Dena Jalbert
Founder & CEO of Align Business Advisory Services
WPO Orlando Member
How has being a WPO member helped your business?
My involvement in the WPO has been essential in helping me expand my network and obtain the resources needed to help me grow and scale my business. The WPO does an exceptional job of building community, whether it’s online through the website, blog and weekly emails, or in-person through a variety of events. I know I can trust the expertise and guidance of this group of colleagues to help me personally and professionally.
What challenges have you faced as a woman in business?
As a woman with an accomplishment-laden background in technology, financial and professional services industries with Fortune 100 companies, I experienced first-hand the lack of women representation in leadership roles. WPO members are instrumental in changing that within various industries and geographies, which is why I’m inspired to be among such great company.
What inspired you to start your business?
I recognized an opportunity to provide aggressive and innovative ideas and solutions to growing middle market businesses that were considered “too small” by larger investment banks. I leveraged my nearly 20 years of success in building, scaling, and buying & selling businesses and created Align Business Advisory Services. Our mission is to break the mold of the traditional M&A advisory firm by specializing in helping these high-growth companies on a wholistic level. Our team of former business owners, operators and executives leverage their experience and extensive network to bring Wall Street resources to the lower-middle-market.
What’s your favorite WPO event you’ve attended? Why?
I attended the 2022 WPO Annual Conference in Montreal and was thrilled to meet so many outstanding women from all over the world. Attending the event was a truly uplifting experience, as I was able to meet and collaborate with peers to foster both personal and professional growth.
What’s the best business advice you’ve ever received?
The best business advice I’ve received is to seek and accept help. Women are often compelled to take care of others and we’ll push through and manage things for ourselves, at the same time. We have to ask for help and support to get where we are going and be successful. Both professionally and personally, it’s okay to ask those who have been there before us for help along the way so that we can navigate the path easier (and likely faster!).
What lesson have you learned that can you share with other women entrepreneurs?
Don’t lose your authentic self. I’m in the finance industry, which is a very male-centric industry. There are often forces pushing women to conform to some of these male-driven norms that have been built over the decades. Don’t sacrifice who you are or how you operate to make it easier for them. They should be able to fit into your world, too. So, yes, you can say “no” to golf and cigars. There are many other ways to network and build relationships. Customers and partners prefer to see a leader and an organization stay true to their culture and way of doing things versus “trying to fit in.” I always say that the definition of innovation isn’t necessarily doing something different, rather doing it differently.
About Align Business Advisory Services
Founded in 2017, Align Business Advisory Services is a mergers and acquisitions advisory company made up of a team of former business owners, operators, and executives who leverage their experience and extensive network to maximize the value of their clients' business. The company was awarded 2019 Best Mid-Market M&A Consultancy by Acquisitions International and recently achieved 250% growth year-over-year for three consecutive years.