Fisher says real change will happen when women are leading major initiatives, not just figureheads
The journey for women in the mortgage industry up the ladder to the executive level has been a slow, steady climb.
While women have nearly equaled men in the broker community and have exceeded them in the back office, executive positions are still hard to come by.
But it’s not just getting to the executive level that proves challenging for women. Women who have broken through the glass ceiling have often found their executive roles to be more figurehead than transformative. Others have discovered the “glass cliff,” or a situation when they’re put in charge of a slumping business, making the chances for success much smaller.
For one mortgage executive, it is important to celebrate the progress made while also making it clear that there is still work to be done.
Katie Fisher (pictured top), EVP of broker strategy & advocacy with Rocket Pro, said it is critical for women to have a path toward meaningful executive roles in companies.
“We’ve definitely made progress when it comes to visibility,” Fisher told Mortgage Professional America. “There are more women on stages, in the media, and at the table than ever before. That matters because representation shapes what people believe is possible. But visibility alone isn’t enough. Real progress happens when women aren’t just seen as figureheads, but have meaningful opportunities to influence strategy, drive growth, and lead major initiatives.
“The glass ceiling is shifting, but the glass cliff is still very real in our industry. The talent is there. The next step is ensuring women have real pathways to authority and impact. Until we see more women in positions where they shape the future of our industry, our work isn’t done.”
Making real change
The statistics showing the increasing participation of women in the mortgage industry are an encouraging sign. However, Fisher said the focus needs to go beyond the numbers and to the impact women can have.
“If we’re serious about progress, we need to look beyond participation and focus on outcomes,” Fisher said. “How many women are truly building, leading, and shaping this industry? But getting there is not a solo journey. We have to create more pathways, intentionally open doors, and reach back to support those coming up behind us.
“Celebrating each other’s wins and sharing resources, mentorship, and opportunities are what will move us all forward, together. Real change comes when we lift as we climb.”
The wholesale mortgage sector has helped women avoid some of the roadblocks that can be present within a large banking institution. It’s not a guaranteed success path, but it does present the opportunity for success.
“The wholesale channel removes many of the structural limitations that exist in more traditional models,” Fisher said. “When you control your business, you effectively remove the ceiling. Your growth is defined by your effort and vision, not someone else’s limits. It doesn’t guarantee success, but it creates an environment where results drive opportunity. That’s what opens the door for more women to build and scale on their own terms.”
‘Don’t wait for permission’
Fisher said the first piece of advice she would give women starting in the mortgage industry is to be unafraid to push forward aggressively.
“Operate like a business owner from day one,” she said. “Not eventually — immediately. Learn the ins and outs of this business deeply. And don’t wait for permission. This industry does not reward hesitation. The people who win are the ones who decide they’re going to build something and then go do it. As we like to say at Rocket, ‘Innovation is celebrated, but execution is worshipped.’”
Education is important for every broker. However, Fisher said those who master the mortgage business will be able to open their own doors as they move through their career.
“Confidence comes from competence,” she said. “Master the business, and you won’t need to ask for a seat at the table. You have a responsibility to learn from every person around you. Those who have reached the success you want to emulate, those who behave in ways you would never replicate, and everyone in between. Information around you will shape how you think. Make sure you are learning in every environment.”
As one of the most respected figures in the industry, male or female, Fisher said that while being looked up to is meaningful, visibility in an executive role is only part of the equation.
“It means a lot,” she said. “Being visible matters but, to me, it’s really just the starting point. When you see someone like you at a certain level, it becomes possible in your mind, too. But what really changes outcomes is access and opportunity. If we want real progress, we need more women not only seen, but actively making decisions, driving results, and building businesses. It’s about opening the door wider for the next women leaders, not just being present in the conversation.”
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This article is part of our Monthly Spotlight series, which in April focuses on women in mortgage. Full coverage can be found here.
