Creating Purpose With Pixels
In today's conversation, we welcomed a special guest, Karla Santi. The discussion kicked off with Vince asking Karla a fun question about assembling a fictional tennis doubles team. Karla, a champion tennis player, humorously considered classic pairs like "Mack and Roe.” She playfully suggested bringing Andre Agassi out of retirement and choosing two unlikely opponents, Fat Albert and a character with a big bucket head.
We delved into Karla's love for gaming, where she reminisced about her early experiences with the Atom computer and playing games like Buck Rogers. She also shared her fondness for classic consoles like ColecoVision and Atari. The conversation takes a nostalgic turn as Karla reflected on the challenges of typing papers with correction tape on electronic typewriters.
We then took a trip down memory lane, discussing TV shows from Karla’s childhood. Karla revealed her limited access to TV channels, relying on an antenna to get Minneapolis stations. She shared her experience of balancing "Sesame Street" with her mom's soap opera, "Days of Our Lives." The conversation touched on classic cartoons like Scooby-Doo and Smurfs, and Karla reminisces about Saturday mornings filled with these entertaining cartoons.
We also discussed favorite shows, such as "Kids Incorporated" and "The Lost City," where Karla learned artistic styles. We talked about the challenges of changing TV channels without a remote control, recalling the era of BetaMax and its peculiar extension cord-controlled remote.
As the conversation turned to Karla's school days, she playfully addresses whether she engaged in any naughty activities. She shared a story about almost getting in trouble for bringing a boombox to the commons area in high school, showcasing her ability to talk her way out of situations.
Karla also admitted to some reckless behavior in high school, such as standing in the back of a speeding pickup truck, a decision that, in hindsight, could have been dangerous. The conversation then shifted to her childhood aspirations, revealing that she initially wanted to be an art teacher influenced by her mother's profession. However, she later realized that teaching wasn't for her and chose to study graphic design. Her early interest in drawing and painting, inspired by experiences like the Young Picassos club, played a role in shaping her career path.
Karla then shared more about her love for tennis, a sport she played from a young age, excelling particularly in doubles. She shared her experience playing at the collegiate level, being offered a scholarship to join a newly formed tennis team at her university. Despite a break due to family and business commitments, she returned to tennis later in life, enjoying both the sport and the friendships it brought.
Karla then shared more about her competitive side and her experience winning the Sioux Falls "Dancing with the Stars." She reflected on the pressure of being judged in a dance competition and the stress of wanting to perform well in front of colleagues and friends.
Karla recalled some challenging experiences from her past, including being picked on for having red hair and freckles, which fueled her competitiveness and desire to prove herself. The discussion briefly touched on peer pressure, particularly related to fashion and conforming to societal norms during her school years.
Karla shared her college experiences, highlighting a period when she temporarily stopped playing tennis. She talked about the impact on her physicality and the transition back into an active lifestyle. The conversation then shifted to her college major in graphic design, where she discusses the technological advancements on campus and her journey into web design during the mid-'90s.
Karla went on to narrate the early days of Blend Interactive, emphasizing the lack of a shared vision initially. She discussed the challenges and growth of the company, eventually focusing on the importance of culture and team dynamics. The conversation delved into Blend's unique practices, such as the Blendies awards and values nominations.
As the discussion concluded, Karla reflected on the influence of a fifth-grade art teacher who recognized her talent, expressing the importance of mentorship and believing in others.
This episode provides insights into Karla's journey, the evolution of Blend Interactive, and the significance of fostering a positive workplace culture.
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