Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
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Brenda De Souza

Brenda De Souza

Rogers

Summary

Skilled Life Coach and Advisor with 29 years of experience supporting clients in in goal-setting, skill-building and clarity sessions. Versed in communicating effectively and leveraging active listening skills to assess client needs. Personable and direct with focus on guiding clients toward the best possible outcomes.

Overview

30
30
years of professional experience

Work History

Advisor & Life Coach

Self Employed/Contractor
08.2003 - Current
  • Built and maintained relationships with clients to provide ongoing support.
  • Anticipated responses and prepared clear and articulate answers.
  • Developed long-lasting relationships with clients to ensure consistent retention and loyalty.
  • Contributed insights aimed at optimizing company-wide technical processes and procedures for increased efficiency.
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge on industry trends and regulations, ensuring accurate advice was provided to clients at all times.
  • Utilized active listening skills to identify underlying client needs and develop targeted strategies accordingly.
  • Helped clients build life management and coping skills to handle daily needs and specific stressors.
  • Guided clients to overcome limiting beliefs and barriers, resulting in increased self-confidence and personal empowerment.
  • Facilitated group workshops on topics such as perception, communication, and stress reduction, promoting overall wellbeing.
  • Enhanced client self-awareness by conducting personalized assessments and providing insightful feedback.
  • Provided guidance on marketing and sales strategies to help clients reach new customers and increase revenue.
  • Participated in networking events to expand professional connections and attract new clientele.
  • Delivered supportive and knowledgeable counseling to clients with professional, financial, or personal concerns.
  • Assisted clients in exploring and selecting career paths.

Mortgage Loan Officer

Mortgage Depot
08.2002 - 08.2003
  • Maintained high level of customer satisfaction by providing prompt and accurate loan status updates.
  • Enhanced client retention by providing outstanding service throughout the mortgage process, from pre-approval to closing.
  • Assisted customers with completing loan applications and other paperwork.
  • Approved loan applications based on customer creditworthiness and provided detailed financial advice.
  • Assisted clients in selecting correct loan product and terms to meet needs and financial goals.
  • Collaborated with underwriting and processing teams to resolve issues and expedite loan approvals.
  • Analyzed loan applications and credit reports to determine loan eligibility and risk level.
  • Followed up with clients on missing loan documents, providing guidance on best way to complete application process.
  • Delivered timely updates on loan status, communicating proactively with all parties involved in each transaction.
  • Communicated with clients, processing teams and other third parties to achieve prompt loan closings.
  • Participated in industry events and conferences to build relationships and gain market intelligence.
  • Developed extensive network of referral partners to source new mortgage loan opportunities.
  • Increased loan approval rates by efficiently managing pipeline and maintaining strong relationships with borrowers, realtors, and underwriters.
  • Assessed borrowers' financial situations to determine appropriate mortgage products and loan structure.
  • Managed risk effectively by adhering closely to compliance guidelines during all stages of the loan origination process.
  • Developed and implemented marketing campaigns to generate new business opportunities.
  • Customized marketing materials aimed at attracting potential mortgage applicants within specific target markets.
  • Participated in ongoing professional development programs to continuously expand knowledge of the mortgage industry and enhance skills as a loan officer.
  • Negotiated favorable terms on behalf of clients, ensuring their long-term financial success with their mortgage loans.
  • Reviewed loan files and updated to match current standards.
  • Negotiated loan terms and conditions with customers to secure best deal.
  • Maintained a comprehensive knowledge of current industry trends and regulatory changes to provide expert guidance for clients.
  • Developed strong partnerships with local real estate agents to generate consistent referral sources for mortgages.
  • Explained different types of loans pertaining to client situations.
  • Worked with underwriters to fix application problems and resolve issues.
  • Promoted cross-selling opportunities within the organization by identifying additional financial products that would benefit clients beyond their mortgage needs.
  • Monitored portfolio performance and provided clients with periodic updates on loan progress.
  • Developed and maintained relationships with customers, lenders and other third parties.
  • Processed loan applications and monitored progress from start to finish.
  • Obtained copies of applicants' credit histories and reviewed paperwork to determine feasibility of granting loans.
  • Researched and updated industry knowledge on changing legislation and regulations.
  • Explained very technical financial information to applicants in easy to understand language.

Director of Corporate Communications & Training

Whitney Education Group
08.2001 - 06.2002
  • Enhanced company reputation by developing and implementing strategic communication plans.
  • Created and managed internal communication channels to improve employee engagement and morale.
  • Revamped internal newsletters to provide more engaging content which led to better employee understanding of company news.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams for integrated marketing initiatives that drove business growth.
  • Streamlined communication processes, enhancing overall efficiency with all departments.
  • Created and wrote a "no boundaries" policy between corporate departments.
  • Wrote a corporate culture handbook.
  • Streamlined communication processes, enhancing overall efficiency within and between departments.
  • Oversaw preparation of corporate training copy, images, videos, emails, and other training material.
  • Led corporate training workshops.
  • Continually maintained and improved company's reputation and positive image in markets served.

Owner/Consultant

City Max, Inc. & B-28 Properties, Inc.
01.1994 - 08.2001
  • Owned and managed day-to-day business operations of 28 apartments at multiple sites.
  • Oversaw daily operations, ensuring all tasks were completed accurately and efficiently by team members.
  • Developed and maintained strong relationships with clients, resulting in repeat business and referrals.
  • Managed financial aspects of the business, including budgeting, financial reporting, and tax preparation.
  • Consulted with renters to assess needs and propose optimal solutions.
  • Hired trained, and managed a high-performing team of employees dedicated to achieving company goals.
  • Trained and motivated employees for troubled rental properties to perform daily business functions.
  • Implemented marketing strategies to increase brand awareness and attract new customers.
  • Negotiated contracts with suppliers for better pricing and terms, reducing overall costs for the business.
  • Contracted with HUD and Tax Credit management companies to turn around troubled Section 8/Tax Credit properties and bring them back into compliance.
  • Handled problematic customers and clients to assist lower-level employees and maintain excellent customer service.
  • Oversaw and managed $2M+ in rehab project for HUD.

Owner/Consultant/Workshop Instructor

City Max, Inc.
01.1994 - 08.2001
  • Developed and taught the certified A.W.A.R.E.© workshop on a contract for Dakota County in Mary's Shelter for low income women with evictions.
  • Taught landlord-tenant rights and responsibilities.
  • Motivated and guided women to be self sufficient and shift priorities to prevent an eviction.
  • Counseled women one on one and in groups.

Education

No Degree - General Studies

Barry University
Fort Myers, FL

High School Diploma -

North High School
Fargo, ND

Certificate of Completion - Office And Clerical Education

Office Procedures
Fargo, ND

Skills

  • Nuanced problem solving
  • Strong written and verbal communication
  • Relationship building
  • Training and mentoring
  • Workshops and public speaking
  • Proficient computer and typing skills
  • Research abilities
  • Compliance requirements
  • Individual Counseling
  • Policy and procedure improvements
  • Career advising

Timeline

Advisor & Life Coach

Self Employed/Contractor
08.2003 - Current

Mortgage Loan Officer

Mortgage Depot
08.2002 - 08.2003

Director of Corporate Communications & Training

Whitney Education Group
08.2001 - 06.2002

Owner/Consultant

City Max, Inc. & B-28 Properties, Inc.
01.1994 - 08.2001

Owner/Consultant/Workshop Instructor

City Max, Inc.
01.1994 - 08.2001

No Degree - General Studies

Barry University

High School Diploma -

North High School

Certificate of Completion - Office And Clerical Education

Office Procedures
Brenda De Souza