Constance is a Queen Leader: Building a 150 person team starting with a divorce & a dream.
Manage episode 406292725 series 3446654
Tune in to hear Constance tell the incredible tale of starting a business with 10K in the bank and 25K in credit card debt. She is a visionary who couldn't unsee the struggle in the eyes of migrant farm workers and immigrants who deserve a fair shake at real citizenship. With multiple offices across the US & several more businesses to run, this absolute Queen Leader has so much wisdom to offer us.
In this captivating interview, Amy Singleton spoke with Constance Wannamaker, a highly successful CEO and entrepreneur based in El Paso, Texas, covering an array of topics ranging from entrepreneurship, legal advocacy, company growth, and team building. Here's a concise summary of their conversation:
🎙 Podcast Connection Resolved for March 13th Release
Amy and Constance initially faced technical difficulties with their audio connection, which were eventually resolved. They verified various links and social media platforms related to Constance's businesses. Amy confirmed that Constance's episode would be released on March 13th and clarified that the reels provided in the media package would not include captions for aesthetic reasons. The conversation commenced with Amy's enthusiastic introduction to share Constance's remarkable journey with the audience.
💼 From Debt to 8-Figure Business: Constance's Journey
Constance Wannamaker, CEO of a law firm and several other businesses, divulged her incredible journey from financial struggles to substantial success. She recounted her prior struggles with significant credit card debt and then detailed how she overcame these challenges. Constance transitioned from working in nonprofit organizations to establishing her immigration law practice, leveraging her savings and a portion of her nonprofit salary. She underscored the paramount significance of qualities like hustle, mindset, and mentorship in her journey. Constance's current business is thriving, boasting an impressive eight-figure revenue and employing over 150 individuals worldwide.
🤝 Women Entrepreneurs' Support Systems
Amy and Constance delved into the vital topic of support systems, particularly for women entrepreneurs. Constance shared her experience with a group of women law firm owners who convene biannually to provide mutual support. She stressed the importance of embracing failures as learning opportunities and creating a safe environment for team members to make and learn from mistakes. Amy expressed her eagerness to connect some of her female attorney friends with Constance's network for additional support.
🌍 Immigration Law and Advocacy Discussion
A significant portion of the conversation revolved around Constance's work in immigration law. She recounted her personal journey and the experiences that led her to this field, shedding light on the challenges faced by her clients, especially those lacking legal status. Constance and Amy engaged in a spirited discussion regarding the importance of advocating for individuals in need and the necessity of employing creative and assertive legal strategies to help them secure residency. Amy expressed her wholehearted agreement with Constance's approach.
🌟 Immigration Legal Services Impact Discussed
Constance and Amy explored the profound, life-changing impact of providing legal services to immigrants. They emphasized the transformative effects of gaining legal status, including feelings of peace, security, and the potential for a better life, which can span generations. The conversation also touched on the difficulties faced by immigrants in navigating the complex legal system, with references to restrictions on status adjustments, protracted visa wait times, and challenges in sponsoring family members. Both criticized the intricacies of immigration law and the lengthy wait times that may deter people from pursuing legal immigration.
📋 Importance of Lawyer and Training in Rapid Growth Business
Constance underscored the critical role of hiring a lawyer, particularly for intricate government processes, due to the elevated risk of errors and denials. She detailed how her business, established in May 2019, rapidly expanded to employ 50 individuals by effectively utilizing offshore talent, thereby achieving cost-effectiveness and avoiding the need for extensive US office space. Constance also highlighted the importance of continuous training and oversight for her sales team to ensure they provide accurate and ethical advice to clients. The strategy of having a sales team in Mexico has proven to be effective, driving sales and necessitating the hiring of additional employees to meet growing work demands.
🏢 Team Growth and Company Culture
Constance shared insights into the remarkable growth of her team and the necessity for larger office space. She described the process of renovating the building, which included renting out certain floors to other tenants. Constance stressed the importance of cultivating a robust company culture from the outset, especially when the company is experiencing rapid scaling. She acknowledged that she had not been as deliberate about hiring for culture in the past, which led to some employee turnover. The discussion also delved into the challenges of managing a hybrid work environment, where some employees work remotely and others work in the office, and how they are working to ensure that all employees are included in company activities. Amy concurred with Constance's points, emphasizing the importance of shared values in maintaining a cohesive team environment.
🤝 Team Building and Inclusion Strategies
Constance elaborated on her strategies for team building and fostering inclusion within her company. She shared her experiences visiting different teams in Buenos Aires, Bogota, and Atlanta, where she organized a range of team activities, including cooking classes, training sessions, and farm tours. She highlighted the crucial role of these visits in forging connections among team members who might not otherwise interact and in making them feel more integrated within the company. Amy expressed her agreement with the effectiveness of these team visits and video meetings, underscoring that they also provide opportunities for team members to connect with one another.
🚀 Constance's Career Transition and Future Vision
Amy and Constance discussed Constance's transition from practicing law to overseeing her company. Constance revealed that she no longer focuses extensively on practicing law but still enjoys pushing legal boundaries. She pointed out that her company currently lacks a high-level managing attorney, which she considers the most significant gap that needs to be filled. Constance shared her ambitious vision for the future, including plans to expand her law firm's offices across the country, offer community services, and empower the immigrant community.
🧠 Imposter Syndrome and Migrant Worker Rights
The conversation took a detour to explore imposter syndrome and the imperative of continuous learning and personal growth. Constance also mentioned her role as an immigration lawyer and her involvement in a radio show, with plans to adapt it into a podcast. She voiced concerns over the potential exploitation of migrant farm workers, particularly within Oklahoma's burgeoning medical marijuana industry. Amy commended Constance's efforts and offered to connect her with podcast professionals. Both parties agreed to stay in touch, with the mention of sharing an upcoming episode.
Connect with Constance Wannamaker:
Constance Wannamaker Law
Instagram
YouTube
TikTok
Camino Promotions
Stern Law Firm
Sendero de Esperanza
This interview was a captivating exploration of Constance Wannamaker's remarkable journey, touching on her entrepreneurial success, legal advocacy, and commitment to team building and inclusion.
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113 episodes