“Leadership through innovation, strength, and tenacity”
“A results-driven leader whose outstanding perseverance echoes in the quality of her work product”
Accruing a consistent track record of success in any industry for nearly three decades is no easy task—particularly for a woman looking to break into a historically male-dominated professional sector. It takes grit, determination, and not taking “no” for an answer. But perhaps the most valuable tool in a strong female professional’s arsenal is an unassailable belief in herself.
Don’t take it from us, though. Originate Report had the pleasure of sitting down with Marlene Hahn, President of Hahn Management Services, LLC. Hahn provided unique insight into her approach of fostering and spreading confidence by setting the example with her “can-do” attitude and entrepreneurial mindset.
Success Personified
Countless young professionals embark on their career journey with aspirations of earning a certain income or achieving some lofty title. While those can certainly be healthy goals to work towards, Hahn learned early on that building a rewarding career involves so much more than an impressive paycheck. “Success isn’t measured in dollars,” she explains. “It is having a passion for what you do.”
Yet realizing your inner passion—and subsequently tying it to your vocation—is a hurdle many people never overcome. Hahn, however, managed to achieve this momentous life milestone. But it didn’t happen overnight. After leaving behind her dreams of becoming a professional basketball player to work as a bank teller and support her single mother, Hahn’s tireless work ethic and innovative mindset saw her quickly climb the corporate ladder. She oversaw several mortgage service departments and major lending firms, using her talent for networking and efficiently brokering deals to garner a widespread reputation within the lending industry as a problem-solving powerhouse.
Risk Facilitates Growth—Embrace It
That’s not to say she didn’t encounter her fair share of setbacks and challenges. “Always have faith that there is a light at the end of the tunnel,” Hahn says to women looking to emulate her trendsetting career arc, regardless of the industry. “Don’t pass up opportunities and don’t be intimidated by challenge. You must have that inner belief to take the risks necessary for growth.”
Hahn is no stranger to risk-taking. Although she didn’t feel fully prepared to launch her own business in 2010, she never let the fear of the unknown stop her from taking a leap of faith. “I took a bet on myself and haven’t regretted it for one second. That’s a wager everyone must bid at some point in their career,” she states. That innate self-belief has translated into both professional success and personal fulfillment. Hahn Management Services, LLC, provides a comprehensive range of professional services and consultation to mortgage servicers, investors, hedge funds, private equities, and banks across the country and is steadily growing new clientele. Indeed, Hahn doesn’t pull any punches when it comes to getting things done, prompting colleagues and clients alike to admiringly refer to her as “The Perfect Storm: sunshine mixed with a little hurricane.” And while that robust praise may cast Marlene in an intimidating light, her official corporate slogan is a more accurate indicator of her persona: “Making clients smile every day.” Hahn notes: “I realize every day that a smile and a laugh will literally lift your spirits and get you through anything life deals you.”
A Different Type of Lending
Hahn has been lending money for years throughout her career in the finance sector. However, arguably the most valuable commodity she has given is confidence through her involvement with the Dress for Success charity—a global not-for-profit organization that empowers women to achieve economic independence by providing a support network, professional attire, and the tools to help women thrive in their personal and professional lives.
Hahn knows firsthand the power of self-belief and the essential role it plays in fostering career progression. “Success is the best offense,” she emphasizes. “Women need to have the ability to own the room and be heard. I achieved some of my biggest deals and landings of new clients by having the utmost confidence in myself and what I can provide to them.”
Accordingly, Hahn added another title to the many she has held over the years—proactively becoming a ‘confidence broker’ by generating over $15,000 for Dress for Success by calling on her expansive network to gather and guide the next generation of up-and-coming talent. She finds the rapidly growing contingent of highly impactful women currently shaping the future of the lending industry to be inspirational. These women inspire her to work diligently to stay relevant and influential for the continued mutual success of her business as well as those around her.
Marlene also actively supports St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. For more information about Hahn Management Services, LLC feel free to visit www.hahnmsllc.com.
