Ladies in Lending

In this episode of the Ladies in Lending podcast, host Kristen Simpson flips the script and interviews Krista Russo from Success Mortgage Partners. Join them as they dive into Krista’s inspiring journey into the mortgage industry, starting from her early challenges as a single mother to her current role in helping others achieve their dreams of homeownership.

Krista shares her personal story of perseverance, the importance of setting boundaries, and how to find a work-life balance while navigating the demands of a career in lending. They discuss the significance of community support, the impact of mentorship, and the lessons learned along the way.

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting in the lending world, this episode is packed with valuable insights and encouragement for women in the industry. 

In this episode of the Ladies in Lending podcast, join Krista Russo as she welcomes special guest Cindy Ertman, founder of The Defining Difference.

Cindy shares her incredible journey from being a new loan officer in Los Angeles to becoming a top producer and eventually transitioning into coaching and training others.

She discusses the importance of perseverance, the power of mindset, and how to overcome fear in the competitive mortgage landscape.

She also emphasizes that success is not just about making money; it’s about making a meaningful impact in the lives of others.

Additionally, she offers valuable insights on how women can thrive in the mortgage industry, the significance of having non-negotiables, and the necessity of investing in oneself through coaching.

Whether you’re new to the industry or looking to elevate your business, this episode is packed with actionable advice and inspiration. Don’t miss out on Cindy’s wisdom and passion for helping others succeed!

In this episode of the Ladies in Lending podcast, host Krista Russo sits down with the incredible Sue Woodard, a prominent figure in the mortgage industry.

With over 35 years of experience, Sue shares her remarkable journey from starting as a processor to becoming an executive leader and a passionate advocate for customer service.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• Sue’s early career experiences and the challenges she faced, including overcoming discouragement from her first boss.
• The importance of building relationships and trust in the mortgage industry, especially with millennials and first-time homebuyers.
• Insights on the barriers millennials face in homeownership and how the industry can better support them.
• The significance of surrounding yourself with positive influences and the power of intention in achieving your goals.
• Tips for women looking to grow in their careers, embrace leadership roles and find work-life balance.

Sue’s heartfelt approach to connecting with people and her dedication to making a positive impact in the industry shines through in this conversation.

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting in the mortgage space, this episode is packed with valuable insights and inspiration.

Join us for an inspiring episode of the Ladies in Lending podcast, where host Krista Russo sits down with Allison Johnston, the president of Success Mortgage Partners. With over 30 years of experience in the mortgage industry, Allison shares her unique journey, from her unexpected entry into the field to her rise in leadership.

In this episode, you’ll learn about:

• The importance of maintaining a positive mindset and how affirmations play a role in Allison’s daily routine.
• The innovative “Save a Deal” initiative that showcases the team’s commitment to finding solutions and not giving up on challenging loans.
• The significance of communication in customer service and the policy of picking up the phone instead of relying on emails.
• How building a “bench” of potential candidates helps ensure the company is always prepared for growth.
• Valuable advice for women aspiring to grow in their careers, emphasizing the importance of goal-setting and community support.

Don’t miss out on the chance to learn from one of the industry’s leading voices!

Join Krista Russo and Sue Meitner, the president and founder of Centennial Lending Group, in this inspiring episode of the Ladies in Lending podcast!

Discover Sue’s incredible journey from a post-closer to leading a successful mortgage company, and learn how she has impacted countless lives along the way.

In this episode, Sue shares her unique perspective on the lending industry, the importance of building relationships, and how she empowers her team to achieve their goals.

She discusses the challenges of balancing a demanding career with family life, offering valuable advice for women navigating similar paths.

Don’t miss out on Sue’s powerful message about empowerment, resilience, and the importance of community in achieving success.

Join us for an inspiring episode of Ladies in Lending as host Krista Russo sits down with the incredible Sarah Cox.

In this episode, Sarah shares her remarkable journey into the mortgage industry, from her humble beginnings in Tucson, Arizona, to becoming a successful loan originator in Texas.

Discover how Sarah navigated challenges, embraced risks, and found her passion for serving the Hispanic community.

She discusses the importance of community, mentorship, and mindset in achieving success, as well as the power of calculated risks in her career.

Don’t miss this empowering conversation filled with valuable advice and inspiration for women in lending!

Join us for an inspiring episode of the Ladies in Lending podcast, hosted by Krista Russo, as she sits down with the phenomenal Maureen Krist.

With over 26 years of experience in the mortgage industry, Maureen shares her incredible journey from real estate to becoming a successful sales and fulfillment manager at major companies like Citibank and Bank of America.

Maureen discusses the challenges and triumphs of balancing a demanding career while raising four children. She emphasizes the importance of seizing opportunities, being true to oneself, and the impact of mentorship in the workplace.

Krista and Maureen also reflect on the significance of empowering women in the mortgage industry and the fulfillment that comes from helping others realize their potential.

Now retired, Maureen is dedicating her time to travel, skincare, and volunteering as a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) for children in foster care. Her passion for making a difference continues to shine through as she supports young individuals in finding their confidence and value.

Don’t miss this heartfelt conversation filled with wisdom, inspiration, and practical advice for women looking to advance in their careers.

Get Involved with CASA

In this debut episode of the Ladies in Lending podcast, host Krista Russo sits down with Theresa Sprague, National Director of Growth and Development at Success Mortgage Partners, to explore the origins and mission of the Ladies in Lending initiative.

Born from a casual conversation at a company gala, Ladies in Lending has grown into a thriving community with nearly 2,000 women.

Krista and Theresa discuss the challenges women face in the lending industry—from achieving work-life balance to finding their voice in a competitive field—and highlight the importance of mentorship, support, and shared experiences in building successful careers. 

Listeners will hear inspiring stories from both women, as well as Theresa’s vision for the podcast, which aims to create a space for women to share insights, industry trends, and practical strategies.

Whether balancing a career with family or navigating a fast-paced work environment, this episode offers an uplifting perspective on how connection and community can empower women at every stage of their careers. 

Join Krista and Theresa as they set the stage for an inclusive, empowering series designed to unite, inspire, and uplift women across the lending industry.