With over 20 years of experience in the commercial real estate finance industry, Olga Brandeis, MBA '08 has brokered hundreds of deals and loan closings ranging from $1M to over $50M. She worked for some of the largest mortgage brokerages in Los Angeles before becoming the principal of her own firm, Brand Capital, Inc.
Why did you choose the LMU MBA Program?
When people ask why I chose LMU, I often say that in many ways, it chose me. While exploring graduate programs, LMU stood out. Not just for its academic offerings, but for the genuine warmth and sense of community I felt from the moment I stepped on campus. The university’s supportive atmosphere left a lasting impact. Especially the guidance and mentorship of Rachelle Katz, who served as associate dean and director of the MBA Program during my time at LMU. Dr. Katz helped me envision a path forward. She helped me thrive in my MBA journey by strengthening my talents and skills, developing new ones, and setting me up for a successful launch into the competitive Los Angeles commercial real estate industry.
At LMU, I felt seen, valued, and part of something greater than myself. It was a collaborative learning environment where faculty, staff, and students were all invested in one another’s growth. That spirit of shared purpose helped shape me into the professional I am today.
How has your LMU MBA degree helped in your current position or career?
My MBA degree has supported my journey in ways I never anticipated. For example, I never set out to become an entrepreneur, yet three years into running my own commercial real estate firm, I often find myself drawing on the foundational skills I gained at LMU. One of the most impactful lessons was the value of true collaboration. Nearly every course in the program required team-based work, which taught me how to contribute effectively and navigate complex group dynamics. I learned how to foster psychological safety, build diverse teams for stronger outcomes, and celebrate both individual and collective wins.
Just as importantly, I learned how to have the hard conversations: how to assess when something isn’t working, realign responsibilities based on team strengths, and develop compensatory strategies that empower everyone to contribute meaningfully. These experiences helped me understand that strong leadership is rooted in enabling others to shine. And that success is always a team effort. Whether collaborating on a class project or making key decisions at my firm, the principles of teamwork I learned at LMU continue to guide me. I show up, contribute, and make space for others to do the same.
What do you remember most about your time as an LMU MBA student?
One of the most unforgettable experiences from my MBA program was our international immersion trip to Asia. We traveled to Beijing, Tokyo, Bangkok, Singapore, and Hong Kong where we engaged with business leaders, participated in executive networking events, and gained firsthand insight into the dynamics of international commerce.
This experience was transformative. It deepened my understanding of what it means to be a sophisticated professional in today’s interconnected global economy. I have colleagues who work in various capacities all around the world. This trip opened my eyes to this global community, and helped me see the bigger picture – we’re an interconnected network that depends and relies on each other to grow and thrive with our businesses.
Is there a particular MBA experience, course, or professor you would like to highlight?
Professor Kala Seal was a wonderful guide and mentor who showed us how to navigate the sprawling metropolises and appreciate the authentic culture of each city. He demonstrated a deep personal care for our cohort and regarded us as growing professionals on the verge of launching into extraordinary careers. That made a mark and left a lasting impression.
What would you tell a prospective student trying to decide if they should enroll in the LMU MBA program?
I would say to visit the campus. Just set up a tour or meet with a member of the Graduate Business Education Admission Team. Talk to professors, see if you can sit in and audit a class, and ask a lot of questions. You'll get a sense of all the wonderful things that make LMU special, but you have to be there, walking across the lawns, sitting atop the bluff, soaking up the sunshine. The vibe will show you the true spirit of the LMU community. You’ll feel it!
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
I founded Brand Capital, Inc. with two guiding principles at its core: community and mindfulness. These values have shaped not only how I do business, but how I lead. My time at LMU instilled in me the importance of building authentic connections. I carry this into every client interaction, team collaboration, and strategic decision. At the same time, I cultivated a mindful approach to leadership and deal-making: one that emphasizes presence, intention, and long-term value.
Today, as I lead my own firm, these two principles remain central to everything I do. And for those just beginning their MBA journey, I’ll say this: the experiences you’re having now in the classroom, abroad, or in early career roles are shaping who you’re becoming. The relationships you build and the community you form at LMU will travel with you into every new chapter, from launching a business to advancing your career. It starts now, with the people you meet and the experiences you have at a wonderful MBA program like LMU’s. So, soak it up and enjoy every minute!