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

Hi Karla, how do you think about risk?
Increased tolerance for risk grounded in a greater appreciation for my unique set of talents fuels my career. As a consultant, I tested my abilities and discovered I could do more than I’d ever envisioned as I stepped out in courage with each new project. When you experience that sort of flow, you find that one success manifests the next, and on you go. Abstract painting propels my professional creativity and risk-taking, as it fuels my soul. Artists look at the world differently, and creativity opens a new portal. Years of painting taught me to get out of my own way, not to tell myself no, and be open to the power of flow. I wouldn’t have discovered Differentiation Zone® without it. I invested ten thousand hours, so other purpose-driven strategists don’t have to.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I am a strategy innovator serving purpose-driven organizations in dynamically competitive industries. My commitment to mastering the art of strategy led to a career-defining eureka moment in 2018. My book, Differentiated, shares the story of my inventive strategy process, Differentiation Zone®, through real-life vignettes and powerful lessons pulled from over two decades of consulting experience. Creativity and imagination are crucial to the strategy process. I wouldn’t have discovered Differentiation Zone without both. My “aha” moment in 2018 occurred when I saw something I’d never seen before. The experience crystallized my intuitive process and inspired me to reverse engineer what I’d taught myself to do over years of hands-on practice. I lead purpose-driven leaders to see beyond what is, allowing them to discover authentic differentiation and craft plans to realize a competitive advantage.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Our excursion would center around the city’s flourishing arts districts. We’d begin in the Museum District with the Denver Art Museum, Clyfford Still Museum, and Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art. Then we’d find our way downtown at K Contemporary Gallery. We’d walk to the Golden Triangle for a visit to Walker Fine Art and William Havu Gallery. We’d add fashion to the mix with visits to Mona Lucero’s Design Studio and Brooks Luby’s shop, Brooks LTD. We’d grab a coffee and lunch along the way, then wind ourselves to the Santa Fe Arts District. We’d top off a fabulous day with drinks and food at the Art Hotel.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to shout out to everyone who has contributed to my success, beginning with my consulting clients over two decades. Thank you for trusting me with your strategy. I’m forever grateful to the team that supported the writing and publishing of my book, Differentiated. From my book coach and publisher to the creative genius behind the book’s design and my first reader, thank you. I also have a fantastic team to create a digital learning platform and another for our brand engagement. This constellation of talent fuels me. I am forever grateful to each of them for embracing my vision as their own.

Website: https://differentiationzone.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karla_raines/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karlaraines/

Twitter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karlaraines/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karla.raines.5

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmzabtBPR8Zq5vap9ZApDuw

Other: https://karlarainesart.com/

Image Credits
Flor Blake, photographer

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