance.
5. Building and Maintaining Effective Routines: Dave Holland delves into his daily routine of waking up early, reading, and exercising before starting work. He champions the value of good routines in achieving daily accomplishments and maintaining overall productivity.

By the end of this episode, we hope to leave you with actionable insights and renewed motivation to improve your time management skills. Remember to like, subscribe, and share our podcast with your fellow mortgage professionals. Thank you for tuning in to this essential discussion on time management—your pathway to better business outcomes and a more fulfilling personal life.

Robert, Tom, and Dave

Welcome back to Lending Leadership: The Creative Brief. Today, we're diving into the festive season with a special focus on holiday gifting. As the holidays approach, it's crucial for businesses to think ahead and plan thoughtful gifts for their team, clients, and business partners. It's not just about the act of giving, but how you can leverage holiday gifts as a powerful marketing tool to build and maintain relationships.

In this episode, we're excited to walk you through the ins and outs of holiday gifting with great enthusiasm (and some festive spirit!). We share valuable tips on everything from creating a gift list to choosing unique and personalized gifts that will make your contacts feel appreciated.

Key Takeaways:

1. Plan Ahead: Start your holiday gift planning early to avoid last-minute stress and ensure your gifts stand out amid the holiday buzz. Use a well-organized approach to segment your recipients and tailor your gifts accordingly.
2. Personalization Matters: Thoughtful, personalized gifts show your clients and partners that you pay attention to their interests and preferences. This can range from custom sneakers reflecting a hobby to strategic donations to their favorite charities.
3. Creative Gift Ideas: Utilize platforms like Bluemountain.com for personalized e-cards, and consider traditional yet elegant options like Harry and David’s. Customize your gifts to make them unique and memorable.
4. Follow-Up Is Crucial: A follow-up message after the holidays can help reinforce the connection made with your gift. Use this opportunity to plan further engagements, such as a coffee meeting or personal catch-up.
5. Think Beyond Holidays: Don't be afraid to break away from the holiday noise by sending New Year’s gifts or cards. This can distinguish your gesture in a less saturated timeframe and keep the connection warm into the new year.

We hope you found these tips helpful and inspiring. Start planning now to make this holiday season meaningful for your business relationships. Thank you for tuning in to Lending Leadership: The Creative Brief. Please like, share, and subscribe for more insightful episodes. Happy (early) holidays!

Rach & Rinn

Welcome back to Lending Leadership: The Mortgage Pros!

In today's episode, we're talking about a topic that loan originators don’t want to talk about: business planning. We're discussing why having a business plan and a roadmap for success, guided by thoughtful critique from mentors and leaders, is indispensable. 

We explore the concept of focusing your time on areas with the highest return and identifying critical success factors. We highlight the revered 80/20 rule, which suggests a small percentage of activities typically yield the majority of results. Plus, you'll learn a compelling statistic: people with business plans are 42% more likely to achieve their goals.

We emphasize personal accountability and the collective support that comes from sharing your plan with others. We even touch on creative ways to keep your goals front and center, such as visual cues and reminders. This episode is packed with insights and practical advice to help you, our listeners, craft and stick to a solid business plan.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Necessity of a Business Plan: We all agree with the saying attributed to Ben Franklin, "If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail." A smart business plan isn't just a formality; it is a clear, actionable roadmap that can significantly enhance your path to achieving your goals, both professional and personal.
2. Accountability and Regular Assessment: Accountability is critical. It’s not just about having a plan but also about regularly revisiting and assessing it. Tom Mills shares his experience that often, plans go off course not because they are flawed but due to a lack of follow-through on specified activities. Regular check-ins and honest reassessment can guide you back on track.
3. SMART Goals Framework: Robert Fillyaw emphasizes setting Specific, Measurable, Actionable, Relevant, and Time-bound goals. This framework turns abstract intentions into concrete actions, ensuring your business plan is not only visionary but also practical and achievable.
4. Blocking Out Distractions: Dave Holland highlights the importance of maintaining focus by blocking out distractions. He refers to it as having "blinders on," emphasizing that distractions can severely hamper progress. Staying focused on your core objectives is key.
5. The Value of Saying No: Interestingly, some of the most significant achievements can stem from saying no to enticing but off-plan opportunities. Robert's insight drives home the point that sticking to your original plan, even if it means passing on a promising opportunity, can lead to greater success in the long run.

For those of you who might be eager to dive deeper, Robert offers a PowerPoint presentation on this topic, emphasizing its value for realtor partners who might not have a business plan. We encourage you to subscribe to our podcast for more insightful discussions.

We hope this episode provides you with the tools and insights needed to elevate your business planning strategies. Until next time, keep planning, stay accountable, and remember: success often comes to those who prepare for it!

Dave, Robert and Tom

Download the powerpoint here: https://form.jotform.com/243195161560050