In this week’s MikeDrop episode, we feature a powerful conversation with Leora Ruzin, Certified Mortgage Banker (CMB) and Accredited Mortgage Professional (AMP), who brings over 15 years of experience, knowledge, and passion to the mortgage industry. Leora is the Founder of Ruzin Creative, LLC, and is widely recognized for her unwavering commitment to housing finance reform, education, and responsible lending practices. Through her distinguished career, Leora has been honored as a Housing Wire’s “Women of Influence” and National Mortgage Professional Magazine’s “Women of Inspiration,” marking her as a true leader in her field.
Leora kicks off the discussion by sharing what it means to be a Certified Mortgage Banker, the highest designation offered by the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA). She details the journey to obtaining a CMB and explains how the designation serves as a badge of honor and a testament to a mortgage professional’s dedication to excellence and ethical standards. Throughout the conversation, Leora provides insights into MBA’s role in unifying and advocating for the industry, including her own participation in the MBA Advocacy Conference in Washington, D.C. Her dedication to the MBA’s mission shines as she encourages others to see the value of becoming certified and active members of the mortgage community.
Beyond her professional life, Leora opens up about her personal story of resilience. As an Army veteran, a cancer survivor, and a survivor of personal trauma, Leora embodies the strength and perseverance she encourages in others. Her advocacy extends beyond finance, inspiring people to pursue their goals and empowering women who have faced similar challenges to find strength and hope in their journeys. This episode showcases Leora’s belief that mortgage professionals should support one another as human beings, creating a community based on shared values rather than just business.
Leora tackles the importance of stability within the industry’s employment practices, highlighting the cycles of hiring and firing that plague the mortgage sector. She makes a powerful case for hiring with a long-term vision and investing in employees, seeing them not just as resources but as individuals capable of contributing to an organization’s growth. Her call to action extends to mortgage companies to foster environments that build trust, collaboration, and mutual respect, allowing employees to develop in their roles and truly excel.
In closing, Leora urges leaders within the MBA to broaden access to industry resources through programs like the Passport Membership, making knowledge and opportunity accessible to more originators and support staff. By doing so, she believes that MBA can foster greater engagement and build a more robust community of mortgage professionals dedicated to both excellence and advocacy.
This MikeDrop episode is packed with thought-provoking ideas, insights, and personal stories. It is a must-listen for anyone invested in the future of the mortgage industry, those looking to build meaningful careers, and anyone seeking inspiration to lead with integrity and purpose.
