We recently connected with Marla Gomez and have shared our conversation below.
Marla, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
Picture this: a young kid, just starting to navigate the world, learning life’s lessons from the person who knows best—my mom. Though retired now, her unwavering dedication, commitment, and integrity left an indelible mark on me, shaping my work ethic from the very start. Growing up, she always stressed the importance of independence. ‘Be your own person,’ she’d say. And so, armed with her encouragement, I set out on my journey. Along the way, I’ve been fortunate to have teachers and mentors who shared these values, guiding me through life’s twists and turns.
But it wasn’t just about learning; it was about living it. Through sweat, tears, and maybe too many late nights, I honed my work ethic, refusing to back down from any challenge. I know it’s not just about what I do; it’s about how I do it. Integrity isn’t just a word; it’s a way of life—a way of treating others with respect and kindness, fostering positive connections that bring out the best in everyone.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I am a creative strategist and content creator, driven by a passion to craft compelling narratives. With a background in Journalism and expertise in Public Opinion, my journey has taken me through diverse business areas—from strategic planning to digital marketing. Today, I lead King vs Kong, a company dedicated to giving brands a voice and tone that resonates deeply with their audience. Through digital and audiovisual content, we weave immersive stories that build strong brand identities and deliver unforgettable user experiences.
Our clients include small businesses, corporations, personal brands, and even communications agencies and audiovisual production companies. As a result, King vs Kong can feel like a freelancer within your team or even become your own marketing communications team.
Our current endeavor involves focusing on growth and specialization, as we refine our craft and broaden our capabilities to help our partners achieve their goals.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Reflecting on my journey, I believe three qualities stand out as particularly impactful: following my gut, consistency, and a continuous thirst for learning.
Trusting my instincts has guided me through pivotal moments, helping me make decisions aligned with my values and aspirations. My advice to those starting their journey is to listen to your inner voice—it often knows the way forward, even when the path seems unclear.
Consistency breeds excellence. By committing to steady progress and unwavering dedication, I’ve seen remarkable growth in both my skills and opportunities. For those embarking on their journey, I recommend establishing routines and habits that support your goals, and sticking to them diligently.
Being attentive and curious has allowed me to absorb knowledge from every experience and interaction. Actively listening, observing, and analyzing situations can provide valuable insights and perspectives. My advice to beginners is to cultivate a mindset of curiosity and openness, embracing every opportunity to learn and grow.
Lastly, I encourage individuals to embrace experimentation and novelty. Trying new things and exploring alternative approaches can lead to unexpected discoveries and personal growth. Remember, the journey is about progress, not perfection. Keep pushing your boundaries, stay adaptable, and never stop learning.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
When I feel overwhelmed, these tricks help me get through those tough times.
Remembering that everything has a solution: It’s easy to get caught up in the feeling of being overwhelmed, but reminding myself that there’s a way out, even if it’s not immediately clear, helps me stay grounded.
Breaking tasks into manageable pieces: Sometimes, overwhelming tasks can become more manageable when broken down into smaller, more achievable steps. This approach allows me to tackle each piece one at a time, making progress more attainable.
Seeking help and opinions: I’ve learned that it’s okay to ask for help or seek opinions from others. Sometimes, a fresh perspective can provide clarity and new solutions that I hadn’t considered before.
Avoiding burnout: Recognizing my limits and not overextending myself is crucial in preventing burnout. It’s important to prioritize self-care and know when to take breaks to recharge.
Accepting imperfection: I realized that perfection is not attainable, and that’s ok. Accepting that some days will be more challenging than others and that obstacles are a natural part of life helps me maintain perspective.
Finally, remember to breathe! Conscious breathing and stretching every time I feel stressed or anxious. Ahh, the absolute best: snuggling with my cats!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kingvskong.com
- Instagram: kingvskong
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gomezmarla/
- Other: https://vimeo.com/kingvskong
Image Credits
Edwyn Garcia
