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Coach Melanie Klein profiles financial expert and real estate investor Austin Lampson, who exemplifies why real estate is still one of the world’s most reliable paths to wealth.
Austin Lampson
Austin Lampson, senior vice president of mortgage lending and branch manager at OriginPoint, embodies the new generation of women turning real estate into a platform for financial independence and long-term legacy.
Lampson’s story is a powerful reminder that the journey toward financial independence — especially for women — is often built from the ground up, fueled by both resilience and vision.
From blueprints to building wealth
“My father graduated from Tulane Architecture School when I was 2,” Lampson shared. “With my mom as the breadwinner, I’d accompany my dad to the drafting board on weekends. I’d hang out with him among pencils, paper and blueprints.”
Growing up in New Orleans in the 1980s, surrounded by a passion for preserving history against time and the elements, Lampson absorbed an early appreciation for structure — both literal and financial. “While my career eventually took me through a love of economic problem-solving, my journey into real estate certainly started from the blueprint up,” she said.
That foundation would prove essential as she navigated an industry still catching up to gender equity.
Breaking barriers — and stereotypes
When asked about challenges as a woman in real estate, Lampson laughs. “With the name Austin, I still get folks calling in asking for ‘him,’ and pushback when I reply, ‘He’s not here, but I sure am.’”
She recounted being told that some clients “just prefer to talk money with men,” or more bluntly, that “women have no place in business.” Shockingly, she noted that last line appeared in an email she received not long ago.
“Even this year, I’ve had competitors spread rumors that I use my looks to gain clients,” she added. “Um, dude, no — that’s just my brain and my heart in action. My body is what carries them forward, not puts them on display.”
Lampson’s response captures both humor and strength, traits she’s used to push through the bias that still exists in lending and leadership. “What frustrates me most is that we still hit a glass ceiling. While it’s common to see a female head of underwriting, we rarely occupy the C-suite.
“This industry is both math and emotion — we bring an important balance. It’s time to see more women shine their light at the top.”
Financial freedom — and the power to give back
Owning real estate, Lampson emphasizes, remains one of the most reliable paths to long-term wealth. “The compounding of value can change the course of a family’s financial history,” she said. “Being in an industry that creates financial freedom — through commissions, credit knowledge and smart budgeting — has given my family opportunities I once only dreamed of.”
Her proudest moment wasn’t material, though. “I knew I’d truly made it when my cousin destroyed my grandmother’s house in a drug-induced rage, and I was able to step in and help remodel it without drastically impacting my budget. That’s when I realized — it’s not about what we have, it’s about what we do with it.”
Sacrifice, strategy and staying the course
“Everything is about balance, risk and reward,” Lampson reflects. “Overleveraging doesn’t create freedom. But if you don’t sacrifice for what you want, what you want becomes the sacrifice.”
She sees financial empowerment as a mindset — a blend of discipline, curiosity and courage. “There will always be pretty things to buy or trips to take. Giving up a bit of the shiny stuff now for long-term gain can put you ahead in the future. Don’t wait — you can do it.”
Women owning their power
Lampson has noticed a shift: “Single women — whether first-time buyers or divorcees — are taking steps toward homeownership faster than men. We’re realizing that owning real estate is both a financial and personal investment. It’s about pride, security and self-expression.”
She adds, “This is an industry where you can be your authentic best, compete at a high level and change lives. So lean in, level up, be curious, and be your bold self. This industry is limitless, and so are we.”
Reflection prompts
- Begin from your own blueprint: Where did your story with real estate begin? What early experiences shaped your view of home, money or independence?
- Break the bias — then build beyond it: Where might outdated perceptions or doubts be limiting your potential? How can you reclaim your narrative today?
- Define wealth on your terms: What does financial freedom look like for you? How do you measure success beyond the numbers?
- Play the long game: What small sacrifices now could create greater freedom and stability in your future?
- Lead with authenticity: How can you use your voice, empathy and expertise to uplift others in your community or career?
When women invest in real estate — whether as homeowners, professionals or leaders — they’re not just buying property. They’re building possibility. They’re rewriting family legacies and creating structures strong enough for the next generation to stand on.
So as Austin Lampson reminds us: stay curious, stay bold and keep rising. Because this industry is limitless — and so are women.
Melanie C. Klein, M.A., is an empowerment and mindset coach.
