Minds of Mortgage

E22 - Denise Panza - How to Build Mortgage Social Success

Episode 22 - How to Build Mortgage Social Success
In this energetic episode of Minds of Mortgage, I sat down with Denise Panza, a dynamic loan officer from Naples, Florida, who has become a standout presence on LinkedIn. With 28 years in the mortgage industry, Denise brings a refreshing perspective on authenticity and relationship-building in an increasingly digital world. Her journey from a criminal justice student to a mortgage professional began with an unexpected twist, involving a failed college course and a chance opportunity at a mortgage company where her father had previously worked.
Denise shared her candid experiences as a single mother navigating the demanding world of mortgage lending, including the challenges of balancing a 100% commission career with raising two children. Her honest reflections on the guilt and sacrifices that come with being a working mother in a 24/7 industry provided valuable insights for other professionals struggling with similar challenges. She discussed how she has learned to find grace in her choices and the unexpected lessons her work ethic has instilled in her children.
Our conversation delved into the current state of the Florida real estate market, where Denise is licensed in 15 states and witnesses firsthand the dramatic differences between markets. She provided fascinating insights into how insurance costs are impacting affordability in Florida, and how this contrasts sharply with the competitive markets she still serves in Connecticut and New York.
Denise’s approach to social media marketing, particularly on LinkedIn, offers a masterclass in authentic professional networking. She explained how she moved from traditional platforms to LinkedIn, not to find employment, but to avoid “annoying” her friends and family with mortgage content. Her strategy of mixing professional insights with personal moments has led to genuine friendships and business relationships that extend far beyond the digital sphere.
Throughout our discussion, Denise maintained an infectious optimism about the mortgage industry despite the challenging market conditions of recent years. She encourages newcomers to enter the field now, viewing current market difficulties as opportunities for those willing to learn and persist. Her perspective on serving first-time homebuyers and the joy she finds in celebrating clear-to-close moments reveals the passion that has sustained her through nearly three decades in the business.
The episode concluded with valuable insights about the power of vulnerability and authenticity in professional settings. Denise’s philosophy of “getting comfortable being uncomfortable” and her willingness to show her genuine self online have not only built her business but enriched her personal life with meaningful relationships. Her story illustrates how being authentic and relatable in a digital world can foster connections that transcend business and evolve into lasting friendships.

E21 - Laura Brandao - Making Bold Mortgage Moves

Leadership, Legacy & the Power of Being Remarkable – Featuring Laura Brandao
In this must-listen episode of Minds of Mortgage, host Kelly Yale sits down with the unstoppable Laura Brandao, CEO of Lighthouse Advisors, powerhouse speaker, and fierce advocate for the mortgage industry. Together, they dive into what it takes to lead, inspire, and make waves in a business that doesn’t like change.
Laura opens up with her incredible origin story—starting with a telemarketing job at just 21 and quickly transforming into a meteoric rise driven by curiosity, grit, and a game-changing moment of initiative that redefined her future.
From there, the conversation gets deeply personal as Laura reflects on the pivotal role mentorship played in her career, especially the influence of a trailblazing woman who helped shape her into the leader she is today. It’s a compelling look at how knowledge, encouragement, and tough love can turn potential into power.
Kelly and Laura also highlight women’s leadership in mortgage: how far we’ve come, what still needs to change, and why visibility and mentorship are the keys to unlocking the next generation of female executives.
The episode wraps with gold for anyone navigating today’s unpredictable market. Laura shares her strategy for thriving right now: stop chasing the past, lean into tech, nurture your network, and above all, be remarkable—deliver such value that people can’t help but recommend you.
🔥 Insightful. Real. Empowering. Don’t miss this episode.

E20 - Eddy Perez - Overcoming Adversity Through Positive Leadership

In this engaging episode of the Minds of Mortgage podcast, I talk to Eddy Perez, CEO of EPM Mortgage. Our conversation explores Eddy's journey from finance to founding his mortgage company 17 years ago, revealing how he's navigated multiple market cycles while maintaining an unwavering positive outlook.
Eddy shares his family's remarkable story, recounting how his father escaped Cuba by rowing a stolen boat to Miami and later built a new life from nothing. This immigrant experience shaped Eddy's values and approach to business and leadership, instilling in him a deep appreciation for opportunity and resilience.
The discussion offers candid insights into today's mortgage industry challenges. Eddy shares his perspective on the current market, the unlikely return of massive refi booms, and the psychological adjustments loan officers face after record-breaking years. His practical optimism provides a refreshing counterpoint to the "fake juice" positivity and doom-laden narratives prevalent in industry conversations.
Eddy reveals his "code of life" - honor, duty, discipline, sacrifice, and gratitude - explaining how these principles guide his decisions and leadership style. He discusses the challenges of maintaining company culture during difficult times and the importance of radical candor when communicating with teams through transitions.
The conversation takes a personal turn as Eddy discusses his experience raising three children, including how his oldest daughter's college choice (his rival school) tested his parenting philosophy. His insights on letting children forge their paths while providing guidance rather than control offer wisdom beyond parenting to leadership.
Throughout the episode, Eddy speaks candidly about mental health, including his struggles after his father's death and the importance of emotional intelligence. His authentic approach to leadership, commitment to personal growth, and ability to balance realism with optimism make this conversation valuable for mortgage professionals seeking practical guidance and inspiration during challenging market conditions.

E19 - Ashley Yarabinec - The Priceless Impact of Mortgage Mentorship

This week on The Minds of Mortgage Podcast, host Kelly Yale engages with Ashley Yarbinec, the Director of Member Relations for the Mortgage Bankers Association. Drawing from her extensive experience—starting as a loan processor and advancing to managing operations teams—Ashley provides valuable insights into the mortgage industry from both operational and leadership perspectives.
Their conversation delves into Ashley's journey in the mortgage sector, beginning with her work on niche VA loans in Guam and culminating in her current role, where she leads initiatives on the residential side of MBA's impact on young professionals. As a mentor and advocate for newcomers in the industry, Ashley shares her passion for fostering opportunities for the next generation of mortgage leaders through professional development, networking, and meaningful industry connections.
Kelly and Ashley discuss the significance of mentorship within the mortgage industry. Ashley reflects on the extraordinary female mentors who have influenced her career and emphasizes the importance of established professionals guiding newcomers. She also offers practical advice on structuring mentor-mentee relationships to accommodate various needs and schedules.
The podcast takes an insightful turn as they explore succession planning in the mortgage industry—a timely topic as many seasoned professionals approach retirement. Ashley outlines different approaches to succession planning and underscores the importance of preparing internal talent for leadership roles, ensuring continuity, and preserving institutional knowledge.
Much of the discussion focuses on change management within the traditionally resistant mortgage sector. Ashley shares her experience leading a major Loan Origination System implementation and guides how companies can successfully navigate technological and operational transitions by engaging stakeholders at all levels.
Throughout the episode, Kelly and Ashley's authentic exchange highlights their commitment to enhancing the mortgage industry through mentorship, innovative leadership, and embracing necessary change. Their conversation offers actionable insights for industry newcomers seeking guidance and veterans planning their legacy and the future of their businesses.

E18 - Christy Soukhamneut - Why Originators Need to Think About Their Audience

There are many outstanding women in mortgage, but one who started fresh out of college in the CEO seat is a story I could have spent hours listening to!
In this engaging episode of Minds of Mortgage, I was delighted to talk to Christy Soukhamneut, Chief Lending Officer at University Federal Credit Union in Austin, Texas. After spending 25 years in Savannah, Georgia, Christy boldly moved to Austin for an opportunity that aligned perfectly with her values and vision for what financial services could be. She shares her perspective on UFCU's unique mission to be "loved by millions of members" and how this aspiration shapes their lending and community service approach.
Christy's journey into the mortgage industry began unexpectedly. While in high school, she worked part-time at an appraisal firm, where she learned the business from the ground up in an era before digital MLS systems. Her story took a fascinating turn when her father's negative loan experience led to an extraordinary opportunity that launched her career in mortgage lending. This experience showcased how sometimes challenging experiences can lead to the most rewarding paths.
In a candid discussion about the current state of the mortgage industry, Christy offers a refreshingly optimistic perspective on market challenges. Rather than viewing complex markets as obstacles, she sees them as opportunities for innovation and growth. She explains how these challenging times can create openings for new leaders to emerge and for organizations to develop better ways to serve their communities.
For aspiring homeowners who feel intimidated by current market conditions, Christy offers encouragement and practical advice. She shares experiences about the universal anxiety of making such a significant financial commitment while providing actionable strategies for approaching homeownership in today's market. Her perspective on affordability goes beyond mortgage rates, encompassing a holistic view of financial wellness.
The discussion concludes with powerful insights about mentorship and professional growth in the financial services industry. Christy emphasizes the importance of building relationships with financial professionals and seeking guidance, highlighting how accessible most industry leaders are to those who approach them with genuine curiosity and a desire to learn. Her stories about mentorship and professional development offer valuable lessons for anyone looking to advance in their career.

E17 - Mo Gatling - Why Originators Need to Think About Their Audience

I am rarely a "fan girl," but when I had the opportunity to speak with someone like Mo, I felt genuinely grateful for women who are standing on business in the mortgage industry. This episode is a MUST LISTEN. The 30 minutes before and after the interview featured some of the most thought-provoking and honest conversations I've had in my mortgage career. I wish I could go back in time and work with Mo from the moment I entered this industry. It would have been incredible to have a colleague who truly understands how to connect with customers and where technology and teamwork come together to create something magical.
In this Minds of Mortgage podcast episode, I sit down with Mo Gatling, the Senior Vice President of Strategic Growth and Expansion at New American Funding. Our discussion focuses on Mo’s extensive mortgage experiences and her efforts to redefine how we serve various market segments amidst the evolving landscape of homeownership in America.
Mo shares her intriguing journey from banking and credit cards to the mortgage industry, motivated by her personal experiences as a homebuyer and her commitment to improving the process for others. With nearly two decades of experience in the Las Vegas market, she offers a unique perspective on the region's transformation and the challenges facing working families in today’s housing market.
As a leader who still actively originates loans, Mo provides unique insights into homebuyers' real-world struggles in 2025. She discusses the shift from price-driven to payment-driven home buying decisions and how this fundamental change reshapes the industry's approach to serving clients.
The conversation takes an intriguing turn as we explore the evolution of first-time homebuyers. Mo's observations about changing demographics and priorities among these buyers offer valuable insights for industry professionals. Her insights challenge traditional marketing assumptions and emphasize the need for more authentic representation within the industry.
Through personal anecdotes and market observations, we explore the significance of relationship-building in the mortgage industry and highlight the importance of understanding client psychology for achieving success. This discussion reveals that the industry's marketing strategies and client relationship approaches must evolve to align with the expectations of today's more informed and discerning consumers.
This episode offers a refreshing perspective on the future of the mortgage industry. It blendspractical insights with thoughtful analysis of current trends. Whether you are a mortgage professional, real estate agent, or potential homebuyer, this conversation provides valuable insights into homeownership and mortgage lending dynamics.

E16 - Liz Short - 2025 Mortgage Marketing Mistakes to Avoid

We are excited to kick off 2025 for Minds of Mortgage Podcast with an exceptional first guest—Liz Short, CEO of Short Solutions! Liz specializes in helping businesses and executives optimize their people, processes, and technology, focusing on personal branding and video marketing on social media. She challenged herself to become comfortable being uncomfortable, which has led her to embrace being in front of the camera. Liz is a prime example of the power of video as a marketing tool for personal branding.
This engaging conversation thoroughly explores female leadership in the mortgage industry. The discussion highlights women’s unique challenges and opportunities, their personal experiences, and the significance of mentorship for the next generation of leaders.
Our dialogue takes an interesting turn as we champion the power of authenticity in professional branding, particularly on LinkedIn. Liz shares her journey from working behind the scenes to becoming a prominent voice in the industry through consistent video content creation, offering valuable insights for others aiming to build their online presence.
We examine the evolving dynamics of marketing within the mortgage industry, challenging traditional approaches and presenting fresh perspectives on what will be effective in 2025. We highlight the importance of genuine connections and explain why certain outdated marketing tactics should be abandoned.
Furthermore, we discuss the role of technology, artificial intelligence, and social media in shaping the future of the mortgage industry, stressing the need for adaptation and innovation. We explore why some organizations thrive while others struggle to keep up with change.
The episode concludes with an insightful discussion on the value of cross-functional expertise in mortgage leadership. We emphasize the growing importance of “translators”—professionals who can bridge the gap between different aspects of the business, including sales, technology, and process implementation.

E15 - Taylor Stork - 2025 Mortgage Forecast

I am a big fan of Taylor Stork, CMB, so it’s no surprise that one of my favorite episodes of Minds of Mortgage Podcast in 2024 features him. As the COO of Developer's Mortgage Company and President of the Community Home Lenders of America, Taylor brings his signature straightforward approach that podcast listeners have come to know and love, but with a personal twist.
What makes this episode special is how Taylor reveals the reality behind the corporate facade. He shares that his role as COO goes far beyond the typical executive playbook. He remains actively involved in sales while also guiding technology and policy initiatives. However, what truly stands out is the personal story behind his commitment to housing advocacy—inspired by his father’s dedication to helping homeless veterans secure stable housing.
When we address the elephant in the room, the conversation takes an important turn: gender diversity in mortgage leadership. Taylor acknowledges the issue and delves deep into why having diverse perspectives at the decision-making table leads to better outcomes for everyone looking to buy a home. In this episode, as in our first conversation, Taylor’s advocacy for women is truly admirable in this industry.
We also explore an intriguing shift in the industry’s mindset. Remember when realtors were viewed as the primary customers? Taylor explains why this perspective is evolving, with an increasing focus on serving homebuyers directly, particularly in diverse communities where language barriers have historically posed challenges.
When the discussion turns to first-time homebuyers, the statistics reveal an interesting trend—the average age of first-time homebuyers has risen to 38. Taylor and I unpack what this means for mortgage professionals aiming to build long-term customer relationships.
The episode concludes with a look ahead to 2025, where Taylor offers a refreshing perspective that challenges the conventional wisdom of waiting for the next refinance boom. Instead, he highlights unexpected opportunities that could reshape the industry.

E14 - Scott Reise - 2025 Recruiting & Mortgage Leadership

Looking to level up your mortgage leadership game? You won’t want to miss this week’s Minds of Mortgage podcast! Host Kelly Yale sits down with Scott Reese, SVP and Regional Manager at Rate, for a candid conversation about what really works in today’s market.
Scott’s story is fascinating - from his early days hustling in New Jersey to leading top-performing teams across multiple regions. But what makes this episode special is how he breaks down the real challenges mortgage leaders face every day. Whether you’re dealing with tough market conditions, trying to keep your team fired up, or making the leap from producer to leader yourself, Scott’s got practical advice you can use right away.
The best part? Scott doesn’t just share his wins - he digs into the lessons learned from challenging times and shares exactly how he keeps his teams motivated when the market gets tough. You’ll get actionable strategies for building stronger relationships with clients and partners, plus insider tips on spotting and developing talent that many leaders miss.
Ready to transform your leadership approach and build stronger teams? Tune in to hear Scott’s proven strategies for balancing supportive leadership with high performance, maintaining momentum in any market, and creating the kind of authentic relationships that drive long-term success.

E13 - Amit Ghole - One Screen Mortgage Origination is the Future

If you attended a Digital Mortgage event in the past decade, you may have thought, “Why hasn’t anyone combined these systems into one?” you, Amit Ghole, and I should be friends. Amit, the CEO of Inflooens, entered the mortgage industry as an outsider but brought extensive experience in Salesforce solutions from major corporations. His journey into mortgages began with his frustrating experience as a consumer when, over two decades, he went through eight loan originations with little evidence of technological advancement. Initially, Amit’s vision was to create the best mortgage CRM in the world, but he and his team soon realized that the industry required more than just another database sending out drip campaigns.
Through market research and feedback, the team identified an opportunity to address the fragmented nature of mortgage technology systems, often leading to poor experiences for employees and borrowers. As a result, they developed a unified platform that consolidates mortgage operations onto a single screen, making enterprise-grade technology accessible through a subscription model. Inflooens can serve as both a point-of-sale system and a broker loan origination system, with the ability to integrate seamlessly with existing loan origination software (LOS) platforms. This integration reduces the need for loan officers to manage multiple system logins by providing one unified interface.
Additionally, the platform’s approach to data consolidation allows companies to build comprehensive customer profiles and identify targeted opportunities. This shift in focus transforms the industry from transactional, rate-centric interactions to value-based relationships that prioritize long-term financial planning and address customer needs.
Amit discusses how artificial intelligence (AI) will function as an enablement layer rather than replacing human roles. He points out that certain regulatory aspects of mortgage lending will continue to necessitate rules-based systems to ensure transparency and prevent bias. Simultaneously, AI can enhance efficiency in product recommendations and service optimization.
Looking ahead to 2025, Amit believes the mortgage industry is entering a new era of disruption in loan origination and sales. He views the current market cycle as a reset period, with higher volumes potentially accelerating the adoption of new technologies and approaches to mortgage lending. This is a conversation you won’t want to miss!