We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Robert Cardenas. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Robert below.
Robert, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s jump into the story of starting your own firm – what should we know?
Nearly 10 years ago, I left the comfort and security of an amazing job, stepping out in pure faith in an effort to establish a legacy, equipped only with the support of my family and the vision of a greater future. One of the most troubling aspects of the decision to venture out on my own was that I would be leaving a place I had called home for nine (9) years; a place where I learned to really practice my profession the right way, surrounded by people I loved, respected and admired. The much more difficult aspect of the departure, however, was the way in which it would be carried out, how I would leave. Exercise control or demonstrate character? Respond out of fear or walk in faith? This is my story.
In July of 2015, I penned a declaration of sorts, establishing a written commitment to achieve a certain level of monetary success within a stated time-frame. Encompassed within my proclamation was a stated belief and faith in the outcome, as well as a commitment to follow the “plan” by which to accumulate my wealth once said “plan” was revealed. Over the next several months, I faithfully read this statement, to not only remind myself of its contents, but to hold myself accountable to the commitment. Whenever a question of doubt entered my mind, I focused on the words, held firm in the belief and maintained an almost naive faith about what was going to occur. I may not have known how it was going to transpire, but I certainly knew why it would become a reality.
I never really had a desire to run my own firm, or at least, that’s what I had convinced myself over the years. Although my wife had encouraged it and my children, on occasion, asked when “we” were going to have “our own” office, I always outwardly expressed comfort and satisfaction with my life, my career and the quality of my existence. In doing so, however, I admit now that I was only masking my fear, and as 2015 drew to an end, slowly, and through the subtle words of encouragement and compelling inquiries, my “plan” was revealed. Although admittedly resistant at first, since I had committed myself to following the “plan” once it was received, the decision was ultimately a rather easy one to make.
In every service-based industry, it is a common situation for employees to leave their employment, either willfully or forcibly, and take or attempt to take clients with them. Right, wrong or indifferent, it occurs. Employers expect it to happen and prepare for its occurrence, while employees consider it and are “encouraged” by others to pursue it. Financially and economically, for a departing employee it appears to be the most logical strategy to employ. After all, without clients, you have no revenue and without revenue, you really have no business. Taking clients, or even attempting to take clients, however, was not a part of my “plan,” and although mildly fearful of the details of the new venture, I was not at all concerned with the development of new business or how I would generate a client base. My “plan” included a preservation of my relationship with my former employer as that relationship meant more to me than any amount of money. Moreover, the vision of my future, encompassed within my “plan,” contemplated how I would want to be treated by an employee leaving my company. My “plan” had been revealed, and I was committed to exercising it with character and with the end in mind.
On April 6, 2016, I walked out of my prior office with empty hands and heart full of appreciation, stepping out in faith with a clear vision and a mind absent of any fear. How is that possible, you may ask? Well, my “plan” encompassed, contemplated and included the end game, how I envisioned my new business, and rather than being distracted by the details of how, I had simply started by creating a big picture vision of what I truly wanted. I imagined and created a vision of the number of clients I would attract, what my life looked like having a successful business doing what I love, how much money I was making, how I connected with family, friends and clients and what I would be doing in my spare time. From there, I simply committed myself to focusing on that vision.
In life, it’s easy to allow ourselves to be overwhelmed by the enormity of “the details” or dissuaded from pursuing our dreams because of self-doubt or negative input from others. The key is to not become so fixated on our present circumstances that we lose sight of our future success. Plan with the end in mind and create a clear vision for what you want in life. Beyond that, simply remain persistent, stay positive and continually focus on your vision as you move forward.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
First and foremost, I am a Husband & Father. My greatest accomplishments in life are my two beautiful children, Riley and Cameron.
Professionally, I am the founder of Cardenas Law Group, a boutique personal injury firm based in Las Vegas, Nevada.
I have been licensed in Nevada since 2000. In April of 2016, my wife and I launched our practice with the idea of providing concierge-level service to clients.
I am proud to maintain a perfect 10.0 Rating by Avvo, which represents the highest possible quality rating a lawyer can receive, and also maintain an AV Preeminent Peer Review rating by Martindale-Hubbell, which represents the highest possible rating. I have been named Top 100 Trial Lawyers by The National Trial Lawyers and have also been recognized as one of America’s Top 100 Attorneys. I am Member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, and have also been recognized as one of the Top 100 Lawyers in Las Vegas by various publications.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
40 years ago, my brother, Kelly, and I lived in a one-bedroom apartment with our mom. We had no television, little food and less money. We slept on the floor in sleeping bags and literally walked one mile to the bus stop each day to get to school…yet, we had an abundance of love, lots of laughs and were admittedly somewhat naïve about our ambitions. We had each other, which in our small world not only meant something, it represented everything.
They say ignorance is bliss, which in our case held true, because although we may have been aware of our circumstances, we were never defined by them and looking back, thankfully, we were simply unaware of the possibility of being limited by them. We managed to never speak about life in terms of where we were, but rather, in terms of where we were going….and today, although I haven’t “arrived,” I am proud of the direction I am heading, as well as where I’m from.
In life, it is easy to focus on the negative or question the possibility of success or a better existence. It is easy to give up hope, or accept a present circumstance that may not be your optimal reality. It is important, however, to never allow someone or something to deter you from pursuing your dreams. Avoid identifying reasons to be unhappy and instead focus on the things you have and the reasons you should be happy. Oh, and keep in mind, that there is no such thing as a dream that is too big….only thoughts that are too small.
Any advice for managing a team?
I am truly blessed to work with the most amazing team in the business. Our people are the key to our success, and my wife and I are so appreciative of their effort, commitment and work ethic. They are the best at what they do, but they are all exceptional humans.
In terms of team management and leadership, I believe that while followers are essential, Leaders are required. I am not suggesting that I am a great leader, nor am I implying that I meet and/or satisfy the requirements necessary to qualify as such. I am however, cognizant of certain characteristics possessed and demonstrated by effective Leaders, and in my humble opinion, wish to share my thoughts on what I believe are the five (5) characteristics of a G.R.E.A.T. Leader.
G – Generate Results
One thing I’ve learned throughout my life and professional career is that people judge you on results. Whether measured in wins, hits, goals, pennies saved or dollars earned, production is always a measuring stick of success. Employees, staff and teammates desire, expect and even demand production and results from their Leaders.
In my experience, those who are good at producing, the “Rain Makers” in my industry for example, have a distinct advantage on the path to success, and as a result, they are often deemed valuable in the work environment. In fact, the bigger the results you produce, the more you achieve and the more respect you potentially earn in the process.
If you think you are leadership material, you’ll need to stop looking for excuses and start finding and generating results.
R – Respect Others
A common trait among the truly effective Leaders I have encountered is that they are respectful of others. In turn, they are respected. Not feared, simply because of their position, or liked because of their personality, but respected, meaning people recognize their expertise, knowledge, influence, trustworthiness, and most importantly, their character and integrity.
By being respectful, you are demonstrating that you care, and when people see that you care, they’ll give you their best. On the contrary, a leader who is constantly threatening, berating or criticizing team members, not only creates a negative work environment, but also stifles growth, production and office morale.
If you want to be a truly G.R.E.A.T. Leader, your team needs to know you are proud of them & that you love them. Tell them often and show them daily. Smile, have integrity and be respectful.
E – Encourage Your Team
You don’t build a business. You build People & then People build the business. I believe you can advance your business and quality of life through the building and serving of others. Make others feel that they can become great, and push them to achieve greatness.
In my opinion, employees want to be recognized for their hard work and accomplishments, and they need to be acknowledged for their successes and achievements. Further, celebrating achievement is vital to the camaraderie of your team, costs nothing and doesn’t take much time. A simple “Thank You” may suffice.
As a Leader, you must recognize that there are people in your life, including employees and staff, who need encouragement. Applaud and cheer them on.
A – Accept Responsibility
I firmly believe that if God has plans to greatly use you in the lives of others, you can expect your trials to be even greater than those of others. Simply stated, in order to be a truly G.R.E.A.T. Leader, you must be willing to accept great responsibility and be accountable for not only your actions, but the actions of your team. Employees expect their Leaders to be accountable, to accept responsibility and to share the credit and take the blame. It comes with the territory.
It’s easy to take credit for the wins, bask in the glory of victory and reap the benefits of success. It’s an entirely different thing to take responsibility for a loss, step forward in the face of defeat and be accountable, or acknowledge a mistake publicly or even privately.
Your team is watching you. Your actions and accountability, or lack thereof, are being observed. How much stability, integrity, and decisiveness are you demonstrating?
T – Tell the Truth
As parents, and by no means am I suggesting I’m a good one, one of the mandatory rules my wife and I set for our children was that they be truthful and avoid dishonesty. Their self-regulation and awareness of the need for truthfulness in all areas are two of their most endearing qualities. I am proud of their reliability, and as a result, they are credible in my eyes, they are respected, and I trust what they tell me.
In business, it is my belief that a leader who demonstrates compassion towards his or her employees, gains the trust of said employees. It is my belief that in order to be a G.R.E.A.T. Leader, you have to show people you care about them and that they can trust you. Trust creates loyalty and instills a greater sense of security for your team as a whole, as well as the individual members of the organization.
I have been blessed to know several people in my life who have exhibited some of the foregoing characteristics, as well as a few who have embodied them all. My life is greater because of their respective examples, mentorship and influence. It is my belief that becoming a G.R.E.A.T. Leader does not require or involve a title, a position in management or even ownership interest in an entity or business. It is my further belief that G.R.E.A.T. Leadership isn’t measured solely by wealth or monetary achievement; rather, it is more appropriately measured by your integrity, character and ability to positively affect those around you.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.cardenaslawgroup.com
- Instagram: @robcardenasssq
- Facebook: Robert Cardenas
- Twitter: @robcardenas_
