Assert Yourself

BY JILLY MacDOWELL

Valerie Saunders may be the only mortgage broker to enter the profession via a Masters in Historical Administration. The Eastern Illinois University graduate has put that education – which included fiscal management, volunteer and fundraising – to excellent use in her many years at NAMB.

Currently NAMB's President-Elect, Saunders is also the chair of NAMB's Conference and Delegate Committees. Saunders was selected for the NAMB board back in 2010 and rolled her sleeves up immediately.

“I've always been that person that volunteered," she says, reflecting on her tenure as a “teacher's assistant” at age 10. “I wasn't being utilized (as a NAMB board member) so I tried to resign. They wouldn't let me.”

So she became Super Volunteer, working alongside past president Harry Denham for nearly a decade to build namb.org and establish NAMB's education webinars, among many other projects. She doesn't mind admitting her mantra is “step aside and let me do this.”

Saunders reflected on her leadership experiences at a recent Inspire women's mentoring group meeting. Inspire meets virtually every second Tuesday to uplift women in business.

“First of all, I don't think there has ever been a man that's been asked about assertiveness in leadership,” she started, grinning. She talked about the disconnect in how men & women express their feelings or opinions and reminded us that speaking up is a good thing.

“I value the relationships that I have with women in the industry and, while we've come a long way, we have a long way to go. NC

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Val’s Assertions

AUTHENTICITY: If you don't take this opportunity, someone else will. Always start a discussion with the end in mind – with your clients, boss & peers.

WIN/WIN: Both you & the other person involved understand your feelings. Give friendly advice and embrace any feedback.

KEEP LEARNING: Find a role model from a different level of experience. You'll be amazed what you can learn from each other.

SPEAK UP: Resolve conflicts. Demonstrate the power to be the one to do this. Why not you?

KNOW WHEN TO QUIT: End relationships that are not working. It's OK to move on to a new position or department. Don't go home miserable each night.