Leanne Myles, an Associate Mortgage Broker on the Clinton Wilkins Mortgage Team, is making waves in the mortgage industry with her unmatched success. Leanne’s entrepreneurial spirit extends to creating the Annapolis Valley Investor meet-up, now in its 2nd year, contributing an additional 15% to her business. During the pandemic, she initiated Women Wine Wednesday, fostering community with a mission to welcome newcomers and a vision to provide a safe gathering space.

Her dedication to women’s empowerment transcends social events. Leanne leverages TikTok to share insights on finance, income and credit. As a speaker at the MPC Conference 2022, she addressed challenges faced by women in the industry, earning the WIMI Award for Inspiration in 2018.

Leanne’s leadership is evident in her roles as MBACC’s Nova Scotia director and her involvement with 100 Brokers Who Care. Recognized as a Woman of Influence by CMP Magazine and co-author of Pursuit 365, she continually contributes to the industry.

In 2022, Leanne’s philanthropic efforts shone as she spearheaded the Woman of the Year campaign, raising over a significant amount for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Her generosity continued with two prom events for her son’s graduating class, creating memorable experiences with notable guests like Hayley Wickenheiser.

Let’s delve into the narrative of a dynamic force making a positive impact in every facet of her community!

Dedication and Networking

Leanne’s journey into mortgage brokerage ignited when her referrals to Manulife Bank turned heads. In her words, “I once referred so much business to Manulife bank, that they hired me!” This pivotal moment transformed her passion into a thriving career. This resonates with those seeking unconventional paths in finance. Her experience showcases the power of networking and dedication.

Since joining Team Clinton, Leanne has adopted a structured approach to time management. “I use time blocking,” she states. Leanne designates specific hours for office tasks and administrative duties. Her commitment to work-life balance is evident as she distinguishes between office and personal time. The boundaries she sets contribute to a more organized and fulfilling professional and personal life.

Personal Trials, Professional Triumph

Leanne’s journey in real estate took a meaningful turn when facing personal challenges. Reflecting on her connection with Clinton, she shares, “Clinton and I had known each other over the years and he knew I was struggling as an independent agent.”

Amidst her husband’s cancer treatment, Leanne found herself navigating deals in waiting rooms. Clinton stepped in, offering crucial support. In her words, ‘Clinton talked to me about being able to provide support and he has held good on that promise.’ This showcases empathy and professional camaraderie and resonates with everyone navigating both personal and career challenges, highlighting the power of genuine support in the real estate industry.

Exceptional Expertise

Honored with the Entrepreneur Award in 2020 by Centum Canada and consistently ranking among the Top 10 Agents in Canada, Leanne’s impressive volume growth, reaching $70,674,179 million in 2022, underscores her exceptional expertise.

Beyond her professional accolades, Leanne is the Atlantic Canada Mortgage Broker for Keyspire, associated with HGTV’s Scott McGillivray. As a speaker at their annual conference, she actively collaborates with investors to expand portfolios and promotes the Atlantic provinces.

Leanne’s accolade is more than a personal triumph—it’s a validation of her hard work, dedication and passion in both her career and community involvement. She expresses, “This recognition reinforces my commitment to empowering others, especially women, in the mortgage industry and beyond.”

Beyond an individual honor, it symbolizes the collaborative efforts of her exceptional team and community. Leanne looks ahead with enthusiasm, sharing, “I’m excited about the continued journey and the positive impact we can make together.” She emphasizes the importance of dedication, community and a shared commitment to empowerment in professional endeavors.

Leanne actively supports the local Junior B hockey team, serving as both a sponsor and volunteer. Her engagement underscores a commitment to community involvement and a passion for contributing to the success of the team.

Innovate, Empower, Lead

In the fast-paced world of mortgage brokerage, effective leadership is paramount and Leanne shares insights on the principles that have guided her successful journey:

• Vision and Strategic Thinking: Having a clear vision for the future and the ability to think strategically are crucial. It allows for effective long-term planning and navigating through challenges with purpose.
• Empowerment and Mentorship: Empowering team members and providing mentorship fosters a positive and growth-oriented environment. Investing in the development of others contributes to both individual and collective success.
• Adaptability: The mortgage industry is dynamic and being adaptable is essential. Flexibility in approach and a willingness to embrace change ensure resilience in the face of industry shifts.
• Effective Communication: Clear and transparent communication is the backbone of successful leadership. It fosters trust, alignment and a sense of belonging among team members.
• Collaboration and Team Building: Building a collaborative and inclusive team is key. Recognizing and leveraging the strengths of individuals fosters a culture of teamwork, leading to collective success.
• Integrity and Ethical Leadership: Upholding high ethical standards is non-negotiable. Integrity builds trust with clients, team members and industry partners, forming the foundation of a reputable career.
• Innovation: Embracing innovation is vital in an ever-evolving industry. A leader should encourage creativity, explore new technologies and continuously seek ways to enhance processes and services.
• Resilience: Leadership in the mortgage industry comes with its challenges. Resilience is essential for navigating uncertainties, setbacks and market fluctuations without losing focus on long-term goals.
• Community Engagement: Actively engaging with the community not only builds a positive reputation but also establishes a deeper connection with clients and stakeholders. It adds a meaningful dimension to your professional impact.
• Continuous Learning: Staying updated on industry trends, regulations and market dynamics is a must. A commitment to continuous learning ensures relevance and a competitive edge in the mortgage landscape.

By embodying these principles, a leader in the mortgage industry can navigate complexities, inspire their team and leave a lasting positive impact on both the business and the community.

Mortgage Insights

Leanne offers valuable insights into both the present dynamics and the future trends that are molding the field of Mortgage:

Current State

• Interest Rates and Affordability: The current higher rate environment has slowed homebuying activity. Affordability remains a key concern, particularly in competitive housing markets.
• Digital Transformation: The industry is undergoing a significant digital transformation. Online mortgage applications, virtual document submissions and digital closings have become more prevalent, enhancing efficiency and convenience.
• Regulatory Landscape: Ongoing regulatory changes impact lending practices and borrower qualifications. Staying abreast of and adapting to these changes is crucial for mortgage professionals.
• Supply and Demand Dynamics: Housing supply shortages in various regions contribute to competitive markets, impacting both homebuyers and sellers.
• Remote Work Influence: The rise of remote work has influenced housing preferences, with some individuals seeking homes in different locations that are away from traditional urban centers.

Anticipated Trends

• Technology Integration: Continued integration of advanced technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning will streamline processes enhance risk management and improve the overall customer experience.
• Evolving Customer Expectations: Consumers increasingly expect a seamless, digital mortgage experience. Customization and personalization of services will become paramount.
• Sustainable and Green Mortgages: As environmental concerns grow, there is likely to be an increase in demand for sustainable and energy-efficient mortgages, incentivizing eco-friendly home purchases.
• Flexibility in Mortgage Products: Lenders may introduce more flexible mortgage products to cater to diverse financial situations promoting inclusivity and accommodating various borrower profiles.
• Government Initiatives: Government policies and incentives, particularly related to housing affordability and accessibility will shape the industry’s landscape.
• Data Security and Privacy: With the increasing reliance on digital platforms, ensuring robust data security and privacy measures will be critical to maintaining consumer trust.
• Collaboration and Partnerships: Collaboration between traditional lenders and fintech companies will likely increase fostering innovation and expanding the range of services offered to consumers.
• Rise of Alternative Lending: Alternative lending models, such as peer-to-peer lending and crowdfunding may gain traction providing additional options for borrowers.
• Emphasis on Financial Education: Mortgage professionals may increasingly take on a role in educating clients on financial literacy and homeownership empowering them to make informed decisions.

Navigating these trends will require adaptability, a commitment to embracing technology and a proactive approach to meeting the evolving needs of clients in a rapidly changing mortgage landscape. Leanne emphasizes the necessity of staying informed, “The mortgage industry has one constant and that is change. We have regulatory bodies making changes to help the Canadian consumer. As mortgage professionals, we need to educate ourselves on a regular basis to help our clients.”

Defying Convention

Leanne attributes her success to transparency about personal struggles. In her early days as a broker, she openly acknowledged facing challenges, falling short on targets and enduring financial strain. Her candidness about setbacks underscores the resilience and authenticity integral to her professional journey.

Leanne recounts a recent success story involving a client who was on post-maternity leave and faced maxed-out credit. Through the strategic placement of a private mortgage, Leanne facilitated debt clearance elevating the client’s credit score. The outcome was transformative enabling the clients to sell their existing home, pay off 100% of their debt and secure their dream home. This achievement defied conventional advice from their bank, which suggested saving more money, cutting expenses and paying down debt. Leanne’s approach turned despair into triumph showcasing the impactful results of personalized financial solutions in the face of adversity.

Coaching Synergy

Engaging various coaches across life domains, Leanne collaborates with experts like Clinton for professional guidance, complemented by a money coach and wellness coach. Each coach plays a pivotal role in her personal and professional success highlighting the integral support they provide to enhance Leanne’s effectiveness as both a human being and a business professional.

Market Mastery

Emphasizing the importance of broad expertise, Leanne advises, “Learning your craft allows you to assist a broader range of clients. Relying solely on purchases can lead to income fluctuations tied to the real estate market. To succeed as a broker, true victory lies in possessing a wealth of knowledge across private and A lending, ensuring stability and success in diverse market conditions.”