Kim Hoffman on leadership, AI and pushing beyond self-imposed limits

As part of HousingWire’s Editor’s Choice awards spotlight series, we’re spotlighting past Women of Influence honorees whose careers, leadership and insights continue to influence the industry. This series offers a closer look at the experiences and decisions that have shaped their paths. In this feature, Kim Hoffman, CMB, AMP, President of Mortgage Connect Risk Solutions, reflects on the experiences that shaped her leadership journey, her perspective on AI and the lessons she hopes the next generation of women in housing will carry forward. Hoffman was recognized as a 2019 and 2024 Women of Influence honoree and was also named a 2025 Vanguard winner for her leadership and impact across the mortgage industry. Women of Influence recognizes the leaders making a meaningful impact across mortgage, real estate and homebuilding. Nominations for the 2026 Women of Influence awards are open now through May 31. HousingWire: What’s one decision that changed the trajectory of your career? Kim Hoffman: Shortly out of college I was working for a division of Chrysler when I was nominated and accepted to their formal credit program. I lived in Houston and the program was in Florida. I was so scared, but I knew this 18-month program would dramatically change my life, so I packed my car, hugged my mom like it was the last time I’d see her and drove through my tears for two days and started the program. It was the hardest thing I had done to that point, and WOW was it worth it. This taught me the hard things pay off the biggest, fear is your head and you can do anything you set your mind to. This experience taught me my limitations were self-imposed and risks are experiences that open the world to you! HousingWire: Looking back, what experiences most prepared you for the leadership role you’re in today? Kim Hoffman: I’ve been doing this for 40 yrs and happily say even the rough experiences were lessons worth learning! Once I learned we are each the CEO of our careers, and I didn’t leave my career to chance. I took the big risks, I knew I’d figure it out and did, I learned from one of leaders that you’re never fully prepared for next role, you lean it and learn it. If you wait until you’re fully ready, its too late! Go for it! The more challenging the role the more exciting and interesting they were. It may have a meant a transfer or company change, but this never scared me, the lack of challenge and growth scares me. I’m ridiculously curious and always learning. I believe what got me here won’t get me there and thus continuously pursued the knowledge to keep moving forward. Effort doesn’t pay the bills and doesn’t create value, results do. These two pillars are my anchors. HousingWire: What are you most focused on right now in response to broader industry shifts? Kim Hoffman: I am completely enamored [with AI]. Having hired up and reduced according to cycles, I think we have a real chance to flatten the ups and downs. I also believe the borrower and employee experience will be dramatically improved with the adoption and deployment of AI. I just completed an AI program at Kellogg Business School, and my organization has begun our AI journey. I find this to be the most exciting time in the mortgage industry! Of course, we have be thoughtful and responsible as we venture forward but I see a very different and improved future for our industry. HousingWire: What advice would you give to the next generation of women working toward senior leadership roles in housing? Kim Hoffman: Be Fearless! The mortgage industry is limitless for us! We get to help people become homeowners, grow wealth, and create communities. This is an amazing industry and mission and during this journey we get to grow beyond our wildest dreams. My favorite quote by Thoreau sits on my desk, ‘Go confidently in the direction of your dreams and live the life you’ve imagined,’ and the mortgage industry gave me the life I imagined! Click here to nominate a 2026 Woman of Influence.