Raising the Bar - Featuring Amanda Padd

Raising the Bar: Women Leading the Mortgage Industry is a monthly OMBA conversation series hosted by Director of Engagement Heidi G. Belnay.

Today's episode features Amanda Padd, Chief Revenue Officer at Secure Insight and 2026 MBA mPact Award recipient. Together, they discuss leadership lessons, professional growth, and what it means to support and elevate other women in the mortgage industry.

Originally aired live on March 19, 2026.

Transcript

SPEAKER_00 0:30

Thank you for being here. It looks like we're out past ten, so I am going to kick it off. Thank you to everybody for being here. Um, I'm so excited for this conversation today. I am joined by Amanda Pad, who is the Chief Revenue Officer at Secure Insight. She's also a newly appointed New Jersey MBA board member and one of my best friends in the industry, too. Hi, Heidi. Thank you for coming. I appreciate it. I'm excited to have you.

SPEAKER_01 1:04

Yeah, thank you so much for having me. Um, I'm super excited to be here and help you kick off this podcast as your second guest.

SPEAKER_00 1:12

You have been everywhere lately in the field, traveling all over in conversations and stepping into really big leadership moments in your career. So I'm excited to dig into that first. Um, I have to ask, it's always the first question, how did you end up in the mortgage industry?

SPEAKER_01 1:29

So this question does me quite frequently. And it's it's it's really interesting that you ask, and you know, I do ask other people this, and a lot of the times people have similar stories to me because you know, when somebody asks me that, I say, well, you know, did you go to college to be in the mortgage industry? And everyone's answer is always like, no, nobody goes to college to be in the mortgage industry, right? So um the way I got started was when I was in college, I interned for Secure Insight, and back then it was secure settlements, and um I had a really nice internship. And um, you know, when I when I had finished internship, I finished up college and then I went off to start my career, which happened to be in the fashion industry. Um, and then I got pregnant at a young age, and um, my lifestyle of going back and forth to New York City every day and my hours being 14 to 16 hours long, you know how that goes, just was not conducive to a to a new mother. So um I am actually what I call, you know, mortgage blood. Um, my father is a mortgage industry veteran, and um, that's what got me pulled back into the industry. And um, I had told Secure Insight, hey, like I'm looking for a job that's more not in the city, something more to my lifestyle. And they took me in uh with open arms, and I've been there ever since uh and haven't left. So uh this month actually marks 10 years with Secure Insight. Um just gonna ask how long you've been there.

SPEAKER_00 2:59

So a long time in the industry already.

SPEAKER_01 3:02

Yes. So 10 years. I started with Secure Insight back in 20 uh 16. Um, I started from the ground up. I knew nothing about the mortgage industry. And fast forward to 10 years later, here I am as the chief revenue officer.

SPEAKER_00 3:16

It's a pretty interesting story. So it's funny. I think that's something that really like led me and kept me in mortgage was also the opportunity to not have to like go into an office and be able to work remotely and support like my team from wherever I needed to be as a mom. So definitely have that in common.

SPEAKER_01 3:33

Well, you know what? It's funny you say that secure insight actually let me work from home, like hybrid before the COVID was a thing and people were working from home. So they were supporting my, you know, me being a new young mom where I was able to work from home two, three days a week and then go in the office the other half of the week. So that that was super helpful.

SPEAKER_00 3:53

Yeah, I had the same experience. The company I was at after I had my daughter allowed me to stay home for the first two or three years. And then once she went to preschool, I started doing the hybrid model. So we were already used to being at home long before COVID. I always like to like add that into people. I'm like, no, I'm like an original remote. There's a big difference.

SPEAKER_01 4:13

It is a big difference. And um, I think that's what helped me um grow with this company and what um was so attractive about staying here.

SPEAKER_00 4:22

Awesome. So you've recently, like we said, stepped into the CR role. How did that change not only your day-to-day job, but your perspective on things?

SPEAKER_01 4:30

Well, it it was a crazy world, Ren. Um, you know, I've been working really hard at this company. Um, and it was hard because, you know, you're trying to create a name for yourself, but also trying to build your brand as a company. So it's hard to try to find a happy medium before or between both. Um, but you know what? Um, you know, stepping into this role has showed me that not only do I deserve to be here, but it's given me the confidence to go places and say, here, here I am. I'm the chief revenue officer for secure insight. And uh maybe the role helps a little bit, but people are like, oh, you're the CRO for secure insight. You know, like they're like, wait, you are like, and then you know, the the question comes next, how long have you been there? And I say 10 years, and they're like, Wait, what? You're a salesperson that's been with a company in the mortgage industry for 10 years. And I said, Yeah, they're like, Well, you really must believe in your product because you you see all these people that jump and jump and jump, and it's like, well, what are you trying to sell me now? And um, I think that's why we're so successful and lenders really um trust um what I have to say because they see how long we've been around and how long I've stuck with this company and um I'm loyal and they trust me, and which makes our lenders loyal.

SPEAKER_00 5:49

Yeah, that completely makes sense. They know that you trust the product so they can trust you more in it rather than you know selling something different every couple of years.

unknown 5:56

Yes.

SPEAKER_01 5:57

Yeah, knocking on my door. What what are you selling me next?

SPEAKER_00 6:01

Um, so how has your leadership style evolved since your promotion?

SPEAKER_01 6:06

Well, um, honestly, it's challenged me because I had to start thinking of other ways to grow my business, um, step outside my comfort zone. Um, so last year when this all happened, it was like, oh, like, okay, so my company trusts me, right? They're giving me an opportunity. Obviously, I took it, and it's like, well, what do I go from here? How do I take myself as a CRO? Like going back to what I said before, building myself and building the company at the same time and finding a happy medium. And you know what? I was like, you know what, I'm not any type of social media influencer. Like, I don't want to put all these things on LinkedIn or Instagram, like I'm just not like that. But I started asking other people, how how do you thrive? How do you thrive as a C-suite executive and build yourself and your brand and all that? And people said, be consistent, be in front of people. And so what I did was I was consistent. And last year um in 2025, I decided to dedicate my my time to building my um presence, not only on LinkedIn, but start attending conferences again. You know, COVID did a number on everyone's business, right? I don't, you know, I don't care who you are, what you did in the industry. And we took a little bit of a step back during COVID and we said, let's use this time to rebuild, let's rebrand, rebuild, and see what we can do. And so we we didn't travel for a bit, and it wasn't because business wasn't good, it was just like, well, what can we do with this time that's a little bit down? And and people don't realize the downtime is okay because it gives you time to think, right? During chaos, you can't think thoroughly through things. So um, during COVID, we took a step back and then 2024, 2025 was like, okay, where do I need to be? Where are the people that I need to talk to? And where what's gonna get me where I need to go? So I started being more consistent and I started traveling again. So those are the two things that have helped.

SPEAKER_00 8:03

Yeah, I think it's true. In the chaos, it can be hard to actually grow and make changes because you just don't have the time to like think outside of the box. You're just like so in the moment on working on things. So I get that. And I think COVID just naturally changed the environment. I feel like the first year, like people were dying to get back out there, also a high for our industry, you know, the good old days of 21 and 22 there. Um, but I do feel like it changed a little bit after that. People were like, oh, well, now I could just do everything at home and my pajamas and be here. So it definitely changed the the viewpoint of travel too.

SPEAKER_01 8:36

Oh, it did because you know, nobody was attending these conferences, and um, it's really, really nice to go to these conferences and see them so well attended because it makes like you feel like energized, like the industry is alive. Like maybe interest rates are not where they were in 2020, 2021. And like, I mean, for myself, I have a 2.75 interest rate. I'm never going anywhere, but never staying here forever. Um, but uh, like, you know, although interest rates, you know, they're low sixes, high fives, I don't know, whatever it is at today, but people are alive. People are seeing business grow again and they're attending these events, and that's how you know the industry is is doing well again.

SPEAKER_00 9:19

Yeah, I think that everybody at this point has adapted to what the interest rates are, um, and people are starting to refinance because they have to, even though they have those amazing rates, or just people who have to jump in again. So I think it's kind of like it's not as draining as it was initially when interest rates jumped because people are getting back into things and it's kind of our new normal, I'll call it, although we're all hoping it drops again. That is normal.

SPEAKER_01 9:42

Yeah, people forget five percent is normal. It's not normal to me because that's not what I have, right? But five percent is normal.

SPEAKER_00 9:49

You keep reminding us.

SPEAKER_01 9:50

I know, I know. I'm gonna be stuck on it forever. I'm never letting it go. But uh 5% is normal. We're we're this is normal. This is where we should be.

SPEAKER_00 10:00

Totally. All right. So we're gonna jump into the New Jersey MBA for just a minute. I know we're here under the Ohio MBA, but I like to talk about state organizations. Um, what did it mean to you to get nominated into the New Jersey MBA board?

SPEAKER_01 10:13

So it was such a surreal feeling. Um, you know, New Jersey is my home state. Uh, New Jersey is where Secure Insight was founded and based before we started expanding, you know, having employees all over the country because that thanks to COVID, we could, right? Because everybody could work from home at some capacity. But um, you know, I always felt like New Jersey MBA was a piece of me. I felt it was uh held it near and dear. Um and I always felt like when the time would be right, you know, I would hopefully be elected to the board. So once uh I found out I was elected, I couldn't believe it. Um I to me that felt like a milestone in my career. Like, wait, like people they trust what I have to say and they see, like I'm being recognized. Okay, Amanda Pad, you know, she can bring something to the table here that's new, that's fresh. You know, I have connections all over the country from being uh what they call road warrior, right? Like I'm I'm all over the country and I'm able to talk about how great of an organization New Jersey NBA is. And they're like, when I tell them how many people come to our conference, they're like, really?

SPEAKER_00 11:22

For are totally shocked every time I talk about New Jersey.

SPEAKER_01 11:26

No, they don't believe me. And I'm like, well, you have to think about it. You know, we have the tri-state area uh primarily all helping to grow this organization because they they see the value. So you have like PA, like Eastern PA, and all those guys are always so supportive. And New York, and maybe those organizations are not as mature and not as grown, right? So they kind of latch onto us and they like what they've seen over the years. So for me to be able to now be a part of that growth and see where I can help take it to the next level is so exciting. And uh, like I said, people are like, wait, what do you mean you get hundreds and hundreds of people coming to a regional conference? And I was like, it's really more than just that. That you know, it's not just New Jersey, it's it's a nationwide thing. People come from all over the country.

SPEAKER_00 12:12

I mean, you see our lineup of speakers, can you like the people coming is like taking over this area? It is crazy. Um, I'm also on the board for people who don't know. So Amanda and I are working on a lot of this together, and that's why I have to bring it up. We're just excited. The other thing that I probably already know the answer to, but have to ask you is what is your goal for impact on the New Jersey MBA?

SPEAKER_01 12:35

Um, I kind of think I touched on it before, but you know, bringing my national presence to the New Jersey MBA, whether it be from um talking to organizations like the Ohio MBA that now secure insight, we're we are so excited that we're a part of, or just talking to people that belong to other associations and asking them what is working for you guys, right? Like what can New Jersey do different to bring more awareness to how important it is to be a part of our association? So I think that would be the primary focus.

SPEAKER_00 13:06

Yeah, I think I have a lot of those same goals, um, just really like bridging what organizations are doing that's working and then bringing that across state lines. Um, so working with Ohio and New Jersey has been such an honor for me because I really get to see both sides and people have such different ideas that like haven't been traditionally shared. Um, like Ohio has a future leaders program that we just had last week and the week before, and it was amazing. Like it gave all of these young professionals an opportunity to speak with some of like the nation's best people and then actually tour the statehouse as well. So like I see that and I'm like, hmm, maybe we can do something like that in Jersey. So I try to like go back and forth with them because I think that like with our ideas, we can just make both bigger and better and well, I like that Ohio did does that, right?

SPEAKER_01 13:52

That future leaders program that you guys have put together. And I say this because from a personal standpoint because I evaluated doing the future leaders program this year or yeah, for this year for the national level MBA. And I think it's a fabulous program. And I think you meet a lot of people, and but you know what's the cost might not be so attractive to someone that wants to be part of a future leaders program, right? Like somebody new to the space. Well, that's what I'm saying. Like, um, maybe they're new to the space, like you just said, or maybe their organization doesn't have the funds to spend six thousand dollars to send someone through a program. I mean, that's a lot of money. So the um the Ohio MBA, I think is a great opportunity for young individuals getting into the mortgage space, or maybe they've been in for a while, but they're looking for more connections or to grow their network. Um, so I really do think that this state level future leaders program is an amazing idea, especially for someone like me. Like, okay, like I'm not gonna ask my company for$6,000. I'm sorry. Like that would be something I would have to take out of my own pocket because how do you, I mean, I mean, I guess some people maybe have want to do that, but I would feel guilty. I mean, I don't know about you, but yeah.

SPEAKER_00 15:05

Well, I mean, I like you'd ask for that right now, but I think Ohio opportunity was an awesome one. Rich really like knocked it out of the park with all of the national level speakers that he had for this one too. So it was kind of like a baby national one because it definitely wasn't just Ohio people. I mean, I think most of the future leaders were like Ohio or Midwest. Um, but we had some people travel in for the state visit, and I'm sure you saw pictures on LinkedIn, but it was a really cool opportunity for them. No, it's great that you guys do that. I think it's amazing. Okay, so now I want to talk about our round table. Shameless plug here because Amanda and I are hosting a women's round table and the New Jersey MBA conference next Tuesday. So we have to talk about it a little bit, if please, because I did say this was a pre-game to that. Um, so what are you most excited for about our panel and what would make it feel like a win to you?

SPEAKER_01 15:56

So I think my answer to Okay, so I'll take it because I'm just looking at our attendees here. And to go back to what you said, I mean, half the people here are men, and this is a woman's podcast. So, like, first of all, you don't have to be a woman in the industry to support women, right? So I love that we drew a crowd that's like not just women. So that's awesome. I love to see that. That means we're we're doing the right thing. And then I'm also like, uh I can't wait to, well, I don't want to say in excitement, but I can't wait to hear what other people have been through and people being able to use our round table um as a safe space, right? Like we we go through things and a lot of people take it and they don't share or use what I like to call and you like to call your internal or your personal advisory board and say, hey, like what do I do with this? Like a lot of people just maybe bottle it up and don't say anything, and then it that it never gets resolved internally. So I'm glad that we're able to have this opportunity to start this new thing of you know, collaboration and conflict conflict and see where we can go with it because I think it's something that's not discussed in the in the mortgage industry and it needs to be discussed.

SPEAKER_00 17:10

Yeah, I agree. I think that what I'm most excited for is very similar with the idea of kind of everyone leaving with their own advisory council, leaving with even if it's just one new friend that you make one shared experience. Um, I hope that that draws more women into the events because they're not walking in alone, which is we know is super intimidating. Um I'm just excited to bring a group of people together who all want to make things better, but with actual, like actionable items too.

SPEAKER_01 17:36

Yeah, I mean, I hope someone, you know, if they come in and something happened to them or they have a question, they walk away with something and said, okay, you know, if this happens again, like now I know what to do, you know, like now I know how I what you know, my feelings were justified, right? You want to feel heard, you want to feel like, okay, like you said, they met a friend, they made a connection. Hopefully they're like, well, you know, if you ever go through something again, you know, feel free to reach out.

SPEAKER_00 18:02

Like give us a free to call and like talk it out with instead of just like your thing, just like internally dealing with it.

SPEAKER_01 18:07

And yeah, I know I feel like growing up in this industry, you know, I I raised to the top pretty fast, which you know, not everyone does, but I think that can be threatening and intimidating for some people that might have been here for a long time. And, you know, everyone's different, everyone's um success is different, but everyone's responsible for themselves and they shouldn't tear down other women um because that's what we've been seeing, right? Like women not supporting other women. And uh yeah, I mean, you just take you can learn a lot from other women. We shouldn't not be supporting them.

SPEAKER_00 18:42

Agree, yes. My next question was going to be about where you think we missed the park, where we missed the mark and women supporting women, but I think that really answers it, and that sometimes we can be like intimidated or we like make a judgment based on something that we really like we see a picture on LinkedIn or we have an idea of like who they are or what they're doing, and it's just because we're missing the opportunity to have conversations instead of just kind of like a silent judgment, I'm gonna call it.

SPEAKER_01 19:07

No, you're right. Um, you know, people can hide behind, you know, social media and all that, but um, I think that this is a good opportunity and it could all also open conversations.

SPEAKER_00 19:19

Yeah, totally. Okay, so the next segment is a surprise for you that I didn't tell you it was coming. So we are gonna do a road warrior quick hit travel segment.

unknown 19:29

Okay.

SPEAKER_00 19:30

So we're gonna know more about Amanda. Okay, all right, go ahead. That's the important questions. Window or aisle? Window. Same. Carry-on, I already know the answer to this one. Carry-on only or full checked bag. 70 pounds, I get she's not lying. That's exactly up to two bags worth. Even for two nights, she has the same amount. All right, your go-to airport order.

SPEAKER_01 19:59

You mean like food-wise?

SPEAKER_00 20:00

Food or drink. It is raising the bar we're allowed to talk about either.

SPEAKER_01 20:04

Okay. Uh I always sit down and have like a full glass of seltzer, like club soda, just to stay hydrated. And then one T Dose in club, I allow myself.

SPEAKER_00 20:14

Okay, that's fair. My go-to is usually like a mimosa. I don't know. Something about like traveling makes me feel like I'm supposed to have champagne. I think it's from home alone. It's I'm traveling. But then I was like, oh, all that sugar in the morning. I don't even like it. I would never drink it at home, but at the airport, I feel like that's what I'm supposed to do. It's a I don't, I'm not knocking it. All right. Favorite city you have been to this year.

SPEAKER_01 20:36

Ooh, this year. Oh wow. Um, I can't say I have a favorite yet. Not yet. Not yet. Because I have a lot on my list. So um it's also because the ones I've been to, uh, I've all always I've been there already, and I'm not so impressed. I mean, Las Vegas is great. Uh, I guess that's the best city I've been to this year so far, but uh two nights in Las Vegas is two nights too many.

SPEAKER_00 21:05

I think it's gonna be Columbus, Ohio, now that you're um almost in Ohio and yes, yes, I've never been there, so I hope that's my top one. All right, least favorite airport.

SPEAKER_01 21:16

Oh my goodness.

SPEAKER_00 21:17

LAX. LAX, that's a fair one. All right, early to gate, or are you just in the boarding group chaos, like just walking up?

SPEAKER_01 21:26

I'm so I do not like to wait on the line. I rather wait to the last second to get on the airplane, but I do get to the airport early enough to leave myself enough time so that I'm not under anxiety.

SPEAKER_00 21:39

Okay, so you're at the gate, like having your club soda and Tito's makes sense.

SPEAKER_01 21:43

Yeah, but I'm not sitting there I'm sitting there anticipating to get on and be the first. I will not be the first person on an airplane ever.

SPEAKER_00 21:54

All right. Um one travel hack that you swear by that you can share with all of us.

SPEAKER_01 22:00

Uh travel hack. Um let's see, let's see. I don't know. Oh, I have a good one. I have invested in touchless ID. Do you know what that is? No, I keep saying this at the airport and I don't know what it is. No, I only fly United because um I'm here in New Jersey, like you, but New York is a United hub, right? And and United flies anywhere that there is a mortgage industry conference, so it just works out hand in hand. But um, I had registered for touchless ID and I also have pre TSA pre-check. It doesn't take me longer than five minutes from backdrop to through security with the touchless ID. Most people don't know it exists.

SPEAKER_00 22:40

You just last time I was like, What is the I even asked? I was like, What is touchless ID? And they were like, Oh, something new to add on to pre-check.

SPEAKER_01 22:46

So I have to just opt in and then it has its own secret line, and you'll see like on the top, it says like touchless ID, and you just show them it's like a little icon on your badge that transfers over, and I cut every single line. I I never wait ever.

SPEAKER_00 23:00

There's our hack. All right. Um, so while you're out meeting with lenders and partners, what are you hearing a lot of right now?

SPEAKER_01 23:08

Oh, I am hearing that. Um, let's see. I think that a lot of people are investing in marketing, uh, investing in themselves. Um, I'm hearing a lot of people are reinvesting in these mortgage conferences. Um, yeah, the small regional ones are good, um, but I think the national level ones um really help someone get to the next level. The people that I meet, and I'm sure you can agree with this, the people I've meet um all over the country are my closest friends. You know, like who who doesn't want to travel somewhere and get to spend time with their closest friends? It's like, and we're from all walks of life. So I think that these national level uh conferences are so important. These people are gonna introduce you to whoever you know. So I think it's important to invest in connecting and um and and all that. So I think everyone will probably say, you know, connections and LinkedIn are the two top things right now that are working.

SPEAKER_00 24:08

I think it's funny travel traveling nationally because you we see a lot of the same people, obviously, but it's almost like you continue your conversation with them from last time. It's like it hasn't been months since you've seen them, and it's like you weren't just in a completely different city across the country. You just like pick up where you left off with everybody.

SPEAKER_01 24:23

It's really like an amazing experience. Like these same people I just saw in Las Vegas, I was with and you were with them too in Amelia Island, and all this it's like such a bizarre thing to me, and I love it. I get such a high from it, I get like nerves going because I'm so excited to see all these people.

SPEAKER_00 24:39

Yeah, like you walk into the lobby bar and see all of your favorite people.

SPEAKER_01 24:43

The other day I walked into the bar in Las Vegas after being jet leg and flying across the country for six hours, and all I hear is where does this come from? I'm nobody's ever called me by my last name. And I'm like, okay, I'm here for it. And it's like the best feeling.

SPEAKER_00 25:00

It really is. Um, let me jump into another question. What feels different in the industry this year versus last year? I think probably the travel piece is a lot of it.

SPEAKER_01 25:11

Um, I think people are actually spending money. I think um lenders are spending money, so everyone's excited. So um, I think everyone's reinvesting in their business and they're seeing um, you know what it is? They're seeing the return on investing in technology.

SPEAKER_00 25:28

Agreed. I think that they're seeing the return on the changes that they've made, or they're seeing the return on investment other people have gotten from the changes, and then like being like, I think I might have missed, like, what did I miss? I need to reevaluate and look at that again.

SPEAKER_01 25:42

Well, what I'm seeing is lenders are collaborating again, and they're even competitors are sitting at the same table and they're sharing like what's working for them. And I think those are the strongest leaders who share insights. Like, I mean, you gotta be stronger. Yeah, yeah, 1000%.

SPEAKER_00 26:00

All right, let's jump into some fraud and risk questions because obviously secure insight. Um, so from what you're seeing out there, where do you think the biggest gaps are when it comes to fraud prevention and protecting lenders?

SPEAKER_01 26:12

I think that lenders have this misconception that they're too busy to implement a solution. Um, like like Six Zeran said, I mean, um, it's it's so, so important. I mean, you will not believe how many lenders I speak to. And I, you know, I'm all over the country that tell me, like, Amanda, we don't have any process in place. Like, I don't sleep at night. And the hardest part, it's not the risk people, it's not the closing managers, it's not, you know, the people that are risk adverse. It's trying to get the people on the other end of the business that are in the day-to-day to understand the importance of implementing any type of fraud prevention tools, whether it be securing site or whatever, whatever stuff exists out there. If they like have Quotality has what they call a loan safe product where you can get all your fraud tools in one part, you know, one page and one click, you know, whatever. Um, and I think that they're missing the mark and how important it is to implement solutions like that because one bad hit can take their business completely under. And then guess what? There's gonna be a business anymore.

SPEAKER_00 27:17

So I mean I was gonna say I think it's really like leaning into being proactive versus reactive, is a lot of that too.

SPEAKER_01 27:25

Well, my you know, I I I do say like some of my best clients or repeat clients, obviously, who've been with me since the beginning and they go to another client or another lender, but the other best client is someone that's had a scare. Unfortunately, something's happened where now they have to knee-jerk and they have to do it because either um an auditor came in or they got a scare or they had a loss or something internally went wrong, right? So um, unfortunately, that's probably my best client.

SPEAKER_00 27:57

The one something happened to. What is one thing that you wish every lender would take more seriously right now?

SPEAKER_01 28:04

Um, how important it is to put controls in place to protect themselves against any type of fraud. Um, there are so many. I was on a panel last month, and the the most um common fraud schemes that lenders are seeing in 2026 is um occupancy fraud, income fraud, obviously wire fraud, that's never gonna go away. And then what they call seller impersonation fraud. So um I think lenders should invest in technology and they should implement them because it is it is a scary world out there and the fraudsters are just getting smarter.

SPEAKER_00 28:39

It really is. With the internet, I think like all of our information is everywhere at this point. So there's just so many more opportunities for the fraudsters to take advantage of that. It's very easy. Yes, very all right. So the last question I'm gonna ask you is what advice would you give to women who are newer to the industry and that are trying to find their path?

SPEAKER_01 29:00

Um, I would say grab full to anybody that's willing to don't be afraid or help, don't be feel like intimidated, don't, you know, you know, if you see someone that you think that can help you and you admire or whatever the case may be, maybe they're a powerhouse, maybe you saw them on LinkedIn, maybe you saw them speak on a stage, go up to them, compliment them, say, you know, I really learned something today. And that person will take that compliment and they'll take you along with them. So that would be my advice.

SPEAKER_00 29:32

That's great advice. Just start the conversation. Correct. All right. Well, this was a lot of fun. I'm excited to keep the conversation going next week. So I will see you in person super soon. And thank you to everybody who joined today. We appreciate you. Thanks for having me, Heidi.

SPEAKER_01 29:47

And thanks to the Ohio MBA. I appreciate it.

SPEAKER_00 29:49

Thanks, everybody. Bye.