Laugh, Lend and Eat

You won’t believe where this business plan was written... Here’s a hint: it wasn’t in a boardroom. This week on Laugh, Lend & Eat, I sat down with Divine — an artist, entrepreneur, and former inmate who built a plan for his life while serving an 84-month sentence. Before he ever launched a business, stepped on a stage, or mentored others… he was sitting in a cell, writing out a new story for himself. From the streets to the system — and now to tech and leadership — Divine’s journey proves one thing: 👉 Where you are doesn’t determine where you’re going.

On this episode of Laugh, Lend & Eat, Dana Georgiou—The Lending Luminary—pulls no punches. She argues that most financial education is outdated, ineffective, and downright dishonest with the people who need it most: teens. If the mortgage industry wants to build a better future, it starts with telling the truth. Raw, real, and packed with wisdom—this one hits different. About Dana Georgiou Dana Georgiou—better known as The Lending Luminary—is a powerhouse in the mortgage space with nearly 30 years of industry experience. She’s led top-performing sales teams, built strategic growth models, and operated mortgage platforms across all channels—retail, wholesale, and private lending. Her depth spans compliance, risk, marketing, and operations, and she’s never been afraid to challenge the status quo. In addition to her leadership roles, Dana is a passionate educator. She recently co-authored "Rethink Everything You Know About Financial Literacy for Teens," writes for publications such as Mortgage Women Magazine and Deal Maker, and volunteers with Habitat for Humanity as a financial counselor. She lives on a ranch in East Texas with her husband, two Labradors, and a few other four-legged characters. In This Episode, We Discuss: * Why traditional money advice doesn’t stick with teens * How Dana bridges the gap between finance and human connection * What it means to lead with empathy and purpose * Why laughter is sometimes the most effective teaching tool. Key Takeaways: * Lead by adapting. Great leaders shift their style to fit the moment and the individual. * Financial literacy must evolve. Teaching money should be relatable, real, and rooted in mindset. * Put people first. The right thing often is the smart thing in business. * Energy is influence. Show up with intention—your vibe shapes the outcome. “Money will come if you treat people well.” — Dana Georgiou Connect with Dana Georgiou: CLICK HERE [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lendingluminary/] Laugh, Lend & Eat is hosted by Fobby Naghmi, SVP at AnnieMac and author of Leadership Matters. We bring you unfiltered conversations with industry leaders and change-makers shaping the future of mortgage, money, and mindset. Subscribe and listen on your preferred podcast platform.

Are you ready to lead — or just pretending to? In this no-holds-barred episode of Laugh, Lend & Eat, Fobby and Maddi sit down with Kristi Straw [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kstrawmba/] — leadership expert, founder of Lighthouse Consultants, and author of Unicorn Leader [https://lighthouseleadershipconsultants.com/unicorn-leader-traits/]— to expose the brutal truth about leadership in 2025. The days of command-and-control leadership are over. In today’s world, connection beats control, authenticity beats authority, and adaptability isn’t optional — it’s survival. Kristi breaks down the mindset shifts every leader must make if they want to build teams that trust them, follow them, and grow with them. She opens up about fighting imposter syndrome, why vulnerability is now a leadership superpower, and how “fake leaders” are getting exposed faster than ever. If you're serious about becoming the kind of leader who wins and leaves a legacy — this conversation is your blueprint. In this episode, you’ll learn: * Why "faking it" is a career killer in 2025 * How true leaders adapt, connect, and stay resilient * What to do when imposter syndrome shows up (because it will) * Why leading yourself first is non-negotiable * The difference between getting compliance and building real loyalty Notable Quote: "You can't fake caring about people. They will know. And when they know you care, they'll follow you anywhere." — Kristi Straw CTA at the end: 🎧 Hit play, and discover how to lead with authenticity, courage, and heart in a world that's tired of pretending.

What if retirement wasn’t the end of your impact—but the beginning of a new kind of leadership? In this heartfelt episode, Fobby reconnects with longtime friend and mortgage veteran Dave Baer, [https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-baer-b8141810/] who started in the business in 1977 and made the decision to retire after a profound personal shift. Dave opens up about his sister’s battle with brain cancer—and how that moment changed his definition of success and purpose. Now, in retirement, he’s far from done. Dave dedicates his time to Women Giving Back [https://www.linkedin.com/company/women-giving-back-inc./], a nonprofit supporting women and children in crisis. It’s proof that legacy lives on, even after the titles fade. In this episode, Dave shares: * The moment he knew it was time to walk away from the industry * Why retirement didn’t mean slowing down — it meant shifting direction * How he's continued making a difference without needing a business card Notable Quotes: “It wasn’t about the title anymore. It was about where I could make a real difference.” “I may have stepped away from the office, but I haven’t stepped away from helping people.” “The biggest part of the business that I miss are the people.” If you’re wondering what’s on the other side of the hustle… this episode might be your answer.

This isn’t your average mortgage industry chat. In this high-impact episode, Diego Sanchez [https://www.linkedin.com/in/diegoesanchez/], President of HousingWire [https://www.housingwire.com/], joins Fobby for a raw, unfiltered conversation on the real forces shaping the mortgage business in 2025. From AI and servicing dominance to the truth about signing bonuses, nothing is off-limits. Whether you’re a loan officer looking for your edge or a leader planning next year’s strategy—this is the conversation you didn’t know you needed. * Why servicers are positioned to dominate refis —and what that means for retail * How to actually use AI to free up time and drive better borrower engagement * What top executives are privately saying (and doing) that’s shaping the industry * Why signing bonuses are alive and well—even when leaders publicly denounce them * How to leverage local market knowledge as your competitive advantage "One guy told me he’s got an ice cube (servicing pool)—and he’s going to do everything he can to not let it melt. That’s the mindset servicers have now with their portfolios." – Fobby Naghmi “Know your local market better than anyone else. Don’t just repeat national headlines—be the expert your clients and agents trust.” – Diego Sanchez 📍 The Gathering by HousingWire 🗓️ June 8, 2025 📍 The Broadmoor, Colorado Springs A premier event for mortgage + real estate executives. Details → [https://www.housingwire.com]