Women in Mortgage Spotlight
Shannon Kaufman
SVP, Division Leader · US Mortgage Corporation
“Our value is what we decide.”
For Shannon, leadership means staying close, listening, and helping her team move forward with confidence. She shares the routines that make her available to others, her belief in women’s potential, and why success begins with inner peace and satisfaction.
How did you find your way into the mortgage industry?
Purely by accident! At 21, a girlfriend asked if I wanted a job helping her process streamline refinances. I wasn’t working at the time, so I thought, “Why not?” I jumped in, and that was the beginning of a career that started 36 years ago. From junior processor, I moved into roles as a production coordinator, operations manager, production manager, and VP of production, with each role leading to the next. What began as a chance to help a friend turned into a career I never could have imagined at 21.
How do you lead someone through a difficult season?
Provide unwavering support and motivation. Stay close, be available to listen, and help strategize for different outcomes. Sometimes just knowing they have someone they can lean on makes a difference. I want them to feel supported as we work through the challenges and figure out the next steps together.
What would you tell your younger self about the leader she would become?
Keep pushing. Things will always work out, maybe not exactly how you want or when you want, but it always manifests for the best for all involved. Trust the process and give yourself grace along the way. Breathe. It will be okay.
What part of your story do you hope inspires other women?
Women can be just as strong and earn as much as, if not more than, a man. Our value is what we decide. Believe in yourself, recognize what you bring to the table, and don’t let someone else’s expectations determine what you can accomplish.
What’s one habit or routine that’s been key to your success as a leader?
I wake up by 5 a.m. every morning so I can start work earlier than my team. This allows me to get through most of my personal workload so I’m more accessible to the team throughout the workday. Getting that head start gives me more time to be available when someone needs support, guidance, or a conversation.
How do you help your team stay motivated during challenging times?
Being present, providing support, and offering positive affirmation. I don’t allow negativity to take over because it spreads like wildfire. That doesn’t mean we ignore the challenges. We talk through them, support each other, and keep our focus on what we can do to move forward.
Describe your leadership style in three words.
Supportive, honest, and effective. I’m here to support my team, be honest with them even when the conversation is difficult, and help them find solutions that lead to results.
How do you define success, for yourself and for your team?
I would define success as inner peace and satisfaction. It’s knowing you’ve given your best and feeling good about the work you’ve done and how you’ve treated people along the way. For myself and my team, I want success to feel fulfilling both professionally and personally.