Hosted by Carmen Costa

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No views May 22, 2022 Being in the mortgage industry, one of the assets an agent can have is to be genuine and true: that is the secret to having a client choose you. Meet Christian Baranowski, our Team Lead/Mortgage Agent, for Fonthill, Ontario. Christian is a true leader and a genuine human being who loves what he does and loves helping people. He’s a believer of the “light air philosophy” and if you want to know what this is, then watch this episode of the Real Talk to get to know Christian and our plans for Fonthill under his leadership.

Embrace your strengths - Ep. 33

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Real Talk is a podcast about all the things I am passionate about! From my career to my personal experiences and everything in between, I love sharing my thoughts with you, I love talking to my team and introducing them to you; I simply love what I do! So, what motivates me? What makes me enjoy doing this podcast so much? The answers to these questions are in this episode. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did putting it together!

Questions & Answers - Ep.032

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“Don&#39;t let fear stop you.” You&#39;re probably familiar with this common wisdom. Truth is human beings experience fear at some points throughout their lives. While it’s completely fine to feel afraid during certain situations in your life, you must take serious actions to build courage if your fears prevent you from reaching your goals. This is the theme of this episode. Listen and let me know what you think.

Don't let fear stop you - Ep. 31

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Gratitude.It goes hand in hand with abundance! This should be part of your morning routine. It&#39;s giving thanks for everything you have. The sense of entitlement lately is out of control. You need to remember: nobody owes you anything. You are not entitled to anything… you have to work for it. What does gratitude do for you? Watch this episode of the Real Talk and let me know what you think (or if you agree).

What's wrong with society? - Ep. 30

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For many years now, my approach to the mortgage industry has been one of transparency. Lately, you’ve been seeing more and more people posting about transparency in this industry. Is it a new trend? Not really!  This is how I’ve always run my business from the very beginning. When I started in this industry, I found some grey areas when it comes to costs, splits, and the likes. Running a mortgage company is not cheap. So, let’s talk about transparency.  This is the topic I chose for this episode of the Real Talk. How to be transparent and accountable in the mortgage industry. What it means to be truthful all the time! Let me know what you think.

Value transparency - Ep. 29

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As we celebrate Easter, I thought I’d share a few thoughts with you, taken from some of the episodes I’ve done in the past:  Be kind to one another; how do you react to someone who doesn’t share your opinion?History repeats itself; have we been paying attention?Relationships and connections are important; have we been working on them?Sometimes, we are negative; what do we do release that emotion?Be grateful!

Be kind. Listen. Be grateful - Ep. 28

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For a very long time, our industry was seen as “man’s world”. It was easy to believe women couldn’t make it. However, just like everything else in life, it is an industry for everyone to be in, as long as you’re passionate about what you’re doing. Meet Chantal Driscoll, from The Mortgage Girls! Chantal’s story is one of inspiration. As a young woman, she made a difference in this industry by believing in what she could bring into it, using social media, especially turning to Reels and Tik Tok lately, as one of her “tools” to promote “The Mortgage Girls”. Listen to this incredible story.  You can follow Chantal on Instagram and TikTok @themortgagegirls

Is it still a "Man's World"? - Ep. 27

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What happens when I sit down with one of my team members to talk about our industry? A great podcast episode!The best part of a dream is to turn into reality. To make our clients’ dreams become reality, we must treat them as family. This is the philosophy of Eric Spada, from the Spada Group Mortgages, who joins me on this episode to talk about the challenges we face in our industry and how we can stand out as mortgage brokers. People first! And we’re here to take the long road to make sure everyone is happy at the end. You can follow Eric Spada on social media @spadamortgagegroupwww.spadamortgagegroup.ca

Treat clients like family - Ep.26

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What does death look like for you? It seems like a morbid question, but it’s actually one that has had my full attention lately. Those of you who know me, also know I am very spiritual. I like to stay grounded all the time. And the question of death, which in the past used to scare me, has become a calling for me. This is the reason why I just started taking the course to be a Death Doula. As humans, and depending on our culture, most of us were programmed to not understand the beauty of someone’s passing. This all came to me when my dad passed. Right now, I feel like this is my calling. Want to know more about it? Listen to this episode of the Real Talk with Carmen Costa.

Death Doula - Ep.25

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Have you ever heard the saying: when you focus on possibilities you’ll have more opportunities? It’s all about choices and vision for what you want in your life. Focus on all the positivity, be optimistic when facing anything in life, even when it seems gloomy. When you are patient and you trust your journey, great things will happen.

Life is good - Ep. 024

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Make a difference in your own way and spread information.Think about all the good things that can happen when you succeed in making your clients happy! This is why I have been investing some time lately in creating Tik Toks and Reels. Not only am I having a great time, I’m aware of how much information I can give to my clients. This is why I am also working with my team. Don’t forget to follow me at Tik Tok @carmencostarealtalk.

TikTok & Reels life! - Ep.23

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Encourage the practice of meditation at work! This has always been one of my “mantras”. In a world inundated with distractions and overwhelming connections, it’s no surprise that stress in the workplace is on the rise. This is why it is important to provide your team with the tools and space to practice mindfulness! And this is the highlight of this week’s episode of the Real Talk where I go over the design of the Meditation Room I created for my team at TCG Lending Centres: a quiet, peaceful &amp; comfortable space where they can go to unwind and find balance.

Mindfulness at work - Ep.22

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Having a successful presence online depends on a great marketing plan. In our case, having a media room available for our agents adds extra value to their marketing strategies and gives them the freedom to record whenever they want, to create all the content they wish, and to position themselves in place of leadership. Want to know more? Watch this episode of the Real Talk.

Marketing Yourself - Ep. 21

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“Today is brand new. Five years from now it will be built. Ten years from now I will match you.”TCG Lending Centres is now a reality. Through the chaos and everything, there’s a sense of happiness in the air and it feels great to be home. How does one deal with this chaos? How can we stay positive and centred? How do you respond to the ones who criticize you for launching a brand new brand? These are some of the topics on this episode of the Real Talk. Hope you enjoy it.

Growing a successful business - Ep. 20

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How many times have we heard people say life is a journey? As you walk its path, you learn lessons, you face hardships, heartaches and joys, you celebrate special moments, you define yourself professionally. Here&#39;s the reason why I chose this topic for this episode of the Real Talk. Oftentimes, people tell me I have changed, I’m not the same person, and this observation isn’t always free of judgement. Well, I became a mother, I became an entrepreneur, I have faced many obstacles, which tested my courage, my strength, my weakness, and my faith. And this experience may be unique to each one of us, but it’s not unique in nature. So, why judge others because “they’re not the same person”? As humans we evolve. Hope you enjoy this episode as much as I did putting it together.

Do you know me? - Ep19

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It’s undeniable that the big news this week was the trucker’s convoy. Coming to the office on Thursday, I had a chance to see it as it was going through Hamilton and a chance to chat with some of the people who were there. I noticed a sense of frustration among them at all the restrictions that have been implemented; they just seemed to be asking to have the freedom to go back to a normal life. Based on this, I decided this would be the topic of this week’s episode of the Real Talk! I’d also like to thank Brian Brown for his testimony. Follow Brian Brown on his YouTube Channel Wheelburner Expresshttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUuJ... #truckingconvoy2022#trucking #canadiantruckers

Trucker Convoy - what is it about? - Ep. 18

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How do you want to be perceived: as a negative or a positive mentor?As we navigate through these difficult times, we all need to understand the importance of staying positive. Being a coach, an educator or a mentor is not easy, but it is the path you have chosen. As such, do you want to be seen or remembered as someone who was negative, who had a negative impact on someone? In this episode of the Real Talk, Carmen addresses this topic and the impact positivity can have in one’s life, using real life examples and situations.

Be a positive MENTOR - Real Talk - Ep. 17

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As we continue through this journey of “staying home” I’m decided to dedicate this episode to the importance of mental health and what we should be focusing on. Being mindful is of the utmost importance during this time because if we don’t take a moment for ourselves, if we don’t pause, the stress will catch up to us and we’ll get depressed. It’s important to keep in mind that you do what you can. Don’t let situations, the media or the government to cause chaos in your life. Find out what we’re doing as a team to be mindful. Let me know what you’re doing, how you’re dealing with all these changes in your life.

Mental Health and what to focus on - Real Talk - Ep. 16

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After presenting you with an episode of all the good times we’ve had last year doing the Real Talk, the first “brand new” episode of 2022 reveals a bit more about the host of this podcast! Get to know Carmen Costa through a series of rapid fire questions we’ve asked her! An episode you won’t want to miss!We also invite you to comment below with some questions you would like Carmen to answer (which she hasn’t yet), so we can do another session of rapid fire!

RAPID FIRE Questions - Real Talk - Ep. 15

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What makes the difference in a team? The level of transparency, honesty, compassion! These are some of the qualities I talk about with this week’s guest and a member of my team, Mitch Tychynski. Learn what motivates Mitch to do his best everyday, what he has to say about “numbers” and how he cares about every single client of his. This is another episode of the Real Talk and hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Transparency, honesty & compassion! - Real Talk - Ep. 13

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Wellness is much more than merely physical health, exercise or nutrition. It is the full integration of physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being. And this is precisely one of the pillars of Vitality Health Wellness &amp; Beauty, co-owned by Valter Feleja, who joins me today for another episode of Real Talk. During the pandemic, Valter created a much-needed wellness program for men, and this is the Real Talk for this episode. Find out what Valter has to share with us, how the pandemic inspired him to create something so important when it come to wellness. Connect with Valter:https://vitalityhwb.comhttps://www.instagram.com/vitality_health_and_wellness_c/https://www.facebook.com/vitalityhealthwellnessbeauty

Wellness and Well-Being with Valter Feleja - Real Talk - Ep. 12

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If you love your mortgages and help people financially, your heart needs to be in it! Adam Tupper is one of the members of our team who has recently joined the mortgage world, coming from the trades, determined to make a difference. A believer of consistency and dedication, Adam has some interesting, inspirational points to share with us. This is the Real Talk and I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I did. Follow Adam on social:Facebook @AdamTupperMortgageAgent Istagram: @adamtupper_mortgages Follow Tasha AvilaInstagram @tashaavila

Commit 100% with NO PLAN B - Real Talk - Ep. 11

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Here’s a question I have for you: have you ever walked into a room full of vibrant, bubbly and smiley people and instantly felt positive? That’s because as human beings other people’s emotions will affect us and will have an impact on the way we feel. That’s why the most successful people tend to be those who are happy, healthy and have a positive approach to life. This is what Real Talk is all about this week. Enjoy!

Surround yourself with positive people - Real Talk - Ep. 10

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Any life is a life of change, as change is a constant. How do you deal with it? Are you a person that panics at every shift that happens in your life? Or do embrace change as something is meant to be? Accepting change within your mindfulness practices can have an extremely positive effect on your ability to deal with change in your day-to-day life. How do you accomplish it? Watch this episode of the Real Talk!

Change is a constant - Real Talk - Ep. 9

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Are you having awful days? Do you feel like everything is just going against you?If that’s the case, have you stopped to ask yourself: what is the universe teaching you? Gratitude is key to changing our life for better. It allows us to notice our blessings and create balance from life’s difficulties. This is the topic of this episode of Real Talk. Hope you enjoy it.

Gratitude is key - Real Talk - Ep. 8

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This week’s Real Talk is with the President of Centum Canada, Chris Turcotte. When it comes to mortgages, Centum is a family business with franchises owned by families and for whom integrity and trust are everything.  With innovation, work ethic, and making decisions with his network and customers in mind, Chris acquired Centum a few years ago and took it to a whole new level. Let’s find out what motivated Chris to acquire Centum and to innovate it to what it is today!

Innovation & Work Ethic with Chris Turcotte - Real Talk - Ep. 7

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In a world of perfect angles on social media, of perfect life styles being thrown at us on a constant basis, we often feel isolated and lost with our own struggles. I often hear people ask me “how can you stay so positive?”, as if I don’t have struggles to overcome. So, here’s the Real Talk for this episode: how to overcome struggles. I recently posted about my miscarriage as a way to show that I am not perfect, nor should I be. No one is meant to be perfect. Much to my surprise, many women reached out to me to express they too had to go through a similar situation. The truth is, as female leaders, we also struggle with the concern of always having to compete with the male side of the business. What we often forget is that they too have their own struggles. Regardless of status, everyone, as humans, goes through similar emotions. The way you deal with them is what makes the difference. So, how do we overcome struggles? Watch this episode of Real Talk.

How to overcome struggles - Real Talk - Ep. 6

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In the world of mortgages, one of the key aspects is to be willing to walk a path of positivity, confidence and teamwork. That’s the main theme of this episode of Real Talk, this one with Dee Sgro. Dee was the first one to start this adventure with me, as a mortgage agent and my assistant. Over the years, she has walked this path and learned to become a leader in charge of her own team. Her story is inspirational and one I am sharing with you here on this episode.

Becoming a leader - with Dee Sgro - Real Talk - Ep. 5

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What are some issues affecting the mortgage industry? There is talk about bullying and sexual harassment in the mortgage industry as we know it. There seems to be this idea that if someone has money, if someone is a top producer, it’s easier to become a bully. On the other hand, there is also a lack of respect for female leadership. If in the 21st century anyone lacks respect for a female leader, that’s a different story. So, what is my opinion on sexual harassment, bullying or lack of respect for female leaders? Listen to this episode of Real Talk to find out and to learn about one of the topics I am really passionate about.

Issues affecting the mortgage industry - Real Talk - Ep. 4

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Research - here’s a term we all should focus on more and more! In a society where people just seem to think that their opinion is “the truth”, we should be really looking into fact checking everything we say, whether at a professional or personal level. This episode of Real Talk with Carmen Costa is all about this and so much more.

Research - Real Talk - Ep. 3

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Lately, as human beings who are inundated with news not always positive, we seem to have lost respect for other’s opinions if they don’t align with what we think. As a consequence, we start using hurtful words. We see it day in, day out. All of that is related to lack of kindness. We should be able to talk about what we believe in without being afraid of the repecussions. Look up what kindness and respect are all about. If we learn to use these two qualities, there won’t be so much division among us. This is the main topic of this episode.

Kindness. Be kind to one another. - Real Talk - Ep. 2

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A new month brings a new beginning, and a new beginning brings the “Real Talk”!After spending several years talking about mortgages and the past year or so bringing personal messages through “Reclaim your Energy”, it was time to merge the two ides together? Why? Because the common factor is Carmen Costa. After hearing many people expressing their wishes to hear my opinion about different topics. So, I’ll be real. I’ll bring the Real Talk. Here’s a glimpse of what I’ll be doing!

Carmen Costa Real Talk

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