In this inspiring and refreshingly candid conversation, we step into the shoes of Mariana Martinez, a student-athlete turned mortgage industry insider, whose career journey began as an intern at Easy Mortgage App and evolved into a pivotal role managing operations for the Mike’d Up Show. Born in Mexico and thriving at Texas Christian University, Mariana didn’t follow the typical corporate ladder — she leapt into the deep end of a bootstrap tech startup and learned to swim fast. From navigating the uncertainty of her first internship to balancing athletics, academics, and professional responsibilities, Mariana shares the real, unfiltered experiences of a Gen Z professional entering an industry often associated with older generations. She opens up about the cultural adjustments, mindset shifts, and personal growth moments that shaped her journey — from overcoming a devastating athletic injury to learning how to thrive under the leadership of driven, unconventional mentors. Listeners will hear Mariana’s perspective on: Taking risks early — saying “yes” before you’re ready and growing into the role. The pros and cons of working in a fast-moving, high-expectation startup vs. a traditional internship. Lessons from athletics that translate to mortgage teams — teamwork, resilience, and handling change. Communicating with industry titans as a young professional without letting the titles intimidate you. What Gen Z looks for in mortgage companies — and how leaders can make their organizations attractive to the next wave of high performers. Leveraging internships as a launchpad for confidence, career clarity, and even graduate school. This episode is more than a career story — it’s a guide for leaders who want to connect with young talent, for students wondering how to break into competitive industries, and for anyone who believes fresh perspectives are the fuel for innovation. Sponsors Mortgage Connect – A national mortgage services provider offering a full suite of solutions for the mortgage, finance, and real estate industries. Learn more: https://www.mortgageconnectlp.com Aidium – A next-generation CRM platform built for mortgage professionals, designed to streamline workflows, nurture leads, and close more loans. Learn more: https://www.thinkaidium.com Floify – The leading point-of-sale solution that simplifies the mortgage process for lenders, borrowers, and real estate agents through secure document management and automated workflows. Learn more: https://www.floify.com