What happens when you blend years of corporate experience with an unyielding commitment to personal growth? Karla Blanco joins us on episode #117 of the 2B Bolder podcast to share her journey from an aspiring attorney to a leader in diversity and inclusion at Intel. Her story is filled with unexpected turns and valuable lessons, and Karla’s insights into embracing change and resilience are invaluable for anyone looking to advance in their career. Family influences and personal challenges shaped her path, and she speaks candidly about navigating the phasing out of Intel's factory operations in Costa Rica (2014), highlighting the resilience it took to overcome such hurdles.

Karla’s global career has spanned continents and inspired many, leading her to write a bestselling book and develop a workshop on career advancement. Her passion for self-awareness and strategic planning shines through as she shares how she built a board of advisors to guide her journey. Karla’s anecdotes, from learning to embrace feedback to growing as a TED Talk speaker, underline the power of cultural adaptability. She reminds us that public speaking is a skill that even introverts can master and that having a supportive network can open doors to unexpected opportunities.

In our discussion, we also explore being the CEO of your life and career. Karla and I discuss the significance of defining your purpose and aligning it with your brand. Through personal stories, including a practical exercise on assessing one’s brand, we emphasize the role of resilience and the importance of values such as commitment and transparency. Karla’s insights into diversity, equity, and inclusion underscore its necessity for innovation in today’s business world. This episode will inspire you to take charge of your life and career path.

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