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.

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.

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.