Building Bigger Lives

In this episode, Kathryn welcomed Michael, her co-host, to the Bigger Lives podcast. Michael shared his perspective on various topics, emphasizing the blend of nature and nurture that shapes a person's character. He discussed his childhood experiences, including his orderly tendencies that his family used to tease him about. Michael also highlighted the importance of preparation and staying calm i...

Michael and Kathryn discussed the importance of a unique value proposition (UVP) in standing out and connecting with others in a business context. They emphasized the need for a clear and concise UVP, recognizing the value of both parties in a transaction, and the significance of regularly revisiting and updating the UVP. They also cautioned against focusing on common features and polarizing topic...

Michael and Kathryn welcomed guest Kim Mason to the Building Bigger Lives podcast, where she shared her journey from a loan officer to a national success strategist, and her pursuit of serenity in a turbulent world. Kym detailed her journey from a loan officer in 1999 to opening her own branch in 2005, then transitioning to retail and eventually returning to the broker world as a national success...

Kathryn and Michael emphasized the importance of lead measures in sales success, focusing on activities that consistently drive results rather than just lag measures. They discussed the importance of planning, preparation, practice, time blocking, and tracking for self-evaluation and adjustment. They also suggested effective practices for tracking and sharing progress, including finding a peer or...

Kathryn and Michael emphasized the importance of authenticity in the business world, particularly in the face of technological advancements and AI. They discussed the interplay between personal values, experiences, and convictions, and how these shape one's authenticity and confidence. A discussion ensued about the distinction between convictions and values, with Michael explaining that conviction...

Michael welcomed John Donnelly, a veteran of the housing industry, to the 'Building Bigger Lives' podcast. John, who currently serves in a leadership role at Service 1st Mortgage in Dallas, Texas, shared his growth-oriented mindset and his journey in the housing industry, which started in 1997 as a loan officer at a mortgage company. John's previous roles included referral-based loan officer and v...

In this episode of the Building Lives Podcast, Michael and Kathryn discussed their recent attendance at the Mastermind Summit in Las Vegas. Michael introduced Kathryn as a frequent attendee of the event and highlighted its evolution from a high-energy sales summit to a balanced mix of sales tactics and strategy. Kathryn shared her enthusiasm for the event, citing the opportunity to connect with in...

Kathryn and Michael discuss strategies for having effective meetings. They recommend clearly defining the purpose and desired outcome before scheduling a meeting, and considering whether the goals could be achieved through other means like email or phone calls. Sending an agenda ahead of time helps participants prepare. Ideal meetings have a consistent day/time, start and end on time, follow the a...

Co-hosts Michael Regan and Kathryn Pedersen discussed the topic of multitasking, which is a common practice that has been the subject of conflicting opinions. They defined multitasking as performing multiple tasks that require attention simultaneously, which can lead to mental strain and exhaustion. Despite the potential drawbacks, Kathryn noted that many people continue to multitask due to the li...

In this episode of the Building Bigger Lives podcast, Michael and Kathryn welcomed Sean McCluskey to discuss his extensive experience and insights in recruiting and team building in the mortgage industry. Sean shared his journey from starting in insurance and investment to eventually specializing in recruiting, where he found his true passion. He emphasized the importance of building strong teams...

Kathryn and Michael shared their insights from the recent HousingWire conference in Scottsdale AZ, highlighting the importance of understanding business numbers for successful mergers and acquisitions, and the need for collaboration and joint ventures in the real estate and mortgage industries. Michael described the event as the best gathering he had ever been a part of, with a diverse range of pa...

Michael Regan and Kathryn Pedersen welcomed industry expert Ken Perry to their podcast series, delving into his background, passions, and approach to leadership. They discussed the importance of understanding and utilizing individual strengths in the workplace, the benefits of using assessments to build a better team, and the reputation of the mortgage industry. The group also shared their admirat...

Michael and Kathryn discussed the fundamental value and importance of establishing a life plan, which has been a cornerstone of Building Champions for 28 years. They emphasized the need to focus on the 'why' rather than the 'what' of a life plan, and encouraged listeners to suspend judgment and explore the concept. Kathryn shared her approach of starting with the end goal in mind and visualizing i...

This episode features an interview with Todd Bookspan. Todd shared the principles that led to his success in the mortgage industry, including mindset, discipline, fundamentals, and collaboration. He also discussed the importance of continuous learning, financial literacy, and the role his nonprofit, First Home IQ, plays in helping people become homeowners.  Todd emphasizes the importance of taking...

This episode focuses on the importance of setting and achieving goals, particularly in sales and production roles. The Michael and Kathryn highlighted the challenges of setting goals in a down market, the need to focus on daily activities, and the difference between disciplines, routine tasks, and projects. They emphasized the role of systems and routines in achieving goals, the usefulness of tool...

Michael and Kathryn discussed the DISC assessment tool, its reliability, and its application in understanding communication and behavioral styles. They emphasized the importance of self-reflection and understanding, and how the assessment can be used to improve interpersonal relationships and effectiveness in personal and professional settings. They also discussed the frequency of retesting, the s...

Michael and Kathryn discussed the importance of learning to say 'no' in both personal and professional lives, and how this can help align goals, manage time, and prioritize tasks. They explored the concept of using personal filters to determine if opportunities fit with their values and goals, and the benefits of knowing one's boundaries and being true to oneself. The discussion also touched on th...

 Michael and Kathryn discussed the five levels of delegation. These levels range from the delegate doing a task as instructed without questions, to the delegate independently achieving the desired result without detailed instructions. They also highlighted the importance of understanding these levels within teams and various office settings. The discussion involved the distinctions between each le...

Kathryn and Michael discussed strategies for maximizing the benefits of attending events, conferences, and training sessions. They emphasized the importance of selecting events aligned with one's purpose and identifying potential connections. They also highlighted the need for preparation, such as setting goals, arranging meetings with desired contacts, and deciding on attire. The discussion also...

This discussion between Michael and Kathryn focused on the concept of productivity, emphasizing the importance of creating efficient systems and the need to balance practicality and relationships in business. They also highlighted the significance of automation, the use of various productivity systems like Outlook and the "Getting Things Done" system, the use of the Eisenhower matrix, and the conc...

The inaugural meeting of the "Building Bigger Lives Book Club" focused on the book "The Boys in the Boat". The team discussed the significance of the book's lessons, such as the "will it make the boat go faster?" question and the importance of teamwork. They also explored the role of trust in team building and the value of healthy conflict. The final part of the meeting centered around the potenti...

Michael and Kathryn discussed the process of hiring in the current economic climate. They emphasized the need to evaluate the current team roles and identify gaps before hiring. Kathryn suggested that the best way to find candidates is through personal networks and not discarding resumes from previous applicants who might still be a fit for the new role. Michael and Kathryn also discussed the impo...

The conversation between Michael and Kathryn focused on the significance of understanding and communicating one's unique value proposition, particularly in the context of lending or real estate. They underscored the importance of proactive communication about options and values associated with commissions, and the necessity for agents and lenders to be well-informed and proactive in these discussi...

Kathryn and Michael discuss the importance and benefits of having an accountability partner. The participants highlighted the necessity of finding the right partner who can provide clarity, motivation, and accountability without being overly domineering. They also discussed the idea of hiring a professional coach as an accountability partner. The conversation emphasized the importance of setting r...

Kathryn and Michael shared their backgrounds in the mortgage industry and coaching, highlighting their passion for helping others navigate the industry. They then discussed their experiences operating a successful national lender in a small resort town, emphasizing the importance of reputation management. Kathryn also expressed her love for educating her community about credit and home buying, a p...