🎙️In this episode of The Grounded Leader, we explore what it truly means to lead with empathy, authenticity, and a healthy dose of quirk. My guest, Karla Pamanes, is an award-winning designer, branding expert, and mentor based in San Antonio, Texas. Over her 15-year career, she’s worked with powerhouse brands like HGTV, Food Network, and Brit+Co, and now helps creative professionals build brands that tell human stories through The Brand Design Academy.

Karla opens up about how seeing the best in people, honoring her rituals (from snail mail to solo Trader Joe’s trips), and embracing imperfection have shaped her leadership and creative philosophy. Together, we unpack how small, personal joys can keep leaders grounded in high-pressure environments — and why playfulness, empathy, and boundaries aren’t weaknesses, but strengths.

✨ In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why quirks make leaders more relatable and human.
• How empathy creates trust and stronger team culture.
• The power of everyday rituals in staying centered and creative.
• How moments of pause — even procrastination — can become powerful resets.

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✨BIO

Karla Pamanes is an award-winning designer, branding expert, and mentor based out of San Antonio, Texas. She has designed for brands such as HGTV, Food Network, Brit+Co, in addition to several other amazing companies. Her focus is on building branding that tells a story and reflects the core values of a company. Her motto is to "be the person you needed when you were younger." She created "The Brand Design Academy" to share the knowledge and experience she has learned over her 15 years working with corporate brands and small businesses.

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