The Way with Dino Katsiametis

What does it really take to go from a broke 23-year-old cold-calling strangers… to building a billion-dollar mortgage organization — without losing your family, your health, or your joy?In this powerful episode of The Way with Dino Katsiametis, Dino sits down with Shayla Gifford — mortgage industry icon, Rainmaker strategist, and creator of the Rainmaker Archetype system.Shayla’s journey is raw, real, and deeply tactical:• Dropping out of college • Starting in door-to-door sales • Closing 20 loans in her third month • Scaling from a one-woman operation to a 150-employee, billion-dollar team • And ultimately rebuilding her business around systems, balance, and sustainable performanceThis isn’t just motivation. This is a playbook for originators who want to scale intelligently in today’s market.Thanks for listening to "The Way With Dino Katsiametis" For full show notes, links, and extra episode resources, visit dinokatsiametis.com. Follow Dino for weekly clips and mortgage leadership insights on instagram.com/dinokatsiametis | linkedin.com/in/dinokatsiametis Learn more about Ethos Lending at ethoslending.com.

Markets rise. Markets crash. The professionals who survive — and win — are the ones who build before the storm.In this episode of The Way, Dino sits down with Ken Perry, founder of Knowledge Coop, longtime mortgage educator, speaker, and industry truth-teller, for a deep conversation about identity, confidence, systems, and leadership in volatile markets.Ken shares hard-earned lessons from decades in lending — including why misplaced confidence destroys careers, how lack of knowledge erodes trust, and why most loan officers struggle not because of the market, but because of poor preparation and broken systems.This episode goes far beyond tactics. It’s about becoming the kind of professional clients trust, teams follow, and markets can’t shake.If you want to build a mortgage career that lasts through every cycle, this is a must-listen.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhy confidence is earned through knowledge — not hypeHow misplaced attribution creates dangerous highs and devastating lowsThe difference between coaching and therapy (and why leaders need both)Why systems matter more than talent when scaling productionHow ADHD, strengths, and self-awareness can become unfair advantagesWhy “being busy” is not the same as being effectiveHow to prepare your business before the next market shiftWhy education builds trust faster than marketingHow loan officers lose deals to Google — and now AIWhat it really means to act like the CEO of your own mortgage businessThanks for listening to "The Way With Dino Katsiametis" For full show notes, links, and extra episode resources, visit dinokatsiametis.com. Follow Dino for weekly clips and mortgage leadership insights on instagram.com/dinokatsiametis | linkedin.com/in/dinokatsiametis Learn more about Ethos Lending at ethoslending.com.

AI isn’t coming for your job — but your clients are changing faster than most professionals realize.In this episode of The Way, Dino sits down with Eric Post, founder of Zi AI and a 20+ year real estate and mortgage industry veteran, for a deep, honest conversation about how artificial intelligence is reshaping consumer behavior, trust, and relevance in knowledge-based service industries.Eric explains why the biggest threat isn’t AI-powered competitors — it’s the AI-powered consumer having private conversations before they ever call a loan officer or agent.This episode goes far beyond tools and tactics. It’s about mindset, positioning, personalization at scale, and why the future belongs to professionals who shift from being information providers to trusted guides.If you want to stay indispensable in a world where knowledge is cheap and automation is everywhere, this conversation will change how you think about your business.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhy the AI-powered consumer is the real disruption in mortgage & real estateHow knowledge has become table stakes — and what actually differentiates you nowThe difference between automation and augmentation (and why it matters)Why optimizing relationships can actually destroy themHow to use AI behind the scenes without losing the human touchWhy “efficiency” alone is a zero-sum gameHow top producers will win by becoming wisdom workers, not techniciansThe role of EQ, communication, and taste in an AI-driven worldHow to reclaim time without sacrificing client experienceWhat loan officers should not automate if they want more referralsThanks for listening to "The Way With Dino Katsiametis" For full show notes, links, and extra episode resources, visit dinokatsiametis.com. Follow Dino for weekly clips and mortgage leadership insights on instagram.com/dinokatsiametis | linkedin.com/in/dinokatsiametis Learn more about Ethos Lending at ethoslending.com.

In this powerful episode of The Way, Dino sits down with the legendary coach, author, and industry icon to unpack over four decades of hard-won lessons on building a business that doesn’t just produce income — but creates freedom, longevity, and real wealth.Todd shares why most loan officers stay stuck trading time for money, how systems unlock scale, and why relationships — not transactions — are the real asset in any lasting business.The conversation dives deep into coaching, mindset, AI-powered learning, referral economics, and why slowing down is often the fastest way to grow.This is not theory. This is proven execution from one of the most trusted voices in lending.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhy transactions create income, but relationships create fortunesThe “slow down to speed up” principle that transforms careersHow Todd built referral-driven businesses without chasing leadsWhy most loan officers confuse being busy with being productiveThe real purpose of coaching — beyond learning how to do loansHow systems create freedom, scale, and a sellable businessThe power of referral-by-design vs. transactional marketingWhy confidence determines conversion more than scriptsHow AI coaching and role-play are changing learning foreverWhat it takes to build a business that lasts decades — not cyclesThanks for listening to "The Way With Dino Katsiametis" For full show notes, links, and extra episode resources, visit dinokatsiametis.com. Follow Dino for weekly clips and mortgage leadership insights on instagram.com/dinokatsiametis | linkedin.com/in/dinokatsiametis Learn more about Ethos Lending at ethoslending.com.

In an industry obsessed with leads, rates, and automation, Justin Padron proves there’s a better — and more profitable — way to build a mortgage business.In this episode of The Way, Dino sits down with Justin Padron of Neo Home Loans, a relationship-driven mortgage advisor producing nearly $70 million annually by focusing on community, collaboration, and long-term trust — not transactional shortcuts.Justin breaks down how treating clients like family, building deep local relationships, and partnering strategically with real estate agents and financial planners creates a sustainable, referral-driven business — even in challenging markets.This episode is a masterclass in old-school fundamentals executed at an elite level.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeHow Justin built a $70M mortgage business without chasing leadsWhy community presence beats national reach for long-term growthThe exact team structure that allows Justin to scale without burnoutHow mortgage advisors can collaborate with financial planners and CPAsWhy asking for introductions is more powerful than asking for referralsHow to turn refinance savings into generational wealth conversationsThe biggest mistake loan officers make when trying to “do it all”How to hire your first team member (even if money feels tight)Why outbound phone calls still outperform modern lead strategiesHow to balance family, health, and business without sacrificing productionThanks for listening to "The Way With Dino Katsiametis" For full show notes, links, and extra episode resources, visit dinokatsiametis.com. Follow Dino for weekly clips and mortgage leadership insights on instagram.com/dinokatsiametis | linkedin.com/in/dinokatsiametis Learn more about Ethos Lending at ethoslending.com.

Most businesses don’t fail because of bad products — they fail because they never build a scalable monetization and execution strategy.In this episode of The Way, Dino sits down with mortgage industry veteran and tech founder Gino Fronti for a deep, no-hype conversation on how AI, agentic automation, and operating systems are fundamentally reshaping lending, sales, and modern businesses.This isn’t about “using AI tools.” It’s about learning how to operate inside an AI-powered business model — before the market leaves you behind.Gino breaks down why traditional CRMs, SaaS tools, and bloated tech stacks are failing loan officers… and how a new generation of sales-centric operating systems is eliminating bottlenecks, reducing human error, and giving professionals their time back.If you’re a mortgage advisor, entrepreneur, or business leader facing shrinking margins and increasing complexity, this episode is required listening.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhy most businesses fail by focusing on products instead of monetizationThe difference between using AI and operating within AIWhat “agentic AI” really means — and why it changes everythingHow eliminating human bottlenecks increases volume without sacrificing customer experienceWhy applications are “where loans go to die” — and how conversation-first workflows convert betterThe future of CRMs, loan origination, and operating systemsWhy EQ will matter more than IQ in an AI-driven economyHow automation can enhance human connection, not replace itWhat margins, subscriptions, and volume economics teach us about the future of businessHow mortgage professionals can stay relevant as knowledge becomes commoditizedThanks for listening to "The Way With Dino Katsiametis" For full show notes, links, and extra episode resources, visit dinokatsiametis.com. Follow Dino for weekly clips and mortgage leadership insights on instagram.com/dinokatsiametis | linkedin.com/in/dinokatsiametis Learn more about Ethos Lending at ethoslending.com.

In this unforgettable episode of The Way with Dino Katsiametis, Dino sits down with internationally renowned motivational speaker and author Rene Godefroy, whose life began in extreme poverty in rural Haiti—abandoned as a baby, starving, ridiculed, and written off by everyone around him.Rene’s story isn’t just inspirational—it’s a masterclass in resilience, gratitude, sales mindset, and execution.From begging for food to detailing cars for $2… From speaking broken English to keynote stages at major corporate events… From being told “you’ll never make it” to helping millions overcome adversity…This episode connects personal transformation directly to business performance, showing why gratitude, consistency, and implementation—not talent—separate average producers from elite performers.If you work in sales, lending, entrepreneurship, leadership, or personal growth, this conversation will reset how you view rejection, opportunity, and success.Key Takeaways & Discussion PointsWhy gratitude is the “key that unlocks the vault of abundance”How rejection actually creates momentum and clarity in salesThe importance of auditioning every time you deliver a serviceWhy consistency and implementation matter more than informationHow leaders can help others “see” possibility when they’re stuckModeling success instead of reinventing the wheelTurning adversity into a competitive advantage in businessWhy America still offers unlimited opportunity—for those who actThe mindset shift that transforms problems into profitHow resilience is built by staying in the fight longer than othersThanks for listening to "The Way With Dino Katsiametis" For full show notes, links, and extra episode resources, visit dinokatsiametis.com. Follow Dino for weekly clips and mortgage leadership insights on instagram.com/dinokatsiametis | linkedin.com/in/dinokatsiametis Learn more about Ethos Lending at ethoslending.com.

In this episode of The Way with Dino Katsiametis, executive coach and keynote speaker Craig Davis shares his remarkable journey from battling stage-three cancer to leading thousands as a “leader’s leader.” Dino and Craig dive deep into identity, mindset, and reinvention—discussing how to recover from career loss, rediscover purpose, and build businesses with heart and strategy. Craig reveals the frameworks he uses to help CEOs, branch managers, and mortgage professionals scale through clarity, leadership, and “faith plus grit.”🎙️ Key topics:Overcoming adversity and redefining identity after cancerHow to shift from success-chasing to purpose-driven leadershipThe difference between leaders and managers—and why both matterStrategic planning and building scalable “business blueprints”Coaching insights for originators who want consistent growth and authentic influence👉 Tune in to learn how to build a thriving career, lead with integrity, and join the “Good Human Club.”Thanks for listening to "The Way With Dino Katsiametis" For full show notes, links, and extra episode resources, visit dinokatsiametis.com. Follow Dino for weekly clips and mortgage leadership insights on instagram.com/dinokatsiametis | linkedin.com/in/dinokatsiametis Learn more about Ethos Lending at ethoslending.com.

In this episode of The Way with Dino Katsiametis, top 1% mortgage producer Abdel Khawatmi shares how faith, discipline, and artificial intelligence helped him achieve a 262% increase in net revenue. Dino dives deep into Abdel’s mindset and methods for scaling a modern mortgage business with purpose and precision.You’ll Learn:How faith, family, fitness, and finance create true freedomThe exact AI workflows Abdel uses to automate daily operationsProven systems that cut hours from the workday and boost ROIHow to recruit, train, and empower loan officers through techThe secret to tracking and scaling referral business with analytics🎧 #TheWayWithDinoKatsiametis #AIForBusiness #MortgageInnovation #FaithDrivenLeadership👉 Tune in to learn how to build a thriving career, lead with integrity, and join the “Good Human Club.”Thanks for listening to "The Way With Dino Katsiametis" For full show notes, links, and extra episode resources, visit dinokatsiametis.com. Follow Dino for weekly clips and mortgage leadership insights on instagram.com/dinokatsiametis | linkedin.com/in/dinokatsiametis Learn more about Ethos Lending at ethoslending.com.

In this inspiring episode of The Way with Dino Katsiametis, professional coach Michael Regan of Building Champions shares decades of insight on how to lead with purpose, balance work and life, and thrive in a rapidly changing mortgage industry.Dino and Michael explore:The power of coaching and mentorship in transforming both business and personal growthWhy AI is reshaping the mortgage industry—and how to adapt without losing the human connectionHow to avoid burnout and redefine success through clarity, balance, and disciplineThe importance of writing your own “life plan” to align your work, relationships, and purposeLessons from Michael’s journey—from journalism to origination to full-time coaching—that prove fulfillment comes from helping others growThis conversation isn’t just about mortgages—it’s about building bigger lives, stronger relationships, and a mindset that thrives through every season.👉 Subscribe to The Way with Dino Katsiametis for more powerful conversations with top leaders who are redefining success in life and business.Thanks for listening to "The Way With Dino Katsiametis" For full show notes, links, and extra episode resources, visit dinokatsiametis.com. Follow Dino for weekly clips and mortgage leadership insights on instagram.com/dinokatsiametis | linkedin.com/in/dinokatsiametis Learn more about Ethos Lending at ethoslending.com.