In this powerful episode of STANDOUT by Notorious, host Paige Hernandez sits down with one of the most influential leaders in the mortgage industry — Phil Shoemaker, CEO of The Loan Store (TLS) — for a deep, candid, and refreshingly human conversation about leadership, culture, purpose, and the future of lending.

With nearly 30 years in the industry, Phil has lived through massive market shifts, the rise and fall of major lenders, the grit of building Caliber from the ground up, and the explosive growth of HomePoint. But today’s conversation goes far beyond resumes and industry accolades. Phil opens up about what truly shaped him as a leader — the cultural shifts that pushed him away from corporate environments, the burnout cycles he refused to repeat, and the personal realizations that inspired him to build TLS differently.

At TLS, culture isn’t a buzzword — it’s the blueprint. Phil unpacks the now-famous “No Asshole Policy”, how it came to be, and why it has become a non-negotiable foundation for the company. He shares how TLS is structured with patient capital, long-term vision, and a commitment to spreading wealth and opportunity company-wide — not just to executives at the top. From equity participation for employees, to leadership development led by Rod Hairston, to initiatives focused on mental, physical, and financial health, TLS is proving that a mortgage company can be profitable and deeply human-centered.

Phil also gets real about gender dynamics in lending, sharing personal reflections about women in leadership, the barriers they face, and how the industry can — and must — evolve. His stories about his own wife’s career trajectory hit home for so many women who step away to raise children, only to re-enter the workforce feeling years behind.

The episode dives into: What inspired Phil to build TLS from scratch Why empowering leadership beats fear-based leadership every time The hidden costs of hustle culture and how COVID changed everything TLS’s incredible 38-acre property in Texas — and why physical connection still matters

The origin of the upcoming Notorious women’s retreat: “Burn the Business Plan” How somatic work, personal development, and subconscious rewiring play into success Why purpose — not profit — must be the true north

This is one of the most honest and insightful conversations we’ve had on STANDOUT.

Whether you're in mortgage, entrepreneurship, or simply someone craving healthier leadership and purpose-driven work, this episode will speak to your soul.

💫 CONNECT WITH US

Follow our sponsor The Loan Store: @theloanstore

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Join our community: Facebook group “Notorious WMN”

In this powerful episode of STANDOUT by Notorious WMN, Paige Hernandez sits down with Corrina Carter, Founder & CEO of CMS Mortgage, to share one of the most honest, raw, and inspiring business journeys you’ll hear in the mortgage and entrepreneurship space.

After being fired as a single mom with two kids and no backup plan, Corrina rebuilt her life from the couch of uncertainty to leading a company now operating in 27+ states with more than 160 team members.

She opens up about the early years of survival mode, relying on friendship to keep the lights on, the fear of not knowing where the next paycheck would come from, and the exact mindset shifts that allowed her to scale with intention instead of chaos.

This conversation goes far beyond business. Corrina and Paige dive into women in leadership, building process-driven companies, why most businesses fail to scale, the emotional cost of entrepreneurship, and what it truly means to create “unreasonable hospitality” as a brand standard.

If you’re a business owner, team leader, single parent, or woman with big vision and real responsibilities—this episode is for you.

👉 Learn more about Notorious WMN: https://NotoriousWMN.com

👉 Join the Notorious Women in Mortgage community

👉 Follow across all socials: @NotoriousWMN

In this powerful episode of STANDOUT by Notorious, host and founder Paige Hernandez sits down with the legendary Dr. Jen Welter — the first female coach in NFL history, a multi-gold medalist, and a trailblazing force in women’s sports, leadership, and personal empowerment.

This is one of the most inspiring, honest, and transformative conversations we’ve ever had on the show.

Jen’s story reads like a movie — earning two gold medals on the U.S. national team, dominating women’s professional football for 15 years, becoming the first woman to play running back in men’s professional football, and then breaking barriers as the first woman to coach in the NFL for the Arizona Cardinals.

But what makes this conversation truly unforgettable is how deeply Jen opens up about identity, psychology, mindset, creativity, and the lifelong pursuit of excellence.

Paige and Jen dive into what it really means to be “notorious” — to defy expectations, rewrite narratives, and rise in industries where women have historically been overlooked. Jen shares her evolution from athlete to coach to creator, including how her doctorate in psychology shapes the way she leads athletes, approaches adversity, and empowers people to recognize their inner strength.

One of the most eye-opening moments is Jen’s breakdown of sports psychology as a universal tool, not just for athletes but for anyone seeking excellence. She explains how mindset, identity, and perception shape performance — in sports, in business, and in life. You’ll hear her powerful life hacks, from music-based mindset shifts to sensory-anchored mental training, and even the psychological science behind anxiety vs. excitement — and how reframing it can change your entire trajectory.

The conversation also explores emotional intelligence, energy management, trauma stored in the body, and the importance of learning to identify the “two wolves” inside us — the positive and the negative — and choosing which one to feed. Jen and Paige both open up vulnerably about managing inner voices, anxiety, and self-doubt, offering listeners a rare look into the mental frameworks that drive some of the highest performers in the world.

From there, the episode expands into creativity, navigating uncertainty, chasing passion over plans, and why the biggest opportunities in life often come from the unexpected. Jen shares stories from writing children’s books during the pandemic, stunt-coordinating football scenes, coaching internationally, and creating community — all while staying open to whatever comes next.

Paige and Jen also reflect on the Notorious experience — a movement designed to elevate women’s voices, amplify new leaders, and create a space where authenticity, diversity, and real connection are prioritized over industry jargon and outdated formats.

If you’re someone who loves stories of resilience, ambition, breaking ceilings, making impact, rewriting the rules, or discovering what you’re truly capable of — this episode will light you up.

✨ Watch now and get ready to STAND OUT.

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more interviews with powerful, barrier-breaking women.

👉 Follow us everywhere at NotoriousWMN

🎙️ STANDOUT Podcast — “Redefining Leadership and Culture in the Mortgage Industry”

In this powerful live conversation from the Notorious event in Austin, host Paige Taylor Hernandez sits down with Teresa Reber, Chief Operating Officer of The Loan Store, to unpack what it really means to lead with authenticity, collaboration, and courage in a traditionally male-dominated industry.

Teresa, a 22-year mortgage veteran, shares her journey from loan officer to executive leadership, offering a transparent look at how she and CEO Phil have reshaped The Loan Store’s culture to prioritize people over profit. Rather than focusing rewards at the top, their leadership philosophy distributes success across the company — empowering every team member to feel part of the collective mission.

The conversation dives into how The Loan Store is “re-engineering” the mortgage model through empathy, inclusion, and forward-thinking strategy. Teresa emphasizes that sustainable success in lending requires human connection — not just automation. While AI and technology continue to transform underwriting, she argues that wisdom, intuition, and mentorship remain irreplaceable.

Paige and Teresa explore what true support among women in business looks like — beyond the hashtags and well-wishes. Teresa opens up about learning to silence imposter syndrome, embrace her individuality, and champion other women without falling into competition or comparison. She reminds listeners that the real measure of leadership is in how you create space for the next woman behind you — not just how far you climb yourself.

From sharing her early experiences being the only woman in the boardroom, to lessons learned from mentors who pushed her to think independently, Teresa offers grounded advice for women rising in their careers:

💡 Ask smart questions in every room you enter.

💡 Don’t dim your light to fit in — wear the shoes, the jewelry, the confidence. 💡 Build habits of daily self-learning and lead by example.

💡 Define what success looks like for you — and reverse-engineer the roadmap to get there.

The episode closes on a personal note as Teresa discusses balance, purpose, and the importance of joy outside of work — from 6 a.m. pickleball to simply “watching paint dry.” She reminds us that rest, hobbies, and laughter are not luxuries, but essential fuel for leadership and creativity.

Recorded live amid the energy of hundreds of powerhouse women, this STANDOUT episode embodies the event’s pillars — Create, Collaborate, Connect, and Celebrate — and captures the very heartbeat of Notorious: women showing up fully, leading boldly, and rewriting the rules of success together.

Guest: Teresa Reber, COO of The Loan Store

Host: Paige Taylor Hernandez

Event: The 2nd Annual Notorious Women in Mortgage — Austin, 2025

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.

From Finance to Third-Party Processing & Navigating the Challenges of Business Growth In this powerful episode of the Notorious Stand Out Podcast, Paige sits down with Cheryl, a mother of four, successful entrepreneur, and the owner of a growing third-party processing company. Cheryl shares her inspiring journey from working in government finance to building a successful business in the mortgage industry, all while managing the complexities of motherhood and the challenges of leading a growing team.

Cheryl opens up about the early days of her business, highlighting the struggles of balancing family life and launching a company. She talks about the growth of her business, now serving over 40 brokers, expanding into multiple states, and the challenges that came with it. Cheryl discusses her biggest fears, imposter syndrome, and the lessons she’s learned about leadership, delegation, and growth, especially as a woman in a male-dominated industry.

One of the key themes of this episode is faith and resilience—Cheryl shares how she stepped out in faith, trusting that the right people and resources would come to her, even when things felt uncertain. She also discusses the importance of community, as she and Paige bond over their shared journey of overcoming personal and business challenges.

Cheryl’s transparency about the struggles of running a business—from hiring and firing to managing payroll and maintaining a strong company culture—is a must-listen for anyone looking to grow their own business. The episode also touches on philanthropy, as Cheryl shares her passion for giving back to her local community, supporting organizations like Night to Shine and helping children with developmental disabilities.

This episode is packed with insights on business growth, overcoming limiting beliefs, and finding support through community. If you’re a woman entrepreneur or aspiring business owner, you won’t want to miss Cheryl’s inspiring story and her practical advice for success. Join us for more empowering conversations, personal stories, and actionable tips on business, growth, and finding your tribe.

Thank you to our for our friends over at Lending Pros for sponsoring this episode. LendingPros, a division of OCMBC, Inc., is dedicated to providing Speed, Quality and Service. Our combination of wholesale loan products and wholesale loan rates in the industry surpass the competition. We understand our clients need loan programs that give you the competitive edge with your customers. With a variety of different home loan products and programs to choose from including unique, Non-QM loan portfolio products, there’s no other place to look than LendingPros. https://www.golendingpros.com/

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