Ever wonder how the “magic” in your business really happens?

Kristi Murphy, a powerhouse in the mortgage and real estate world, joins us to reveal how action, connection, and mindset—not a perfect business plan—can completely shift your trajectory.

From her early days as a 23-year-old breaking into the industry to now mentoring clients and building a thriving business, Kristi shares the moments that redirected her path and the lessons she learned along the way. In this episode, Kristi gets real about: The pivotal “whoosh” moments that changed everything—like saying yes to a tiny local speaking gig that led to national opportunities.

The power of energy exchange and setting boundaries—why knowing your worth and protecting your time is a game-changer. Overcoming limiting beliefs—how she flipped the switch from doubting herself to embracing her full potential. Embracing sensitivity and authenticity—how being both empathetic and direct has become her superpower in business and life.

The “two wolves” fable and mindset mastery—why feeding the right inner voice is key to winning in both business and life. How mortgage and real estate opened doors for her—learning from clients, mentors, and her own hands-on experience to soar in the industry.

Human Design insights—why Kristi thrives when connecting people and facilitating growth, rather than just “working” for the sake of it. Kristi’s journey is a masterclass in pivoting, trusting your instincts, and showing up fully—without overexplaining or trying to fit into someone else’s mold.

She also dives into lessons on resilience, self-worth, and using your unique gifts to create meaningful impact, all while keeping fun, community, and personal growth at the center of her journey. Whether you’re building a business, scaling your career, or just looking for inspiration to trust yourself and take bold steps forward, this episode is packed with wisdom, real talk, and actionable takeaways.

Plus, you’ll get a peek into how mentorship, authentic connections, and saying “yes” to unexpected opportunities can completely change your life.

✨ Key Takeaways: Action beats perfection—your plan will evolve, and unexpected opportunities often lead to your biggest wins.

Set boundaries and recognize energy exchange—know what you give and receive in all relationships.

Your mindset is everything—feed the wolf in you that wants growth, not doubt.

Authenticity attracts opportunity—stop overexplaining and start showing up as yourself.

If you want to soar in business, life, and mindset, this episode is your blueprint.

🔥 Real estate isn’t just about houses—it’s about people, patience, and playing the long game.

In this episode of STANDOUT, host Paige Taylor Hernandez sits down with her sister, Eelishe Taylor, to spill the real, behind-the-scenes truth of what it takes to navigate high-stakes real estate deals.

From deals that almost fell apart to clients who pushed boundaries to the max, Eelishe shares the lessons she’s learned about negotiation, communication, and protecting your sanity—and your business. Not every client is worth the stress, and not every deal is worth compromising your value. 💡

“You have to know when to walk away,” Eelishe says. She opens up about clients who tested her patience, times she lost tens of thousands of dollars by cutting her commission, and why learning to set boundaries changed her business—and her life.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

How to manage tricky clients without losing your cool.

The secrets to keeping agents, buyers, and sellers informed and aligned so deals don’t derail.

Why communication is the ultimate negotiation tool.

How to protect your value while still closing deals.

Stories of deals gone sideways and what they taught her about strategy, people, and patience.

Eelishe talks about the power of being a “puppet master” in real estate—managing information, expectations, and emotions—so that when hiccups happen, they don’t turn into disasters. She also dives into the lesson every entrepreneur needs to learn: not every paycheck is worth your peace of mind.

Whether you’re a real estate pro, a first-time buyer, or just love a good behind-the-scenes story of what REALLY happens in high-stakes deals, this episode is packed with insights you can actually use. You’ll learn how to work smarter, communicate better, and know when to stand your ground—all while keeping your cool.

💬 “Everybody wants the same thing: a successful closing. Buyers get their home, sellers get their proceeds, and we get the deal done. The trick is getting everyone to the table without losing your mind.” – Eelishe Taylor

If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to stand out in real estate (or any high-stress career), this episode is for you. Tune in for raw stories, actionable advice, and lessons on patience, people management, and saying no when you need to. Hit play, take notes, and get ready to learn from one of the best at navigating the people side of the game.

This is STANDOUT, and Eelishe Taylor is here to show you how to do business, your way—without losing yourself.

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Melissa Nelson, a powerhouse in the mortgage industry, community leader, and founder of the Community Kindness Movement. With over 11 years of experience, Melissa shares the heartfelt and sometimes unexpected journey that led her from interior design and running an online furniture business to becoming a top-producing mortgage broker and advocate for financial empowerment.

Melissa opens up about her start in the business — sparked by a neighbor who saved her thousands on her first home — and how her family’s real estate background planted the seeds for her career. She reflects on her early days, juggling a new baby, a nonprofit launch, and a steep learning curve in lending. Through trial, error, and a lot of heart, she discovered her passion for educating clients, especially millennials, who will make up 72% of homebuyers in the next five years. Her mission: to break down the barriers of fear around credit scores, down payments, and affordability, and help young buyers build generational wealth through homeownership.

One of Melissa’s most powerful stories is about helping a young woman with no credit buy her first home. With a few strategic steps, Melissa helped her client boost her credit score and secure her dream house — a memory that keeps Melissa motivated on hard days. She emphasizes how homeownership can transform entire family lineages, offering financial stability and equity that renting can never match.

Beyond mortgages, Melissa’s heart beats for her nonprofit, the Community Kindness Movement. Born out of her daughter’s experience with bullying, Melissa took a simple but profound action: anonymously sending yellow roses to the bullies, sparking reflection and change. What started as a small act has grown into a statewide initiative in Idaho, funding kindness programs in 62 schools and reaching over 35,000 children with anti-bullying and suicide prevention messages. Every September, kids wear bright yellow shirts reading “Kindness Begins with Me,” inspired by the original roses.

Melissa also speaks candidly about balancing career and motherhood, acknowledging that sometimes you can’t do it all — and that’s okay. She shares how seasons of life shift priorities, and how today, with more independence at home, she’s hitting her business goals harder than ever. She credits her success to leading with her heart, building meaningful relationships, and blending her creative side with the structure of the mortgage business.

We also dive into her views on personal growth, knowing when to close a chapter, and allowing life to lead you into new opportunities instead of chasing them from a place of lack. Melissa’s wisdom on abundance, fulfillment, and purpose will resonate with anyone navigating career shifts, entrepreneurship, or personal reinvention.

Whether you’re in real estate, a fellow entrepreneur, or simply looking for motivation to follow your calling, Melissa’s story is proof that with passion, heart, and a willingness to evolve, you can build both a thriving career and a life of impact.

Watch now to be inspired by Melissa’s journey, her mission to empower homebuyers, and her belief that kindness can truly change the world.