Feature Spotlight #41 - Christina Olson

Spotlight Featuring. Christina Olson, Chief Title Officer, Magnus Title Agency

In this week’s Her. the Title Collective spotlight, we’re proud to introduce Christina Olson—an industry trailblazer, mentor, and sunshine-loving title pro with a story as rich as her 35-year career in title insurance. Christina’s journey has taken her from filing microfiche at her mom’s office during school breaks to leading as Chief Title Officer at Magnus Title Agency in Phoenix, Arizona.

Rooted in Legacy, Rising with Purpose.

Christina’s introduction to the industry began at Stewart Title, where her mom worked. “I filled microfiche and made copies,” she recalls. After serving in the military and attending college, she returned to the title world full-time. “I didn’t plan to make a career out of it, but life had other plans—and I’m grateful it did.”

Over the last 13 years with Magnus Title, Christina has grown from Title Manager to her current leadership position. Her drive to lead with purpose and uplift others is evident in every role she’s taken on.

Two Women, Two Styles, One Inspired Leader.

When asked about her mentors, Christina shares the impact of two very different—but equally inspiring—women. “One led with empathy and respect. She taught me that I didn’t always need the answer, just the ability to find it. The other showed me how to take charge and get things done.” Their combined influence helped shape her into the dynamic leader she is today.

Finding Her Voice—and Encouraging Others to Find Theirs.

As a former Army military police officer stationed in Germany, Christina learned early on how to navigate male-dominated environments. That experience prepared her to handle tough conversations and stand up for herself. Her advice to women just entering the industry? “Speak up early. Your voice matters. Say what you want—or don’t want. And find someone you trust to back you up.”

 Excellence Isn’t a Solo Pursuit.

Christina’s “why” is grounded in her relentless pursuit of excellence—not just for herself, but for those around her. “I cultivate a network of mentors—my lifelines—whose guidance has helped me navigate challenges,” she says. “I also make it a point to work with people who are curious, passionate, and ready to grow.” This circle of excellence is at the heart of her leadership philosophy.

“When we empower each other, we rise together.”

On Facing Aggressors with Grace.

Christina believes dignity is the best response to confrontation. “Do not mimic aggression. State your position clearly, and if needed, bring it to leadership. No one deserves disrespect.” Her advice is practical—and powerful: “Speak up. Every woman deserves to feel safe and heard.”

Building a Legacy of Empowerment.

Ask Christina what she hopes her legacy will be, and her answer is simple yet profound: mentorship.

“I want to be remembered for inspiring and teaching others. Empowerment is my word—because when people are empowered, leadership and creativity flourish.”

Sunshine, History, and the Black Angels.

When she’s not leading title teams or mentoring the next generation, you’ll likely find Christina soaking up the Arizona sunshine. She’s an avid hiker, camper, and history buff with a love for the American Revolution and mystery novels. And if the Black Angels are playing nearby, you just might catch her at their concert, channeling her inner rock fan (her first concert? Foreigner!).

Her Family, Her Foundation.

At the core of Christina Olson’s strength is a foundation built on love, loyalty, and genuine connection. “My husband is my biggest fan,” she says. “He’s my constant encourager—always reminding me of my worth and pushing me forward, especially when things get tough.”

Her children continue to inspire her daily. “I strive to lead by example, to be someone they’re proud of. They’ve seen me navigate challenges and stay grounded in my values, and I hope that shows them how to lead with heart and courage.”

Christina also credits her close-knit circle of women friends—her “village”—with keeping her grounded. “They are my sanity and joy,” she says. “Through game nights, hikes, laughter, and real talk, we help each other stay centered and strong.”

Surrounded by family, mentors, and friends, Christina thrives in a support system that lifts her up—and fuels her mission to do the same for others.

Final Thoughts from Christina.

“Women have always been agents of change. As a collective, we need to stay informed, define our values, and be conscious mentors to those around us. I’m so grateful that Her. the Title Collective is part of that mission.”

Thank you, Christina, for reminding us that leadership is about lifting others as you climb. Your legacy of empowerment is already making waves—and we’re honored to celebrate you as a true Woman of Title.

*Connect with Christina here: Christina.Olson@magnustitle.com I LinkedIn I Facebook

** Do you know an inspiring woman in title we should feature? Reach out to the Her. team and help us spotlight more stories that strengthen and empower our community.

Feature Spotlight #40 - Claire Hartman

Her.Collective Featuring Claire Lanham Hartman

The Joyful Fixer: A Title Trailblazer Rooted in Texas Grit, Grace, and Great Danes.

In the heart of Central Texas, nestled among wildflowers and legacy, lives a woman whose journey through the title insurance industry reads like a love letter to perseverance, passion, and people. Meet Claire Lanham Hartman, Owner and Partner of First Community Title, a majority woman-owned company she helped acquire in 2017. With a career spanning nearly four decades, Claire is not just a seasoned title professional, she is a visionary, a problem-solver, a mentor, and a joyful force in an industry that often works behind the scenes but carries tremendous impact.

Wisdom Rooted in Legacy

Raised in Houston in the 1970s and now a proud resident of Salado, Claire comes from a rich Texas lineage. Her great-great-grandfather, Samuel Willis Tucker Lanham, served as Governor of Texas from 1903–1907. Her father, a successful attorney, switched careers to become a minister when she was born—humorously admitting he’d need divine help to raise her. Her mother, “Missy-Mom,” was a compassionate special education teacher.

That foundation of faith, service, and grit gave Claire the inner compass she still leans on today. “I’m a preacher’s kid, and my faith runs deep. I know who I am. I know whose I am. And I know I’ve been gifted with a different way of thinking. I’ve learned to embrace that—and it’s helped me show up for others in meaningful ways.”

From “Anything but Title” to a Lifelong Calling.

Claire didn’t always dream of working in title insurance. After earning her bachelor’s degree in real estate from Schreiner University in 1985, she briefly pursued a career in real estate sales and even considered a shift into early childhood development. But fate had other plans. In 1987, she answered a newspaper ad for a title company position in Kerrville, Texas. Though the branch closed shortly after she began, it was only the beginning.

Moving to Austin and turning to an employment agency, Claire told the recruiter she would do “anything but title insurance.” The very next day, the agency called and asked if she knew what “escrow” meant. That’s when she met Taresa Hale, the woman who would become her mentor and guiding light. Claire joined Taresa at Longhorn Title in Round Rock—and never looked back.

“Taresa raised me in this business,” Claire reflects. “She didn’t just teach me how to work a file—she taught me how to take care of people, to communicate clearly, even when the news isn’t easy. She taught me that title isn’t just about documents—it’s about trust.”

Claire’s path led her through numerous roles at respected companies, from NCNB (now Bank of America), where she managed internal closings on REO assets, to Alamo Title and then to Austin Title, where she sharpened her skills in the Round Rock branch. Then, in 2002, she was offered the opportunity to lead a small title agency in Temple, Texas—First Community Title. Fifteen years later, she became one of its proud owners, helping to build a company known for both professional excellence and heartfelt service.

A Woman Who Fixes What Others Fear.

Claire may hold the title of Owner/Partner, but around the office, she’s affectionately known as “The Fixer.” She thrives in complexity and finds her greatest strength in creative problem-solving. “My talent lies in thinking outside the box,” she says. “Because let’s face it—Plan A doesn’t always work.” 

She is also known across Central Texas for her work in Right of Way, a specialized niche that often requires navigating complex property disputes and infrastructure projects. Claire’s ability to remain calm, strategic, and collaborative makes her an invaluable asset to clients and colleagues alike.

Building Confidence, Breaking Barriers.

Despite working in a field historically dominated by men—particularly in the commercial transaction space—Claire never saw her gender as a limitation. “I was raised by parents who taught me I could be anything I wanted,” she shares. “I never questioned whether I belonged at the table.”

Still, building trust in a small-town market while competing against larger, “big city” operations wasn’t easy. Claire often had to prove that experience, heart, and hustle could match—if not surpass—the glitter of a bigger name. Her integrity, work ethic, and reputation for excellence ultimately became her differentiators.

Her advice for women entering the industry is both timeless and practical:

“Have a firm handshake. Look people in the eye. Dress like you mean business. And treat every client like they’re your only one. That’s how you build respect—and relationships.” 

She also encourages women to lean into their curiosity and not shy away from asking for help. “It’s a sign of confidence,” she says. “And a great way to learn.”

Claire is also the 2024-25 Texas Land Title President. She is the 110th President but only the 8th woman…so far! She feels honored to be in this position and recognizes the importance of leading the title industry and standing up in the face of adversity by working to bring people together for the common good of the consumer.

Legacy, Leadership & Never Losing Joy.

For Claire, the “why” behind her work runs deep. She sees her role in title not just as a profession, but as a service to others—helping them achieve dreams they may not have thought possible. One of her most memorable closings involved a newly divorced woman who had been told she’d never own a home on her own. That day, Claire handed her the keys—and watched a spark of belief ignite. “She told me her ex-husband would be picking up their child at her new house the following weekend,” Claire recalls. “She laughed and said, ‘He can’t come in—we won’t have furniture—but I have a house.’ That’s the joy of title insurance.”

That kind of joy, Claire says, is worth protecting. Her personal mantra—

“Never let them steal your joy”

is etched on her office wall and rooted in every interaction she has. “When you work with difficult people or face aggressors,” she advises, “don’t give them that power. Stay grounded in your professionalism. Own your mistakes, learn from them, and move forward with grace.”

A Life Rich in Love, Legacy & Legos.

Outside of the title world, Claire’s life is full of color and connection. She and her husband Bill, a retired Master Plumber and her self-proclaimed “McGyver Mechanical Engineer,” have been married for 26 years and raised a beautifully blended family. Together, they’ve raised five children—four of whom Bill had custody of when they married, and one daughter from Claire’s first marriage. 

Their family continues to grow, with five grandchildren ranging in age from 3 to 23, many of whom live just minutes away. And of course, the Hartman household wouldn’t be complete without their three beloved Great Danes—Alex, Gus, and baby Mowglii, a special needs pup who will soon be evaluated by specialists at Texas A&M.

Claire is a passionate gardener with a thriving 2,000 square-foot garden, a lover of porch flowers, and a self-proclaimed movie marathon enthusiast. “I deeply believe everyone has the right to be more than they ever thought they could be,” she says. “And I love helping people discover that.”

The Heart of Her Legacy.

As Claire looks to the future, her mission is clear: to raise up the next generation of title professionals who lead with courage, empathy, and a deep sense of purpose. “Integrity is everything,” she emphasizes. “It can be lost in a moment. But if you own your mistakes, if you keep your word, you can build a legacy that lasts.”

Her greatest hope? To be remembered as a positive, forward-thinking professional who made the industry better—by helping others become more than they believed they could be.

As she beautifully puts it: “We title insurers are like the Men in Black—fixing problems our clients never knew existed.” And few do it with as much joy, strength, and heart as Claire Lanham Hartman.

Thank you, Claire, for sharing your empowering story with Her.Collective!

**Connect with Claire here: claire.hartman@fcttx.com I LinkedIn I Instagram I Facebook

Feature Spotlight #39 - Nereida Almos

Introducing the behind-the-scenes dynamo: Nereida Almos.

"Balancing Clean Files, Quick Wit, and a Strong Cocktail.”

In the heart of West Texas, where wide skies meet even wider ambition, you'll find Nereida Almos—Title Operations Manager at McKnight Title, a fast-growing company with 21 offices across the Lone Star State. With 23 years in the title insurance industry, Nereida is the embodiment of grit, grace, and growth. Her story is one of steady climb, unshakable integrity, and a mission to make the title industry not only more efficient—but more human.

From Data Entry to Leadership: A Wild Ride Worth Every Turn.

Like many in title, Nereida didn’t plan to land here. What started as a college job in data entry at Stewart Title soon became a calling. From abstract to examiner, title plant manager to Operation Manager on the Underwriter side, every step along the way deepened her expertise and fueled her passion.

Today, at McKnight Title, Nereida is thriving in an environment that mirrors her own momentum. “They’re growing quickly, and the energy is contagious,” she says. “I love being part of a team that’s not just expanding in size but evolving in how we do business.”

The Power of Process and People.

As Title Operations Manager, Nereida is the engine behind the machine. She works hand-in-hand with examiners, closers, and vendors to refine workflows and solve complex file issues. “I thrive on making things more efficient and effective,” she says. One of her favorite parts of the job? Visiting offices in person. “It gives me a firsthand look at what’s working and what needs tweaking. Plus, nothing beats real connection.”

Mentors, Moments, and Meaning.

One of the most profound influences in her career was Kistina McZeak, a receptionist at TitleOne with a heart as big as her smile. “She made every single person who walked through that door feel like they mattered,” says Nereida. “She taught me that customer service isn’t just about being polite — it’s about genuinely caring.”

It’s a lesson Nereida carries with her today, leading with kindness and compassion, especially in an industry known for its pressures and pace.

Breaking Barriers and Building Confidence.

The journey wasn’t always smooth. “Early on, I felt like I had to constantly prove myself,” Nereida reflects. “There’s this unspoken pressure to be twice as good just to be seen as capable.” But over time and experience, her confidence caught up to her capability. “Now, I lead with confidence and let the work speak for itself.”

To younger women in the industry, she offers sage advice: “Be a sponge. Learn everything, ask questions, get involved. Confidence comes from experience, so give yourself permission to grow into it.”

Faith, Family, and Forward Motion.

When it comes to staying grounded, Nereida draws strength from her family—especially her daughters. “They’re my why. I want them to see that you can be a strong, successful woman in business without sacrificing who you are.”

Faith also plays a key role. In the chaos of closings and compliance, it’s her spiritual foundation that keeps her focused and resilient.

Lifelong Learner and Leader.

Nereida’s professional growth is no accident. She credits the book Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin as pivotal, helping her embrace responsibility and drive results. And while she admits to a love of true crime podcasts, she also finds motivation in Mel Robbins’ podcast, which covers everything from career shifts to confidence-building.

Tackling the “Mean Girl” Culture with Grace and Grit.

In a bold and refreshing take, Nereida doesn’t shy away from addressing the challenge of workplace aggression among women. “I’m a girls’ girl through and through,” she says. “There’s more than enough glitter for all of us.” Her approach is rooted in strength and serenity:

“Speak your truth but always protect your peace. Not everyone is meant to be in your corner—and that’s okay.”

Beyond the Office: The Marathon Mentality.

Outside of work, Nereida finds freedom and clarity in running. Her first half marathon was a test of both body and mind, and despite an injury setback, she’s determined to conquer a full marathon soon. “Running reminds me I’m stronger than I think,” she says.

Legacy in the Making.

When asked what kind of legacy she hopes to leave, Nereida doesn’t hesitate: “I want to be remembered not just for being good at what I did, but for loving what I did—and for having fun doing it.”

Her vision? A title industry where excellence and joy coexist, where mentorship matters, and where everyone feels seen.

“A great professional knows how to balance a clean file, a quick wit, and a strong cocktail,” she laughs.

Final Word: Keep Learning, Keep Lifting.

To the Women of Title community, Nereida’s message is clear and powerful: “Never stop learning. This industry changes constantly, and curiosity is your greatest asset. Find a mentor, be a mentor, and don’t be afraid to take up space. There’s room for all of us to shine.”

With passion, poise, and a whole lot of heart, Nereida Almos is redefining what it means to lead in title. And if her journey proves anything, it’s that success is sweeter—and more sustainable—when you bring others along for the ride.

Thank you, Nereida for your inspiring story of resilience, loyalty and grit! We are honored to have you as a member of the Her.collective!

**Connect with Nereida here: NereidaAlmos@McKnightTitle.com I LinkedIn I Instagram I Facebook