Feature Spotlight #85 - Brandy Kirby

Creating Space at the Table & Building Women Up

There are leaders who manage people, and then there are leaders who transform people.

Brandy Kirby has spent more than three decades doing exactly that. Throughout her 36-year career in title and escrow, she has become known not only for her expertise, but for her unwavering belief that success grows when women support women.

Based in Phoenix, Arizona, Brandy serves as Executive Vice President of Escrow Administration at Clear Title Agency, where she combines operational leadership with something far more meaningful: helping others discover their own strength, confidence, and voice.

 "There is room at the table for everyone. Celebrate each other."

That philosophy isn't just something Brandy says. It is how she leads every day.

From Receptionist to Executive Leadership

Like many title professionals, Brandy's journey began unexpectedly. After moving to Arizona in 1990, her very first job was working as a receptionist at John Hall and Associates. Three months later, she was recruited by Fidelity, launching what would become a remarkable career spanning more than three decades. "The rest is history."

What started as an entry-level opportunity evolved into a lifelong passion for helping people navigate one of the most important moments of their lives.

As an Escrow Officer, Brandy loved helping first-time homebuyers achieve their dreams and solving complex challenges that seemed impossible to overcome. Today, while her role has expanded into executive leadership, that passion remains. The difference is that now, her focus has expanded beyond clients to include the women she leads and mentors every day.

Making Dreams Come True & Building Future Leaders

Brandy believes escrow is about much more than documents and deadlines; It is about helping people achieve life-changing milestones. It is about finding solutions when obstacles arise. It is about creating calm during stressful moments.

But over the years, her greatest passion has become empowering the women around her.

She works tirelessly to help women recognize their strengths, develop confidence in their abilities, and understand that success is not a limited resource.

"Empowering women to stand up and be counted is one of the most rewarding parts of my role."

Her mission is simple: remove the noise that comes from insecurity and replace it with support, collaboration, and confidence.

The Mentor Who Changed Everything.

One of the most surprising parts of Brandy's story is that her greatest mentor wasn't a woman at all. In fact, her first several years in escrow were spent working under two leaders whose environments were often toxic and discouraging. It wasn't until Jim Clifford entered her life that everything changed.

Jim taught Brandy a lesson that would forever shape her leadership philosophy.

"We all have our own talents. When we work together and call on each other's strengths, we create something greater than any one person could achieve alone."

No competition.

No ego.

No holding others back.

Just support, respect, and teamwork.

Thirty-five years later, Jim remains her mentor, trusted advisor, best friend, and one of the most important influences in her life.

Breaking the Cycle

Brandy believes one of the biggest obstacles women encounter can sometimes be other women. Instead of allowing that reality to discourage her, she has dedicated much of her career to changing it.

Through mentorship, coaching, and leading by example, Brandy helps women move beyond comparison and competition so they can truly celebrate one another's successes.

"The biggest lesson I learned was how to help women let go of their egos and genuinely support one another."

Advice for the Next Generation

Brandy's advice for women entering title today is both simple and profound.

"Don't lose yourself."

She encourages women to stay open to growth, embrace failure as part of the process, and allow themselves to evolve into the person they are meant to become.

Success isn't about becoming someone else.

It's about becoming more fully yourself.

Her Why: The Women Beside Her

Brandy's motivation comes from the incredible women she works alongside every day.

She describes them as the most supportive group of women she has ever known.

Together they celebrate victories, weather storms, and remind one another that no challenge has to be faced alone. "We help each other through every storm."

That sense of community continues to fuel her passion and purpose.

A Lifelong Student of Leadership

Brandy is an avid learner who believes leadership requires constant growth.

Books like Winning by Jack Welch, Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg, Tribal Leadership, and The Four Agreements have helped shape her leadership philosophy. In fact, she has read The Four Agreements seven times!

She also draws inspiration from thought leaders such as Simon Sinek, Mel Robbins, and Sebastian Enges, whose teachings reinforce the importance of personal growth, self-awareness, and intentional leadership.

Leading with Kindness & Emotional Intelligence

One of Brandy's greatest strengths is her ability to remain calm when others are not.

Her approach to conflict is refreshingly straightforward:

"Be kind. Stick to the facts. Don't take it personally."

Rather than matching the energy of hostile people, she focuses on solutions and clarity.

This mindset stems from one of the most valuable skills she has mastered throughout her career: emotional intelligence.

The ability to separate emotion from the problem allows her to lead with perspective, help others navigate challenges, and make thoughtful decisions even under pressure.

Grit, Family & a Military Mindset

Brandy credits much of her resilience to her upbringing as a military child. Frequent moves taught her how to adapt quickly, embrace change, and thrive in unfamiliar situations.

She often says her father gave her grit, while her mother gave her endurance, independence, charm, wit, and winning personality.

And judging by anyone who knows Brandy, she'd tell you her mother absolutely succeeded.

"My father gave me grit. My mother gave me endurance and independent thinking."

Those lessons continue to influence how she approaches leadership and life.

The Village That Keeps Her Grounded

Family has always been at the center of Brandy's life. She followed her sister to Arizona because she couldn't imagine living far away from her. Leaving her father behind was one of the hardest decisions she ever made.

Today, her village includes family, lifelong friends, colleagues, and the people she has worked alongside for decades. Many of those relationships began in the workplace and evolved into friendships that have stood the test of time.

That sense of connection and belonging is something she treasures deeply.

"My village is made up of family and best friends who became family."

Life Beyond the Closing Table

Outside of work, Brandy's greatest joy is her three-year-old granddaughter. Time with her daughter and granddaughter fills her cup and reminds her what matters most.

She is also passionate about travel, music, and yoga, which help her stay centered and connected to herself.

Her first concert was Rick Springfield at the Air Force Academy in the 1980s, a memory she still smiles about today.

Nothing That Can't Be Fixed

If there is one phrase that perfectly captures Brandy's approach to leadership and life, it is this: "There's nothing that can't be fixed."

That mindset has carried her through challenges, setbacks, difficult conversations, and major transitions. It reflects her optimism, resilience, and unwavering belief that solutions always exist when people work together.

Building a Legacy of Confidence & Collaboration

For Brandy, legacy is not measured by position or recognition, but by people. She hopes to leave behind an environment where individuals felt safe to learn, confident to lead, and empowered to become the best versions of themselves.

An environment where confidence replaced fear.

Where competence was nurtured.

Where teamwork mattered more than ego.

One accomplishment she is particularly proud of is creating a safe place for women to land during difficult seasons while helping them achieve meaningful goals together.

"No egos. All teamwork." That simple phrase may be the perfect summary of her leadership legacy.

A Final Word to the Women of Her.Collective

Brandy leaves the women of Her.Collective with a message that perfectly reflects her heart:

"Trust your judgment. Speak up in meetings. Seek mentorship and lift others as you rise."

Your perspective matters.

Your voice matters.

And this industry needs your leadership today more than ever.

We are honored to celebrate Brandy Kirby as this week's Her.Collective Spotlight. A leader, mentor, and champion for women whose impact continues to ripple across our industry one relationship at a time.

*Connect with Brandy: bkirby@cleartitleaz.com I LinkedIn I Facebook

Feature Spotlight #84 - Brandi Gill

Courage, Connections, and the Power of Showing Up

Some people find their niche early. Others discover it through unexpected twists and turns. For Brandi Gill, a 17-year journey through mortgage lending, title, technology, and fiduciary banking has been fueled by one constant: relationships.

Based in Paradise Valley, Arizona, Brandi serves as Vice President of Fiduciary Banking at Capital Bank, where she combines decades of industry experience with a passion for helping clients succeed. While banking may be her title today, her true expertise lies in building trust, creating connections, and helping businesses grow through meaningful partnerships.

“I'm passionate about creating real impact in the mortgage and fiduciary banking space,” Brandi shares. “For me, it has never been about simply selling products. It’s about helping people solve problems, protect their businesses, and succeed.”

Falling in Love with a Different Side of the Industry

Brandi’s career began on the mortgage side of the business, where she spent years immersed in lending before the Great Financial Crisis changed everything. Like many industry professionals, she found herself adapting to a rapidly changing landscape. After spending a short time outside the industry with Cisco Systems, she realized something important. “This industry was where my passion truly lived,” she says.

That realization led her to work alongside industry leader Cheri Kluft at LSI, now Atlas Title, where she discovered an entirely new side of the business. “It allowed me to maintain the relationships I had built throughout my career while serving clients in a whole new way,” Brandi explains.

What she found was a perfect blend of relationship-building, industry expertise, and service.

And she’s been building on that foundation ever since.

The Mentor Who Shaped Her Leadership

When Brandi reflects on the women who influenced her career, one name rises immediately to the top - Cheri Kluft. “Cheri taught me how to truly manage relationships while representing my company in a way that was meaningful to both my customers and the firm,” Brandi says.

More than anything, Cheri demonstrated the value of trust, long-term partnerships, and delivering genuine value beyond the transaction. Those lessons continue to shape Brandi’s approach to leadership and client relationships today.

Earning a Seat at the Table

Throughout her career, Brandi has witnessed the evolution of women’s roles in mortgage, title, and banking. “Women have historically been underrepresented in this industry,” she says. Rather than allowing that reality to limit her, Brandi learned how to confidently earn a seat at the table.

Through perseverance, experience, and relationship-building, she developed the ability to communicate with confidence and clarity while ensuring her voice was heard and respected.

It’s a lesson she now shares with the next generation.

The Strength of Her Village

Brandi is quick to acknowledge that no successful career is built alone.

Professionally, she credits the incredible support of her team, including Angela Saiz, Tony Carroll, and her leader, Patrick Van Der Ham. “There's a culture of teamwork, trust, and mutual respect that makes us successful every day.”

Personally, she credits her husband for being the steady force that makes her demanding travel schedule possible. “He truly holds down the fort,” she says. “Having that kind of support has been invaluable to my career.”

Never Burn a Bridge

Ask Brandi for career advice, and she delivers it without hesitation. “Never burn a bridge.”

She believes the mortgage and title industry is one of the smallest big industries you’ll ever encounter. “You never know who you’ll work with again, where opportunities will come from, or which relationships will shape your future.”

For Brandi, professionalism, reputation, and treating people with respect are long-term investments that always pay dividends.

Her Why: Relationships and Trust

Brandi’s motivation has never been rooted in transactions. Her “why” is people.

“My why is rooted in relationships, trust, and helping businesses succeed,” she says.

Whether she’s helping clients navigate challenges, protecting their interests, or connecting them with solutions, she sees her role as far more than banking. “I want to be a trusted advisor.”

That mindset has helped her build a career centered on creating real value for clients and partners alike.

The Word That Guides Her

Since the Great Financial Crisis, one word has served as Brandi’s personal compass:

Courage. “With courage, what would you do if you knew you couldn’t fail?”

It’s a philosophy that has carried her through industry shifts, leadership roles, and countless challenges over nearly two decades.

When she speaks about courage, it isn’t theoretical. It’s something she lives daily.

Meet Arizona’s Biggest Bruce Springsteen Fan

Outside of work, Brandi has a passion that many colleagues may not fully appreciate.

She’s a devoted Bruce Springsteen fan.

And not just casually.

Brandi has attended more than 65 Bruce Springsteen concerts across seven countries.

“My love for The Boss is real,” she laughs.

Her very first concert, however, belonged to another icon of the 1980s: Rick Springfield.

Building a Legacy Through Knowledge

When Brandi thinks about legacy, she thinks about the future of the industry. She hopes to help usher in the next generation while passing along the relationships, experience, and knowledge that helped shape her own career.

She also believes there is tremendous opportunity for the industry to improve through greater education and transparency for consumers. “Most borrowers have very little understanding of what they’re actually purchasing or the process they’re navigating,” she says.

She also hopes to see stronger collaboration across the industry.

“Some of the best ideas, partnerships, and opportunities come from simply getting to know people.”

For Brandi, stronger networks create stronger businesses and stronger communities.

A Career Achievement Worth Celebrating

One accomplishment Brandi is especially proud of was leading sales for a retail origination center with nearly 400 loan officers. “It was one of the most exciting and rewarding experiences of my career.”

While the experience brought its share of challenges, it also taught her invaluable lessons about leadership, growth, and collaboration. Most importantly, it helped create a powerful relationship between Sales and Operations, a partnership that became a model for success and shaped the leader she is today.

“It was trial by fire,” she says. “But it built the foundation for everything that came after.”

A Final Message to the Women of Her.

Brandi’s encouragement to women in title is both simple and powerful:

“Never underestimate your impact on this industry.”

She believes women should support one another, build genuine relationships, and never be afraid to take up space. “This business can be challenging,” she says. “But it’s also filled with incredible opportunities for women who lead with integrity, resilience, and authenticity.”

And perhaps her favorite reminder of all: Work hard. Build your network. Celebrate the wins. Learn from the losses. And don’t forget to have fun along the way. Because. . .

people remember your energy just as much as your success.

Thank you, Brandi, for sharing your wisdom, courage, and passion with the Her.Collective community. We are honored to celebrate your journey as a remarkable Woman of Title.

*Connect with Brandi here: BGill@capitalbankmd.com I LinkedIn 

Feature Spotlight #83 - Emily Rooney

Leading with Grace, Integrity & the Courage to Keep Growing.

Some women lead loudly. Others lead by example, consistency, and quiet confidence that makes everyone around them stronger. Emily K. Rooney is the kind of leader who does both. She brings strength without ego, wisdom without arrogance, and a heart for people that is impossible to miss.

Based in Kettering, Ohio, Emily has served as Chief Operating Officer of Sterling Land Title Agency, Inc., for over two years; but that’s not the beginning. Her title journey spans decades from her start in 2000.  She has built not only an impressive career, but also a reputation for integrity, resilience, and leadership that genuinely lifts others up.

Built in Title, Built for Leadership.

Emily’s title story started long before she officially entered the industry. As a teenager, she spent summers running errands, making bank runs, and watching the inner workings of her father’s title company unfold around her. At the time, she never imagined title would eventually become her life’s work.

But over time, something clicked. “I realized title was where my strengths and passions aligned.”

What began as exposure to the business evolved into a genuine passion for solving problems, improving processes, supporting teams, and helping clients through some of the most important transactions of their lives.

Today, as COO, Emily focuses on operations, technology implementation, team development, and process improvement. But at the center of it all is something much deeper than systems and workflows: People.

She is passionate about building environments where team members feel supported, respected, and valued while creating systems that reduce stress and improve efficiency for everyone involved.

The Foundation That Shaped Her.

When Emily reflects on the people who shaped her most, she speaks with deep gratitude about the women who encouraged and supported her throughout her career. Yet the person who influenced her journey most profoundly was her father. “He taught me hard work, humility, integrity, and earning respect through dedication and perseverance.”

Emily credits him not only for teaching her the business, but for showing her how leadership should look. He believed strongly in empowering women and surrounded her with talented female professionals who helped guide her growth along the way. Those lessons became the foundation of who she is today both personally and professionally.

Finding Confidence Through Challenge.

Like many women in leadership, Emily has faced moments where others underestimated her knowledge, experience, or perspective. Early in her career, those experiences could feel discouraging.

Over time, however, she learned something powerful.

Confidence does not come from external validation. It comes from trusting your voice, continuing to grow, and allowing your work to speak for itself.

“Your worth is not determined by the opinions of others.”

 That mindset has become one of the driving forces behind her leadership style today. Calm. Grounded. Professional. Unshakably authentic.

A Career Fueled by Curiosity.

One of the things Emily loves most about title is that there is always something new to learn.

More than two decades into her career, she still approaches the industry with humility and curiosity. Her advice to the next generation reflects exactly that. “You will learn something new in this business every single day, no matter how long you’ve been in it.”

She encourages young women entering title to trust their instincts, ask questions, stay open to growth, and never underestimate the value of their perspective. Every lesson matters because chances are, one day, you will need it again.

Her Why Runs Deep.

At the center of everything Emily does is something far more meaningful than titles or accomplishments. Her “why” is rooted in the people she loves most and the values that continue to guide her through every season of life and leadership.

Her faith has been a constant source of strength, helping her stay grounded during challenges and reminding her that leadership is just as much about how you treat people as it is about results. Alongside that faith stands the unwavering support of her family, friends, mentors, and colleagues, all of whom continue to encourage and shape her journey.

Emily works hard not because she is chasing recognition, but because she wants to make the people who believe in her proud. That purpose fuels her through long days, difficult moments, and the balancing act so many women in leadership understand all too well.

Some of her greatest perspective, however, comes from home. During stressful seasons at work, her children would lovingly remind her: “Mom, the people at work might be mean, but you’re not at work anymore.”

Simple. Honest. Wise.

Their words became a powerful reminder to leave the stress of the day behind, stay present with the people she loves, and remember what matters most. It perfectly reflects who Emily is at her core: ambitious and driven, yet deeply grounded in faith, family, and grace.

Leading with Empathy Instead of Ego.

Emily believes leadership is not about reacting quickly or proving yourself in every room. Some of the most important lessons she has learned came from navigating difficult personalities with empathy and restraint.

“Not every challenge requires an immediate reaction.”

Instead, she chooses to listen first, stay calm, and remember that people are often carrying burdens we cannot see. Her perspective is refreshing in an industry that can sometimes feel fast paced and high pressure.

She also passionately believes women should support one another rather than compete.

“Helping someone else succeed does not diminish our own success.” That philosophy radiates through the way she leads her teams and mentors others.

Grace, Grit & Starting Over.

Emily speaks openly about the personal struggles she faced during her teenage years after her parents separated. Those difficult seasons taught her accountability, empathy, and resilience. They also shaped the compassion she extends to others today. “Our past does not define us unless we allow it to.”

Through faith, perseverance, and hard work, she transformed challenge into growth and became stronger because of it. Her story is a reminder that discipline is not about perfection. It is about getting back up again and continuing to move forward.

The Village Behind the Woman.

Behind Emily’s success is a strong village of family, mentors, friends, and colleagues who continue to encourage and support her growth.

Her husband helps keep her grounded during overwhelming seasons. Her children provide perspective and joy. Mentors and colleagues have challenged her to grow and believed in her even during moments when she doubted herself. “None of us achieves success alone.”

Emily deeply understands the power of having people who lift you up and remind you who you are when life gets heavy.

A Creative Soul Outside the Office.

What might surprise people most about Emily is her deeply creative side.

Music has always been a meaningful outlet for her. She grew up playing piano and recently began playing again, rediscovering the same peace and healing it gave her years ago.

She also recently returned to sewing, a hobby she learned from her grandmother as a child.

Trips to fabric stores, choosing patterns together, and creating something from scratch remain some of her favorite memories. These creative outlets allow her to slow down, reconnect with herself, and protect her peace in a constantly moving industry.

The Soundtrack to Her Story.

Emily’s first concert was Alan Jackson, but her music taste spans every genre. Recently, she has been especially drawn to the soulful sound of Melody Gardot, while The Cranberries remain one of her all-time favorite bands. A little soulful. A little nostalgic. A little powerful. Honestly, it fits her perfectly.

Her Philosophy on Leadership & Life.

One phrase Emily returns to often is: “God is my strength.”

It reminds her to stay calm during stressful moments and trust herself through difficult conversations and challenges.

Another guiding philosophy is simple but deeply meaningful:

“Leave things better than you found them.”

Whether she is improving a process, mentoring someone, strengthening a team, or encouraging another woman in the industry, Emily believes we all have the opportunity to create something better than what existed before.

And she strives to live that every day.

A Legacy of Stronger People & Stronger Teams.

When it comes to legacy, she hopes she leaves behind stronger teams, better systems, and people who believe more deeply in themselves because of her influence.

Yet despite all of her professional accomplishments, she is clear about what matters most.

“My family is my greatest accomplishment.”

That perspective says everything about who she is.

A Final Word to the Women of Her.Collective.

Emily’s message to women in title is both heartfelt and empowering:

“Your past does not define you; your challenges do not limit you, and your potential is far greater than you may realize.”

 Keep learning. Keep believing in yourself. Keep showing up.

Because women like Emily Rooney prove that leadership can be powerful and compassionate at the same time. We are honored to celebrate Emily Rooney as this week’s Her.Collective Spotlight Woman of Title.

*Connect with Emily: erooney@sterlinglandtitle.com I LinkedIn I Instagram I Facebook