24 | Inside Catalyst with Shayla: My Playbook For Hiring A Rockstar Team

Drowning in leads but struggling to hire help? You’re not alone — and I’ve got your roadmap! Hey there, Rainmakers! In this episode, I’m diving into a powerful office hours convo where Rox — a solo-producing loan broker getting 20–30 referrals a week — asks the million-dollar question: How do I hire the right support without repeating past mistakes? She’s tried VAs, bank referrals, even recruiting agencies... but nothing’s stuck. And I get it — the hiring game can feel like a revolving door of frustration. That’s why I break it all down: how to find your lead admin, what to look for (hint: smart, charming, competitive), and why investing in someone’s growth path is the only way to build a ride-or-die team. I also share a sneak peek at what I’m teaching at Slay with Shay this September — my complete playbook for hiring, onboarding, and leading a high-performing team that lets you finally breathe. 💡 Key Takeaways: You’re not too early — you’re probably late if you're overwhelmed by leads. The right hire often has zero mortgage experience — but tons of character and hunger. Think long-term: hire for who they’ll become, not just who they are today. The 3 personality traits I look for that form ‘The Golden Combo’ Pitch the job like a 2-year business school — because that’s what it is. Love who you hire — because when sh*t hits the fan (and it will), that’s what keeps you patient! If you liked what you heard, leave me a five-star review and tell me what hit home for you! PLUS—if you’re done chasing the next shiny idea and want real, proven strategies that actually move the needle, then it’s time to join my free weekly newsletter, Rainmaker Insider . Every week, I share one key lesson from my billion-dollar career in mortgage lending—from sales psychology and leadership to mindset and systems that create true freedom. No fluff. Just real-world insights that help you close more deals and lead with confidence. Subscribe now at shaylagifford.com and start leading like the Rainmaker you’re meant to be! Connect with Shayla: Shayla on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shaygiff/ Shayla on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shayla-gifford-3019396/ Show Links: Shayla's Website: https://shaylagifford.com/ The Mortgage Rainmaker Podcast: https://shaylagifford.com/podcast/ The Catalyst Coaching Community: https://shaylagifford.com/catalyst/ Guild Mortgage: https://www.guildmortgage.com/