In this episode of Be Anomalous, Kara Brothers, former President of Starface, joins me for a conversation that’s raw, grounding, and deeply human.
From building her career at Google, where ambition met misalignment, to leading one of the most creative, culture-shifting beauty brands of our time, Kara opens up about what it really takes to find your voice in spaces that weren’t built for you.
We talk about self-doubt, identity, leadership, and the ongoing work of trusting yourself even when everything around you tells you not to. Kara’s story is about creating your own lane, finding balance as a parent and a professional, and learning to keep showing up even when it’s hard.
If you’ve ever questioned your path, your pace, or your place, this episode is your reminder that strength isn’t about never doubting yourself. It’s about having the courage to keep going anyway.
🎧 Listen to the episode
What You’ll Learn
How Kara navigated self-doubt and near burnout while climbing the ranks at Google
Why did she walk away from safety and stability to join a small startup called Starface
The lessons she learned about leadership, vulnerability, and intuition in male-dominated rooms
How motherhood reshaped her definition of ambition and success
The role of therapy and coaching in rebuilding her confidence and leadership style
Why slowing down became her greatest act of power
Favorite Quote
“Fortune favors the bold” — Kara Brothers
Currently Reading
In This Episode, We Cover
(00:00) Introduction to Kara Brothers
(02:30) Growing up in North Carolina and early lessons in curiosity
(06:00) Working at Google — self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and rebuilding confidence
(14:00) Redefining success and learning that misalignment isn’t failure
(18:00) Transitioning from tech to beauty — joining Starface
(24:00) Leadership, risk, and building a team grounded in trust
(32:00) Motherhood, balance, and what “having it all” really means
(40:00) Therapy, coaching, and learning to lead with empathy
(48:00) Why intuition and patience are the new power moves
(55:00) The cost of pretending — and choosing authenticity instead
(01:00:00) Kara’s favorite quote & book
