Guest:

Shannon Englert, Founder and Managing Attorney at DYAD Immigration Law

Summary:

In this episode of What It Takes, host Jamie Seeker sits down with Shannon Englert, the visionary founder of DYAD Immigration Law. Shannon shares her inspiring journey from working as a translator to becoming a managing attorney, driven by a passion for helping businesses and families navigate the complex world of U.S. immigration law. She opens up about the challenges of running a mission-driven law firm, focusing on sensitive cases like visas for trafficking and domestic violence survivors, and the lessons learned along the way. Shannon's story is one of perseverance, compassion, and commitment to making a difference in the lives of her clients.

Key Discussion Points:

1. Journey from Translation to Immigration Law: Shannon explains how her early career as a translator opened her eyes to the needs of immigrants, ultimately leading her to law school and founding DYAD Immigration Law.
2. Connection to Immigration Through Personal Experience: Shannon discusses how her experience as an exchange student in Chile with a visa issue sparked a lifelong passion for immigration law.
3. Handling Emotionally Challenging Cases: Shannon talks about how DYAD helps clients in sensitive situations, such as trafficking and domestic violence survivors, by shifting the narrative from victimhood to empowerment.
4. Challenges in U.S. Immigration Law: The complexities of U.S. immigration law and the emotional and legal hurdles faced by individuals attempting to navigate the system.
5. Building a Mission-Driven Team: Shannon shares how DYAD recruits and retains employees by aligning them with the firm’s core values, ensuring that everyone is committed to the mission of helping others.

Memorable Quotes:

• "I realized that immigration isn't easy. We think it is when we’re born here, but for many, it’s a complex, high-stakes process."
• "We don't treat our clients as victims—that’s something that happened, but it doesn't define them."
• "Action and no excuses—it’s what it takes to build a mission-driven business. You have to be willing to fail and learn from it quickly."

Actionable Takeaways:

• Empowerment through Law: Focusing on clients' strengths and helping them overcome challenges through strategic legal support can be life-changing, both emotionally and legally.
• Aligning Your Team with Your Mission: Surround yourself with employees who share your vision and are committed to the company’s core values.
• No Excuses, Just Action: Shannon emphasizes that success requires relentless action, even if it means failing and learning along the way.

Connect with Shannon Englert:

• Website: dyadlaw.com
• Instagram: @dyadlaw
• Facebook: DYAD Immigration Law
• YouTube: DYAD Immigration Law
• TikTok: @dyadlaw

Listen Now: [Insert podcast platform link]

Tune in to hear Shannon's inspiring story and gain insights into what it takes to build a mission-driven business in one of the most challenging areas of law.