Ladies in Lending

Welcome to another episode of the Ladies in Lending podcast, with your host, Krista Russo.

In this powerful conversation, Krista sits down with producing branch manager Rachel Lester to unpack her incredible journey from economic development to mortgage leadership—through cancer, personal loss, and ultimately, a purposeful new mission.

Rachel opens up about navigating the lending world while surviving inflammatory breast cancer, grieving the loss of her daughter, and finding healing through action, advocacy, and service.

You’ll hear how she built a thriving branch, honors her daughter’s legacy through a heartfelt new project, and supports veterans with deep conviction and care.

This episode is a moving reminder that success isn’t just about numbers—it’s about grit, grace, and leading with purpose.

Welcome to another episode of the Ladies In Lending podcast, with your host, Krista Russo.

In this episode of the Ladies In Lending podcast, your host, Krista Russo, sits down with personal finance expert and author Lisa Chastain for a heartfelt and empowering conversation on money, mindset, and self-worth.

Lisa shares her powerful journey from financial rock bottom to becoming a sought-after money coach, author, and speaker—revealing how healing your relationship with money starts with healing yourself.

Together, they dive into identity loss, comparison culture, motherhood, and the unique challenges women face while building wealth and leading at home and work.

This episode is packed with honest insights, transformational mindset shifts, and practical encouragement to help women break through outdated money paradigms and define success on their own terms.

Welcome to another episode of the Ladies in Lending podcast, with your host, Krista Russo.

In this episode of the Ladies in Lending podcast, your host, Krista sits down with Rebecca Richardson, also known as The Mortgage Mentor, to talk about the power of authentic branding in today’s mortgage space.

Rebecca shares how she went from on-the-job training to building an educational platform with over 770 videos and a loyal following by simply focusing on what buyers really need to know.

You’ll hear her take on how to blend tech and human connection, why consistency is the only silver bullet, and how she’s helped reshape the way loan officers think about video, branding and legacy.

Whether you’re brand new or rebuilding, this is a masterclass in building something that lasts without burning out or losing who you are.

Welcome to another episode of the Ladies In Lending podcast, with your host, Krista Russo.

In this episode of the Ladies In Lending podcast, your host, Krista Russo, sits down with Jody Bruns, founder of the Divorce Lending Association and creator of the CDLP certification, for a heartfelt and eye-opening conversation.

Jody shares how her personal journey through divorce inspired her to build a powerful platform that bridges the gap between lending and family law.

They unpack the critical—but often misunderstood—role mortgage professionals can play in the divorce process and how proper training can make a life-changing difference for both parties.

Jody and Krista explore the value of neutrality, the importance of strategy infused with empathy, and how women in lending can lead with both heart and purpose.

The episode closes with a moving discussion on Jody’s new book Anchored in Faith, and the courage it took to bring faith and vulnerability into her business.

Krista Russo sits down with Shannon Conradi of Propy Inc. to explore how tech, service, and grit are transforming the title experience for loan officers and agents alike.

Shannon shares how Propy’s AI-driven platform, 24/7 escrow access, and client gifting set a new standard for efficiency and connection in real estate.

She also opens up about her personal journey with epilepsy, the challenges she’s overcome, and how those experiences fuel her passion for helping others.

Want to see what Propy can do for your business? Connect with Shannon on LinkedIn or email shannon@propy.com to schedule your free platform demo.

In this episode of the Ladies in Lending podcast, your host, Krista Russo sits down with Laura Brandao, CEO of Lighthouse Advisors and host of her own podcast.

Laura shares her incredible journey in the mortgage industry, from her unexpected entry as a young mom to becoming a powerful leader and advocate for women in the field.

Discover how her husband’s unwavering support fueled her passion, the importance of finding your “why,” and how she empowers others by spotlighting their achievements.

With insights on overcoming imposter syndrome and the significance of community support, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to lead with heart and inspire with purpose.

In this episode of the Ladies in Lending podcast, your host, Krista Russo sits down with mortgage broker Kambi Heywood, who shares her incredible 27-year journey in the mortgage industry.

Kambi discusses her passion for empowering clients through financing, the importance of personal connections in a tech-driven world, and her insights on navigating the evolving landscape of AI in business.

She emphasizes the value of self-reflection, coaching, and building a supportive team, all while maintaining a focus on meaningful relationships.

Kambi also teases her upcoming book on the power of human connection, making this episode a must-listen for anyone in the lending community!

In this episode of the Ladies in Lending podcast, your host, Krista Russo sits down with Lindsay Barron LaBonte, a top-producing branch manager with Applied Mortgage Team of HMA Mortgage Company.

Lindsay shares her unique journey into the mortgage industry, influenced by her father’s passion for helping others achieve homeownership.

They discuss the importance of financial literacy, the challenges of balancing motherhood with a successful career, and the significance of building a strong team.

Lindsay also emphasizes the value of education in the mortgage process and how she strives to empower her clients with knowledge.

Tune in for valuable insights and motivation from a leader who is making a difference in the lives of her clients and community!

In this episode of the Ladies in Lending podcast, your host, Krista Russo sits down with Sue Moody, a senior loan officer at City Wide Home Mortgage, to discuss her incredible journey through breast cancer and the importance of self-advocacy and community support.

Sue shares her personal experiences, from her initial diagnosis to becoming an advocate for pre-screening and supporting local nonprofits through her initiative, “Sue’s Mission Miles.”

Tune in to hear how she balanced her health challenges with her professional life, the power of mindset, and the significance of being your own hero.

Don’t forget to check out Sue’s Facebook page and join her mission to raise awareness for women’s health!

Use the hashtag #SuesMissionMiles on social media to join her mission and support local nonprofits.

In this episode of the Ladies in Lending podcast, your host, Krista Russo sits down with Tara McCafferty, a seasoned producing branch manager at American Pacific Mortgage.

With over 24 years in the mortgage industry, Tara shares her journey of resilience and adaptability, including her recent move from Nevada to Florida and the challenges that came with it.

Discover how she cultivated success through consistent habits, tracking her numbers, and building meaningful relationships in a new market.

Tara’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, the importance of knowing your “why,” and the value of community support in the lending industry.

Tune in for valuable insights and motivation to help you thrive in your own career!