We were lucky to catch up with Lorena Camargo recently and have shared our conversation below.
Lorena, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
I’m in transportation – an industry that is heavily male populated. There have been many times when I’ll walk into a room and I might be one of the few women, or sometimes the only woman…
This used to intimidate me but now I’ve gotten more comfortable.
I’ve learned that no single person knows it all, regardless of gender. We all have something unique to offer. And this industry thrives on collaboration and partnerships!
So, remember to breathe, believe, and boldly step forward. Claim your rightful place at the table, speak up, share your thoughts. You are a valuable contributor with your own distinctive strengths and bring tremendous value!
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
After working my way up to Vice President of Operations at a courier company by the age of 24, I was ready to venture out on my own. With limited capital but a lot of heart and hustle, I started PearlTrans Logistics in Los Angeles in 2011.
Pearl is now a leading provider of customized same-day delivery solutions. We’re committed to providing quality logistics services that positively impact our clients’ operations and profitability. From health care facilities to military bases to movie studios, clients look to Pearl to help solve their logistical challenges through means of courier, trucking and airfreight. Pearl transports everything from human tissue to printed material to aircraft parts. I’m excited to continue scaling Pearl with our dynamic team as our service footprint is now the entire state of California.
I’m also honored to serve on the board of directors of the Customized Logistics & Delivery Association (CLDA), where I’ve been able to meet some of the most influential mentors in my life and have forged business relationships that have helped me keep growing my business. In my current role as part of the executive committee and membership chair, I enjoy engaging members to help them keep maximizing their ROI in their CLDA membership.
Additionally, I serve as an executive board member of the Silicon Valley chapter of the National Association Women Business Owners (NAWBO), an organization that has been instrumental to my personal and professional growth.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Throughout my exhilarating journey, I’ve discovered the secret weapons to tackle life’s twists and turns:
Agility: Just like Mike Tyson famously said, “Everybody, has a plan until they get punched in the mouth”, an agile CEO will effectively lead organizational change, seek opportunities to innovate, and pivot operations to best serve their customers. Agility has helped me make decisions quickly to keep my company moving forward and avoid any disruptions in service to our customers.
Willingness to learn: Embarking on a thrilling adventure of personal growth, my secret to success has been the insatiable desire to constantly learn and evolve. With the ever-changing landscape, I’ve become a relentless hunter for knowledge, enabling me to better serve my customers and find innovative solutions.
Developing a strong network: No entrepreneur thrives in isolation; networking has been my lifeline. More than just a source of revenue, these connections have proven invaluable for insights, growth, and support during crucial decision-making moments. So, take a leap of faith and don’t be afraid to ask for help! You’d be surprised how many people you’ll meet that will be gracious enough to share and help you, if you just ask. My strong network has made even the most challenging times more bearable and rewarding.
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
One of my favorite books is “The 10X Rule” by Grant Cardone.
He talks about how you should set targets for yourself that are 10X greater than what you believe you can achieve but also, take actions that are 10X greater than what you believe are necessary to achieve your goals! The basic principle is: you can only achieve phenomenal success if you upsize your thinking and action. Applying this principle to my business has helped me grow my business by 50% in the last 18 months.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.pearltrans.com
- Instagram: instragram.com/lorilicious5
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pearltransportation
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/lorena-camargo1
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/lorilicious
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@pearltrans
- Other: Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pearl-transportation-services/
Image Credits
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