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 and branch manager at Guild Mortgage. 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

🔥 Want to 10x your results? It starts with this truth: high performance isn’t about talent.

Or even mindset...it’s about habits.

Hey there, Rainmakers!

Today I’m sharing the mindset, energy, focus, and discipline that actually separates top performers from everyone else. I’m not talking about cheesy affirmations or surface-level strategy. I’m talking about building a way of being that becomes habitual—a way of living that magnetizes results, energy, clarity, and impact.

This episode is a personal one. Because the truth is, I wasn’t always this way. I had to train myself to think differently. To stop wasting time. To claim the level of clarity and productivity required to lead, coach, and live in full alignment.

Whether you’re a loan officer, team leader, or entrepreneur—if you want to be the best of the best, this episode is your roadmap.

What we talk about:

• Why “just having a better mindset” isn’t enough—and what to do instead.
• The #1 focus of high performers that average producers ignore.
• How to generate energy on command (and why it matters more than strategy).
• The critical difference between being busy and being productive.
• How the Catalyst Planner and a simple “Top 3” can transform your year.
• Why journaling + self-awareness might be your most powerful growth tools.

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

If you liked what you heard, why not leave me a five star review, and tell me what you liked most about the show!

PLUS :

Do you feel like you've hit a plateau or lost some of your enthusiasm, focus, and fire? Has business become a grind and you often wonder what it’s going to take to get you excited again? Or do you feel like your world is constant chaos and you aren’t driving your life forward with clarity of vision?

If so - check out my catalyst coaching community, where we accelerate your success!

Connect with Shayla:

On Instagram

On LinkedIn

Show Links:

Shaylagifford.com

The Mortgage Rainmaker Podcast

The Catalyst Coaching Community

Guild Mortgage

Drowning in leads but struggling to hire help? You’re not alone — and I’ve got your roadmap! 

Hey there, Rainmakers!

In this episode, I’m diving into a powerful office hours convo where Rox — a solo-producing loan broker getting 20–30 referrals a week — asks the million-dollar question: How do I hire the right support without repeating past mistakes?

She’s tried VAs, bank referrals, even recruiting agencies... but nothing’s stuck. And I get it — the hiring game can feel like a revolving door of frustration. That’s why I break it all down: how to find your lead admin, what to look for (hint: smart, charming, competitive), and why investing in someone’s growth path is the only way to build a ride-or-die team.

I also share a sneak peek at what I’m teaching at Slay with Shay this September — my complete playbook for hiring, onboarding, and leading a high-performing team that lets you finally breathe.

💡 Key Takeaways:

• You’re not too early — you’re probably late if you're overwhelmed by leads.
• The right hire often has zero mortgage experience — but tons of character and hunger.
• Think long-term: hire for who they’ll become, not just who they are today.
• The 3 personality traits I look for that form ‘The Golden Combo’
• Pitch the job like a 2-year business school — because that’s what it is.
• Love who you hire — because when sh*t hits the fan (and it will), that’s what keeps you patient!

If you liked what you heard, why not leave me a five star review, and tell me what you liked most about the show!

PLUS :

Do you feel like you've hit a plateau or lost some of your enthusiasm, focus, and fire? Has business become a grind and you often wonder what it’s going to take to get you excited again? Or do you feel like your world is constant chaos and you aren’t driving your life forward with clarity of vision?

If so - check out my catalyst coaching community, where we accelerate your success!

Connect with Shayla:

On Instagram

On LinkedIn

Show Links:

Shaylagifford.com

The Mortgage Rainmaker Podcast

The Catalyst Coaching Community

Guild Mortgage

From $6M to $57M...To $2B? Maui Parra’s Blueprint for Bold, Heart-Led Growth

What does it take to scale from $6M to $57M in six years, build a thriving team, and still show up with heart and hustle? Maui Parra is here to tell you.

Hey there, Rainmakers! 

From three Subway sandwiches and ten people in a room to 100+ attendees at her monthly Spanish-speaking events, Maui Parra’s rise as a top-producing loan officer and branch manager in Atlanta is nothing short of epic. In this episode, we talk about:

Maui’s immigrant story and how her father's wisdom shaped her mindset that nothing is impossible

The magic of consistency—from humble beginnings to leading five satellite training events monthly

How she cultivates deep loyalty and leadership with her VIP realtors, including personalized coaching and even taco parties 🍽️

Her $2B vision and what it truly means to be a tribe builder in business

Whether you’re a new LO, a seasoned vet, or someone looking to lead with purpose, Maui’s strategies, energy, and heart will light a fire under you.

💡 What we talk about:

• Big goals generate energy—use them to magnetize your team.
• Networkers win through community and consistency.
• Teach first—relationships follow.
• Be bold. Speak your vision out loud.
• Your follow-up and personalization define your results.

Guest links:

LinkedIn

Instagram 

Cross Country Mortgage

If you liked what you heard, why not leave me a five star review, and tell me what you liked most about the show!

PLUS :

Do you feel like you've hit a plateau or lost some of your enthusiasm, focus, and fire? Has business become a grind and you often wonder what it’s going to take to get you excited again? Or do you feel like your world is constant chaos and you aren’t driving your life forward with clarity of vision?

If so - check out my catalyst coaching community, where we accelerate your success!

Connect with Shayla:

On Instagram

On LinkedIn

Show Links:

Shaylagifford.com

The Mortgage Rainmaker Podcast

The Catalyst Coaching Community

Guild Mortgage

Think you need to hustle 60+ hours a week to grow your business? Think again.

Hey there, Rainmakers!

This episode is a masterclass in sustainable success from one of the most technically brilliant—and heart-centered—leaders in our field: Chantry Abbott from St. George, Utah. In a town of just 200,000 people, Chantry and his Guild Mortgage team have carved out 20% market share—with Chantry himself producing $55M+ with just one support staff, working only 32 hours a week.

We dive deep into how Chantry went from burnout to joy, how he found his groove as a Trust Builder + Technician archetype, and why stepping back into his zone of genius was the best decision he made for both his business and life. If you’ve ever felt torn between scaling and staying sane, this one is for you.

From the psychology of high-converting preapproval meetings to his streamlined TCA process and radical clarity on what matters most—Chantry brings it all. He’s not loud, he’s not flashy… but man, does he convert.

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

💡 Key Takeaways:

• Chantry runs a $55M business in 32 hours/week—proof that efficiency and clarity beat hustle.
• His strength lies in preapproval mastery: in-person or Zoom, he builds deep trust and closes big.
• Transitioning from background operator to Rainmaker took pain, coaching, and purpose—but it was worth it.
• 33 agents closed deals with him last year—yet he’s adding 5 more intentionally to hit $60M.
• Trust Builders don’t need to cold call—they thrive on referrals, reputation, and retention.
• His debrief process after losing a client to rate-shopping? Powerful and practical.

Guest Links:

Guild Mortgage Branch Page

LinkedIn – Chantry Abbott

Southern Utah Mortgage

Instagram – @chantabbott

YouTube Channel

If you liked what you heard, why not leave me a five star review, and tell me what you liked most about the show!

PLUS :

Do you feel like you've hit a plateau or lost some of your enthusiasm, focus, and fire? Has business become a grind and you often wonder what it’s going to take to get you excited again? Or do you feel like your world is constant chaos and you aren’t driving your life forward with clarity of vision?

If so - check out my catalyst coaching community, where we accelerate your success!

Connect with Shayla:

On Instagram

On LinkedIn

Show Links:

Shaylagifford.com

The Mortgage Rainmaker Podcast

The Catalyst Coaching Community

Guild Mortgage