What if the mortgage business could be more simple and fun? What if you could double and triple and quadruple your results with less complexity and less stress – and without the sales roller coaster?
I'm Shayla Gifford and this is The Mortgage Rainmaker Podcast. If you're a loan officer looking to sharpen your skills, grow your pipeline, and get fired up – you're in the right place. We bring you interviews with top performing loan officers, my personal insights, and success stories from within my Catalyst Coaching community.
I've spent my entire career as a loan officer and helping loan officers. So I know you, I've been you. And now – I want to help you master your craft, dominate the mortgage game, and build a life and business that thrives.
So...are you ready to be a Rainmaker? Let's do this!
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Are You Ready To Raise Your Game? Welcome to The Mortgage Rainmaker Podcast!
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 • Duration 12:17
Hey there! I’m Shayla Gifford, and I’m so stoked you’re here!
What if business could be simpler, more fun, and wildly more successful—without the stress and chaos? That’s exactly what I’ve spent my career figuring out, and now I’m here to share it with you.
I started in this industry at 23, broke and terrified, hustling non-stop just to survive. As a Loan Officer I rode the rollercoaster of success and burnout, learning the hard way that working harder isn’t always the answer. But everything changed when I joined Guild Mortgage and made the shift from being a salesperson – to becoming a true Rainmaker—someone who creates opportunity, builds community, and leads with impact.
I’ll be sharing the mindset, systems, and strategies that helped me get here—and I’ll be bringing on some incredible guests to uncover the tools and strategies that allowed them to become the best version of themselves.
If you’ve ever felt like you’re grinding too hard for too little freedom, and you’re ready to take your mortgage game to the next level, this one’s for you!
Key Insights:
How I went from fear-driven hustle to strategic leadership.
The mindset shift that separates top performers from the rest.
Why building a strong culture matters more than just closing deals.
How to step into your ‘Rainmaker’ potential and create more opportunities.
The path to financial, mental, and time freedom – while also growing your business.
Let’s Connect!
I’d love to have you on this journey with me. Subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it with someone who’s ready to raise their game! Let’s do this!
Connect with me on Instagram @shaygiff and check out shaylagifford.com for coaching, events, and even more resources.
Let’s make it rain! 💥
5 | How I Grew A 9-Figure Mortgage Business: The Jimmy Parsons Playbook
Episode 5
Thursday, April 10, 2025 • Duration 55:37
What does it take to grow a $150 million mortgage branch and still show up with joy every day?
In this high-energy episode, I sit down with Jimmy Parsons — a producing branch manager, Elevate coach, and the guy behind the legendary Jimmy Text and Hammer 100 endurance challenge.
Jimmy breaks down how he built trust-based partnerships with 73+ realtors, scaled through coaching, and uses creativity (plus a touch of Bon Jovi charm ;-) to stay competitive in any market. If you’re ready to rewire your mindset, push past your comfort zone, and double your realtor referrals, this conversation is your playbook.
What we talked about:
✨ Jimmy helped over 180 families in a single year, producing $52M+ personally — while managing an additional $100M branch.
✨ He created “The Jimmy Text” — a simple daily market update that skyrocketed his visibility and referrals.
✨ His mindset shifted from “vendor” to “business partner” through coaching, leading to deeper, strategic realtor relationships.
✨ The “Hammer 100” challenge — 100 live convos in a day — became a mental toughness breakthrough for his team.
✨ Jimmy doesn’t time block like a robot — he moves intuitively but with intense focus on whatever role he’s stepping into.
✨ Coaching taught him to ask deeper questions, listen harder, and sell by solving—not pushing.
✨ He now teaches others to shut down the little voice that limits potential and lean into discomfort to unlock growth.
4 | How Coach Josh Sigman Helped Me From $300K to $1M+
Episode 4
Wednesday, April 9, 2025 • Duration 56:58
From tuna and mustard to 240 loans a year — Josh Sigman’s story is wild. But what’s even wilder? How he helped me 3X my income, coached me through nursing a newborn, and changed the entire trajectory of my career.
I was six years into the mortgage business when I met Josh Sigman — exhausted, on the loan rollercoaster, and clinging to hustle as my only strategy. What I didn’t know then is that Josh would completely change my life.
This episode is incredibly special to me. Josh was my coach, mentor, and motivator — the one who called me out, lifted me up, and helped me go from a $300K-a-year earner to a $1M rainmaker.
What we talk about:
✨ How Josh built his business (and rebuilt his life after losing it all)
✨ The exact strategy he taught me to close 220+ loans in one year — with a newborn
✨ Why delegation is the choke point for so many top producers
✨ What it really means to lead with value in every relationship
✨ How he’s coaching 48 agents while still closing 20 loans/month
Josh doesn’t hold back. This episode is a masterclass in scaling as a technician and trust builder — and if you’re feeling like the industry has beat you down lately, this is the perspective shift you need.
If you liked what you heard, leave me a five-star review and tell me what hit home for you!
3 | Behind the Burn with Ben Newman: How to Fuel Your Success
Episode 3
Wednesday, April 9, 2025 • Duration 25:20
What if your pain wasn’t holding you back—but was actually the fuel to everything you’re meant to become?
Hey there, Rainmakers!
This episode is straight-up fire. I sat down with powerhouse speaker and peak performance coach Ben Newman, right after he lit up the stage at our Guild Leadership Summit. And instead of keeping it surface-level, we dove deep—into pain, drive, legacy, and the kind of discipline it takes to build a life and business of purpose.
We talked about what it really means to be self-made, how our childhood pain became our fuel, and why the most successful people we know aren’t the most talented—they’re the most disciplined. You’ll hear both of us open up about the burn that drives us, the dark side of high performance, and how we’ve had to heal the hunger for approval so we could step into our full power.
This isn’t about motivation. It’s about truth, standards, and the hard-earned freedom to choose the life you want. Buckle up.
What We Talked About
✨ The real meaning of being “self-made” (and the price)
✨ Why people who’ve known real hard are the ones who rise
✨ How early pain creates a fire—and how to clean your fuel
✨ My own story of not feeling chosen—and how it shaped my hunger
✨ Why discipline is freedom (even if you used to rebel against it)
✨ The power of being chosen—and how we can give that gift to others
2 | How I Crush $100M+ in Sales as an Introvert with Sean Herrero
Episode 2
Wednesday, April 9, 2025 • Duration 47:52
What if going broke was the best thing that ever happened to you..?
Hey there, Rainmakers!
In this episode, I sat down with the one and only Sean Herrero — a total technician turned $100M+ loan officer who’s done it his own damn way. Sean gets real about going broke in 2016, walking away from a cushy wholesale job, and rebuilding from the ground up as a solo LO with a serious mission: to do right by people, build trust through transparency, and prove that being yourself is your biggest business edge.
We talk about what it really looks like to scale as a control freak, how to embrace your own archetype (even if you’re an introvert), and why Mortgage Coach became his not-so-secret weapon. Plus, Sean opens up about how going all-in on authenticity changed everything — from attracting the right clients to reclaiming time with his kids.
This one’s for every loan officer who’s ever thought “I’m not a salesperson.” You don’t have to be. You just have to be YOU.
What We Talked About
✨ How losing it all became Sean’s turning point
✨ Why he refuses to “dumb it down” to fit in — and thrives because of it
✨ The hidden power of introverts in this business
✨ Scaling as a technician without sacrificing control or client experience
✨ Sean’s go-to script when clients start rate shopping
✨ His real reason for finally deciding to grow his team in 2025
✨ The surprising truth his son told him that brought him to tears
1 | From $15/hour to $4 Million Net Worth: Amanda Rea’s Journey
Episode 1
Wednesday, April 9, 2025 • Duration 26:24
Hey there, Rainmakers!
In this episode I sat down with my former LOA turned powerhouse loan officer Amanda Rea, and together we unpacked a decade of grit, growth, and radical consistency. Amanda started working for me at $15/hour back in 2012 — and now she’s crossed $4 million in personal net worth, over $679 million in closed volume, and built a retention machine most Loan Officer’s only dream about.
But this isn’t just about numbers. It’s about mindset, discipline, and refusing to buy into excuses. Amanda was introverted, terrified of sales, and never imagined she’d thrive in this business — and yet she’s become one of the most dependable, productive, and profitable leaders in our industry. No fluff. Just the systems, perspective, and strategy that changed her life.
Whether you're brand new or 15 years in, you need this one in your ears.
What we talked about:
✨ Why Amanda said “yes” to the job everyone told her to turn down
✨ How she went from assistant to $100M+ loan producer
✨ Her “theme day” structure that keeps her pipeline alive
✨ What truly builds client trust and long-term retention
✨ Why she says this job isn’t “hard” — and what is
✨ Her bold 10x vision (and how she’s reverse engineering it)
6 | Is Your Biggest Strength Holding You Back? with Mortgage Nerd Denise Donoghue
Episode 6
Friday, April 11, 2025 • Duration 43:40
What if by holding on too tight...you’re holding yourself back?
Hey there, rainmakers!
This week I sat down with mortgage coach and powerhouse mortgage banker Denise Donoghue, aka The Mortgage Nerd, for a raw and inspiring conversation about growth, leadership, and the sometimes brutal journey of building a sustainable business.
Denise Donoghue, known as "The Mortgage Nerd," is one of Dallas’ top 3% producing mortgage professionals voted by D-Magazine.
We got real about what it means to be in the grind phase of your career—and why most people don't realize that you don’t graduate from it permanently.
Denise shared how burnout became a wake-up call, forcing her to rethink how she led, hired, and communicated with her team. She walks us through the pivotal moment she realized that doing it all herself wasn’t leadership—it was survival mode. And she talks us through how she was able to scale her success and manage a sizeable operation –
without the stress or the time-suck.
What we talked about:
✨ The “grind phase” is real—and it often returns. You’re never above doing the work.
✨ Burnout is a red flag, not a badge of honor.
✨ Leadership is about asking the hard questions and being open to feedback, even when it stings.
✨ Building a team means letting go of control and investing in training, not just hiring fast.
✨ You can’t scale a business if you’re still trying to do everything yourself.
7 | Why Losing It All Became my Superpower with Amber Coleman
Episode 7
Wednesday, April 16, 2025 • Duration 27:48
What if the worst chapter of your life could unlock your greatest mission?
Hey there, rainmakers!
Amber Coleman has been a powerhouse at Guild Mortgage for years — but what you don’t see on the leaderboard is the hell she walked through to get here. I’ve watched her grow from 231 units to 435 in a single year — that’s an 89% increase, totaling $155M in volume. But her results are rooted in something bigger: pain, purpose, and passion.
In this raw, high-energy conversation, Amber shares the turning point that redefined her career: losing her home, her health, and nearly everything else in 2008 — and how that loss fueled her obsession with selling homeownership, not just loans.
We dig into the mindset that helped her bounce back, the strategies that actually moved the needle in 2024, and why being stretched to the edge was exactly what she needed to find her highest self.
If you’re building a business, rebuilding your life, or carrying a chip on your shoulder, this one is going to speak to you.
Are you ready to make it rain? Let’s do this!
What we talked about:
✨ Why “I sell homeownership” is more than a tagline — it’s a mission rooted in Amber’s personal loss
✨ How to inspire clients by sharing your own story, not just stats and scripts
✨ Amber’s mindset: competing with your highest self, not others
✨ The real cost of renting — and the emotional power of building stability
✨ How “weekly program pushes” replaced negativity with possibility in a tough market
✨ The reality behind 12-hour days, staffing challenges, and staying in alignment with your why
✨ Amber’s system for avoiding burnout: quarterly breaks, spiritual reminders, and honoring her past
8 | How to Win in Any Market: Inside Jason Jacobs' $73M Process-Driven Growth
Episode 8
Thursday, April 17, 2025 • Duration 48:27
What if you could meet with fewer buyers, close more deals, and get realtors to send you leads because of your process — not despite it?
Jason Jacobs isn't playing the volume game the same way everyone else is. He’s doing 261 units a year in St. Louis. In this episode, he shares exactly how he does it — step by step.
In this episode of The Mortgage Rainmaker Podcast, Shayla sits down with Guild Mortgage superstar Jason Jacobs, who grew his production by 23% in a tough market—closing 261 loans in 2024. Jason breaks down his exact process, from how he coaches both clients and realtors, to why meeting every single borrower after pre-approval is his competitive edge. If you want a true behind-the-scenes look at what it means to be process-driven, referral-worthy, and relentlessly service-focused, this is your masterclass.
Are you ready to make it rain? Let’s do this!
What we talked about:
✨Why Jason insists on meeting every client face-to-face (via Zoom or in person)
✨The “4 Contingency Framework” he uses to help buyers win offers
✨How he structures every realtor meeting for impact (and repeat business)
✨Why a Circle of Trust text beats the old “just give them your number” handoff
✨What Jason does differently with post-close client events for referral gold
✨How coaching shaped his evolution — and what he's working on next
If you liked what you heard, leave me a five-star review and tell me what hit home for you!
9 | Athlete, Coach and Leader: How Paula Nirschl Built a $50M+ Mortgage Business From Scratch
Episode 9
Wednesday, April 23, 2025 • Duration 46:35
What happens when a Division 1 basketball coach pivots into mortgage, moves to a new city, and decides to build a mortgage career from scratch, with ZERO connections? Paula Nirschl is what happens!
Hey there, rainmakers!
With over 18 years of experience in the mortgage industry, Paula is a passionate and dedicated leader who coaches and empowers loan officers to achieve their professional goals. And as VP of the Elevate Coaching Program at Guild Mortgage she oversees the training and development of a talented team, ensuring they have the skills, tools, and resources to succeed.
In this episode, I sit down with Paula to explore how the lessons she took from her sporting success – both as an athlete and a coach – helped her grow a powerful referral-based business from literally nothing. Plus we get into how she's now impacting others through the Elevate Coaching Programme at Guild Mortgage.
We talk about building trust, bouncing back from tough markets, and how to lead with discipline when everything feels uncertain. Whether you’re in production or building a team, this one’s got something for you.
Are you ready to make it rain? Let’s do this.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
💡 The habits that helped Paula build a business from scratch in a brand-new city
💡 How her coaching background shaped her approach to leadership
💡 How systems (and one specific bit of tech) unlocked her scalability and growth
💡 What Elevate Coaching is doing to transform careers at Guild Mortgage
💡 Mindset strategies for staying in motion when the industry dips
💡 Paula’s take on “failure is not an option” — and why it matters now more than ever
If you liked what you heard, leave me a five-star review and tell me what hit home for you!
PLUS—if you’re done chasing the next shiny idea and want real, proven strategies that actually move the needle, then it’s time to join my free weekly newsletter, Rainmaker Insider.
Every week, I share one key lesson from my billion-dollar career in mortgage lending—from sales psychology and leadership to mindset and systems that create true freedom. No fluff. Just real-world insights that help you close more deals and lead with confidence.
Subscribe now at shaylagifford.com and start leading like the Rainmaker you’re meant to be!
PLUS—if you’re done chasing the next shiny idea and want real, proven strategies that actually move the needle, then it’s time to join my free weekly newsletter, Rainmaker Insider.
Every week, I share one key lesson from my billion-dollar career in mortgage lending—from sales psychology and leadership to mindset and systems that create true freedom. No fluff. Just real-world insights that help you close more deals and lead with confidence.
Subscribe now at shaylagifford.com and start leading like the Rainmaker you’re meant to be!
If you liked what you heard, leave me a five-star review and tell me what hit home for you!
PLUS—if you’re done chasing the next shiny idea and want real, proven strategies that actually move the needle, then it’s time to join my free weekly newsletter, Rainmaker Insider.
Every week, I share one key lesson from my billion-dollar career in mortgage lending—from sales psychology and leadership to mindset and systems that create true freedom. No fluff. Just real-world insights that help you close more deals and lead with confidence.
Subscribe now at shaylagifford.com and start leading like the Rainmaker you’re meant to be!
If you liked what you heard, leave me a five-star review and tell me what hit home for you!
PLUS—if you’re done chasing the next shiny idea and want real, proven strategies that actually move the needle, then it’s time to join my free weekly newsletter, Rainmaker Insider.
Every week, I share one key lesson from my billion-dollar career in mortgage lending—from sales psychology and leadership to mindset and systems that create true freedom. No fluff. Just real-world insights that help you close more deals and lead with confidence.
Subscribe now at shaylagifford.com and start leading like the Rainmaker you’re meant to be!
If you liked what you heard, leave me a five-star review and tell me what hit home for you!
PLUS—if you’re done chasing the next shiny idea and want real, proven strategies that actually move the needle, then it’s time to join my free weekly newsletter, Rainmaker Insider.
Every week, I share one key lesson from my billion-dollar career in mortgage lending—from sales psychology and leadership to mindset and systems that create true freedom. No fluff. Just real-world insights that help you close more deals and lead with confidence.
Subscribe now at shaylagifford.com and start leading like the Rainmaker you’re meant to be!
If you liked what you heard, leave me a five-star review and tell me what hit home for you!
PLUS—if you’re done chasing the next shiny idea and want real, proven strategies that actually move the needle, then it’s time to join my free weekly newsletter, Rainmaker Insider.
Every week, I share one key lesson from my billion-dollar career in mortgage lending—from sales psychology and leadership to mindset and systems that create true freedom. No fluff. Just real-world insights that help you close more deals and lead with confidence.
Subscribe now at shaylagifford.com and start leading like the Rainmaker you’re meant to be!
If you liked what you heard, leave me a five-star review and tell me what hit home for you!
PLUS—if you’re done chasing the next shiny idea and want real, proven strategies that actually move the needle, then it’s time to join my free weekly newsletter, Rainmaker Insider.
Every week, I share one key lesson from my billion-dollar career in mortgage lending—from sales psychology and leadership to mindset and systems that create true freedom. No fluff. Just real-world insights that help you close more deals and lead with confidence.
Subscribe now at shaylagifford.com and start leading like the Rainmaker you’re meant to be!
PLUS—if you’re done chasing the next shiny idea and want real, proven strategies that actually move the needle, then it’s time to join my free weekly newsletter, Rainmaker Insider.
Every week, I share one key lesson from my billion-dollar career in mortgage lending—from sales psychology and leadership to mindset and systems that create true freedom. No fluff. Just real-world insights that help you close more deals and lead with confidence.
Subscribe now at shaylagifford.com and start leading like the Rainmaker you’re meant to be!
If you liked what you heard, leave me a five-star review and tell me what hit home for you!
PLUS—if you’re done chasing the next shiny idea and want real, proven strategies that actually move the needle, then it’s time to join my free weekly newsletter, Rainmaker Insider.
Every week, I share one key lesson from my billion-dollar career in mortgage lending—from sales psychology and leadership to mindset and systems that create true freedom. No fluff. Just real-world insights that help you close more deals and lead with confidence.
Subscribe now at shaylagifford.com and start leading like the Rainmaker you’re meant to be!
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