For this issue, I have had the pleasure of speaking with Erica LaCentra. Erica is the chief marketing officer at RCN Capital, a nationwide, private direct lending company with its corporate headquarters in South Windsor, Connecticut. She lives in Glastonbury, Conn. In addition, she is a regular contributor to our sister publication, National Mortgage Professional Magazine.
Erica grew up in Revere, Massachusetts, with her parents and an older brother. She attended Suffolk University to study advertising and advertising design. Her dad was in the real estate business as she grew up, working in property management and owning several apartment buildings in the state. Erica credits her dad for introducing her to the industry in this way and still talks with him about her work in the mortgage industry.
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“Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.”
Oscar Wilde
How did you get your start in the mortgage industry?
EL: I was attending the closing networking party at an event in Las Vegas when I fortuitously met with Jeffrey Tesch, the CEO of RCN.
During our conversation, it came up that RCN was looking for a new marketing person, and the role sounded like exactly what I was looking for to align with my long-term career goals.
Before I left Las Vegas, I had scheduled an interview, and I was awarded the job shortly afterward.
What does being a trailblazer mean to you?
EL: For me, being a trailblazer means challenging the status quo, even if that means you must weather some storms of criticism and self-doubt.
I see trailblazers as people willing to take a risk in the hope of making something better or setting a precedent that adds value to whatever product or project is the focus of the task at hand.
Being willing to voice an unpopular opinion or take a step that others might shy away from may be the only way to innovation and a new way of thinking about something that needs improvement, and someone to take that bull by the horns.
I have experienced what it’s like to work with a trailblazer at RCN. Our CEO was one of the first to suggest professionalizing hard money and trying new ways of approaching financing to offer our clients options and opportunities they might otherwise not have had or thought of.
Taking that chance and challenging industry norms is a great example of trailblazing that I have been privileged to be a part of in my role.
Erica Lacenta attends the American association of private lenders conference with Erica Sikoski, senior marketing manager at Bridge Loan Network.
Where do you see yourself and women in general in the industry over the next five years?
EL: Over the next few years, I hope to continue to contribute to our industry and the growth of RCN Capital. I want to be part of a team that is reaching new milestones, enhancing existing processes, and providing leadership in the mortgage business.
I would love to see more women in our profession and those who are already our colleagues gaining confidence, increasing their influence, and aspiring to leadership roles across the industry. I want to see women in the mortgage business growing, learning, and taking on bigger and better roles.
What is your professional superpower?
EL: My professional superpower is my ability to work collaboratively and constructively with everyone, even those who may be difficult to work with for many different reasons.
Our industry has a lot of big and sometimes overwhelming personalities within its ranks. I can work with any type of person to accomplish goals and navigate any differences of opinion in a professional manner.
I find that remaining emotionally neutral and avoiding any personal drama or competitive situations means that I can keep us on track and progressing toward the completion of projects without spending unnecessary time on items that aren’t germane to getting our work done in a timely and productive manner.
I can work with any type of person to accomplish goals and navigate any differences of opinion in a professional manner.
What advice would you give a woman entering or trying to move up in their mortgage career?
EL: Speaking up and making yourself heard is critical to finding success and satisfaction in your career.
Too often, I find that women, especially, can let themselves get drowned out in a conversation in which they could be a valuable participant. Our industry has traditionally been very male-dominated, and there is still a perception for some young women that they aren’t worthy of having their ideas and opinions heard and considered. That is something I hope is changing and will continue to change in the future.
When I was early in my career, I found myself sometimes not willing to speak up for fear of being criticized or, worse, ignored. The best way to avoid those feelings and ultimately gain the confidence to be heard was to do my homework and approach any discussion very prepared.
My advice to others is to enter the discussion with a thorough knowledge and understanding of your subject and have the information needed to back up your contributions so that you are ready to answer any questions that may come your way. Being prepared and confident in your subject matter will give you the courage you need to be seen, heard, and valued as you deserve to be.
What does success mean to you?
EL: For me, success is measured by completing whatever goals you have set for yourself.
Whether it is being promoted, making more money, or completing a specific project, you are successful if you can accomplish your goal and work on setting the next one for yourself.
Success is also being able to set an example through exuding confidence, working hard, and helping others to work toward being the best version of themselves they can be. Supporting other people in the accomplishment of their goals, be they professional or personal, is a wonderful example of success and one that I work toward every day.
I also see my personal success as being able to contribute to the overall success and growth of my company, my colleagues, and the clients we serve. Being able to look back and recognize that my leadership of my team was not only beneficial to them but also had a positive impact on the corporation as a result of our team success, is a big part of the goals I set for myself when I head to work every morning.
RCN Capital team volunteers at the 2023 CT Children's Superhero Walk.
What do you enjoy away from the office?
EL: When I am not at work, I really enjoy being in the kitchen.
Cooking is a passion for me. I find it relaxing and invigorating all at the same time. When I am working on a new recipe and testing and trying new methods and styles of food preparation, I feel a sense of great satisfaction.
I grew up in an Italian household where food was presented as an expression of love and care, and I continue that tradition in my own home today. It keeps me connected to my roots and grounded, especially after a busy, challenging day or week in the office.
I often think about working in the food industry at some point in my life. I have mused about starting up a catering or supper club type of business to indulge my love of cooking and my need to build a business that can grow and employ others in a rewarding and satisfying career.
I also love spending time with my husband, Matt, and our pup, Charlie. I stay active through practicing yoga and kickboxing. We also love to travel for personal enjoyment (not just for trade shows and work!).
Do you think it’s important to have a mentor?
EL: I think it is crucial to have several mentors and not just one.
Having a group of people you can bounce ideas off of and giving you constructive feedback when you need it is critical to having a successful career and to growing as a person as well.
Mentors can provide honest discussion and should be the people you trust to tell you when you are off track or need to adjust your approach to a problem that requires a solution.
They should be a resource for alternative options and have experience and wisdom to share when you need to make decisions about which direction to take at a crossroads. A mentor can provide reference and context based on their own experiences that can bolster your confidence in whatever options you choose.
Mentors may also be able to provide you with access to their own networks. The connections that this access makes available to you will expand your own knowledge base and a wider array of opinion and opportunities to learn and grow.
Speaking up and making yourself heard is critical to finding success and satisfaction in your career.
What do you want to be remembered for in our industry?
EL: I want to be remembered for being a person who has contributed to my industry and the world in a meaningful and impactful way.
Specifically, I want to have the content I produce and share within my industry to be used as an educational and inspirational tool for those who are working towards their own goals, both personal and professional.
I would like to leave a legacy of information and inspiration for young people who are just starting out in their own careers and are looking for guidance and an example of how hard work and perseverance can result in success and satisfaction.
I also feel like I can provide an example for young women who are looking to move forward in their chosen roles. It is not an easy task to find the confidence to speak up and share your ideas and opinions, especially when the preponderance of management may be male-dominated.
Women are still finding their way into the C-suites of corporations, and many need to be reminded of their worth and the fact that they have earned the right to be there through dedication to their work and the contributions they make and can make in the future.
If I can be the inspiration for younger women who may see me as a trailblazer in that way, I would be honored and excited to have that impact on them. I have had my own share of inspirational women to whom I look up and respect. They have taught me that my self-worth and ability to advocate for myself are skills that I needed to learn to move ahead in my career and to take pride in my accomplishments to date.
Be brave, be innovative and work on finding your voice and confidence in whatever tasks you take on. You will be pleasantly surprised to find that you are always worthy of being heard, seen and listened to if you are prepared, strong and willing to share.
This article was originally published in the Mortgage Women Magazine March 2024 issue.
