Grab Your Keys

Grab Your Keys

by Sue Meitner
EntrepreneurshipCareersSelf-Improvement
She Didn’t Plan This Career… And It Changed Everything with Laura Hopkins
In this episode of Grab Your Keys, Sue sits down with Laura Hopkins, SVP of Membership, Empower, and Meetings at the Mortgage Bankers Association. Laura shares how an unexpected life transition led her into the mortgage industry, and how she turned a challenging chapter into a powerful career path. From rebuilding after divorce to rising into leadership, this conversation is all about resilience, reinvention, and the relationships that shape success.
E111
Jun 12, 2026
25:48
Great Leaders Ask Better Questions with Karen Caplan
In this episode of Grab Your Keys, Sue sits down with executive coach Karen Caplan to talk about what truly makes great leaders stand out. From asking better questions to building stronger relationships, Karen shares how coaching transforms growth, both personally and professionally. This conversation is packed with insight on leadership, mindset, and the power of surrounding yourself with the right people.
E110
May 29, 2026
30:40
The Power of Showing Up Before You Feel Ready with Stephanie Medlock
In this episode of Grab Your Keys, Sue sits down with Stephanie Medlock to talk about the mindset behind real success in real estate. Stephanie shares how confidence is built through action, not perfection, and why showing up consistently is what separates those who grow from those who stall. This conversation is all about pushing past doubt, owning your space, and building a business that lasts.
E109
May 15, 2026
27:25
Why Career Pivots Can Lead to Success in Real Estate & Lending with Rachel Lester
In this episode of Grab Your Keys, Sue sits down with Rachel Lester to talk about her unexpected journey into the mortgage industry. With a background in economic development, Rachel shares how a side interest in real estate turned into a full career pivot. She dives into the power of staying open to opportunity, leveraging your past experience, and trusting the path—even when it doesn’t go as planned.
E108
May 1, 2026
20:31
“Say Yes- and Figure It Out Later: From Passion to Profitable Business” with Kim Billingsley
In this episode of Grab Your Keys, Sue sits down with entrepreneur and photographer Kim Billingsley to talk about turning passion into a profitable, long-lasting business. Kim shares how saying yes created a 25+ year career, the power of authentic connection, and how to build a business through relationships. From confidence and personal branding to balancing life and work, this episode is a reminder that success starts with taking action and trusting your instincts.
E107
Apr 17, 2026
25:00
“The Mortgage Industry Needs More Women Supporting Women.” - Meghan Golden
In this episode of Grab Your Keys, Sue sits down with Meghan Golden, a passionate advocate for leadership, connection, and supporting women in the mortgage industry. Meghan shares her journey in the business and the lessons she’s learned about growth, resilience, and stepping outside of your comfort zone. From building confidence early in your career to finding the courage to take on new opportunities, she reflects on the mindset shifts that help professionals move forward — even when the path isn’t always clear. The conversation also dives into the importance of community in the mortgage industry, especially the role women play in supporting and lifting each other up. Meghan shares why collaboration, mentorship, and showing up consistently matter more than having all the answers. Whether you're new to the industry or years into your career, this episode is a reminder that leadership is built through relationships, courage, and a willingness to keep learning. It’s an honest conversation about growth, leadership, and the power of women supporting women in mortgage.
E106
Apr 3, 2026
26:11
“Choose Your Life — Otherwise It Will Choose You.” with Athena Pena
In this powerful episode of Grab Your Keys, Sue sits down with Athena Pena for a conversation about leadership, faith, resilience, and what it truly takes to succeed in the mortgage industry. Athena shares the mindset shifts that shaped her career, the challenges that strengthened her, and why “choose your life — otherwise it will choose you” is more than just a quote — it’s a daily decision. From navigating pressure to leading with integrity, she opens up about the discipline, faith, and human connection that drive lasting success. This episode is for anyone building a business, leading a team, or stepping into their next level. If you’ve ever felt the weight of responsibility while trying to grow, this conversation will remind you that clarity, consistency, and courage always win. Press play and grab your keys. 🔑
E105
Mar 20, 2026
25:25
“If You Cannot Be Adaptable, You Will Not Survive in Any Industry” – Colleen DiFabio
In this episode of Grab Your Keys, Sue sits down with Colleen DiFabio, entrepreneur, connector, and founder of BI3 Careers, for a conversation about what truly sustains long-term success. Colleen didn’t start with a grand plan — she started with a desire for flexibility as a stay-at-home mom. What she built from there became a thriving business rooted in three non-negotiables: consistency, positivity, and adaptability. She shares why keeping your word builds trust, how optimism shapes outcomes, and why adaptability isn’t just helpful — it’s essential for survival in today’s ever-evolving industries. This episode dives into leadership, resilience, navigating change, and building a reputation that stands the test of time. Whether you’re growing a business, leading a team, or stepping into a new season, Colleen’s perspective will challenge you to evaluate how you show up — especially when things shift. If you’re looking for practical wisdom grounded in real experience, this conversation delivers.
E104
Mar 6, 2026
24:06
Take the Risk: The Leadership Lessons That Built Empower with Marcia Davies
In this episode of Grab Your Keys, Sue sits down with Marcia Davies — longtime mortgage industry leader and founder of MBA’s Empower initiative — to talk about leadership, risk, relationships, and legacy. After a career spanning Freddie Mac, government service, and the Mortgage Bankers Association, Marcia reflects on what it really takes to build influence and leave an organization better than you found it. She shares her three keys to success: being willing to take risks, treating people the way you want to be treated, and putting “deposits in the relationship bank.” From succession planning to delegation, from empowering women in mortgage to navigating AI’s growing impact on the industry, this conversation is filled with wisdom for leaders at every stage. Whether you’re building a business, leading a team, or reinventing yourself, Marcia’s insights will challenge you to grow with courage, integrity, and intention. This is a powerful conversation about leadership that lasts.
E103
Feb 20, 2026
29:10
You Can’t Lead Others If You Can’t Lead Yourself” — Radical Self-Awareness with Kelly Meerbott
In this episode of Grab Your Keys, host Sue Meitner sits down with Kelly Meerbott, CEO of The Aletheia Group, to explore what it truly means to lead with integrity, empathy, and radical self-awareness. Kelly shares her inspiring journey from corporate layoffs to building a coaching empire — helping entrepreneurs, executives, and coaches unlock their full potential. She opens up about resilience, negotiating your worth, empowering women to retire their husbands, and the importance of doing what you say you’ll do, even when no one’s watching. If you’ve ever felt burned out, disconnected, or unsure of your next step as a leader, this episode will remind you that the best leaders know themselves first. ✨ Tune in for real talk about leadership, healing, empowerment, and the truth behind building a meaningful career.
E102
Nov 21, 2025
28:56
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