Carolina Hernandez & the Luxury Paint Empire: From Bookkeeper to Boss in a Man’s World

On this episode of ADAPT or Die: Transformative Leadership Conversations, former tech CEO turned executive coach Andreas Pettersson sits down with Carolina Hernandez—CEO, real estate investor, and proud Latina leader breaking barriers in construction and beyond. As co-owner of LouisGloria Painting LLC, Carolina runs a 50+ employee luxury painting firm serving the top 1% of Dallas-Fort Worth. But she started as an 18-year-old bookkeeper who solved an IRS audit and earned the trust of her now-mentor and business partner.

Challenge → Being both the founder’s family and the only woman on job sites meant constantly proving her credibility in a male-dominated field.

Adaptation → Carolina built confidence through small wins, developed rock-solid emotional intelligence, and learned to lead with warmth and authority—turning resistance into rocket fuel and mentoring others to do the same.

Success → She now leads multiple ventures including Legacy Funds and Legatum Companies, manages a growing real estate portfolio, and is building community through upcoming workshops for Latinas and women in trades.

🔥 60-Second Hot Seat: The fire that tested her leadership under pressure, the mindset shift that reframed fundraising as an invitation—not a pitch—and why generational wealth starts with healing, not just dollars.

Think leadership means playing small or playing it safe? Carolina’s story proves it’s about showing up, doing it scared, and bringing others with you.

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