Jocelyn Martin-Leano grew up in the Philippines. She came to America in her early twenties with one suitcase and an innate desire to succeed. “I wanted something different. I wanted radical ideas and open possibilities,” she says.
As a young Filipino woman, Jocelyn faced cultural opposition and socio-economic barriers. She studied industrial engineering and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in a predominantly male field. In a time when advanced education was overtly patriarchal, Jocelyn was especially careful to write in block letters and sign her name as J. Martin – making it difficult for professors and assistants grading tests to identify her gender through her name or handwriting. “Sometimes,” she says, “You have to work harder to compensate for stereotypes. You have to show people you can do it instead of being combative. Your actions will prove much more than your words ever will.”
Jocelyn started her career in finance at Citibank as a process engineer. She also held positions at ITT Residential Capital and Bank of America before her ten-year tenure at Irwin Home Equity – where she served as President during the financial crisis before serving as the Chief Operating Officer for Genworth US Mortgage Insurance.
Jocelyn is currently the Servicing Division President for Rushmore Loan Management Services, where she manages a team of more than 700 people. “It’s important to recognize the human side of people. You have to see them as more than employees,” she says. “There is a big difference between leading and managing, and the mantle of leadership is important. Leaders have a genuine interest in people, and enable and equip them and make their work day experience rewarding.”
When asked about her success in the mortgage and financial industry, she says “You have to adapt to the situation you’re presented and then prove your competency.” When accepting job offers or promotions, it is important that the company’s culture and values align with yours. For instance, “Rushmore gives women a seat at the table. We are truly afforded equal opportunity to excel in the company, and I am proud that our senior leadership has that as part of our culture.”
When she’s not conquering the corporate world, Jocelyn enjoys spending time with her husband of 30 years, her three living children, and her two poodles. Whether camping, attending a musical, or enjoying a Hula class, family time and staying grounded are top priorities for Rushmore’s leading lady.