Meet Karla | Business Consultant – Helping Businesses last

We had the good fortune of connecting with Karla and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Karla, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I grew up in Venezuela, in an inland city, in a pretty humble neighborhood right outside of town.

Currently, I’m the Director of Espabílate Consulting Group, a consulting firm that helps businesses become more professional and improve their corporate governance. Since 2014, we’ve been helping owners and Boards make sure their companies stick around, make money, and keep growing.

So, how did I get from that little neighborhood to the business world? It really came down to some skills I developed thanks to where I grew up, and I’m incredibly grateful for them today:

A love for learning: Even as a kid, I was obsessed with reading. In high school, my chemistry teacher completely changed my life. He’d lend me books, and I’d devour them and get new ones. That’s how I read tons of authors, but Agatha Christie really opened my eyes. Even though she wrote mysteries, her stories were so beautifully written and detailed, set in all these different cities around the world. Those descriptions made me dream of seeing those places and made me say, ‘One day, I’m going to visit those spots.’

Realizing how vital businesses are: When I was 20, right after university, I took a business course that was super interesting. I met people who were really making their companies work, and I learned so much from them. That’s when I got really curious about how businesses tick and wanted to help and build a career in that area. I’ve been at it ever since! My biggest passion is helping build companies that can last 100 years—that’s what we aim for every single day at my firm.

Being pragmatic and staying focused: When you don’t have many resources but you have big dreams, you just have to work hard, stay focused, and get creative to find solutions. You can’t get hung up on tiny details; you always have to keep your eyes on the prize. That’s something I definitely learned from my background.

Ethics and values: These are the guiding stars for me every day, especially when you’re working in a complex country. Keeping an unblemished reputation is key, especially when you’re not from a privileged background. You’re kind of on your own against the world, and to make a name for yourself, you have to keep your word, live by your values, and always act ethically.”

What should our readers know about your business?
Espabílate Consulting Group is a consulting firm specializing in corporate professionalization and governance. We have nearly 11 years of experience partnering with business owners, boards of directors, and family businesses through their governance processes.

What makes me most proud of what we do is our unique philosophy, which is deeply focused on the longevity of companies. We don’t chase rapid, aggressive growth; instead, we aim for businesses to transcend their founders and continue fulfilling their purpose for the long term.

Reaching 11 years hasn’t been easy, especially since our philosophy often runs counter to what others teach—quick growth, a focus on selling more, and expanding through debt. But we’ve achieved it through immense perseverance and tirelessly educating people on these vital topics.

Along the way, we’ve learned the importance of focus, of only doing business with people who share our values, and the power of specialization. If there’s one thing I want people to know about us, it’s this: we help build companies that last 100 years.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I definitely think Wynwood is a must-visit place. It’s vibrant, full of art—truly the cultural heart of the city. And for food, all the Cuban and Venezuelan restaurants are incredible!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Hands down, the most important person in my personal and professional journey has been my business partner and my life companion. He’s been instrumental in helping me see what I’m capable of, making sure I never lose sight of it, even when things get really tough. He’s truly my coach, my biggest cheerleader, my motivator, and my best friend.

My consulting clients and my students also play a huge role in my career. I’ve learned an incredible amount from them. Their stories, experiences, contributions, and even their questions always give me a wider lens through which to see the world.

As for favorite books, where do I even begin? I have so many! My top authors are Jim Collins and Nassim Taleb. Seriously, pick up any of their books—they’ll completely shift your perspective on business and life in general.

Website: https://soykarlamary.substack.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soykarlamary/?hl=en

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karla-hern%C3%A1ndez-a448939b/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@espabilarte

Image Credits
Karla Hernández, Espabílate Consulting Group