In the dynamic world of entrepreneurship, gaining insights from seasoned leaders can provide invaluable lessons for aspiring business minds. Today, we sit down with Hannah Genton, the visionary co-founder of CGL Ventures, a groundbreaking virtual law firm reshaping the legal landscape. In this candid Entrepreneur Story, Hannah shares her journey, lessons learned, and the essence of being an entrepreneur.
What are three things every entrepreneur should know?
One fundamental insight I hold dear is that success hinges not on what happens to you, but on how you respond. Thoughtful reactivity, navigating challenges with a considered approach, is paramount.
Flexibility is equally important—an entrepreneur must be adaptable and willing to pivot in response to the evolving business landscape. Embracing change and staying receptive to new possibilities are key components of sustained success.
As a leader, maintaining constant self-awareness and effective mindset management is vital. Clear-headed leadership stems from understanding and navigating one’s own mindset. These principles—thoughtful reactivity, flexibility, and self-aware leadership—form a trifecta that can steer entrepreneurs through the complexities of the business world.
What problem does your business solve, and who are its customers?
CGL Ventures addresses two key challenges in the legal industry: attrition of talented attorneys in big law firms and the unmet needs of smaller clients paying high hourly rates.
We provide an alternative workplace that nurtures legal talent while offering top-notch services to clients seeking sophisticated legal expertise. Our clients are primarily technology companies, ranging from early-stage startups to post-series A-funded firms.
What inspired you to become an entrepreneur?
What inspired my journey into entrepreneurship was a profound recognition of the challenges prevalent in big law firms. Witnessing the significant attrition of talented individuals compelled me to envision a different approach—a workplace characterized by flexibility and adaptability.
The goal was twofold: retaining legal talent by offering a more conducive work environment and meeting the needs of clients who sought top-notch legal services without the burdensome overhead associated with traditional law firms. This vision became the driving force behind establishing a virtual law firm that prioritizes its team and clients.
Knowing what you know now, how would you have spent a million dollars when you first started your business?
In hindsight, if I had a million dollars at the inception of my business, I would strategically channel the funds into fortifying our foundation. A substantial portion would be earmarked for sales and marketing, amplifying our outreach and visibility.
Simultaneously, investments in infrastructure and comprehensive support for our team would be pivotal, creating an environment where they could excel and thrive. Recognizing the symbiotic relationship between a flourishing team and overall business growth, this investment approach would align with the ethos of nurturing both the workforce and the company’s trajectory.
What is your proudest accomplishment as an entrepreneur?
Surviving and thriving in the industry for six years, especially considering recent challenges, stands out as a significant accomplishment.
Building a successful business while balancing the responsibilities of co-founder and mother is a source of pride. Knowing that the team is thriving, getting paid, and the business is flourishing adds a sense of achievement to the entrepreneurial journey.
What big goals are you looking to achieve?
Looking ahead to 2024, our focus is on growing the team, expanding and specializing in practice areas, and enhancing the company culture.
Actively hiring and bringing in practitioners with specialized expertise aligns with our goal of providing comprehensive and specialized legal services. Continuously improving our remote work culture and fostering meaningful connections within the team are ongoing challenges we’re eager to address.
In this illuminating Entrepreneur Story with Hannah Genton, co-founder of CGL Ventures, we’ve gained profound insights into the entrepreneurial journey. From the importance of mindset and adaptability to addressing industry challenges, Hannah’s experiences provide a roadmap for aspiring entrepreneurs.
As she sets her sights on future goals, her commitment to team growth, specialized services, and a vibrant company culture exemplifies the essence of entrepreneurial success.
Looking to divulge your own entrepreneur story? We’d love to hear and share it here! Contact us today to uncover your own inspirations, triumphs, and learnings.
