Welcome to another episode of the Ladies In Lending podcast, with your host, Allison Johnston.

In this episode of the Ladies In Lending podcast, Allison Johnston, sits down with Shelley Leonard—President of Xactus and a trailblazer in both tech and mortgage.

Shelley shares how she went from entry-level programmer to president by embracing lateral moves, staying curious, and refusing to settle for comfortable.

You'll hear how she balances leadership with life, stays grounded in her purpose, and builds strong teams by leading with compassion and authenticity.

Her story is a masterclass in embracing growth, setting boundaries, and inspiring the next generation of women to lean into leadership with confidence.

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

In this episode of the Ladies in Lending podcast, Krista Russo sits down with Brenda Wyatt, a top 1% originator and senior mortgage advisor at La Salle Mortgage.

Brenda shares her inspiring journey from corporate finance to becoming a nationally ranked loan officer, all while staying grounded in service, legacy, and heart-led leadership.

You'll hear how her deep family roots in real estate shaped her mission to leave every client better than she found them—and why connection matters more than just closing the deal.

From community outreach to coaching the next generation, Brenda opens up about the power of collaboration, formalizing your systems, and leading with purpose.

She leaves us with a challenge every woman needs to hear: "Jump, and the parachute will appear."

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 Carolina Vergara, Vice President of Sales at First Option, for an inspiring conversation about perseverance, boundaries, and the power of reinvention.

Carolina shares her story of immigrating from Colombia at 15, navigating a major culture shock, and finding her voice—and her path—in the competitive world of lending.

She opens up about burnout, motherhood, creating structure that actually allows for freedom, and the courage it takes to prioritize what really matters.

From building a loyal team to embracing vulnerability and shifting definitions of success, this episode is a must-listen for women striving to lead boldly and live fully.