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TH E M R EP O RT | 13 are lowering costs for lenders and enabling them to pro- cess single-family mortgages more quickly with stronger safeguards, while also expanding into new markets. Technology will continue to be a catalyst for change and improvement in the mortgage industry, and Freddie Mac is helping lead that charge. M // This month we are turning a spotlight on diversity and inclusion in the industry. What has your experience been rising in the mortgage industry? EL-LAKANY // When I came to this country, I had a strong desire to be successful in the business world. I also instinctively understood how important it was to advocate for women's equality, in business and other- wise. I began my career at the Women's Environment & Development Organization (WEDO), which only reinforced that drive to make sure women were able to have successful and equitable careers. As I moved into the finance world, which is historically a male-driven industry, it became very apparent that there was a gap in women leadership in many of these companies. I've had experience with many leadership styles over the years, and one of the most important things I've learned is that women don't need to take on a male persona to be a successful leader. Being authentic and focusing on your strengths is key to being a good leader. I've also had the benefit of having amazing mentors, both male and female, over the years who've taught me how— and how not—to lead effectively. M // How does Freddie Mac strive to promote diversity of talent? EL-LAKANY // Part of why I chose to join Freddie Mac is because as I've taken on more leadership roles, my goals have shifted to helping other women succeed. This year, we've launched an important initiative geared to helping advance women in the mortgage industry, #LeadingtheWay, to which our leadership has expressed a strong commitment. "When I came to this country, I had a strong desire to be successful in the business world. I also instinctively understood how important it was to advocate for women's equality, in business and otherwise." FROM THE SOURCE READ THIS: THE CEO NEXT DOOR: THE 4 BEHAVIORS THAT TRANSFORM ORDINARY PEOPLE INTO WORLD- CLASS LEADERS By Elena L. Botelho and Kim R. Powell "The CEO Next Door," written by Elena L. Botelho and Kim R. Powell, is based upon the research of The CEO Genome, an in-depth analysis of over 2,600 leaders from a pool of 17,000 CEOs and c-suite executive assessments, which was featured in the May-June 2017 issue of Harvard Business Review. This book aims to overturn the myths many still believe about what it takes to become a CEO, and how we can apply the truth to our own lives and careers. SHARE THIS: COPYBLOGGER FM Content is king no matter what industry your business operates in. Copyblogger FM, a weekly podcast produced by RainMaker. FM, and hosted by Sonia Simone, aims its sights on specific aspects of marketing in its weekly, short-form broadcast. Joined by a "cast of rotating experts," Simone analyzes the week in content and email marketing, copywriting, conversion optimization, mindset, and much more. You can check them out on iTunes or online at Rainmaker.fm. WATCH THIS: 'HUD SECRETARY BEN CARSON ON THE FAIR HOUSING ACT' ON 'HUDCHANNEL,' YOUTUBE HUD Secretary Dr. Benjamin Carson spoke on the department's Youtube channel, 'HUDchannel,' about his experiences with economically induced segregation in his childhood, and his recollection of the passing of the Fair Housing Act in 1968, in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the law. "I grew up obviously in poor areas that were segregated, maybe not by law but certainly by fact. I certainly remember as a youngster lots of conversations where the adults were talking about prejudice and why they couldn't live in one area versus another area, but I also remember as a teenager being excited when the fair housing act was passed." Carson goes on to emphasize the meaning of fairness and its importance that this standard is upheld with the continued progress of the HUD department, as well as the impact of Dr. Martin Luther King on the passing of this legislation. TWEET THIS: @MRCOOPER Have you updated your follower list? Mr. Cooper, formerly Nationstar Mortgage, is "changing the face of home loans" with a company facelift they enacted late last year. Make the switch on your social media accounts to their new name, @mrcooper, or by checking out #WeAreMrCooper to keep up with their announcements on new digital mortgage tools.