What’s the hidden cost of always chasing the next deal?

Hey there, Rainmakers!

In this episode, I sit down with my friend and powerhouse coach Nancy Levin to talk about one of the biggest traps in sales: saying “yes” to everything and everyone. We’ve all been there — hustling hard, proving ourselves with every loan closed, and burning out in the process. But what if the discipline that makes you a top producer is the same discipline you need to draw the line and lead yourself first?

Nancy shares her powerful story of redefining success by setting boundaries that stick, and we break down how sales professionals can protect their energy, reclaim their voice, and build a business that doesn’t run them into the ground. I also share how Nancy’s work showed up in my own journey and why these lessons are critical for every Rainmaker who wants to create a lasting legacy.

💡 Key Insights:

• Why top producers are most at risk of overcommitment and burnout
• The sales “yes” problem — and how it costs you freedom and growth
• How boundaries are an act of leadership, not limitation
• Nancy’s personal story of reclaiming self-worth
• Practical ways you can start leading yourself today

This isn’t just about saying no — it’s about saying yes to the career and life you actually want.

Are you ready to make it rain? Let’s do this!

Guest Links:

Learn more about Reinvention Coaching

Nancy’s website:

https://www.nancylevin.com

The Nancy Levin Show:

https://nancylevin.com/podcast/

Are you ready to finally break through your limits, execute with confidence, and achieve the life you know you’re capable of?

Catalyst is the ultimate community-driven execution system designed to keep you focused, accountable, and moving forward.

Enrollment is open from September 18th-25th. Just five days to get onboard.

Don’t miss your chance!

Grab your spot at shaylagifford.com/catalyst.

Connect with Shayla:

On Instagram

On LinkedIn

Show Links:

Shaylagifford.com

The Mortgage Rainmaker Podcast

The Catalyst Coaching Community

Guild Mortgage

This is the No.1 Tool I use that GUARANTEES I crush the week…instead of the week crushing me.

Hey there, Rainmakers!

In this episode, I reveal my No.1 system for staying on fire all week long: the Sunday PPC—Preparation & Pulse Check. This is my 45–60 minute framework that guarantees I crush the week instead of letting the week crush me.

I’ll walk you through exactly how I use this tool to celebrate momentum, prime my energy, map my schedule, and lock in the Top 3 that keep my pipeline full and my life aligned. This is the weekly reset that takes me from chaos to clarity.

💡 Key Insights

• My PPC Framework: a 7-step weekly reset to keep you focused, clear, and consistent.
• Why celebrating wins first fills your tank and sets the tone for the week.
• How to own what didn’t work—without shame—and recalibrate fast.
• The personal standards I track (sleep, workouts, water, walks) to prime my energy.
• Why calendaring the whole week—work + family + workouts—reveals the truth about what’s possible.
• The “Top 3” goals that actually move the needle and how I score them week to week.
• The sales scoreboard that predicts your future paycheck: leads, hot shoppers, pre-approvals, meetings, and upcoming units.

Are you ready to make it rain? Let’s do this!

Are you ready to finally break through your limits, execute with confidence, and achieve the life you know you’re capable of?

Catalyst is the ultimate community-driven execution system designed to keep you focused, accountable, and moving forward.

Enrollment is open from September 18th-25th. Just five days to get onboard.

Don’t miss your chance!

Grab your spot at shaylagifford.com/catalyst.

Connect with Shayla:

On Instagram

On LinkedIn

Show Links:

Shaylagifford.com

The Mortgage Rainmaker Podcast

The Catalyst Coaching Community

Guild Mortgage

Hey there, Rainmakers!

How do you go from planning weddings to building a powerhouse mortgage business doing nearly $50 million, all by the age of 28, while raising two babies, moving three times with your active-duty husband, and running a family team? That’s exactly what my guest, Rachel Robole has done.

Rachel’s story is a masterclass in drive, resilience, and vision. She shares how she left behind her “dream job” in event planning, discovered the life-changing impact of homeownership, and jumped into the mortgage business alongside her father. Together, they set out to do $36 million this year — and they’re on track to blow past $50 million!

What I love about Rachel is her clarity of purpose. She knows she’s building a legacy, not just a business. She’s navigating the messy middle of motherhood, leadership, and growth — and doing it with a mindset that every Rainmaker needs to hear.

💡 What we cover in this episode:

• The turning point that led Rachel from wedding planning to mortgages
• How she balances military life, motherhood, and mortgage success
• Why she believes in “stewarding her gifts” and leaving people bigger than she found them
• Building a family team with her dad and sister — and the lessons learned
• The power of Catalyst coaching, micro-decisions, and staying consistent in the chaos
• Rachel’s approach to networking as a Trust Builder and connector

Rachel is proof that with clarity, discipline, and heart, you can build a thriving business while living a full life.  Are you ready to make it rain? Let’s do this!

Guest Links:

Rachel’s Instagram: www.instagram.com/rachelrobole_mortgage/reels/

Rachel’s AnnieMac Page: www.annie-mac.com/lo/rachelrobole/?associate=true

Rachel’s LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/rachelrobole

Are you ready to finally break through your limits, execute with confidence, and achieve the life you know you’re capable of?

Catalyst is the ultimate community-driven execution system designed to keep you focused, accountable, and moving forward.

Enrollment is open from September 18th-25th. Just five days to get onboard.

Don’t miss your chance!

Grab your spot at shaylagifford.com/catalyst.

Connect with Shayla:

On Instagram

On LinkedIn

Show Links:

Shaylagifford.com

The Mortgage Rainmaker Podcast

The Catalyst Coaching Community

Guild Mortgage

Hey there, Rainmakers!

When I first started, I was just a hair-on-fire salesperson—chaotic, hustling, doing whatever it took to survive. But if you want to step into true freedom, wealth, and impact, you can’t just have a job. You need a real business. That’s where my Rainmaker Framework comes in.

This is the exact framework I used to move from survival mode to building a $500K+ mortgage business—one that’s stable, scalable, and gives you the power to choose your life. I break down the vision, the belief, the plan, the accountability, and the community that you need if you want to go from chaos to control and build a business you love.

💡 What we explore:

• The 5 pillars of the Rainmaker Framework: vision, belief, plan, accountability, community
• Why 15 closings a month is the magic number for a stable team and income
• How to build a top 50 partner list and generate 75+ leads every month
• The 5-3-2 prospecting plan and why consistency beats talent every time
• How to structure pre-approval meetings and promises that make agents beg to work with you
• Why accountability and community are non-negotiables for building a business that lasts

This episode isn’t about chasing volume for ego—it’s about building something real. Something that gives you time, money, freedom, and legacy.

Are you ready to make it rain? Let’s do this!

Are you ready to finally break through your limits, execute with confidence, and achieve the life you know you’re capable of?

Catalyst is the ultimate community-driven execution system designed to keep you focused, accountable, and moving forward.

Enrollment is open from September 18th-25th. Just five days to get onboard.

Don’t miss your chance!

Grab your spot at shaylagifford.com/catalyst.

Connect with Shayla:

On Instagram

On LinkedIn

Show Links:

Shaylagifford.com

The Mortgage Rainmaker Podcast

The Catalyst Coaching Community

Guild Mortgage

Hey there, Rainmakers!

For years, I thought I had to do it all — prove I was credible, trusted, and capable by being the Michael Jordan of mortgage lending. I was rebounding, shooting, defending, dunking… and burning out. The truth? Michael Jordan didn’t win championships until he had a team. And neither will you.

In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain and introducing you to the powerhouse professionals who help me run a thriving, scalable mortgage business. Together, we break down the exact roles, routines, and rhythms that transform your career from hustling solo to leading like a true Rainmaker.

You’ll hear from:

Shannon Giraldo, Team Lead Loan Processor, on the superpower of being the hub of the wheel and how daily workflows and communication drive flawless closings.

Marcy Kramer, Pre-Approval Manager, on lightning-fast turn times, bulletproof pre-approvals, and how she manages 50–60 pre-approvals a month with ease.

Stephanie McDowell, Loan Officer Assistant & Lead Admin, on tracking leads, working hot shoppers, and keeping your pipeline moving with precision.

We also dive into practical strategies for hiring, creating culture, and building systems that let you step out of the grind and into your true role as a leader. And I share a sneak peek of my upcoming Slay with Shay Live Event, where we’ll take these strategies even deeper.

💡 What you’ll learn:

• How to stop white-knuckling your business and start empowering others
• The daily rhythms of high-performing processors, pre-approval managers, and LOs
• How to build trust, culture, and ownership inside your team
• Hiring strategies to find and retain A+ players
• Why building your dream team is the ultimate lever for growth

Are you ready to make it rain? Let’s do this!

PLUS–Slay with Shay Live is coming and trust me, you do NOT want to miss this!

This September 15th - 17th in beautiful Lake Tahoe, I’ll bring you my entire playbook, plus a host of top producers, speakers and badasses, all carefully chosen by me to get you to that next level.

Go to shaylagifford.com now, get your ticket and book your hotel. And yes...it will sell out!

Connect with Shayla:

On Instagram

On LinkedIn

Show Links:

Shaylagifford.com

The Mortgage Rainmaker Podcast

The Catalyst Coaching Community

Guild Mortgage

Hey there, Rainmakers! Ever feel like you’re doing all the right things, but your growth has stalled? Chances are, one of four sales mistakes is holding you back — and until you fix it, you’re stuck spinning your wheels.

In this solo episode, I’m exposing the truth about the four big sales mistakes loan officers make — whether you’re a Trust Builder, Technician, Marketer, or Networker. I’ve lived these patterns myself, and I’ve coached hundreds of LOs who’ve been trapped by them. Today, I’m not just calling them out — I’m giving you the exact fixes that will put you back on track to becoming a true Rainmaker.

From expanding your network beyond your comfort zone, to shifting from efficiency to real effectiveness, to turning your marketing into meetings, and making your networking actually convert — I’m laying it all out. If you’re ready for stability, confidence, and freedom in your business, it’s time to face the Achilles heel that’s been holding you back.

💡 What we cover:

• Why playing it safe with the same small circle will stall your growth.
• The Technician trap of efficiency over impact — and how to break it.
• How to stop hiding behind marketing and start converting attention into partnerships.
• Why endless networking won’t work unless you’re strategic about it.
• My proven Top 50 system to track, rate, and deepen your most valuable relationships.
• How to reconnect with people around their goals and families to create true partnerships.

PLUS–Slay with Shay Live is coming and trust me, you do NOT want to miss this!

This September 15th - 17th in beautiful Lake Tahoe, I’ll bring you my entire playbook, plus a host of top producers, speakers and badasses, all carefully chosen by me to get you to that next level.

Go to shaylagifford.com now, get your ticket and book your hotel. And yes...it will sell out!

Connect with Shayla:

On Instagram

On LinkedIn

Show Links:

Shaylagifford.com

The Mortgage Rainmaker Podcast

The Catalyst Coaching Community

Guild Mortgage

Hey there, Rainmakers!

What if you could grow your business fast — and still be present for what matters most?

In this episode, I’m joined by Allison Larson, a rapidly rising branch manager and powerhouse coach who’s rewriting what success looks like in mortgage leadership. Allison shares how she’s scaled quickly, avoided burnout, and stayed centered — all by using a few key tools to track her week, stay aligned, and lead with intention.

She’s not just building a business — she’s building a life on her terms.

And if you’re joining us at Slay with Shay this September, you’ll get to hear even more from Allison live on stage.

💡 What we cover:

• How Allison used weekly planning and time-blocking to scale her growth
• The key tool she uses to track her week and stay aligned with her values
• Coaching with candor: how to give honest feedback with heart
• Balancing leadership and life as a high-performing woman
• Creating a team culture of accountability without control
• Why she said no to playing small — and how it changed everything

Allison’s story is packed with wisdom for any Rainmaker who’s growing fast and wants to stay grounded in what really matters.

👉 Be sure to share this episode with your team — especially the women who are ready to lead with more clarity, courage, and conviction.

Guest Links:

Instagram

LinkedIn

Guild Mortgage

Youtube

PLUS–Slay with Shay Live is coming and trust me, you do NOT want to miss this!

This September 15th - 17th in beautiful Lake Tahoe, I’ll bring you my entire playbook, plus a host of top producers, speakers and badasses, all carefully chosen by me to get you to that next level.

Go to shaylagifford.com now, get your ticket and book your hotel. And yes...it will sell out!

Connect with Shayla:

On Instagram

On LinkedIn

Show Links:

Shaylagifford.com

The Mortgage Rainmaker Podcast

The Catalyst Coaching Community

Guild Mortgage

Hey there, Rainmakers!

If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to grow from hungry loan officer to influential industry leader, this conversation with Dave Savage is your blueprint. Dave is Chief Growth Officer at Trust Engine & Founder of Mortgage Coach. More than that, Dave is a longtime friend, a visionary entrepreneur, and a man deeply committed to elevating others through practical tools, personal development, and a clear sense of mission.

In this episode, we talk about the code he lives by, the habits that have fuelled his success, and the purpose that drives him — not just in business, but in life. Whether you’re just starting out or reimagining what comes next, you’ll walk away with real strategies and perspective to grow both personally and professionally.

💡 Key Insights:

• The mindset shift that helped Dave rise from early struggle to sustained success
• His morning routine, prospecting framework, and personal development tools
• Why your “code” — the principles you live by — shapes your results more than anything
• How redefining success around purpose created more drive, clarity, and peace

Dave will be speaking at Slay with Shay this September, guiding us deeper into how to uncover and live your code. It’s about building a business and life that reflect who you really are — and how you want to lead.

Are you ready to make it rain? Let’s do this!

Guest Links:

Mortgage Coach Website: https://mortgagecoach.com

Dave’s LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mortgagecoach/

Mortgage Coach Channel:  https://www.youtube.com/c/MortgageCoach

PLUS–Slay with Shay Live is coming and trust me, you do NOT want to miss this!

This September 15th - 17th in beautiful Lake Tahoe, I’ll bring you my entire playbook, plus a host of top producers, speakers and badasses, all carefully chosen by me to get you to that next level.

Go to shaylagifford.com now, get your ticket and book your hotel. And yes...it will sell out!

Connect with Shayla:

On Instagram

On LinkedIn

Show Links:

Shaylagifford.com

The Mortgage Rainmaker Podcast

The Catalyst Coaching Community

Guild Mortgage

Can you dominate a market of just 20,000 people — and still run a $60 million mortgage business? Tara Gonzalez can. And she does it with heart, grit, and insane consistency.

Hey there, Rainmakers!

In this episode, I’m joined by one of the most badass small-town leaders I know: Tara Gonzalez, Branch Manager and Loan Officer in Elko, Nevada. From her days as a waitress at the iconic Star Hotel to becoming a top-producing loan officer at Guild Mortgage, Tara has built something truly remarkable.

We unpack how she’s running a consistent $30–$35M book of business, what it means to lead a values-driven team in a tiny market, and how she built the kind of trust and loyalty that had clients and partners holding leads for her while she grieved the loss of her mother.

Tara’s story is a masterclass in leadership, delegation, culture, and staying grounded. Whether you're building in a small town or a major city, there’s gold in this conversation for you.

Are you ready to make it rain? Let’s do this!

💡 Key Insights:

• A 16-year-old mom turned mortgage powerhouse — Tara’s journey is driven by grit and purpose.
• Why her years in waitressing were the best customer service training ground ever.
• How she’s built 25–30% market share in a town of 20,000 — with just 6 builders.
• The secret to creating a team culture so strong, it runs itself during personal crisis.
• The power of being a trust builder in business — and why clients & agents stick.
• How delegation, SOPs, and structure allow her to scale and lead effectively.
• Why being aligned on beliefs and values attracts the right people and clients.

Guest Links:

Tara on LinkedIn

Guild Mortgage Elko Branch

PLUS–Slay with Shay Live is coming and trust me, you do NOT want to miss this!

This September 15th - 17th in beautiful Lake Tahoe, I’ll bring you my entire playbook, plus a host of top producers, speakers and badasses, all carefully chosen by me to get you to that next level.

Go to shaylagifford.com now, get your ticket and book your hotel. And yes...it will sell out!

Connect with Shayla:

On Instagram

On LinkedIn

Show Links:

Shaylagifford.com

The Mortgage Rainmaker Podcast

The Catalyst Coaching Community

Guild Mortgage

What does it take to transition careers, move across the country multiple times, raise a family, and still close $41 million in a year?

Hey there, Rainmakers!

In this episode of the Mortgage Rainmaker Podcast, I sit down with Lucy Thornton, a vibrant loan officer. Lucy’s journey from real estate agent to top-producing loan officer is full of heart, hustle, and hard-earned wisdom.

Now based in Savannah, Georgia — and thriving after several relocations as a military spouse — Lucy shares how she built trust from the ground up, navigated the transition between industries, and turned her relationship-based approach into consistent production.

We talk about the difference between harmony and balance, the importance of showing up with authenticity, and how creating real connections can fuel both your career and your personal life.

💡 Takeaways for Rainmakers:

• Relationships are the foundation of every great mortgage business
• You don’t need to chase balance — strive for harmony
• Lean into the strengths from your past roles (like real estate!)
• Relocating doesn’t mean starting over — it means re-rooting
• Your energy is your brand — protect it, grow it, lead with it

Guest Info:

LinkedIn

Lucy the Lender

Edge Home Finance

PLUS–Slay with Shay Live is coming and trust me, you do NOT want to miss this!

This September 15th - 17th in beautiful Lake Tahoe, I’ll bring you my entire playbook, plus a host of top producers, speakers and badasses, all carefully chosen by me to get you to that next level.

Go to shaylagifford.com now, get your ticket and book your hotel. And yes...it will sell out!

Connect with Shayla:

On Instagram

On LinkedIn

Show Links:

Shaylagifford.com

The Mortgage Rainmaker Podcast

The Catalyst Coaching Community

Guild Mortgage