Ep 118: Book Club - Free to Focus

In this episode of the Building Bigger Lives Podcast, Michael Regan and Kathryn Pedersen discuss Michael Hyatt's book "Free to Focus." They explore key concepts from the book, including the importance of stopping to evaluate priorities, protecting energy rather than just time, and using a productivity compass to focus on tasks in the "desire zone." The discussion covers Hyatt's five levels of delegation and the Eisenhower priority matrix as practical tools for leaders to improve focus and productivity. Kathryn shares how implementing these concepts helped her organize her work week and make better use of her energy. The hosts emphasize the book's relevance for reevaluating priorities in the current environment and encourage listeners to consider reducing distractions by managing notifications on their devices.   Michael shares his experience with the book, which he discovered in 2019 after being impressed by Hyatt's previous work on "Living Forward." He found the book valuable for its tactical tools and practical implementation strategies, which he could share with clients. The discussion highlights Michael's positive impression of the book and his plans to incorporate it into his client work and roundtables. Building Bigger Lives Podcast https://www.instagram.com/buildingbiggerlives Contact Coach Michael Regan- www.facebook.com/CoachMichaelRegan www.instagram.com/coachmichaelregan/ www.linkedin.com/in/mregan/ Contact Kathryn Pedersen- http://www.instagram.com/steamboatmortgage

In this episode of the Building Bigger Lives Podcast, Michael and Kathryn preview the upcoming HousingWire Gathering 2026 event in Austin, Texas, scheduled for April 27-30. They discuss their positive experiences from previous years, highlighting the event's unique format where HousingWire journalists focus on drawing out stories from guests rather than typical sales-focused presentations. Key speakers mentioned included Ron from Cross Country Mortgage, who is expected to share insights on recent M&A activity, and Nakia Wright from NAR. The hosts emphasize the event's balanced representation of real estate and lending industry leaders, noting how it provides valuable perspective on long-term strategic thinking rather than quarterly performance. They also discuss the benefits of in-person networking and learning from both CEO-level speakers and high-performing industry professionals. Building Bigger Lives Podcast https://www.instagram.com/buildingbiggerlives Contact Coach Michael Regan- www.facebook.com/CoachMichaelRegan www.instagram.com/coachmichaelregan/ www.linkedin.com/in/mregan/ Contact Kathryn Pedersen- http://www.instagram.com/steamboatmortgage

In this episode of the Building Bigger Lives Podcast, Michael Regan and Kathryn Peterson discuss the distinction between loan officers and mortgage advisors in the housing industry. They explore how titles impact customer perception and the importance of asking thoughtful questions to build trust and provide value beyond transactional services, particularly focusing on the titles "mortgage advisor" and "loan officer." They highlight how these titles impact consumer perception and search behavior, especially in the context of AI-driven queries. The conversation begins by exploring the origins and implications of these titles, with Kathryn sharing her experience working in both banking and independent mortgage settings. The discussion aims to help listeners consider how they position themselves when interacting with consumers, particularly in the context of mid-year planning and script development. The conversation highlights how mortgage advisors focus on long-term relationships, ongoing support, and understanding clients' goals and concerns, differentiating themselves from traditional loan officers who operate more as order-takers. The hosts emphasize that mortgage advisors help clients navigate complex decisions while maintaining professional relationships that can evolve into personal connections, positioning themselves as trusted advisors rather than transaction facilitators. Building Bigger Lives Podcast https://www.instagram.com/buildingbiggerlives Contact Coach Michael Regan- www.facebook.com/CoachMichaelRegan www.instagram.com/coachmichaelregan/ www.linkedin.com/in/mregan/ Contact Kathryn Pedersen- http://www.instagram.com/steamboatmortgage

In this episode, Kathryn Pedersen and Michael Regan discuss client touch points and post-closing experiences in the mortgage industry. Kathryn shares how she received a request from an insurance agent about the systems she uses for client follow-up, which inspired this podcast episode. They explore the importance of maintaining personal connections with clients beyond the initial loan process, including regular check-ins at key milestones like the first payment, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months post-closing. The conversation covers strategies for setting up these touch points early in the client relationship and asking meaningful questions during initial consultations to identify future follow-up topics. Kathryn emphasizes starting small by implementing one or two specific touchpoints at a time rather than overwhelming oneself with multiple new systems, and stresses that these proactive approaches help build long-term client relationships while maintaining a personal touch even during busy periods. Building Bigger Lives Podcast https://www.instagram.com/buildingbiggerlives Contact Coach Michael Regan- www.facebook.com/CoachMichaelRegan www.instagram.com/coachmichaelregan/ www.linkedin.com/in/mregan/ Contact Kathryn Pedersen- http://www.instagram.com/steamboatmortgage

In this episode, Kathryn and Michael discuss four key leadership roles that leaders can play: advisor, trainer, manager, and coach. They explain the differences between these roles, using examples like seeking advice versus training on specific topics like P&L management. The discussion highlights how leaders often default to certain roles based on their natural tendencies and ego, but emphasizes the importance of being able to adapt and use all four approaches appropriately. Kathryn notes that leaders should be clear about which role they are playing and consider asking team members what they need in specific situations. Michael stresses that while all four roles have strengths, leaders should avoid getting stuck in one approach and should balance different leadership styles to build trust and develop their team's capabilities, by effectively connecting with those they lead. Building Bigger Lives Podcast https://www.instagram.com/buildingbiggerlives Contact Coach Michael Regan- www.facebook.com/CoachMichaelRegan www.instagram.com/coachmichaelregan/ www.linkedin.com/in/mregan/ Contact Kathryn Pedersen- http://www.instagram.com/steamboatmortgage

In this week's episode of the Building Bigger Lives Podcast, Kathryn and Michael discuss creating predictable performance in an unpredictable housing market. They explore how leaders can develop flexible systems and manage teams through change by focusing on controllable factors like attitude, cross-training, and backup plans. Michael emphasizes the importance of having a growth mindset and preparing contingencies from the start, while Kathryn highlights the need to consider both predictable volume and profit. They discuss common reactions to market volatility, including fight, flight, and freeze responses, and stress the critical role of maintaining a positive attitude despite external challenges. Michael emphasizes coaching people to develop skills and mindset to adapt to changing conditions, using the metaphor of a sailor adjusting sails rather than blaming the wind. The conversation concludes with encouragement for leaders to take responsibility for their decisions and design effective systems based on a growth mindset. Building Bigger Lives Podcast https://www.instagram.com/buildingbiggerlives Contact Coach Michael Regan- www.facebook.com/CoachMichaelRegan www.instagram.com/coachmichaelregan/ www.linkedin.com/in/mregan/ Contact Kathryn Pedersen- http://www.instagram.com/steamboatmortgage

This episode focuses on the impact of AI in the housing industry, specifically in mortgage underwriting, following Better's announcement of automating the process in 47 seconds without human intervention. Michael and Kathryn discuss the implications of AI on job roles, emphasizing speed and efficiency improvements while addressing concerns about job displacement. They explore how AI could free up time for more complex problem-solving and client interaction, encouraging professionals to leverage AI to enhance their skills and career growth. The conversation highlights the need to adapt to technological advancements while maintaining focus on areas that AI cannot replace, such as human relationships and complex decision-making. Building Bigger Lives Podcast https://www.instagram.com/buildingbiggerlives Contact Coach Michael Regan- www.facebook.com/CoachMichaelRegan www.instagram.com/coachmichaelregan/ www.linkedin.com/in/mregan/ Contact Kathryn Pedersen- http://www.instagram.com/steamboatmortgage

In this episode of The Building Bigger Lives Podcast, Michael and Kathryn discuss the concept of "essentialism" and the importance of slowing down to think and make meaningful decisions. The idea originates in the book "Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less" by Greg McKeown.    Essentialism emphasizes the importance of simplicity and clarity in communication. Kathryn and Michael explore how people often go beyond what is necessary, either through excessive preparation or detailed explanations, which can obscure the core message. The conversation touches on the need to distinguish between tasks that require extra effort and those that simply need clarity. They also discuss how simplicity can lead to freedom and efficiency, both in personal and professional settings. The key takeaways included the importance of self-reflection to streamline processes and the concept of going the "essential mile" rather than the "extra mile." Building Bigger Lives Podcast https://www.instagram.com/buildingbiggerlives Contact Coach Michael Regan- www.facebook.com/CoachMichaelRegan www.instagram.com/coachmichaelregan/ www.linkedin.com/in/mregan/ Contact Kathryn Pedersen- http://www.instagram.com/steamboatmortgage

[This episode serves as a follow-up to last week's episode 109: "Are You Caught in the Drift?" offering a more industry-specific perspective on navigating career changes in real estate and mortgage sectors.] In this episode of The Building Bigger Lives Podcast, Kathryn and Michael discuss the concept of career drift, particularly in the mortgage and real estate industries. They explore how professionals in these fields might unintentionally drift away from their original passions and goals, often due to a lack of growth or adaptation to changing market conditions. Michael shares his personal experience of transitioning from loan origination to coaching, emphasizing the importance of having a clear "why" when considering career changes. Kathryn and Michael also highlight the distinction between burnout and drift, with burnout being an active, often recognizable struggle, while drift is a more passive and unintentional decline. They encourage listeners to reflect on their career paths, seek new challenges, and avoid making irreversible decisions without careful consideration. The episode concludes with a reminder that it's never too late to address career drift and pursue new opportunities. Building Bigger Lives Podcast https://www.instagram.com/buildingbiggerlives Contact Coach Michael Regan- www.facebook.com/CoachMichaelRegan www.instagram.com/coachmichaelregan/ www.linkedin.com/in/mregan/ Contact Kathryn Pedersen- http://www.instagram.com/steamboatmortgage

Michael and Kathryn discuss the concept of "the drift" in this episode of Building Bigger Lives, exploring how it can affect both personal and professional life. They explain that the drift occurs when individuals lose their sense of direction or purpose, often due to a combination of complacency and unnoticed gradual changes. Michael shares examples of how the drift can manifest in various aspects of life, such as career progression, personal health, and relationships. He emphasizes the importance of setting clear goals and regularly evaluating one's progress to prevent getting caught in the drift. Kathryn suggests that small, incremental changes in routine or social circles can help individuals stay on track. The hosts also discuss strategies for recognizing and addressing the drift in others, advocating for empathy and support rather than criticism. They conclude by encouraging listeners to tune in for a future episode focused specifically on how the drift affects those in the housing industry. Building Bigger Lives Podcast https://www.instagram.com/buildingbiggerlives Contact Coach Michael Regan- www.facebook.com/CoachMichaelRegan www.instagram.com/coachmichaelregan/ www.linkedin.com/in/mregan/ Contact Kathryn Pedersen- http://www.instagram.com/steamboatmortgage