We recently connected with Paola Cárdenas and have shared our conversation below.

Paola, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?

My parents raised independent people while maintaining cultural identity in a healthy way. They are from Mexico and my brothers and I were born and raised in the USA. While at times it seemed tough to hear my mom say “you should just do it on your own, you shouldn’t depend on anyone” when I talked to her about wanting to partner with friends to do projects, I now appreciate what she was trying to instill in me. Sure it felt like being alone in all of it at the time, but now it makes all the sense and I get it. Being independent and walking your own path AND being Mexican may seem like a dichotomy, especially when so much of the culture is to put family first, and always stick together no matter what. Family is a beautiful thing, but it shouldn’t come at the expense of ones own life story and what we’re meant to create. I haven’t lived at home since I was 17 and I now live in Germany. My parents were so supportive and never once guilt tripped me about my decision. I am grateful that my parents made us proud to be who we are and also let me flourish in whatever way I chose, even if it meant moving miles and miles away.

Paola, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My work revolves around people—helping them feel supported, heard, and empowered to do their best. I’m a People Operations Manager at GLIDE, a remote-first digital agency where we design and build exceptional websites. My role is all about cultivating a strong, healthy company culture, hiring great talent, and ensuring that well-being is at the heart of everything we do.

My path here has been anything but linear. I’m Mexican/American born in the U.S. to Mexican parents, and I’ve always had a deep curiosity about people, cultures, and the world beyond my immediate surroundings. Maybe it started in my Montessori school days, where I was fascinated by emotions, perspectives, and global cultures. I vividly remember being six or seven years old, spending hours doing world map puzzles, matching flags to their countries, and memorizing capital cities—completely enthralled by the idea of “what else is out there?” That curiosity stayed with me. In fifth grade, I even asked to be tested for the gifted and talented program (most kids’ parents requested it, but I wanted it for myself). After two tries, I got in, and it shaped me in ways I didn’t expect. I was placed in an advanced program where we studied literature, social studies, Greek mythology, Mesopotamia, and even learned some Latin. I loved it—it made my mind happy.

That drive pushed me to graduate high school early, in just three years, and leave El Paso to attend university, where I did the same—earning my degree in bilingual communications with a focus on Hispanic journalism in just three years. I always loved writing, observing, and taking a backseat to truly absorb what was happening around me. Little did I know that same trait would later shape my leadership style. For the last 10 years, I’ve worked in client-facing roles, primarily in agency settings, with the last 7 years at GLIDE, where I’ve honed my people skills and emotional intelligence. I’ve earned a life coaching certification and had the privilege of mentoring people from around the world. Now, I’m in the final stages of completing an advanced hypnosis certification—another tool that helps me meet people where they are, have better conversations, and build deeper relationships.

One of the biggest milestones in my journey was moving abroad. What was supposed to be a one-year au pair experience turned into a complete transformation of my life. It led me to find myself in ways I never imagined. Through that experience, I became more intentional about my career, more selective about what and who I surround myself with, and unafraid to integrate my passion for health and well-being into the workplace.

Now, working on the leadership team at GLIDE, I have the autonomy to focus on what matters most: creating policies and benefits that put people first. It’s a gift and a thrill to build a workplace where well-being is prioritized, where leadership isn’t just about being the loudest voice in the room, but about listening, observing, and creating space for others. I’ve always led with quiet confidence—taking a step back to absorb before stepping forward to act. In a world where many are trying to be heard, sometimes what’s most needed is someone who truly listens.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

One of the biggest moments of resilience in my life was the decision to move abroad and leave behind everything familiar. Leaving wasn’t easy. And to take it a step back, one of the biggest reasons I left was because I had just ended a 7 year relationship. Once I was abroad, there were moments of uncertainty—times when I questioned if I had made the right choice, if I should return to the life I had planned for myself. But instead of retreating, I leaned into the discomfort. I let it challenge me, shape me, and ultimately push me toward growth.

That decision led me to find myself in ways I never could have imagined. It forced me to be honest about what I truly wanted—not just in my personal life, but in my career. It gave me the clarity to be more intentional, to seek work that aligned with my values, and to embrace my passion for health and well-being in a professional setting without hesitation.

Through it all, I realized that resilience isn’t just about pushing through challenges—it’s about trusting yourself enough to step into the unknown, to let go of what no longer serves you, and to create space for something better. Now, as a People Operations leader, I carry that lesson with me. I help create environments where others feel safe to grow, to take risks, and to find their own path—just like I did.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

One of the biggest pivots in my career—and life—was when I transitioned to working fully remotely with GLIDE. Before that, I was working at a startup when, seemingly overnight, half the company, including me, was laid off. A week later, I was rehired in a different role, but the culture had completely shifted. It no longer felt like the place I had originally joined, and deep down, I knew I wanted something different.

For a while, I had dreamed of finding a fully remote role—one that would give me the flexibility to work from anywhere and align with the life I wanted to build. When I started at GLIDE, even in a very part-time capacity at first, it felt like the opportunity I had been searching for. The company was based in Austin, I was in Berlin, and yet, from day one, I felt a deep sense of alignment with its culture and values.

Eventually, I made the full transition and left the startup behind. That pivot wasn’t just about a job change—it was about stepping into the life I had envisioned for myself. Working at GLIDE gave me the freedom to work and travel, the ability to focus on meaningful work, and a company culture that felt truly supportive. Looking back, what started as an uncertain and challenging moment ended up being one of the best things that could have happened to me.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paolagcar/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paolagcar/