Jennifer Garland is an influential entrepreneur and the founder, President, and CEO of Prestige Inc., a renowned legal support services company. Starting her career as a paralegal at the Washington State Attorney General’s office, Garland quickly recognized the need for streamlined processes in legal operations. This insight led her to establish Prestige Inc. in 2015, a venture that has since grown into a leading provider of legal services nationwide. Beyond her professional success, Garland is known for her commitment to mentorship and community service, making a lasting impact both in her field and beyond. This interview delves into her unique journey, exploring the challenges she has faced, her leadership philosophy, and her vision for the future.
Background and Personal Journey
What inspired you to pursue a career in your chosen field?
Gosh, I became a single mom in 2012 and was working over 60 hours a week while commuting 2.5 hours a day. I realized I needed to be home more with my daughter, so I sought work that would allow me to be home more or even work from home. I applied for a job listed on my church website, and although the position was already filled, the owner created a new role for me. Fast forward two years, the company downsized, and I started wearing multiple hats. This experience ultimately led me to launch Prestige to support my boss’s company. With dedication to customer service and perfection, it became an instant success, earning six figures just three months later.
Can you share a defining moment that shaped your career?
In 2011, I went through church group counseling for childhood trauma. During these sessions, I realized I had developed a pessimistic worldview, always planning for worst-case scenarios. I learned that while I can control very little, I can control my reactions and trust in being a good steward of my resources. My peace and joy are grounded in gratitude, and this perspective has shaped my approach to business and life. Although I have had setbacks, these experiences remind me that I can’t plan for everything, and I’ve learned to roll with the punches.
Insights and Professional Growth
What advice would you give your younger self?
Smart people hire smarter people. This is something I’ve learned throughout my career, and it’s been invaluable.
How do you define success?
To me, success is about happiness, contentment, peace, and joy. If someone can look at their life and feel these emotions, I consider them successful. For instance, my daughter, who graduated high school at 16, chose not to attend college because she values traveling and enjoying her youth. Her happiness in her choices is a true measure of success.
Can you recall a significant challenge or failure you faced and how you overcame it?
Every day brings new challenges, but perhaps the hardest is dealing with chronic pain from fibromyalgia, which I’ve had since I was a teenager. On days when the pain is unbearable, I’ve made lifestyle and habit changes to support my body. It’s crucial for me to maintain emotional stability and focus on positivity to manage the pain effectively.
Leadership and Decision Making
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Being human, transparent, and available are key strategies. These principles have helped me build trust and foster strong relationships within my team and with our clients.
What advice would you give to someone entering your field of work?
Decide from the start where your work-life boundaries are. If you make yourself available 24/7 initially, it becomes difficult to transition to a more typical schedule later without clients and colleagues perceiving a lack of commitment.
How do you handle difficult customers or coworkers?
I believe in being real, kind, and professional. Listening actively and addressing concerns with empathy is crucial. I don’t accept blame unless it’s warranted, but I always strive to relieve stress and make work lives better, which aligns with my business’s mission.
Garland’s journey from a challenging start to leading a successful company is a testament to her resilience, leadership, and innovative spirit. As she continues to mentor others and contribute to her community, Garland remains a pivotal figure in the legal services industry.
Garland: Insights on Leadership, Growth, and Future Vision
Garland is a renowned entrepreneur and the driving force behind Prestige Inc., a leading legal support services company. With a career that has traversed significant milestones, Garland has managed to create a company culture that emphasizes transparency and community service, while achieving considerable success in the legal field. In this continuation of our interview, Garland shares her insights on leadership, professional growth, and her vision for the future.
What does your typical day look like, and how do you make it productive?
I delegate, otherwise I won’t get anything done. I am up around 5:15 to help get my six-year-old ready for school. My husband or I take him, then I sit at my desk all day trying to get through about 500 emails while my phone rings off the hook, and I attend 5-12 meetings. If I don’t delegate, then I won’t get anything done.
How do you stay informed about industry trends and emerging technologies?
I know everyone in the industry, and I talk to them regularly. It’s important to maintain those relationships and keep communication lines open.
Can you recall a significant challenge or failure you faced and how you overcame it?
Every day brings new challenges. Probably the hardest thing I have to deal with is chronic pain. I have fibromyalgia and have since I was a teenager. There are days when I hurt so bad I can barely breathe. I’ve made certain lifestyle and habit changes to help support my body, and not allowing things to cause emotional stress helps manage the pain.
What is your approach to starting a new project?
I first have to decide which project I want to start because I come up with ten new ideas every day. After bouncing ideas off my executive team, I decide the best person to manage the new project and I hand it off. I am too disorganized for managing projects myself.
What is the toughest decision you’ve had to make in the last few months? What was the outcome?
All of the examples I can think of are things I am currently in the middle of, such as deciding whether to settle with a company or tell them to take me to arbitration because they are in the wrong but they are a huge company. Another is deciding to outsource a part of my company and lay employees off. We are in the middle of that right now. I have to do what is right for the company and what is best for the majority of the team.
How do you build and maintain strong professional relationships with colleagues and mentors?
Be real. Don’t ask someone how they are doing if you don’t care to hear how they are doing. Don’t tell someone you are there to listen if you won’t pick up the phone to listen when they need you.
What continuing education or training initiatives are you currently involved with to stay ahead?
I am always looking at other business opportunities, whether to start a new business or to see if there is something I can learn to add to one of my current businesses.
What methods or techniques do you employ to help set achievable goals and track progress?
I use Microsoft Planner to track projects. Most of my tasks are small, simple tasks, just a lot of them.
How do you handle difficult customers or coworkers?
Be real, kind, and professional. Listen, do not cut them off, repeat back to them what you understand. Don’t accept blame unless it is your fault, but fix it if you can. Relieve their stress; that is my business.
What do you believe are the most crucial qualities or skills a leader should possess, and how do you embody these qualities?
Provide feedback in a constructive manner. Other than that, be honest, transparent, and real.
Can you share a specific example of helping a colleague or coworker overcome a significant challenge?
I have the gift of gab and counsel people well. I might give them a piece of advice here and there that is solid and can be life-changing.
In this second part of the interview, Jennifer Garland offers a glimpse into her leadership style and the personal philosophies that have driven her success. By leveraging her vast experience and unique approach to business challenges, Garland continues to shape the future of legal support services. Her dedication to innovation and mentorship provides a roadmap for aspiring professionals in the industry.
