The Pavan Perspective

Pavan Agarwal

Listen as Celligence CEO Pavan Agarwal, a leader in multiple industries from mortgage banking to artificial intelligence, interviews other business leaders and shares his insights and advice for budding entrepreneurs beginning their journey.

  1. How a Team of the Greatest Engineers Are Built

    1d ago

    How a Team of the Greatest Engineers Are Built

    In this episode of The Pavan Perspective, Jennifer Vallinayagam and David Lykken explore how AngelAi® is transforming the mortgage industry. They break down how decades of engineering, real mortgage data, and system design have led to AngelAi’s revolutionary solutions. From automating loan origination to blockchain-enabled data security and digital twin technology, this conversation reveals how Ai is not just assisting lending—it is redefining it. We also uncover the importance of ownership-driven engineering culture and why simplicity in user experience hides extreme backend complexity. If you are interested in Ai in mortgage lending, fintech innovation, AGI, blockchain, and the future of financial services, this episode is a must-watch.Speaker InformationPavan AgarwalFounder/CEO of Celligence LLC, Creator of AngelAiCEO of Sun West Mortgage, nmls 3277Pavan Agarwal is the Chief Executive Officer of Sun West, one of the largest independent, privately owned mortgage companies based in the U.S. He is also the founder of Celligence LLC, which harnesses the best of Artificial Intelligence and Empathetic Technology to make mortgages simple and accessible to everyone. Pavan is a major proponent of Fair Lending and using technology to create homeownership opportunities for underserved markets. He loves to bring innovation into the mortgage industry and seamlessly integrate business units, products, and disparate goals into a single architecture to achieve success. Pavan's exceptional achievements have garnered recognition from prestigious media outlets, including Fox News, Yahoo!, and Bloomberg. He's also been nominated for a national philanthropy award for his work with The Autism Community in Action (TACA).Jennifer Vallinayagam Chief Operating Officer at Sun WestJennifer Vallinayagam, as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Sun West, has a remarkable background in software engineering and computer programming. She joined Sun West in 1999 and played a pivotal role in the development of the Mortgage Loan Origination System, now known as SunSoft®/SMILES. This software has been crucial to Sun West's origination and servicing operations and continues to be a cornerstone of their processes. Jennifer's dedication, hard work, and strategic mindset led to her appointment as COO.Her outstanding contributions have been recognized through prestigious accolades, including being named a '2023 Woman of Influence' by HousingWire, a '2023 Mortgage Lending Woman of Inspiration' by National Mortgage Professional, and receiving a Globee® Women in Business Award. Jennifer Vallinayagam's innovative spirit and leadership have not only shaped Sun West's technological landscape but have also positioned her as a prominent figure in the mortgage industry.David LykkenFounder and Chief Transformation Officer | Executive Coach and Business Strategy Consultant | Transformational Mortgage Solutions, LLCDavid Lykken is a seasoned mortgage industry expert with over four decades of experience. As a former owner-operator of three mortgage banking companies, a software firm, and several leading consulting businesses, David has a proven track record of driving growth through consulting, executive coaching, and strategic communications. He specializes in working with C-level executives and business owners to develop business strategies, enhance sales and marketing efforts, and streamline operations for greater efficiency and profitability. David is a regular guest on FOX Business News and CNBC and hosts the popular weekly podcast, "Lykken on Lending," which attracts thousands of mortgage professionals nationwide. He also produces the daily market commentary, "Today’s Mortgage Minute," which reaches millions of viewers through various media outlets. In addition, David is a prolific writer, contributing articles to leading industry publications on a regular basis.

    25 min
  2. The Credit Score Shake-Up

    Jun 17

    The Credit Score Shake-Up

    In this episode of The Pavan Perspective, Pavan Agarwal welcomes Micah Smith, credit expert and founder of Micah Abigail LLC, for a timely discussion on the future of credit, mortgage lending, and financial literacy. Together, they explore how modern credit scoring may influence mortgage readiness, why rent and utility payment history matter, and how Ai-powered tools are transforming credit repair and borrower support. This powerful conversation is designed for homebuyers, Realtors®, Loan Officers, Brokers, Entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in credit score optimization. Speaker Information Pavan Agarwal CEO of Sun West and Creator of AngelAi Pavan Agarwal is the Chief Executive Officer of Sun West, one of the largest independent, privately owned mortgage companies based in the U.S. He is also the founder of Celligence, which harnesses the best of Artificial Intelligence and Emphatic Technology to make mortgages simple and accessible to everyone. Pavan is a major proponent of Fair Lending and using technology to create homeownership opportunities for underserved markets. He loves to bring innovation into the mortgage industry and seamlessly integrate business units, products, and disparate goals into a single architecture to achieve success. Pavan's exceptional achievements have garnered recognition from prestigious media outlets, including Fox News, Yahoo!, and Bloomberg. He's also been nominated for a national philanthropy award for his work with The Autism Community in Action (TACA). Micah Smith President and Founder at Micah Abigail LLC Micah Smith is the Founder and CEO of Micah Abigail LLC, a mortgage-focused credit restoration firm based in Fishkill, NY. With 12+ years of experience and a 100% referral-based practice, Micah works exclusively with Loan Officers and real estate professionals nationwide to get their declined and not-yet-ready clients across the finish line — and back to the closing table. A Fox Business featured credit expert, keynote speaker, and host of the Rebuild & Rise podcast, Micah has built a reputation as one of the most trusted voices in mortgage credit strategy. She has been teaching VantageScore 4.0 and the future of mortgage scoring since 2022 — before most of the industry was paying attention. Their clients don't just improve their scores. They close. Realtors, Fox News, Yahoo!, and Bloomberg are registered trademarks of National Association of Realtors, Fox Media LLC, Yahoo Inc., and Bloomberg Finance One, respectively. Sun West Mortgage Company, Inc. is acting as the Lender and offers financing to qualified borrowers. Sun West Mortgage Company, Inc is not affiliated with any third parties mentioned above. The names are owned by the respective third parties.

    42 min
  3. The Rise of Self-Driving Mortgages

    Jun 10

    The Rise of Self-Driving Mortgages

    In this episode of The Pavan Perspective, Pavan Agarwal and David Lykken explore the next major evolution in artificial intelligence, fintech, and mortgage technology. From agentic Ai and autonomous lending to blockchain, stablecoins, home equity, and financial inclusion, this conversation takes a deep look at how AngelAi® is helping redefine what reliable Ai can do in high-stakes financial transactions. Pavan shares insights on why businesses need Ai solutions that go beyond chatbots, how autonomous workflows can transform lending, and why the future of finance may depend on trusted, scalable, and transaction-ready Ai. Watch this episode to understand how Ai, blockchain, and digital banking could reshape the mortgage industry, expand access to credit, and unlock new possibilities for consumers and businesses worldwide. Speaker Information Pavan Agarwal CEO of Sun West and Creator of AngelAi Pavan Agarwal is the Chief Executive Officer of Sun West, one of the largest independent, privately owned mortgage companies based in the U.S. He is also the founder of Celligence, which harnesses the best of Artificial Intelligence and Emphatic Technology to make mortgages simple and accessible to everyone. Pavan is a major proponent of Fair Lending and using technology to create homeownership opportunities for underserved markets. He loves to bring innovation into the mortgage industry and seamlessly integrate business units, products, and disparate goals into a single architecture to achieve success. Pavan's exceptional achievements have garnered recognition from prestigious media outlets, including Fox News, Yahoo!, and Bloomberg. He's also been nominated for a national philanthropy award for his work with The Autism Community in Action (TACA). David Lykken Founder and Chief Transformation Officer | Executive Coach and Business Strategy Consultant Transformational Mortgage Solutions, LLC David Lykken is a seasoned mortgage industry expert with over four decades of experience. As a former owner-operator of three mortgage banking companies, a software firm, and several leading consulting businesses, David has a proven track record of driving growth through consulting, executive coaching, and strategic communications. He specializes in working with C-level executives and business owners to develop business strategies, enhance sales and marketing efforts, and streamline operations for greater efficiency and profitability. David is a regular guest on FOX Business News and CNBC and hosts the popular weekly podcast, "Lykken on Lending," which attracts thousands of mortgage professionals nationwide. He also produces the daily market commentary, "Today’s Mortgage Minute," which reaches millions of viewers through various media outlets. In addition, David is a prolific writer, contributing articles to leading industry publications on a regular basis. Fox News, Yahoo!, and Bloomberg are registered trademarks of Fox Media LLC, Yahoo Inc., and Bloomberg Finance One, respectively. Sun West Mortgage Company, Inc. is acting as the Lender and offers financing to qualified borrowers. Sun West Mortgage Company, Inc is not affiliated with any third parties mentioned above. The names are owned by the respective third parties.

    39 min
  4. Angel Income: Ai-Powered, Warranted Income Analysis In Minutes

    Jun 3

    Angel Income: Ai-Powered, Warranted Income Analysis In Minutes

    In this episode of The Pavan Perspective, Pavan Agarwal, Angel Sumlin, and Andrew Berman explore how Ai is revolutionizing the mortgage industry by reducing deal fallout and automating income calculations. The discussion dives into how AngelAi is helping loan officers close loans quicker, improve borrower experiences, support self-employed and gig economy clients, and transform the future of mortgage lending through Ai-powered automation, blockchain security, and instant loan analysis.Speaker InformationPavan AgarwalCEO of Sun West and Creator of AngelAiPavan Agarwal is the Chief Executive Officer of Sun West, one of the largest independent, privately owned mortgage companies based in the U.S. He is also the founder of Celligence, which harnesses the best of Artificial Intelligence and Emphatic Technology to make mortgages simple and accessible to everyone. Pavan is a major proponent of Fair Lending and using technology to create homeownership opportunities for underserved markets. He loves to bring innovation into the mortgage industry and seamlessly integrate business units, products, and disparate goals into a single architecture to achieve success. Pavan's exceptional achievements have garnered recognition from prestigious media outlets, including Fox News, Yahoo!, and Bloomberg. He's also been nominated for a national philanthropy award for his work with The Autism Community in Action (TACA).Angel SumlinManaging Director of Organizational Development at Sun WestAs the Managing Director of Organizational Development at Sun West, Angel leads and supports the assessment of organizational needs as well as the creation, implementation, and evaluation of programs that assist the company's employees in their continuing career advancement. She also serves as a liaison and an advisor to the organization's leadership, facilitating initiatives across the board. Angel's foundational expertise is in Learning and Development, with demonstrated success in the financial services industry. She has a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of La Verne, California, and is a Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD), skilled in coaching, sales, communications, instructional design, team development, and project management.Andrew BermanCEO, National Mortgage ProfessionalAndrew Berman is a leading force in the media landscape. As the CEO at National Mortgage Professional (NMP), he helps share real-world success stories and actionable strategies that move the needle and deliver insight through newsletters, podcasts, webinars, and video. He also hosts events that spark meaningful connections and partnerships, offer targeted marketing services to help NMP’s partners reach the right audience, and provides compliance-focused content to help professionals stay protected and informed.Fox News, Yahoo!, Bloomberg, and USA Today are registered trademarks of Fox Media LLC, Yahoo Inc., Bloomberg Finance One L.P., and Gannett Satellite Information Network, LLC, respectively.Sun West Mortgage Company, Inc. is acting as the Lender and offers financing to qualified borrowers. Sun West Mortgage Company, Inc is not affiliated with any third parties mentioned above. The names are owned by the respective third parties.

    55 min
  5. Ai That Eliminates Income-Related Deal Fallout

    May 27

    Ai That Eliminates Income-Related Deal Fallout

    In this episode of The Pavan Perspective, Pavan Agarwal, Angel Sumlin, and Nathan S. Pierce discuss why more real estate deals are falling apart before closing and how evolving income structures are creating new challenges in mortgage approvals. From self-employed borrowers and side hustles to commission and multi-income households, the conversation explores why traditional underwriting struggles to keep up. The episode also highlights how Ai-driven income analysis can help Realtors® and loan officers reduce deal fallout, speed up approvals, and create more certainty throughout the homebuying process. Tune in for practical insights on the future of mortgage qualification.- - - Speaker InformationPavan AgarwalCEO of Sun West and Creator of AngelAiPavan Agarwal is the Chief Executive Officer of Sun West, one of the largest independent, privately owned mortgage companies based in the U.S. He is also the founder of Celligence, which harnesses the best of Artificial Intelligence and Emphatic Technology to make mortgages simple and accessible to everyone. Pavan is a major proponent of Fair Lending and using technology to create homeownership opportunities for underserved markets. He loves to bring innovation into the mortgage industry and seamlessly integrate business units, products, and disparate goals into a single architecture to achieve success. Pavan's exceptional achievements have garnered recognition from prestigious media outlets, including Fox News, Yahoo!, and Bloomberg. He's also been nominated for a national philanthropy award for his work with The Autism Community in Action (TACA).Angel SumlinManaging Director of Organizational Development at Sun WestAs the Managing Director of Organizational Development at Sun West, Angel leads and supports the assessment of organizational needs as well as the creation, implementation, and evaluation of programs that assist the company's employees in their continuing career advancement. She also serves as a liaison and an advisor to the organization's leadership, facilitating initiatives across the board. Angel's foundational expertise is in Learning and Development, with demonstrated success in the financial services industry. She has a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of La Verne, California, and is a Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD), skilled in coaching, sales, communications, instructional design, team development, and project management.Nathan S. PiercePresident and Certified Residential Mortgage Specialist Advanced Funding Home Mortgage Loans. A Utah Corporation | NMLS 13287Nathan S. Pierce is a Utah-based mortgage professional and Certified Residential Mortgage Specialist (CRMS) with more than three decades of experience in home lending and banking. He began his career in the mortgage industry in 1991 and founded Advanced Funding Home Mortgage Loans in Salt Lake City in 1994, where he continues to provide tailored financing solutions for homebuyers and homeowners.Throughout his career, Nathan has guided thousands of borrowers through the home-loan process, specializing in residential mortgage financing and client education. He is known for his clear, client-focused approach and his ability to simplify complex lending decisions.Nathan has also been actively involved in the mortgage industry community, including participation in the National Association of Mortgage Professionals (NAMB) and the Utah Association of Mortgage Professionals, supporting professional development and ethical lending standards. His long-standing career reflects a commitment to integrity, service, and helping families achieve sustainable homeownership.Sun West Mortgage Company, Inc. is acting as the Lender and offers financing to qualified borrowers. Sun West Mortgage Company, Inc is not affiliated with any third parties mentioned above. The names are owned by the respective third parties.AngelAi®, Realtors, Fox News, Yahoo!

    58 min
  6. The $40 Trillion Real Estate Shift

    May 20

    The $40 Trillion Real Estate Shift

    In this episode of The Pavan Perspective, Pavan Agarwal and Tim Harris discuss how Ai is transforming the future of real estate and mortgages. From Ai-powered mortgage approvals and automated transactions to tokenized real estate and the Clarity Act, they explore how technology could reshape ownership, investing, and wealth creation in the years ahead. They also dive into why human relationships will remain essential in an Ai-driven market, how agents can adapt to rapid industry change, and what real estate professionals should be doing today to prepare for the future. Don’t miss this insightful conversation on Ai, tokenization, and the next evolution of real estate.Speaker InformationPavan AgarwalCEO of Sun West and Creator of AngelAiPavan Agarwal is the Chief Executive Officer of Sun West, one of the largest independent, privately owned mortgage companies based in the U.S. He is also the founder of Celligence, which harnesses the best of Artificial Intelligence and Emphatic Technology to make mortgages simple and accessible to everyone. Pavan is a major proponent of Fair Lending and using technology to create homeownership opportunities for underserved markets. He loves to bring innovation into the mortgage industry and seamlessly integrate business units, products, and disparate goals into a single architecture to achieve success. Pavan's exceptional achievements have garnered recognition from prestigious media outlets, including Fox News, Yahoo!, and Bloomberg. He's also been nominated for a national philanthropy award for his work with The Autism Community in Action (TACA).Tim Harris Real Estate Coach, Author, and Industry TrainerTim Harris is a leading real estate coach and co-founder of Tim & Julie Harris Real Estate Coaching. With over two decades of experience, Tim has built a reputation as one of the industry's top coaches, helping thousands of real estate professionals achieve success. In their first year as Realtors®, Tim and his wife Julie sold over 100 homes, paving the way for their future accomplishments.Tim and Julie have authored multiple books, including the bestselling HARRIS RULES, and have been recognized by Inman News as the “Best Coaches in the Industry.” They have coached top-producing agents across the U.S. and provided training for major organizations such as RE/MAX and Keller Williams. Their practical, no-nonsense approach has made their coaching programs some of the most sought after in real estate.AngelAi®, Fox News, Yahoo!, Bloomberg, and CNBC are registered trademarks of Celligence LLC, Fox Media LLC, Yahoo Inc., Bloomberg Finance One L.P., and NBCUniversal Media, LLC, respectively.Sun West Mortgage Company, Inc. is acting as the Lender and offers financing to qualified borrowers. Sun West Mortgage Company, Inc is not affiliated with any third parties mentioned above. The names are owned by the respective third parties.

    1h 6m
  7. Human Capital: The Ultimate Moat for Ai-First Industries

    May 13

    Human Capital: The Ultimate Moat for Ai-First Industries

    In this powerful episode of The Pavan Perspective, Pavan Agarwal and David Lykken dive into the critical intersection of Ai and human capital. Discover why Ai alone isn’t enough to drive success in today’s fast-paced business landscape. Learn how human expertise is the ultimate asset that can elevate Ai’s potential, foster innovation, and ensure long-term growth. Whether you're in finance, tech, or any other industry, this discussion reveals why human capital is the true competitive advantage in the age of automation. Don’t miss this thought-provoking conversation on how businesses can leverage both Ai and human brilliance for unstoppable success. Speaker Information Pavan Agarwal CEO of Sun West and Creator of AngelAi Pavan Agarwal is the Chief Executive Officer of Sun West, one of the largest independent, privately owned mortgage companies based in the U.S. He is also the founder of Celligence, which harnesses the best of Artificial Intelligence and Emphatic Technology to make mortgages simple and accessible to everyone. Pavan is a major proponent of Fair Lending and using technology to create homeownership opportunities for underserved markets. He loves to bring innovation into the mortgage industry and seamlessly integrate business units, products, and disparate goals into a single architecture to achieve success. Pavan's exceptional achievements have garnered recognition from prestigious media outlets, including Fox News, Yahoo!, and Bloomberg. He's also been nominated for a national philanthropy award for his work with The Autism Community in Action (TACA). David Lykken Founder and Chief Transformation Officer | Executive Coach and Business Strategy Consultant | Transformational Mortgage Solutions, LLC David Lykken is a seasoned mortgage industry expert with over four decades of experience. As a former owner-operator of three mortgage banking companies, a software firm, and several leading consulting businesses, David has a proven track record of driving growth through consulting, executive coaching, and strategic communications. He specializes in working with C-level executives and business owners to develop business strategies, enhance sales and marketing efforts, and streamline operations for greater efficiency and profitability. David is a regular guest on FOX Business News and CNBC and hosts the popular weekly podcast, "Lykken on Lending," which attracts thousands of mortgage professionals nationwide. He also produces the daily market commentary, "Today’s Mortgage Minute," which reaches millions of viewers through various media outlets. In addition, David is a prolific writer, contributing articles to leading industry publications on a regular basis. AngelAi®, Fox News, Yahoo!, Bloomberg, and CNBC are registered trademarks of Celligence LLC, Fox Media LLC, Yahoo Inc., Bloomberg Finance One L.P., and NBCUniversal Media, LLC, respectively. Sun West Mortgage Company, Inc. is acting as the Lender and offers financing to qualified borrowers. Sun West Mortgage Company, Inc is not affiliated with any third parties mentioned above. The names are owned by the respective third parties.

    24 min
  8. Turn Cold Leads to Closings with Ai

    May 6

    Turn Cold Leads to Closings with Ai

    In this episode of The Pavan Perspective, Tim Slevin and Lukas Rosenblum break down how top real estate agents and loan officers are building a predictable, scalable lead generation system using Ai, we break down why traditional lead strategies are failing, how top producers generate and connect with high-quality prospects, and the strategy to turn cold calls into consistent closings. If you’re tired of overpriced leads and inconsistent pipelines, this episode reveals a smarter, quicker way to own your leads, scale your business, and win in today’s competitive market. Speaker Information Pavan Agarwal CEO of Sun West and Creator of AngelAi Pavan Agarwal is the Chief Executive Officer of Sun West, one of the largest independent, privately owned mortgage companies based in the U.S. He is also the founder of Celligence, which harnesses the best of Artificial Intelligence and Emphatic Technology to make mortgages simple and accessible to everyone. Pavan is a major proponent of Fair Lending and using technology to create homeownership opportunities for underserved markets. He loves to bring innovation into the mortgage industry and seamlessly integrate business units, products, and disparate goals into a single architecture to achieve success. Pavan's exceptional achievements have garnered recognition from prestigious media outlets, including Fox News, Yahoo!, and Bloomberg. He's also been nominated for a national philanthropy award for his work with The Autism Community in Action (TACA). Tim Slevin CEO of The Share Group Tim Slevin is the CEO of The Share Group, an Omaha-based data science company powering Realtors®, brokers, loan officers, and home services firms with high-quality, on-demand data. The Share Group has become one of the industry’s leading data marketplaces, supporting 10,000+ Realtors and Brokers across every major brokerage, and playing a key role in outbound prospecting success for top partners including Sun West Mortgage. With 20+ years of experience in high-growth, data-driven organizations, Tim specializes in scalable sales architecture, operational discipline, and building teams that consistently outperform. Before The Share Group, Tim founded Healthcare Data Solutions, driving 32 consecutive quarters of double-digit growth, earning 3× Inc. 5000 recognition, and leading its acquisition by IQVIA. Through Slevin Advisory Group, he has also built and exited multiple companies, including doubling the enterprise value of BuildCentral prior to its sale to BCI International. Lukas Rosenblum NMLS 196011 Chief Client Officer at AngelAi Lukas Rosenblum is the Chief Client Officer at AngelAi®, where he works alongside CEO Pavan Agarwal to democratize finance and create equal access for underserved communities worldwide. With deep expertise in real estate, fintech, and sales leadership, he specializes in Ai-driven lead generation, data intelligence, and scaling high-performance teams. A Texas market expert and NMLS-licensed professional, Lukas is passionate about leveraging Ai, blockchain, and smart automation to expand opportunity, empower businesses, and help professionals compete on a level playing field. His mission is to use technology not just to drive growth, but to unlock economic opportunity and bring the dream of financial inclusion to millions. AngelAi, Fox News, Yahoo!, Bloomberg, Realtors, IQVIA, and BuildCentral are registered trademarks of Celligence LLC, Fox Media LLC, Yahoo Inc., Bloomberg Finance One L.P., National Association of Realtors, IQVIA Inc., and BuildCentral, Inc., respectively. Sun West Mortgage Company, Inc. is acting as the Lender and offers financing to qualified borrowers. Sun West Mortgage Company, Inc is not affiliated with any third parties mentioned above. The names are owned by the respective third parties.

    21 min

About

Listen as Celligence CEO Pavan Agarwal, a leader in multiple industries from mortgage banking to artificial intelligence, interviews other business leaders and shares his insights and advice for budding entrepreneurs beginning their journey.