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CMB ConnectAuthor: Val Buresch
Anyone can see the three letters after a name on LinkedIn. But what about the war stories? The risky bets that paid off? These are the moments that build a mortgage banking career. Welcome to CMB Connect, the podcast that explores the journey, not just the arrival. Join host Val Buresch, CMB Society Chairman (2024), as she sits down with the leaders of housing finance to uncover the pivotal moments, the hard-won lessons, and the unfiltered predictions for what's next. It's time to Get Behind the Designation. Language: en-us Genres: Business, Management Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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How Advocacy, Communication, and Leadership Shape Mortgage Banking — with Rhiannon Bolen | S3 Ep 1 | CMB Connect
Episode 1
Saturday, 24 January, 2026
Rhiannon Bolen, SVP at GridBase and founder of Texas Women Mortgage Bankers, shares how advocacy and communication skills drive success in mortgage banking.In this season premiere of CMB Connect, host Val Buresch sits down with Rhiannon Bolen, CMB, to explore her 25-year journey from receptionist to Senior Vice President at GridBase.Rhiannon shares how GridBase is solving the lender-title collaboration gap, why she founded Texas Women Mortgage Bankers (growing from 45 to 550+ members), and the difference between advocacy and lobbying. She breaks down two major legislative wins—reforming Texas cash-out refinance rules and banning abusive trigger leads—and explains why effective communication beats AI skills for career growth.Whether you're building a mortgage banking career or leading one, this conversation offers practical insights on B2B sales, advocacy, mentorship, and creating meaningful industry connections.Key Timestamps:0:00 - Introduction: Rhiannon Bolen's path to mortgage banking leadership1:06 - What is GridBase? Solving the lender-title communication gap6:52 - From small business owner to mortgage receptionist: An unconventional start8:22 - Building a 25-year career in B2B mortgage sales and leadership14:17 - Founding Texas Women Mortgage Bankers: Closing the gender gap locally20:20 - How 45 members grew to 550+: Creating vulnerable spaces for women25:16 - Advocacy vs. Lobbying: What mortgage professionals need to know31:25 - Two major wins: Texas cash-out refi reform & trigger leads ban35:13 - The art of B2B sales: Preparation, curiosity, and consultative selling41:11 - Career advice: Why communication skills trump AI and codingAbout the HostVal Buresch is the founder of Polygon Research, a consultancy specializing in mortgage banking strategy and industry research. A Certified Mortgage Banker (CMB) and former MBA committee chair, Val hosts CMB Connect to share insights on career development, innovation, and advocacy in mortgage banking.Connect with ValLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/buresch/Polygon Research: https://www.polygonresearch.com/About the GuestRhiannon Bolen, CMB, AMP is Senior Vice President and National Sales Director at GridBase. With 25 years in mortgage banking across companies like CoreLogic, ICE Mortgage Technology, and ArchMI, she founded Texas Women Mortgage Bankers in 2019 and serves as 2025-26 MORPAC Associate Vice Chair for the MBA.Connect with RhiannonLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhiannon-bolen-cmb-amp-96bba939/About CMB ConnectCMB Connect celebrates the stories and insights of Certified Mortgage Bankers and industry leaders, exploring career development, trends, and advocacy in mortgage banking.
