Leadership Over Volume | How Environment Shapes Success in Mortgage with Susie Cheatham

In this episode of The LO Down Mortgage Podcast, host Connor Bartley sits down with Susie Cheatham, a seasoned mortgage leader, former top producer, and coach who believes that environment matters more than strategy, tech, or products.

Susie shares her unconventional journey into mortgage—from an underwriting intern planning to attend law school, to becoming a high-performing loan officer, and eventually a leader focused on developing people, not just production. She explains how working in high-volume environments accelerated her learning curve, why she built her early business by solving the hardest files others avoided, and how an abundance mindset fueled long-term referral growth.

This conversation dives deep into:

Why environment beats systems when it comes to long-term success

The difference between leadership and management in mortgage

How helping competitors can actually grow your business

Why growth isn’t just about volume—but about evolution, integrity, and mindset

The dangers of transactional thinking and “piece of fruit” leadership

How values-based leadership creates stronger teams and cultures

Why choosing people over volume leads to better outcomes for everyone

Whether you’re a loan officer looking for the right room to grow in, a leader building a team, or someone questioning the direction of the mortgage industry, this episode offers a powerful reminder: who you surround yourself with determines who you become.

👉 Subscribe to The LO Down Mortgage Podcast for real conversations with the people shaping the future of mortgage leadership.