What does it mean to chase your dreams and lift others as you go? Actor and filmmaker Katya Martín shares how she's navigating her career, from indie projects to starring in ABC’s Promised Land, while making room for collaboration, representation, and self-reflection. She talks about growing up between Spain and the U.S., what “power” really means to her, and why community matters just as much as talent. This episode is about building creative careers that stay human, making space for nuance, and trusting that what’s meant for you won’t miss you.

Chapters:

00:00 Intro: Meet Katya Martín

01:42 How Katya got started in acting and filmmaking

04:25 The power of building a creative support system

06:50 Why rejection fuels her drive

09:15 Women mentors who shaped her journey

11:00 What 8-year-old Katya dreamed of

12:30 Acting vs producing: how she balances both

14:10 First big break on ABC's Promised Land

17:00 Behind the scenes: why authentic casting matters

18:56 Cultural nuance and Spanish language accuracy on set

21:15 The case for diverse crews and storytellers

23:30 Growing up between Spain and San Diego

26:45 NYC energy vs LA sprawl

28:10 What she learned from working at Red is Dancing

30:00 Redefining power and womanhood

33:20 Owning the term “Powerful Ladies”

36:00 The weight and pride of being called a woman

39:15 Stories she wants to tell next

41:00 Katya’s take on Everything Everywhere All at Once

43:00 How powerful she feels—today and on average

44:55 What’s still on her to-do list for the year

46:00 Becoming a horse girl at 20-something

48:30 What your inner 8-year-old knows that you forgot

50:15 The creative community she’s looking to build

52:00 Where to follow Katya Martín

The Powerful Ladies podcast, hosted by business coach and strategist Kara Duffy features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, chefs, writers, scientists, and more. Every Wednesday, new episodes explore what it means to lead with purpose, create with intention, and define success on your own terms.

Whether you're growing a business, changing careers, or asking bigger questions, these stories remind you: you're not alone, and you're more powerful than you think.

Explore more at thepowerfulladies.com and karaduffy.com.

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