From Hospice Care to High-Performance Leadership
Chelsea Koski didn’t follow a traditional path into business leadership—and that’s exactly what makes her story so compelling. She began her career in hospice care as a certified dementia practitioner. Today, she’s a top-performing ECR (Escalation and Customer Resolution) Manager at loanDepot, known company-wide as a problem-solver, collaborator, and leader.
Recently, Chelsea added another milestone to her professional journey: completing the Women in Leadership: Influence & Impact certificate from Southern Methodist University (SMU) Continuing and Professional Education (CAPE). This spotlight takes a look at her evolution, her standout takeaways from the program, and the impact she’s making in her role today.
A Career Built on Empathy, Resilience, and Drive
Chelsea’s transition from healthcare to finance wasn’t just about switching industries.
It was a bold move driven by a desire to grow.
After a year at Quicken Loans, she joined loanDepot and began climbing the ranks. Starting as a loan officer, Chelsea quickly stood out for her performance and leadership potential. She rose to executive loan officer, then sales manager, and now serves as an ECR Manager—a pivotal role that has her working across departments to keep things running smoothly.
“Essentially, I’m a fixer,” she explains. “I partner with a sales manager, work with underwriting, processing, title, appraisal, impaired asset teams, and our clients. I have to know how to do almost every role in the company to solve problems before they become roadblocks.”
Chelsea’s leadership approach is rooted in collaboration and trust. “I get to work with an incredible team. Helping them grow and succeed is the most rewarding part of my job.”
Why SMU CAPE? A First Step Toward Lifelong Leadership Growth
Though she’s an accomplished leader, Chelsea had never taken a formal college course before enrolling in SMU’s Women in Leadership program.
“I didn’t really know what to expect. I just went in with an open mind,” she admits. “But it was easy to navigate, and the material was incredibly relevant.”
What stood out most? The modules that helped her better understand herself—and how to lead others more effectively. “I especially loved the sections on growth mindset, DISC (Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, Conscientiousness) profiles, psychological safety, and mentorship.”
Key Takeaways: From Self-Awareness to Strategy
One of the program’s most impactful moments for Chelsea was learning about her DiSC profile—a tool that identifies communication styles.
“It helped me realize how my personality might be perceived by others,” she says. “That awareness has made me more thoughtful in how I lead my team.”
The course also introduced her to the power of psychological safety—a concept that resonated deeply. “When your team feels safe to speak up, they perform better. It’s about creating space where people feel heard.”
Another lasting influence? Mentorship. Chelsea left the program inspired to formalize a mentorship model on her team, giving others the guidance and support she values in her own journey.
From Classroom to Career: Putting Leadership Lessons into Practice
Chelsea didn’t just complete the program—she’s already applying what she learned. Whether it’s improving how she communicates or building mentorship into her team’s DNA, she’s leading with intention.
“I want mentorship to be more than a buzzword. I want it to be a lived experience on our team. We’re creating opportunities for junior employees to step into leadership roles with confidence.”
Her focus on building trust, improving communication, and modeling continuous learning is helping her team stay aligned and agile, especially in the face of complex challenges.
Advice for Aspiring Leaders
Chelsea is quick to recommend the Women in Leadership program to others. “It’s absolutely worth the investment,” she says.
“I definitely feel more confident as a leader now,” she says. “The course pushed me to reflect, to grow, and to seek out more ways to keep learning.”
Since completing the certificate, she’s been diving into leadership books and staying committed to refining her approach. “For me, leadership isn’t a destination—it’s a practice.”
Ready to grow your influence?
Chelsea’s story is proof that with the right mindset, leadership is something you can build, refine, and amplify over time. Programs like SMU CAPE’s Women in Leadership: Influence & Impact help turn potential into impact—and set the stage for the next generation of women leaders.
Explore the Women in Leadership: Influence & Impact Certificate and start building your leadership legacy today.