Alejandra Suarez Cedeno is a bilingual Colombian lawyer and co-founding partner of the law firm Sirirí al Derecho. Alejandra's story is a testament to the power of empathy, innovation, and a deep commitment to societal welfare, particularly through the lens of environmental law and ethical business practices. Aspring entrepreneurs can learn the importance of aligning your business with your core values to ensure long-term fulfillment and impact.
Early Influences and Personal Journey
Alejandra's journey is deeply rooted in her early life experiences and the significant figures who shaped her. Growing up in the Amazon region of Colombia, she witnessed the impact of conflict and violence on her community, which deepened her desire to pursue justice and serve others. Her grandmother, a successful businesswoman in the optical industry, and her parents, both lawyers, played crucial roles in her development.
Key Takeaways for Aspiring Entrepreneurs:
- Draw Inspiration from Personal Influences: Alejandra's grandmother's leadership skills and passion for travel inspired her own aspirations. Entrepreneurs can look to influential figures in their lives for motivation and guidance.
- Commitment to Justice: Witnessing the harsh realities of life in Colombia solidified Alejandra's commitment to justice. Entrepreneurs should identify and commit to causes that resonate deeply with them. Without being inspried by one's entrepreneurial goal, it will be difficult to remain motivated to the degree needed in a founder.
Founding
Sirirí al Derecho
Alejandra initially followed a traditional path in law but soon realized that conventional law firms often felt restrictive and did not align with her values. This realization prompted her to co-found her own firm, Sirirí al Derecho, where she could express herself authentically and work with clients in a way that felt right to her.
Key Takeaways for Aspiring Entrepreneurs:
- Create a Business that Reflects Your Values: Alejandra's decision to start her own firm was driven by her desire to work in a way that aligned with her values. Entrepreneurs should strive to create businesses that reflect their personal and ethical values.
- Innovation in Traditional Fields: By founding Sirirí al Derecho, Alejandra brought innovation to the traditional field of law. Entrepreneurs should look for opportunities to innovate within established industries.
Leadership and Team Building
During this discussion we cover the frameworks and tools that have influenced Alejandra's entrepreneurial journey. She shares her positive experiences with the MIT bootcamp, particularly the emphasis on asking better questions and understanding diverse perspectives.
Key Takeaways for Aspiring Entrepreneurs:
- Continuous Learning: Alejandra's experience with the MIT bootcamp highlights the importance of continuous learning. Entrepreneurs should seek out opportunities for professional development and growth. Curiousity is a requirement for entrepreneurs, it can open up founders to opportunities to disrupt their industry.
- Building a Strong Team: Alejandra stresses the importance of shared values, mutual admiration, and trust among co-founders. Entrepreneurs should focus on building strong, cohesive teams that share common goals and values.
Work-Life Balance and Mental Health
The topic of work-life balance arises, and Alejandra shares her perspective on maintaining mental health and well-being. She emphasizes the importance of exercise and self-care, noting that activities like dancing help her recharge and stay energized.
Key Takeaways for Aspiring Entrepreneurs:
- Prioritize Self-Care: Alejandra's emphasis on exercise and self-care underscores the importance of maintaining mental health. Entrepreneurs should prioritize self-care to sustain their energy and productivity.
- Work-Life Balance: Balancing work and personal life is crucial for long-term success. Entrepreneurs should strive to create a healthy work-life balance to avoid burnout.
Empowering Women in Business
As the episode draws to a close, Alejandra expresses her desire to empower women in business. She recognizes the disparities between men and women in entrepreneurship and aims to help women develop their businesses, as she believes this can create positive change within families and communities.
Key Takeaways for Aspiring Entrepreneurs:
- Support Women Entrepreneurs: Alejandra's commitment to empowering women in business highlights the importance of supporting female entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurs should advocate for gender equality and provide support to women in business.
- Create Positive Change: By empowering women, entrepreneurs can create positive change within families and communities. Entrepreneurs should consider how their businesses can contribute to social and economic development.
Conclusion
Alejandra's journey as a lawyer and entrepreneur in Colombia is a powerful example of the impact that empathy, innovation, and ethical practices can have on society. Her story emphasizes the importance of aligning one's career with personal values, prioritizing ethical business practices, and building strong, supportive communities. Aspiring entrepreneurs can learn valuable lessons from Alejandra's experiences and apply them to their own entrepreneurial journeys.
By focusing on empathy, innovation, and ethical practices, entrepreneurs can create businesses that not only achieve financial success but also contribute positively to society and the environment. Alejandra's journey serves as an inspiring reminder of the transformative power of entrepreneurship when guided by a commitment to societal welfare.
You can listen to our edited podcast under Founders Voyage on your favorite podcast platform or directly on our website: https://www.foundersvoyage.org
If you’d like to support the Founder’s Voyage podcast that we have been working hard to edit, you can donate to that directly through our Patreon. https://www.patreon.com/foundersvoyage
If you wish to learn more about his journey you can follow Alejaandra on LinkedIn.
To learn more about Sirirí al Derecho you can find them here.