Katrina Padron’s marketing adventure began in 2004, when flip phones were cutting-edge and WordPress blogs still greeted you with a “Hello, World!” With a Master’s in Sociology from DePaul, she always uses her deep understanding of human behavior to navigate the ever-shifting marketing landscape. As a creative kid who cherished her Lisa Frank Trapper Keeper and still remembers the days of party line and dial-up internet, she grew a digital marketing agency and now channels her expertise into leveraging partnerships for pipeline growth. With nearly two decades of experience, she is used to making the most of both nostalgia and innovation.

Fun fact: By day, she liberates founders from hustle hell. By night, I fight for the Oxford comma.

Read the full article here. 

What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?

My day runs on a tight schedule, like a well-oiled (but fun) machine. I work during school hours because that’s when I can actually think straight, and Tuesdays and Thursdays are sacred—I’m flipping around at adult gymnastics, pretending I’m Simone Biles’ cooler aunt. The rest of my time is split between building powerhouse partner programs for my clients and meeting smart people who get the whole “grow without the grind” thing.

How do you bring ideas to life?

The thing about me is, I’m full of ideas—like confetti at a surprise party. The key to bringing them to life? Calendaring it, brain-dumping every step, and then tackling it one piece at a time. If it’s not on my schedule, it’s just glitter in the air.

What’s one trend that excites you?

I’m obsessed with the “back to basics” trend of building partner programs. Partner strategies are a tale as old as time, and guess what? They still work—better than ever. Forget the endless martech tools; the fastest way to grow without grinding yourself into the ground is through the right partnerships.

Partner programs fuel growth because they’re like borrowing someone else’s audience and credibility without all the hard work of building it yourself. It’s the ultimate shortcut—your partners bring you buyers who already trust them, so you skip the exhausting “convince and convert” game. Plus, partnerships multiply your reach without multiplying your ad spend. It’s smarter, not harder, and that’s my kind of growth.

What is one habit that helps you be productive?

One habit that keeps me productive is ruthlessly sticking to my calendar. If it’s not scheduled, it doesn’t exist. It helps me stay focused, avoid distractions, and get things done without the constant “what should I do next?” internal panic.

What advice would you give your younger self?

I’d tell my younger self to stop sweating the small stuff and trust that things will work out better than you expect—especially if you stop trying to follow the rules and start doing what feels right for you. Also, don’t be afraid to say no to stuff that doesn’t align with your vision, even if it’s shiny and tempting. Your time is precious—use it wisely.

Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you.

I’m a Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business dropout—and no one agrees with me on this, but the program felt way too rigid and lacked room for magic. It was all about following the rules and sticking to the script, but I believe true growth happens when you throw out the formula and make your own path.

What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?

The one thing I do—and recommend everyone else do—is give, give, and give some more. I mentor founders through accelerator programs, I block time on my calendar to make introductions (because that’s how you build real, valuable networks), and I volunteer for a startup group every month. It’s not just about giving back—it’s about building a community where everyone rises together. Plus, it always comes back to you, in ways you can’t predict.

When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?

When I feel overwhelmed or unfocused, I step away. Seriously, a little distance is magic. I usually come back with fresh eyes and a whole new attitude, ready to tackle whatever was stressing me out like it’s no big deal.

What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?

One strategy that’s helped me grow my business is building a referral partner who consistently brought in great conversations. Those warm introductions were game-changers. Walking into a conversation with approval already in the room feels a thousand times more confident than having to prove myself from scratch every time.

What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?

One failure I’ve had, and it happens to me all the time (I swear I’m not alone here), is booking myself for events and then totally freezing when I get there. Social anxiety takes over, and suddenly I’m hiding in the bathroom or sneaking out without meeting anyone. How do I overcome it? I’ve learned to give myself permission to show up as I am—awkward, sweaty palms and all. And if I can’t bring myself to network, I focus on just being present and taking one small action—whether it’s chatting with one person or just sitting quietly.

What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?

Okay, here’s a business idea I’d love for someone to steal: the Hopper to Heaven. It’s a device I invented in my mind (and desperately need in my life) that takes the clothes out of the washer and puts them in the dryer. Bonus points if it folds the laundry, too. Someone please make this so I can stop pretending I have my life together.

What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?

One piece of software that keeps me productive is Asana. I use it to map out every project, track deadlines, and keep everything organized without losing my mind. It’s like having a digital assistant that helps me stay focused, so I can move through my to-do list without missing a beat

What is the best $100 you recently spent?

The best $100 I recently spent was on a pair of pants from a Kenya-based designer on Etsy. When I say these things are lux, I mean they’re like nothing I’ve ever worn—so comfortable and stylish that I feel like a whole new person. Totally worth every penny for that instant confidence boost.

Do you have a favorite book or podcast from which you’ve received much value?

My favorite book has to be We Should All Be Millionaires by Rachel Rodgers. It’s a total game-changer. Rachel’s no-nonsense approach to money and business is exactly what I needed to hear—especially as a woman in business. It’s not just about making money; it’s about owning your power and building wealth on your own terms.

What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?

I go so deep into the Game of Thrones / House of the Dragon universe. I’m not just watching the shows—I’m reading the books, listening to all the podcasts, and getting lost in Reddit theories. It’s endless. Every little detail fascinates me, from character arcs to the history behind the battles. I’m that person who spends hours analyzing every plot twist and predicting what’s going to happen next. It’s like a whole other world I can’t get enough of.

Key learnings:

• Don’t follow the rules—make your own: Stop trying to do what everyone else is doing. Trust your instincts, find what works for you, and throw out the formula.
• Give first, always: Build real relationships by mentoring, making introductions, and showing up for others. It all comes back to you, sometimes in unexpected ways.
• Growth is about partners, not just tools: Forget the endless shiny martech tools. The fastest way to grow is through strategic partnerships, not grinding away in isolation.
• Calendar everything: If it’s not scheduled, it doesn’t exist. Organize your life around what matters, and give yourself permission to step away when you need to recharge.
• Show up, even when it’s messy: Perfection is overrated. Just showing up with your awkward, imperfect self is often all it takes to move things forward.