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Devin: What is your superpower?
Tamara: My ability to listen to people and connect with people, understand what their needs are, and then really creating spaces and connections for them to get those needs met.
When life feels overwhelming, many of us long for a helping hand. Tamara Lucas, the founder and CEO of My Panda, has turned that universal feeling into a business that’s transforming lives and communities. My Panda, short for “Personal Assistant Next Door App,” connects people with trusted, hyper-local assistants—called Pandas—who can handle everything from grocery runs to household chores.
“What we need is community,” Tamara said during today’s episode. “What we need is people to turn to that we trust to be able to ask for the help that we need and also an opportunity for people to provide assistance and help.”
Unlike gig-Economy platforms like TaskRabbit or Uber, My Panda emphasizes community, trust, and mutual support. Tasks submitted through the app are matched with Pandas in the user’s local area, fostering a sense of connection and accountability. “You’re a lot less likely to steal someone’s grandmother’s jewelry if you’re going to run into them at Publix,” Tamara joked.
The business model is as innovative as it is impactful. Users pay a flat hourly rate for services, with membership options that offer discounts and additional perks. Pandas, who are independent contractors, are primarily women—just like the users they assist. This creates what Tamara describes as “a culture of women helping women,” which has become a hallmark of My Panda.
Tamara is also leveraging community to fund her vision. Through a regulated investment Crowdfunding campaign on Wefunder, anyone can invest in My Panda, starting with as little as $100. “By doing crowdfunding, not only are we raising the capital that we need to grow,” she explained, “but we’re also giving people a sense of ownership and deepening Relationships within the community.”
As My Panda prepares to expand beyond Atlanta to new markets like Charlottesville, Virginia, Tamara’s vision of creating a modern-day village is gaining momentum. Her approach is about more than convenience—it’s about rebuilding the connections we’ve lost in today’s fast-paced, individualistic world.
My Panda isn’t just a service; it’s a movement. It’s a reminder that we’re better together, and with the right tools, we can create a community that lifts everyone up.
tl;dr:
My Panda connects people with hyper-local assistants to provide trusted help for daily tasks.
The app fosters community by hiring local Pandas and creating a culture of mutual support.
My Panda’s business model includes flat hourly rates, memberships, and perks for users.
Tamara’s superpower is empathy, helping her identify and act on others’ needs.
The company is raising capital via a WeFunder crowdfunding campaign to support its expansion.
How to Develop Empathy and Connection As a Superpower
Tamara Lucas’s superpower is her ability to deeply listen, empathize, and connect with others. “My biggest superpower is my ability to listen to people and connect with people, understand what their needs are, and then really creating spaces and connections for them to get those needs met,” she explained in today’s episode. Tamara’s background in psychology and social work has informed her approach, but it’s her natural ability to engage and understand people that has been the foundation of her success.
One day, a conversation with a friend sparked the idea for My Panda. Tamara’s friend, a dog walker, shared her frustration: “I go into people’s homes, and they need so much more than just a dog walk.” That moment of connection inspired Tamara to envision a platform where people could easily ask for—and get—the help they need. My Panda was born from her ability to listen, empathize, and act on the needs of others.
To develop this superpower, Tamara’s advice is straightforward yet profound:
Practice Active Listening: Stop rehearsing your response in your head and focus entirely on what the other person is saying.
Cultivate Empathy: Try to understand the Emotions and experiences behind someone’s words.
Think Creatively About Support: Look for ways you—and your community—can offer help and share resources.
Embrace Connection: Remember that humans are meant to live in community, not in isolation.
By following Tamara’s example and advice, you can make empathy and connection a skill. With practice and effort, you could make it a superpower that enables you to do more good in the world.
Remember, however, that research into success suggests that building on your own superpowers is more important than creating new ones or overcoming weaknesses. You do you!
Guest Profile
Tamara V Lucas (she/her):
CEO & Founder, My Panda
About My Panda: My Panda (Personal Assistant Next Door App) is a tech-enabled, community-powered platform that connects people with trusted, local assistants, called Pandas – to help with everyday personal tasks. From laundry and errands to organizing and event support, we make it easy to delegate the never-ending to-do list. Our mission is to help individuals, especially women and working parents, reduce Stress, reclaim time, and feel more supported, both at home and in life in general. My Panda offers services directly to consumers and also partners with companies to provide assistant hours as a unique employee benefit that supports work-life balance and mental wellness.
Website: mypandaapp.com
Company Facebook Page: facebook.com/bookapanda
Other URL: wefunder.com/my.panda
Biographical Information: Tamara Lucas is the founder and CEO of My Panda (The Personal Assistant Next Door App), a tech-enabled, community-powered platform that connects people with trusted local assistants for everyday personal tasks. A single mother and lifelong advocate for women and their families, Tamara created My Panda out of her own experience with the constant pressure and exhaustion of balancing career, home, and Caregiving responsibilities.
Her career spans over 30 years across social work, Education, wine sales, and business management, all of which shaped her deep understanding of the support systems people need to thrive. With My Panda, Tamara is redefining productivity by making it easier – and more acceptable – for people to ask for help. Through her leadership, the company is helping to alleviate stress, build community, and create flexible economic opportunities, especially for women. She is passionate about shifting societal expectations and building solutions that promote wellness, connection, and a more sustainable way to live.
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/tamara-vrooman-lucas-094a089
Instagram Handle: @mypandaapp
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Devin Thorpe is featured in a free virtual masterclass series hosted by Irina Portnova titled Break Free, Elevate Your Money Mindset & Call In Overflow, focused on transforming your relationship with Money through personal stories and practical insights. June 8-21, 2025.
Regulated Investment Crowdfunding Summit 2025, Crowdfunding Professional Association, Washington DC, October 21-22, 2025.
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