An Interview With Dr. Carla Marie Manly
Growth flourishes with direction. If your goals are ambiguous and not measurable or quantifiable, you will waste your time. Define both short-term and long-term goals that are aligned with your personal values and passions. Be specific about what you want to achieve and why. This clarity keeps you motivated and provides a framework for measuring progress. For example, break down big ambitions into smaller, actionable steps and celebrate each milestone along the way.
Growth is an essential part of life, both personally and professionally. Every day presents an opportunity to learn, evolve, and become better versions of ourselves. But how do we seize these opportunities? How do successful writers, leaders, and influencers ensure they are constantly growing and improving? What daily habits, practices, or mindsets contribute to their continual growth? In this interview series, we are talking to authors, leaders, influencers, and anyone who is an authority about “What We Can Do To Grow Every Day”. As a part of this series, I had the pleasure of interviewing Alanna D’Antonio Garcia.
Alanna D’Antonio Garcia co-founded Evoke Realty in 2022 to disrupt the norm in real estate, focusing on content and culture to deliver a better client and agent experience. As CEO, she leads the brokerage’s recruiting, training, expansion and marketing efforts, using her experience in the commercial real estate title insurance industry and her background as the owner of a successful public relations firm to create a culture of innovation and thoughtful leadership for Evoke. With luxury, residential, commercial and property management divisions, in just two short years, Evoke was named “Best Real Estate Company” in San Antonio and D’Antonio Garcia was recognized by the San Antonio Business Journal as one of the city’s top CEOs.
Thank you so much for your time! I know that you are a very busy person. Our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you tell us your “Origin Story”? Can you tell us the story of how you grew up?
Born and raised in San Antonio, I went to the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA). I had the opportunity to transfer to the University of Texas at Austin, but a small yet significant conversation at the kitchen table with my father, a successful business owner, changed my trajectory. He told me if I stayed at UTSA, I would continue to be a “big fish in a small pond.” But if I went to UT, I may get lost in the shuffle.
I embraced the smaller environment and became an ambassador for the business school, served on the student business advisory board and worked as a tour guide through the admissions and visitor center offices. What that comment did to my mindset changed the trajectory of my career. From then on, I worked to pour back into my school, my connections and my relationships in the community, growing and embracing opportunities. Then and now, each opportunity opens another door, and it all began with that kitchen table conversation.
Can you tell us a bit about what you do professionally, and what brought you to this specific career path?
My senior year of college, I accidentally started a PR firm. At the time, I knew I wanted to do PR, but didn’t think I would open my own firm as my first job — especially not while I was still in college. But I had friends who were in various industries — music, restaurants, fashion — that wanted my help. I was writing press releases, creating events and getting them in front of the right media and was getting paid for my efforts. From that point on, I was an accidental entrepreneur, had a solid book of business and continuous growth. With less than a year in business, we were named “#3 Best Start Up” by the San Antonio Current.
A few years later, I was offered an opportunity to become the marketing and business development representative for a title insurance company. I had no idea what commercial title insurance was, but I took the offer because I was intrigued. I was 22-years-old and wanted to see what corporate America was all about versus continuing my path as a solo-preneur. Utilizing my connections, relationship-building skills and my psychology studies, I quickly found success. I landed my first commercial contract within a month and less than a year later, was recruited to a publicly traded title company, solidifying my new career in real estate.
Co-founding Evoke Realty was a natural evolution of my entrepreneurial drive, my marketing and public relations background and my real estate experience. I get to do all of that with the brokerage. Again, we’ve seen continued growth and early success — and we’re just two years in.
Thank you for all that. Let’s now turn to the main focus of our discussion about Personal Growth. To make sure that we are all on the same page, let’s begin with a simple definition. What does “Personal Growth” mean to you?
Personal growth is the ongoing process of improving one’s awareness, skills and understanding to become a better version of you. It involves expanding knowledge, enhancing emotional intelligence, refining personal values and cultivating positive habits. To me, it’s constantly evolving, always keeping an eye for ways to improve.
I believe in internal audits, taking stock of where you are and what you need to do to continue your growth. For the most basic analogy, I think of each of us as a flower. You must constantly water it, put it in sunlight and nurture it or it won’t grow.
But that’s the bare minimum. I think of personal growth as the fertilizer, the plant food, to watch that plant bloom to its fullest potential. I am constantly pursuing personal development and growth through online courses, training, books and podcasts. I also work to surround myself with others much smarter than me — and those who have the same growth mindset.
It’s also important to understand that personal growth is not about achieving external success. Yes, that can be the result, but true personal growth is about inner development — learning from experiences, overcoming challenges and setting meaningful goals for continuous self-improvement in various aspects of life. That may be your career, your relationships, or your personal well-being.
Why do you believe that it’s important to commit to growing every day?
Not to sound dramatic, but if you aren’t growing, you’re essentially dying. Stagnation is stifling. If I am not always exercising various parts of my brain, I feel like it will dwindle and fade away. I love the idea of staying on top of various industries or fields, various ways of learning and consuming valuable content. You never know where you will find inspiration or something that you can use to refine, grow and strengthen yourself.
Committing to growing every day ensures that we are continuously evolving, both personally and professionally. It helps us become more adaptable, resilient and open to new experiences. And in today’s world, it’s key to helping you stay relevant.
Personal growth builds your confidence. Small improvements build a strong foundation and help you withstand change — even if that means going with that flow. You need to have the resilience to stand in the storm or decide that you’re paddling with it. Without personal growth, you may never get in the water. If you want to tap into your full potential, you must work to unlock new abilities, gain new insights and pursue new opportunities. It prevents stagnation and encourages us to strive for more. The habits we build through daily effort compound over time, leading to more meaningful accomplishments.
What are the key upsides for those who mindfully engage in a journey of personal evolution?
I see it as having a life worth living. It’s exciting viewing the world truly as an oyster, seeing the beauty, potential and possibilities at every corner. But you can’t get to those pearls if you don’t do the work to open the oyster.
If you are committed to personal growth, you’re leaving your gas tank empty and not taking care of your engine. Imagine always driving a sports car on empty, needing an oil change. It will never get you where you want to go.
You gain a stronger sense of purpose by constantly refining yourself, especially if you learn from challenges and failure. Growth doesn’t always mean an upward trajectory — it could be that you shift and become more adaptable. But if you’re growing, you gain greater confidence even when you hit a roadblock. You are more empowered and capable of handling that challenge.
And if you grow mindfully — pruning branches when necessary to allow other branches to thrive — I firmly believe that you will find more satisfaction, especially as you develop new skills, mindsets and perspectives. Growth opens paths you may never otherwise have considered.
When we stop evolving in intentional ways, what do you think are the biggest downsides?
Complacency and a life that is lackluster and monotonous. You’re settling for a routine that may not serve your goals or aspirations. We all have dreams — why wouldn’t you put in the work to achieve them>
It goes back to stagnation. When we stop growing, we’re stuck. We’re not prepared to handle adversity or unexpected changes, leading to stress. And frankly, missed opportunities. We miss career advancements, relationship growth, or even personal fulfillment because we aren’t evolving.
It becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy: When you stop improving, you start doubting yourself. You feel uninspired and dissatisfied. That builds and you feel stuck, and you continue to spiral. It negatively impacts your confidence, your sense of fulfillment, your creativity, your relationships — even your health.
Evolving intentionally allows you to step outside of the echo chamber and widen your perspective. Engaging in growth ensures that we remain adaptable, fulfilled and aligned with our highest potential.
What specific practices, if any, do you have in place to ensure that you don’t become stagnant in life?
Our environment can be overwhelming, so I actively seek the positive experiences and content that will help me grow. Podcasts, self-development books, constant reflection, therapy, great mentors to lean on, seminars, conferences and great network of friends and connections. I believe in curating your environment to focus on the positive — and that means knowing when to exit a relationship that is no longer serving you, your goals and your growth.
We are more connected now than ever, but those connections may not be feeding you. I do not engage with people that are not committed to growth as well — no matter what that may look like for them. Growth does not have to be equal and it’s not linear. It’s incredibly important to surround yourself with those who understand the importance of personal growth.
Growth and avoiding stagnancy can also include sacrifice. It goes back to the pruning I mentioned earlier. It’s saying no to people, events and things, being selective with your time and space.
Is there any particular area of your life where you are most committed to growth (e.g., spiritually, professionally, socially, internally, relationally)?
I feel that I can’t be 110% committed to my career if I’m not giving 110% to my family and vice versa. They go hand in hand, so I focus on professionally AND on my relationship with my husband and family. If I can achieve career success while being a damn good wife and mom, that is to me everything.
I have two young daughters — one of whom was born while we were opening our brokerage. I want them to see how we are building this business, and I want to model growth for them. I listen to a lot of audiobooks and podcasts about parenting and communication, which spill over to the workplace, where I work with my husband daily. We have firm boundaries between work and our personal lives, but clear communication is important no matter where you use it. Learning communication techniques helps improve my communication as a leader in the office and with my family.
If you could offer five tips to readers on how to stimulate and perpetuate self-growth, what would they be?
1. Set clear, intentional goals.
Growth flourishes with direction. If your goals are ambiguous and not measurable or quantifiable, you will waste your time. Define both short-term and long-term goals that are aligned with your personal values and passions. Be specific about what you want to achieve and why. This clarity keeps you motivated and provides a framework for measuring progress. For example, break down big ambitions into smaller, actionable steps and celebrate each milestone along the way.
2. Embrace lifelong learning.
Always be a student of your craft is my mantra. Commit to continuous learning through reading, taking courses, attending workshops or seeking new experiences. The more you expose yourself to new knowledge and perspectives, the more you expand your mind and open yourself to personal evolution. Curiosity keeps the brain active and helps you stay adaptable in a changing world. Say yes to opportunities that you may feel underqualified for, and you will naturally rise to the challenge.
3. Cultivate self-reflection and mindfulness.
Regularly engage in self-reflection to assess your growth, habits and thought patterns. Practices like journaling, meditation or mindfulness allow you to gain deeper self-awareness and understand what is working in your life — and what isn’t. It goes back to the pruning I mentioned: you have to cultivate and curate growth. That’s not possible if you’re not assessing what you’re doing — and pruning what isn’t working. Do an internal audit of your goals, where you’re at in your life, the people in your circle, etc., then trim what isn’t feeding your growth.
4. Surround yourself with positive influences.
“You are the company you keep.” Your environment greatly affects your growth. Surround yourself with people who inspire and challenge you. Seek mentors, peers and communities that foster positivity, personal development and accountability. Engaging with like-minded individuals helps keep you focused on growth and pushes you beyond your comfort zone. Never be the smartest person in the room. If you are, find a new room and learn.
5. Step out of your comfort zone regularly.
Growth happens when you challenge yourself and face discomfort. Make it a habit to do things that scare you or push your limits — whether that’s taking on new responsibilities, learning new skills or confronting difficult conversations. It builds resilience, adaptability and a mindset open to new possibilities. Something that helps me is doing a hard, unfamiliar workout class. If I can complete that successfully, it is a reminder that I can do hard things. My favorite quote is, “Sometimes bravery looks a lot like fear.”
What advice would you give to someone who feels stuck and unsure of how to start their personal growth journey?
The best way to energize yourself is to start with small, achievable goals. Pick something manageable that you can implement and achieve quickly — something like reading one chapter of a book each day or setting aside 10 minutes to journal — and start with a week. Build that habit and feel accomplished when you’ve done it for a week, then a month. Tackling something small can build your confidence and help you get back on the path.
It’s also important to sit with where you are. What’s missing? What’s causing you to feel stuck? Take the time to reflect and identify specific areas that might need attention, whether it’s personal growth in your career, relationships or emotional well-being. Focus on your strengths, what you’re good at and enjoy, and apply that confidence to the areas where you want improvement.
Sometimes, the best way to get unstuck is to seek help from someone who’s been through a similar experience. Reach out to trusted people in your circle and use their feedback and experience to gain perspective — and restart your journey. “Standing on the shoulders of giants” can help you identify blind spots or opportunities for growth that you hadn’t considered.
No matter what you do, DO SOMETHING. Take action, even if It’s Imperfect. The fear of making mistakes can paralyze growth. Recognize that progress doesn’t have to be perfect; the most important thing is to start moving. Try something new, experiment with a new habit, or challenge yourself in a small way.
Are there any books, podcasts, or other resources that have significantly contributed to your personal growth?
Books: The Power of the Habit by Charles Duhigg, The Playbook by Dave Meltzer, The Ride of a Lifetime by Bob Iger, Raving Fans by Sheldon M. Bowles, Who Moved My Cheese by Spencer Johnson … the list goes on and on! I’m an avid reader and am always finding new books and perspectives that inspire me.
You are a person of great influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂
I want to empower and connect women. So often, we question our abilities and are afraid to raise our hands. We never feel confident enough, yet there’s so much we can do. I started Women’s Collective to help build women through support, connection and even coaching. If women want to grow or improve in their role, or gain the tools and confidence to level up, Women’s Collective was created for them. The energy and confidence I see building is fantastic and I look forward to taking Women’s Collective to a larger audience in the year ahead.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
https://www.linkedin.com/in/adantonio/
https://www.instagram.com/alannadant/
Thank you so much for sharing these important insights. We wish you continued success and good health!
About The Interviewer: Dr. Carla Marie Manly — clinical psychologist, author, and advocate — is based in Sonoma County, California. In addition to her clinical practice focusing on relationships and personal transformation, Dr. Manly is deeply invested in her roles as podcaster and speaker. With a refreshingly direct and honest approach — plus a dose of humor — Dr. Manly enjoys supporting others in the ever-evolving journey of life. Her novel self-development paradigm builds resilience, emotional intelligence, and self-esteem. Highlighting the importance of loving connection, her work also focuses on helping others create deeply connected and satisfying intimate and social relationships. Working from a transformative model that honors the body-mind-spirit connection, Dr. Manly offers holistic relationship and wellness seminars around the world. An award-winning author, Dr. Manly’s books, The Joy of Imperfect Love, Date Smart, Joy from Fear, and Aging Joyfully highlight her empowering approach and profound expertise. Host of the captivating podcast, Imperfect Love, Dr. Manly offers uplifting guidance on navigating the messy road of life. Her expertise is also regularly cited in media outlets including The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, USA Today, Forbes, Oprah, Newsweek, NBC, HuffPost, Reader’s Digest, Psychology Today, Parade, GQ, Women’s Health, Architectural Digest, Men’s Health, and more.
Growing Every Day: Alanna D’Antonio Garcia Of Evoke Realty On What We Can Do To Grow Every Day was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.