Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jadinah Gustave. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Jadinah, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?
One thing I’ve learned about myself, and people generally is that we are created for a purpose. A part of my purpose is to remember I am not living for myself, but for those that are coming behind after me. We are all created uniquely to paint our canvas of life. The canvas is the moments we face every day. Our daily walk will include encounters that are joyful and some that bring anxiety or fear. Nevertheless, it is essential to understand who I am and that my identity, ability, education, faults, weaknesses and uniqueness are always with me in every room I enter. Therefore I have been able to enter into any room even when I’m the only one who look like me because I am aware of my purpose and my identity. This remains the same even If I am the only one unfamiliar with the terminology or culture of that room. I persist with self-assurance and poise. The room does not change who I am. As a matter of fact, entering a new room provide an opportunity to add my special sauce, my style and flare to that room. I do not sulk away because every room I enter into is a blank canvas for me to paint for those who will be entering the room after me that will look like me. God forbid they enter the same room I was in and not see the painting that I left on the wall.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I have not heard anyone else call themselves this but after years of education, empowering and representing client in the area of estate and legacy planning I now refer to myself as a Legacy Advocate. I have been called a Legal powerhouse due to my litigation success and regional/national scale recognition; I pride myself on adding value to businesses and individuals by providing ‘ready to execute’ counsel on a broad range of legal matters with an emphasis on business law, estate planning, and asset protection. My diverse proficiency in the practical application of laws, corporate governance, business practices, and financial operations. It is always a pleasure to have verifiable experience leading teams and as part of interdisciplinary groups to devise and execute strategies that result in favorable outcomes for all parties involved. I thrive most when I cultivate enduring relationships across all levels and colleagues through honesty, integrity, and unwavering commitment to excellence. I believe I have unmatched big-picture perspective; adequately assessing all factors to deliver unmatched guidance to key stakeholders on strategies and courses of action. It was not easy but I am proud to be Admitted to the bar in Florida and Georgia.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
The most impactful skills I’ve learned over the years practicing law in the public and private sector, running my own law firm, while always serving in ministry are consistency, persistence, and determination.
Let’s discuss consistency. Consistency is the ability to continue in the same direction with a defined goal even when you don’t feel like it. Even when it begins to seem as if your efforts are not creating the impact, you believe it should. Consistency provides the spirit you need to keep on doing the same thing, even when you seeing results in the moment. You will feel like giving up. You will feel as if you want to try a shortcut. You may even try what others have done even if it alters your goal. Do not succumb to the temptation. Remain consistent.
Next we have persistence. Persistence is not taking no for an answer. Not allowing challenges or what other call impossible prevent you from creating a new way to accomplish your goal. Persistence I have found can conquer the most difficult challenge. We’ve heard the question asked so many times “how do you eat an elephant? one bite at a time.” That is the perfect imagery of persistence. I have not found that any obstacle that can stand up against true persistence, you have to continue. As children we were very persistent when we wanted something from our parents. But when we become adults we took on this invisible coat called pride. We fear embarrassment, rejection and the unknown. Keep it simple and remember what brought us success as children, persistence.
Finally, we have determination. Determination has kept me in the game as long as an entrepreneur running my own small business with my amazing vice president who is also my husband. Determination is the video we’ve all seen of the individual who injured their leg while running a marathon. They did not allow the obstacle of life to stop them. They crawled to make it across the finish line. The important part was not whether they were first anymore now that they were injured but it was finishing. Determination allow you to finish. We have to finish what we start in order to propel ourselves in the direction of the next big thing. Even greater than that our determination allow for those that are coming after us to achieve what they set out to achieve as well. Someone is always watching. If you lose your determination you not only risk your own goals being fulfilled, but you risk the goals of countless others.
My advice to those that are just starting in the game is you need consistency to remain persistent and never lose your determination
Tell us what your ideal client would be like?
This is a tricky one, you guys are trying to get me in trouble. The idea client has a few characteristics that I believe is needed for anyone that’s entering into something new where they are not an expert. Some of those characteristics are having an open mind, being teachable, having understanding, communicative, willing to express and share their opinions in a respectful wait. I learn many attorneys do not like when a client has any knowledge of the subject area in which they are going to represent them because the client is a “know-it-all.” I actually thrive in those situations because allow the client to explain what they understand or know about the topic and I expound on that versus trying to challenge them in that area. People are more empowered when they know the process and what the topic entails during a representation. An empowered client makes for a better client. Also, when they know what you are doing it works to measure their expectations more effectively. I find the more successful clients are those who remain in communication throughout the process of the representation. One of the essential characteristics of an ideal client is their willingness to teach me some things. I love learning and growing, therefore there is always an burst of energy whenever I am in a consultation or a conversation with a client and they teach me something new. If any of my clients are reading this they know that it’s true I always get excited to learn new things. The ideal clients see our serving them as an opportunity to work together to fulfill their ultimate goal created at the beginning of the representation. I am easygoing and I love people, I love processes, and I enjoy the honor of serving each and every client.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.securedlegacylaw.com
- Instagram: jadinahngustaveesq
- Facebook: facebook.com/jadinahgustave
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jadinah-n-gustave-esquire-17674014a
- Twitter: thesgfirm
- Youtube: thesgfirm
- Other: tiktok: jadinahngustaveesq
Image Credits:
Go live Express Pia Ceccarelli
