In this episode, Mike Brennan, President of Nationwide Mortgage Bankers, shares his journey in the mortgage industry, emphasizing the importance of building relationships, community service, and mentorship. He discusses the creation of NMB Cares, a foundation aimed at giving back to communities, and reflects on his personal growth and the significance of understanding one's 'why' in life and business.

Mortgage industry entrepreneur Michael Smith, owner of Okmulgee Mortgage Company in Macon, Georgia, joins Inspired By to reveal how a hyper-local brand, cutting-edge tech, and a servant’s heart can disrupt the mortgage broker channel. He retraces a remarkable journey — from VA streamline specialist and community-bank exec, to cross-country weapons-transport driver (and survivor of a 130 mph motorbike crash), to launching a lean, customer-centric brokerage and the turnkey Mortgage Systems USA platform that empowers other professionals to originate loans.

Brock Cassidy, Chief Revenue Officer at Newzip and one of NMP's 40 Under 40, shares the story of his dynamic rise in the mortgage and real estate industries. From his formative years at Rocket Mortgage to innovative work at EasyKnock and now driving growth at Newzip, Cassidy explains how being a relationship-first leader has shaped his career. He dives into the value of trust, the importance of doing your job well, and the long-term power of partnerships. Plus, he talks about co-hosting "REALFridays," a podcast that's quickly become a go-to industry voice.

In this episode, Adam Cohen — CFO and COO of Asset Based Lending and a 40 Under 40 honoree — dives into the principles that have guided his career: human connection, calculated risk, and relentless curiosity. Cohen explains how automation can enhance efficiency but not replace empathy, and how fostering a culture of ownership and dialogue keeps his team forward-thinking. He shares personal stories, from college wake-up calls to reinventing workflows through self-taught macros, all underscoring his belief that innovation begins by asking “why” — and that people are still at the heart of great business.

In this episode, we sit down with Tyler Slesk of Gold Star Financial, one of NMP’s 40 Under 40 honorees, to explore the mindset and values that have fueled his early success. Tyler discusses his journey into mortgage lending, and the pivotal moments that shaped his approach — including the role of mentorship, the discipline of consistent effort, and the importance of education in serving clients. He opens up about his philosophy of embracing discomfort for growth, cultivating long-term relationships, and narrowing focus to deepen impact. With authenticity and humility, Tyler offers a blueprint for building a career — and life — of meaning and momentum.

In this episode, Bethany Williams Woodward from Dark Matter Technologies shares her journey in the mortgage technology industry, discussing her role in developing innovative data-driven solutions and the importance of AI readiness. She emphasizes the need for understanding customer needs and the intersection of data and practical application in creating tools that enhance the mortgage process. Bethany also reflects on her vision for the future and the importance of empowering others in their professional journeys.

Rich Stevenson, Leadership Development Trainer at ServiceLink and one of our 40 Under 40 honorees, joins us to unpack what it really means to lead. From his early days as a college intern to his current role guiding managers across the organization, Rich discusses the power of intentionality, the art of delegation, and the difference between managing and leading. He explains why organizations must structurally invest in their leaders and how slowing down can lead to greater success. A compelling conversation full of actionable takeaways for anyone looking to grow as a leader.

Mortgage lending, faith, and empathy take center stage in this inspiring conversation with 40 Under 40 honoree David Kakish, a former pastor turned top 1% mortgage producer. Discover how he leverages strategic automation, embraces rejection, and places people above profit to thrive in the competitive real estate market.