Feature Spotlight #54 - Xiaohui Janecek

Meet Xiaohui Janecek – Leading with Grit, Creativity & Heart

This week in our Her.Collective Spotlight series, we’re thrilled to introduce you to a powerhouse who embodies grit, creativity, and heart: Xiaohui (pronounced “Shaui” like Maui) Janecek, Director of Sales Strategy at Fidelity National Title in Colorado.

With 14 years in the title industry, Xiaohui’s journey proves that sometimes the best careers start completely by chance.

From Dance Studio to Title Industry

Before title, Xiaohui owned a boutique women’s dance and fitness studio. A friend and longtime escrow officer saw her potential and invited her into the industry - starting as a short sale processor back in 2011. With no background in real estate or title, she dove in headfirst.

Over time, she transitioned to sales and marketing, where her creativity, love of data, and problem-solving energy found the perfect home. As she puts it: “The rest is history!”

Leading with Strategy, Creativity & Grit

Today, as Fidelity’s Director of Sales Strategy, Xiaohui helps sales executives and clients grow their business by blending data, creativity, and innovative tools. What keeps her fired up? Watching others succeed. “Seeing our salespeople and our clients succeed - that’s what keeps me going.”

She admits challenges along the way - especially being underestimated early on in her career. But instead of slowing her down, it fueled her to work harder. Her guiding word? Grit. She believes in hustling hard, improving every day, and leading with kindness.

“Fierce grit is the perfect way to describe Xiaohui. Her work ethic is truly unmatched. She played a pivotal role in building the sales team at First Integrity Title, which drove significant growth in our market share. As a first-time sales manager, she was my rock as my assistant manager, I often found myself looking up to her for her strength and dedication. For nearly five years, she was my partner in crime—and I wouldn’t be where I am today without her. She's phenomenal!”

says Susan Stewart, former Sales Manager at First Integrity Title.

Mentors, Books & Podcasts

Xiaohui credits countless women in the industry for mentoring and inspiring her along the way. She’s grateful to be part of a woman-led division at Fidelity National Title Colorado, where leadership reflects the very best in the Women of Title.

She’s also constantly learning. Her go-to reads? The 7 Levels of Communication and Atomic Habits. Her earbuds are often tuned to Mel Robbins—though she admits she’s just as hooked on a good murder mystery podcast.

Advice for Women Entering Title

Her advice to newcomers is simple, bold, and oh-so-true:

“Never underestimate yourself! And say yes when it’s scary or out of your comfort zone. That’s where growth lives.”

Life Outside of Title

When she’s not strategizing sales growth, Xiaohui is enjoying Colorado’s mountains with her husband and two kids (ages 8 and 10) or traveling. Family time is everything!

She’s also full of surprises: she once ran a marathon in Jamaica on a whim (with zero training) because her husband dared her to. She’s a self-proclaimed data nerd who loves spreadsheets and coding, and she speaks Mandarin fluently—something she’s now passing along to her kids.

Music, Mantras & Legacy

Music fuels her too - her playlists span everything from country to ’90s rap to classic rock. Most recently, she rocked out to the Backstreet Boys at the Sphere in Vegas (and highly recommends the experience).

Her philosophy? Lead with grit.

Her legacy goal? To leave people better than she found them, always support others, and bring fresh, lasting ideas to the title industry.

Final Thoughts

In her own words: “Lead with grit, kindness, and creativity - the rest will follow.”

We couldn’t agree more. Thank you, Xiaohui, for inspiring us with your story, your hustle, and your heart. Women of Title like you make this industry stronger every day. 💖

*Connect with Xiaohui here: Xiaohui.Janecek@fnf.com I LinkedIn I Instagram I Facebook

Feature Spotlight #53 - Yaritza Ruiz

From The Bronx to Business Owner: Yaritza Ruiz’s Title Journey.

This week, Her.Collective’s Women of Title Spotlight features Yaritza Ruiz, the powerhouse owner of Absolutely Clear Title (ACT) in New York’s Mid-Hudson Valley. Her journey from a Bronx paralegal to title agency owner is one of grit, resilience, and courage—a story that inspires women across the industry to step into their power, find their voice, and claim their space.

From Typist to Title Agency Owner.

Yaritza’s career began in The Bronx, working as a real estate paralegal in boutique law offices. Those early years laid the foundation for her understanding of the homebuying process, and they sparked an interest in the behind-the-scenes details that make property ownership possible.

Her next move—to become a banking paralegal—gave her deeper exposure to clearing title matters, and it wasn’t long before she found herself drawn into the title industry. By 2015, Yaritza officially joined a title company. “I became a sponge,” she recalls, “absorbing everything I could about the operations of the business.”

When the world shifted during the Covid pandemic, Yaritza made a bold decision. Rather than waiting for the “right time,” she launched her own agency: Absolutely Clear Title (ACT). It was both a leap of faith and the culmination of years of dedication to learning the ins and outs of title.

“I started as a typist, then moved into reading and abstracting. Now, as an owner, I’m learning to delegate. Each step has been part of my evolution, and I carry those experiences into every decision I make.”

The Power of Mentorship and Inspiration.

Like many successful leaders, Yaritza found inspiration outside the industry as well. Barbara Corcoran, real estate mogul and entrepreneur, has been a guiding voice in her journey.

“One day, while listening to a podcast Barbara was featured on, she said, ‘That office you want, do it now! It will not be there when you think you are ready.’ That message resonated so deeply. It was exactly the push I needed to take action.”

That courage to leap—to open her own business before she felt “ready”—has defined Yaritza’s leadership.

Facing Challenges as a Latina in Title.

Yaritza is candid about the challenges she’s faced as a Latina woman whose first language was Spanish and who grew up in The Bronx.

“With my accent and background, it hasn’t always been easy to fit into the Old Boys’ Club,” she shares. “Especially in New York, where the industry has been traditionally attorney-driven. I’ve had to work hard to shift the mindset toward recognizing title as a consumer-driven industry.”

But rather than allowing obstacles to hold her back, Yaritza has turned them into fuel. Her advice to younger women in the industry reflects this experience:

“Find your voice and take up space. Your contributions bring value.”

Her “Why.”

Behind Yaritza’s drive is a powerful sense of purpose. She lights up when talking about facilitating clarity for realtors and buyers.

“As a paralegal, I saw how frustrated buyers and agents became with the process—and with the lack of customer service. My mission is to ensure they can Be Absolutely Clear®. Those moments when clients finally understand and feel supported, that’s what keeps me going.”

Her why is also deeply personal. Yaritza became a mother at 15, grew up in public housing, and overcame the barriers and stereotypes society placed on her. “Selfishly,” she admits, “I do this to show my children—and other young women facing adversity—that they can rise above expectations and build something incredible.”

Strength Rooted in Faith, Gratitude, and Family.

Every step of Yaritza’s journey is anchored in faith and gratitude. “Every day, I wake up grateful for what I’ve been given. At least once a week, I pinch myself and think, ‘I really have a title company.’ That sense of wonder and humility never leaves me.”

Her family is her rock. She and her husband recently celebrated 28 years together—22 of them married—and they are raising three children, ages 26, 18, and 11. They also share their home with a Cane Corso named Onyx. Her mother-in-law, cousin/best friend, and her team at ACT have also been integral to her professional and personal growth.

“Without my village, I wouldn’t be where I am today,” she reflects.

Beyond Business: A Writer at Heart.

Outside of title, Yaritza is passionate about writing. She is preparing to release a book this year, sharing a painful part of her life to help others find their voice through healing and growth.

“I love to write because it’s another way of giving clarity—of showing that out of painful experiences, new strength and wisdom can emerge.”

Music also plays a big role in her life. Her first concert was the Barrio Boyz, but her favorite was the Jonas Brothers’ 2023 opening night at Yankee Stadium. And while she listens to a wide range of genres daily, one artist stands out: “According to Apple Music, Bad Bunny has been my top artist three years straight!” she laughs.

Philosophy, Legacy, and Looking Ahead.

If there’s one word that defines Yaritza’s life and business, it’s Clarity. “Clarity and transparency are essential to great service and accountability. That’s the foundation of Absolutely Clear Title.”

Looking to the future, Yaritza hopes to be remembered as a disruptor of the New York title industry—someone who introduced title as a career path to younger generations and redefined customer service by putting consumers and real estate professionals first.

Final Thoughts.

For Yaritza Ruiz, success is more than owning a thriving title company. It’s about breaking barriers, setting an example, and lifting others as she climbs. Her story reminds us that resilience, clarity, and courage can change the trajectory of a life—and an industry.

“I am humbled and honored,” Yaritza says. “Thank you for including me in this amazing collective of women.”

💗 Thank you, Yaritza, for being a strong, inspiring Woman of Title. Your story of resilience, clarity, and courage is one that empowers others to find their voice and embrace their own journey.

*Connect with Yaritza here: yaritza@acleartitle.com.com I LinkedIn I Instagram I Facebook

Feature Spotlight #52 - Jaime Johnson

Leading with Purpose: Jaime Johnson’s Impact on Title

Her. The Title Collective – Women of Title Series

In an industry built on precision, relationships, and trust, Jaime Johnson stands out as a leader who embodies all three. As Vice President and Director of WFG Agent 3.0 at WFG National Title Insurance Company, Jaime’s career is a testament to what happens when curiosity, persistence, and a passion for connection come together.

From Receptionist to Industry Leader

Like many great careers, Jaime’s start in title insurance was anything but planned. She began in the late 1990s, answering a local newspaper ad for a receptionist position. At the time, she knew nothing about the industry, hadn’t purchased a home and couldn’t even define the terminology.

Her eagerness to learn quickly set her apart. When the phones were quiet, she asked for extra tasks, moving from proofing legal descriptions to typing commitments, then clearing titles. Over time, she learned every corner of the agency. That hands-on experience, she says, “hooked” her, igniting a passion for an industry that constantly challenged and intrigued her. “This industry feeds my curiosity because there’s always something new to learn,” she reflects.

Today, that same curiosity fuels her work at WFG, where she leads Agent 3.0, a program that provides title agents with actionable blueprints for success. Her background as a licensed title agent gives her a unique perspective, she’s walked in her clients’ shoes and understands their challenges in a way that builds deep trust.

The Power of One Connection

Looking back, Jaime points to one pivotal moment that shaped her career. Early on, she attended her first industry event, feeling like an outsider in a room full of strangers. Then, the president of the Ohio Land Title Association approached her, took the time to introduce herself, and encouraged Jaime to get involved. That single act of kindness inspired Jaime to join committees, build relationships, and eventually serve on the OLTA board.

“It taught me that one person can change your path,” she says. “That one conversation shaped my entire career.”

Finding Her Voice

Despite her successes, Jaime admits her journey hasn’t been without challenges. For years, she wrestled with imposter syndrome and questioned whether her opinions carried enough weight. Over time, she realized that her years of experience brought a perspective that mattered.

“Confidence doesn’t happen overnight, but I’ve learned to trust myself, speak up, and share my ideas. Those moments of doubt pushed me to grow into a stronger, more authentic leader.”

Advice for the Next Generation

When offering advice to women just starting in the industry, Jaime keeps it simple: never stop learning and find your community. She believes success comes from staying curious and building relationships. “Be a lifelong learner — not just in title, but in everything you do,” she says. “And don’t underestimate the power of connection. This business thrives on relationships.”

Fueling Her “Why”

At the heart of Jaime’s drive is a deep sense of purpose: helping others succeed. She finds fulfillment in supporting agents, improving processes, and helping colleagues feel more confident in their work. “Knowing I’ve helped someone grow fuels me every day,” she says, “and that’s what keeps me moving forward.”

Leveling Up

A self-described bookworm, Jaime swears by Atomic Habits by James Clear, a book that reinforced the power of small, consistent actions. “Success isn’t about one big breakthrough,” she explains. “It’s about the little things we do every day.”

She also leans on industry podcasts, especially Keys to Real Estate from October Research, hosted by her longtime friend Mary Schuster. “Mary has a way of making complex industry topics approachable and relatable,” Jaime says. “Listening to her keeps me informed and inspired.”

A Legacy of Empowerment

When Jaime looks to the future, her vision for her legacy is clear. She wants to be remembered for helping others — not just with their businesses but by building confidence and creating spaces where women feel empowered!

One of her proudest accomplishments has been the launch of WFG’s Women’s Executive Leadership Group, a space for women across the country to connect, share, and grow together. “I want to make a difference every day,” she says. “If the programs I’ve built create opportunities for others, that’s the legacy I want to leave.”

The Life Behind the Leader

Outside of work, Jaime embraces creativity as a way to recharge. A graduate of a performing arts high school, her love for music runs deep, from show tunes and classical pieces to the best hits of the ’80s, ’90s, and early 2000s. “You never know what you’ll hear playing near me,” she laughs.

Family, though, is her greatest joy. She’s the proud mother of two adult sons and is looking forward to her youngest son’s wedding this October. In December, she’ll welcome her first granddaughter — an event that brings both excitement and reflection. “I want her to see that women can lead boldly, build careers they love, lift others along the way, and still stay true to their values,” she says. Her fiancé, her partner in every sense of the word, keeps her grounded and laughing, a balance she cherishes in her busy life.

Strength in Connection

If one word defines Jaime’s journey, it’s connection. She believes that every success in this business is rooted in relationships built on trust and authenticity. It’s a philosophy that has guided her through every challenge and achievement and continues to shape her approach to leadership.

Parting Wisdom

For the women of Her.Collective, Jaime offers this reminder: 

“Never underestimate the ripple effect of your work. You’re inspiring more people than you realize. And don’t forget to let those around you know how much they mean to you.”

From her humble beginnings as a receptionist to her current role as an industry leader, Jaime Johnson is proof that curiosity, persistence, and connection can pave the way for a remarkable career — and an enduring legacy.

Thank you, Jaime, for being an incredible and inspiring Woman of Title. Your journey is a testament to perseverance, connection, and the power of lifting others as you rise. Your story carries both impact and empowerment, reminding us all that leadership begins with curiosity, courage, and a genuine commitment to others. Thank you for sharing your story with Her.Collective — your voice and vision continue to inspire women across the title industry.

*Connect with Jaime here: JJohnson@wfgtitle.com I LinkedIn I Instagram I Facebook