The name of my firm is my last name, but I didn’t choose it for that reason. I always say that I wish it wasn’t my last name because it places too much focus on me instead of my team. However, I always loved what it stood for linguistically and culturally, as POTENTE means “powerful” in Italian and Spanish. Its translation encapsulates our mission and impact and has been great for branding. We’ve received plenty of recognition for the name, especially in international circles. I always thought POTENTE was unique and transcended familial ties. It truly represents the transformative work we do and the level of support we provide our clients wherever they are in the world. It just so happens that I share the same name!

As a first-generation American and entrepreneur, I learned during childhood how crucial it is to remain rooted in my identity. My family inspired a hard work ethic and a deep appreciation for travel, new cultures and humanity early on, which is why I’m so passionate about helping others today. I owe it to them for helping me establish a strong foundation and emotional strength as a child, which gave me the courage to pursue my wildest dreams. At just 12 years old, after reading “The Firm” by John Grisham, I knew I wanted to be an attorney, and I haven’t wavered in the profession since. As long as I could make a positive difference in people’s lives for a living, I was in. I founded POTENTE nearly 20 years ago, and I’m proud to say that I’m still the same person today as I was back then. That’s because my motivation to build something sustainable that gives back remains unchanged. I could care less about the size of the client or deal – the only thing that matters is that we’re creating positive changes.

Today, POTENTE is renowned for its expertise in guiding international business expansion and providing strategic planning for clients’ sustainable growth. For nearly two decades, POTENTE has embraced a distinctive approach that challenges the traditional law firm status quo. From corporate law to international business consulting, our team of attorneys possesses a wealth of expertise, providing dedicated support, advocacy and strategic advice to ensure the success of our clients domestically and globally. We have worked with companies from more than 20 countries that have sought to expand their financial and operational footprint into and out of North America. I’m driven by the opportunity to cultivate meaningful relationships with our clients and colleagues across Japan, the UK, Europe and other countries that fall within POTENTE’s client portfolio. While our central office operations are rooted in Southern California, our operational resources span the globe, encompassing a diverse range of clients across hospitality, entertainment, commercial real estate and government sectors. We specialize in business and corporate law, international business consulting, commercial real estate law, mergers and acquisitions, entertainment law and financial advisory services for businesses, just to name a few. If I had to sum it up, POTENTE is not your traditional law firm and our clients are not just clients; they’re family. Consider POTENTE’s team your reliable legal and business quarterback.

The most effective strategy for growing POTENTE’s clientele has been cultivating meaningful and sincere two-way relationships extending beyond legal topics and documents. The legal work is only one aspect of the job. Building authentic, honest relationships with clients is where the real work begins. When you get to know your clients personally and professionally, you establish a solid foundation of trust. At POTENTE, we’ve effectively demonstrated to our clients that we are always there with unwavering support, no matter the day or time, and we’re best equipped to tackle their problems because we truly know them! This process takes time, patience and discipline, but nothing in life happens quickly, and it does pay off. I learned early on that I did not want to view my job, business, or brand as a transaction. Frankly, that’s one reason I don’t enjoy small talk at happy hours or networking events. Just like our firm, it’s a top priority to build meaningful connections with new individuals or companies from the moment we meet. If you take a similar approach, you’ll notice over time that these relationships will begin to nurture themselves and everyone else who is a part of the process.

Never lose sight of your role as a leader. Effective operations require strong leadership, and the responsibilities, stress and challenges you face only multiply as you get older. It’s important to accept this reality and use it to fuel your continued growth, not an excuse for complacency. Reflect on your own setbacks and remember that even the most seasoned leaders stumble sometimes. I have fallen down plenty of times, but you have to recognize that your team doesn’t just look to you for the right answer or professional guidance – they look to you as a source of positivity that instills comfort, confidence and predictability. I love training young professionals for this reason. It plays a vital role in establishing strong connections and relationships with all of my employees and the younger generation as a whole. At the end of the day, my biggest piece of advice is to not be too hard on yourself. If you make a mistake, quickly acknowledge it with your team and move forward. You’re only human, and owning up to your mistakes makes you more relatable and respectable. Lastly, always strive to be a beacon of hope, encouragement and inspiration for your team. This distinguishes good leaders from great leaders, and the better leader you are, the higher morale you can cultivate amongst your team.