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+1 347 223 5128 +44 20 3744 5675

Book Mariana

Non-binding request for Mariana Atencio

Call us

+1 347 223 5128 +44 20 3744 5675

Mariana Atencio

USA

Mariana Atencio inspires leaders to turn authenticity into strength and thrive through uncertainty, change, and self-doubt.

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USA

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47 Client reviews

Why book Mariana Atencio for your next event

Mariana Atencio delivers powerful, practical insights on authenticity, helping leaders and teams build trust, purpose, and resilience.
With global reporting experience, she brings clarity and calm to complex topics like disruption, leadership, and cultural change.
Her warmth, preparation, and presence elevate events, whether she is keynoting, moderating executives, or hosting global stages.

Non-binding request for Mariana Atencio

Award-winning journalist, bestselling author & expert on trust, communication, authenticity & resilience

In a world where trust and connection matter more than ever, Mariana Atencio stands out as a voice of authenticity and courage. She rose to global recognition with her TEDx talk “What Makes YOU Special?”, which has reached more than 25 million viewers worldwide. Her message is clear and resonant: what makes you different is what makes you powerful. Drawing on her journey as an immigrant, journalist, and entrepreneur, Mariana helps leaders and organizations navigate uncertainty, disruption, and self-doubt by embracing who they truly are.

Building Trust When It Matters Most

What does it take to build trust when the stakes are high and circumstances are unpredictable? Mariana Atencio has spent her career finding out.

An award-winning journalist, bestselling author and expert on trust, communication and resilience, Mariana Atencio helps leaders and organizations turn human connection into stronger performance. Drawing on 15 years in broadcast journalism, she shares practical strategies for building credibility, improving collaboration and communicating confidently during uncertainty and change.

Through her signature Architecture of Trust framework, Mariana demonstrates how trust can improve decision-making, strengthen teams and drive results. Her keynotes combine powerful personal stories, actionable insights and interactive experiences that leave a lasting impact.

From Venezuela to International Journalism

Mariana Atencio's understanding of trust and resilience began long before she became a familiar face on television.

Growing up in Caracas, Venezuela, she developed a fascination with people and their stories. Her life took a dramatic turn when she was mugged on a mountain trail and found herself kneeling with a gun pressed against her forehead. The experience strengthened her determination to pursue journalism in the United States.

Having spent summers in America with her younger sister, Mariana understood the challenges of moving between cultures and finding her place in a new country.

A scholarship to Columbia University's Graduate School of Journalism launched her career. Over the following 15 years, she became a news anchor for Univision and a national correspondent for NBC News, while also reporting for ABC. Her journalism earned a Peabody Award, a Gracie Award and three national Emmy nominations.

Throughout her career, Mariana covered major events, including Category 5 hurricanes, earthquakes and international conflicts. Leading reporting teams through unpredictable environments taught her how to establish trust quickly, listen with empathy and communicate clearly under pressure.

Today, she applies these lessons to helping leaders navigate uncertainty and build stronger organizational relationships.

The Architecture of Trust

Trust is central to effective leadership, strong teams and successful organizations. Yet building and maintaining it can be challenging, particularly when uncertainty, pressure or rapid change influence how people work together.

Mariana Atencio addresses this challenge through her Architecture of Trust, a practical framework designed to help individuals, teams and organizations strengthen relationships and improve performance.

Drawing on her experience interviewing influential figures, including Pope Francis, the King of Spain, Serena Williams and Rafael Nadal, Mariana explores the behaviors that create credibility, connection and confidence.

Her presentations help audiences understand how to:

Build trust quickly during critical conversations and challenging situations.
Strengthen trust within teams and across organizations.
Communicate with clarity, authority and authenticity.
Improve collaboration, decision-making and execution.
Lead confidently through uncertainty and organizational change.
Recognize personal differences and turn authenticity into an advantage.

Mariana makes these concepts accessible through real-world examples, engaging storytelling and audience participation. By encouraging people to reflect on their own experiences and connect with one another, she creates opportunities for meaningful learning that extends beyond the event.

Authenticity as a Competitive Advantage

One of Mariana Atencio's most influential messages is that the qualities that make people different can become their greatest strengths.

Her TEDx talk, What Makes You Special?, explores identity, belonging and individuality. Inspired by her experiences adapting to life in the United States, the talk has attracted more than 25 million views worldwide.

Its success led Mariana to expand these ideas in her bestselling book, Perfectly You: Embracing the Power of Being Real.

In her speaking engagements, Mariana challenges audiences to view authenticity as a professional asset. In a world increasingly shaped by digital noise and AI-generated content, she demonstrates how embracing individuality can strengthen credibility, deepen relationships and create more meaningful connections.

Book Mariana Atencio for Your Event

Booking Mariana Atencio brings an award-winning journalist, experienced storyteller and expert on trust, communication and leadership to your event. Her keynotes and workshops are ideal for organizations navigating change, strengthening collaboration and building more connected teams.

As an experienced moderator and host, Mariana draws on 15 years in television journalism to guide engaging conversations with senior leaders and prominent personalities, combining preparation, composure and natural curiosity.

Beyond the stage, she is the creator of The Trust Advantage newsletter, a frequent on-air analyst, a Henry Crown Fellow at the Aspen Institute and a board member of the future Smithsonian American Latino Museum.

With her combination of personal experience, journalistic expertise and practical insights, Mariana delivers memorable presentations that inspire audiences and encourage meaningful action.

Customer Reviews

“Mariana's communication training was phenomenal! It was practical, interactive and relatable. Her tips on effective communication were insightful, easy and actionable, just what our Alcon team of consultants and leaders were looking for. We learned more in 40 minutes than we ever thought possible! Her advice left the team inspired and confident to communicate with media and peers.”

Associate DirectorProfessional Development and Programs, Alcon

“Mariana is a true professional on set – researched, rehearsed, and resilient. Her passion, introspection, and dedication to the assignment(s) are exactly what Executive Producers and Executive partners dream of, with the quality of audience engagement speaking for itself.”

Executive ProducerAccenture Productions

“Mariana did an outstanding job as host of our 2023 PepsiCo Growth Summit. She was able to instantly connect with our executive audience, engage with the roster of speakers and to tie the whole event together with her energy and insightful comments. She was a pleasure to work with and I look forward to having her participate in future events with our company!

SVP & General ManagerHispanic Business Unit, PepsiCo

“Mariana was powerful on stage, engaging, thought provoking and the perfect speaker for our flagship global annual conference held in Miami. She was such a pleasure to work with that she ended up interviewing and moderating two very critical panels for the agenda. Mariana’s experience and professionalism will make any company that chooses to work with her look great.”

Director, Marketing & Communications HeadCiti Private Bank

“For the last two years, Mariana has been the host of AT&T’s annual Hispanic Heritage Month events, celebrating employees’ authenticity and contributions toward the customers and communities we proudly serve. Mariana brings employees’ stories to life through her unique engagement and connection with our teams while creating a welcoming, energetic, and memorable atmosphere. Her dynamic stage presence, storytelling, and facilitation skills have positively impacted our events and attendees. We appreciate her commitment to amplifying our brand’s values as well as her partnership and collaboration in delivering unique experiences that support our mission of connecting people to greater possibilities!”

Chief Strategy and Development Officer AT&T Inc.

“I am thrilled to share my highest praise for Mariana, who hosted our company's 2023 Convention. Mariana's performance as the event's host exceeded all expectations, and her contributions were invaluable. Throughout the event, Mariana showcased her exceptional talent for engaging and captivating our audience. Her energy and enthusiasm were boundless, creating an electric atmosphere that resonated with everyone in attendance. Most importantly, she was able to think on her feet, listen, and absorb the right takeaways to weave one keynote with the next, creating the perfect throughline for our summit.”

CEOOutreach

“Mariana did a fabulous job moderating a fireside chat examining the effects of the social determinants of health on heart disease, hypertension and stroke. Mariana is an engaging host and speaker who is able to take complex subjects and make them accessible to a general audience. There wasn’t a moment during today’s discussion where I or anyone around me was tuned out. Thanks, Mariana, for your dedication and hard work (which you make look effortless).”

Founder/President/CEOGlobal Policy Solutions LLC

“I have worked with Mariana on a number of projects over the last few years. As the head of production and show director, she makes my job and the crew’s easy. She always comes thoroughly prepared and ready to work. On set, Mariana is relaxed and ready for whatever challenges are thrown her way and is a true collaborator in making decisions that are best for the show.

Production Operations LeadAccenture Experiences

“Mariana is an exceptional partner, and a joy to work with...Her dedication to understanding every facet of a client's needs is among the best in the business. From inception to execution, she approaches her work with professionalism, integrity, and passion. She was always prepared, having done research and contributing ideas that helped elevate the work we did together. She is assertive but always flexible, collaborative, but intentional. In my experience working with Mariana, you don't get a hired talent- you get a partner who will bring her expertise to ensure your needs as a client and a business are exceeded.”

Experiential and Event LeaderProducer, Smartsheet

“Mariana was a fantastic moderator and Master of Ceremonies for our Aspen Ideas Climate convening. She came prepared and was the consummate team player. She brought an energy to the room that enlivened the attendees more than any cup of coffee could and brought people to a mind space to focus on the on-stage content and the pressing issues being discussed. She is a true pro and a delightful person to interact with.”

Graham VeyseyExecutive Producer, Aspen Ideas: Climate

“I've had the pleasure of collaborating with Mariana on nearly a dozen…projects. Each project has benefited from her being a part of it. She is a true collaborator. Mariana takes the time to work through segments and content to truly understand them, and that preparation shines through on-air. Her cool confidence and calm as scripts, timing, and content changes is most definitely one of her superpowers.”

Executive ProducerMighty Media Studios

“The choice of Mariana Atencio to lead the main stage of the eMerge Americas 10th year anniversary was the single best decision we made. She went above and beyond in everything she did for us, from being the incredible emcee to moderating innovative sessions to interviewing thought leaders from around the world backstage to creating and pushing out original content for the conference, and so much more. I can’t wait to work with her again!”

CEO & PresidenteMerge Americas

“Mariana was a rockstar! Her personal story and insightful commentary seamlessly tied together key takeaways from each session. Her adaptability and poise made all the difference during an unexpected snow storm that affected the conference. She masterfully adapted to last-minute program changes, managing speaker cancellations and communicating critical travel and safety concerns with ease. A true professional who brought immense value to our program!”

EY Americas

“We had the pleasure of having Mariana Atencio as the host for ERG Engage 2025, and she was nothing short of amazing. During a time when meaningful conversations in a safe space are more important than ever, Mariana excelled in creating an environment where everyone felt heard and respected. Her professionalism shone through as she adeptly navigated the challenges that come with hosting a live show. Mariana's ability to pivot seamlessly and keep the conversation flowing was truly impressive. She has a deep understanding of what it takes to facilitate impactful discussions within a large company, making her an invaluable asset to our event. Mariana is not only a professional host but also a safe partner for companies. Her expertise and approach ensure that all conversations are conducted with the utmost care and consideration. Thank you, Mariana, for your exceptional work and for helping make ERG Engage 2025 a success.”

Director & Executive ProducerMicrosoft

“Mariana Atencio was the host of our corporate conference, guiding a high-stakes, five-hour program with grace, warmth, and intelligence. She introduced VIP speakers, like Michael Bloomberg and General Petraeus, and interviewed high-profile guests such as Bill Ackman and Marc Rowan, while serving as the connective tissue that made the entire event run smoothly and feel seamless. We couldn’t have asked for a better partner on stage.”

Vice PresidentTechnology Investment Banking, Itaú BBA USA Securities, Inc.

“There is a before and after in our Summit thanks to Mariana. Her energy, her knowledge of the industry and the depth with which she studied each founder, each investor, each company is unparalleled. Her versatility in the fireside chats—whether it was an astronaut, a scientist, a banker, or a startup—she brings out the brilliance in every interviewee and panelist, making the event educational, authentic, and fun. We can’t imagine our next events, whether in the U.S. or Europe, without Mariana hosting them!”

CEOThe Venture City Summit

“Mariana is a dynamic speaker with an empowering message. In addition to her keynote address, she also hosted a panel discussion on pension plan management -- a topic that is not front and center for most people's day-to-day lives. Mariana came exceptionally prepared and well-studied. She asked thoughtful questions of the panelists, kept the audience engaged, and brought an undeniable energy and presence to the stage. Mariana was reliable, professional, well prepared, and most importantly, fun!”

Florida Public Pension Trustee Association

“Mariana Atencio was the heartbeat of the Latino Wall Street Awards. From hosting the show to moderating panels and interviewing high-profile guests, she did it all with style, confidence, and flawless bilingual delivery. She inspired the entire audience — even the most high-profile attendees! Her energy lit up the room and kept the momentum going from start to finish. Mariana didn’t just host the event — she elevated it.”

FounderLatino Wall Street

“SPARK Kindness is a nonprofit organization based in Natick, Massachusetts. Our mission-work building a kind, resilient and welcoming community for all is rooted in interconnection and belonging. When we were introduced to Mariana Atencio, our team immediately felt connection with her story and frame, and the inspirational and motivational messages she shares about authenticity and the power of being YOU. We were honored to have the opportunity to welcome Mariana to our virtual neighborhood for our first program offered in Spanish, with simultaneous English and American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation. Having Mariana deliver her program in Spanish not only made it accessible and inclusive, but it also demonstrated the tremendous pride and strength Mariana celebrates in being multilingual and multicultural. We look forward to working with team GOLike again soon!”

Founder & Executive DirectorSPARK Kindness

“Mariana’s participation in our sales conference was without a doubt a highlight in our meetings; she raised and addressed relevant topics in a strong but yet lighthearted way, leaving the teams extremely energized!”

Vice President Marketing Americas, Swiss luxury watchmaker

“Given the uncertainty of the post-pandemic world, you and your organization are in the best hands by hiring Mariana and her GoLike team. We have booked Mariana for motivational keynotes aimed at employees, voice-over work, community programs, and social media campaigns and she has over delivered every time. Her creativity and attention to detail will make your brand stand out in a unique way! She is very dynamic and great at keeping the audience engaged.”

Senior ManagerFord Motor Company

“It was a pleasure working with Mariana Atencio and her Team during Bacardi’s Spirit Forward event. Not only was she highly engaged and accessible from the very beginning of the planning process, but flexible and open to ensure that her speech flowed well with the Summit’s overarching theme. She was inspirational, motivational and real, and we received wonderful feedback from the attendees. We would be happy to work with her again.”

Senior Brand ManagerBacardi USA, Inc

“Mariana provided some wonderful lessons and insights into her journey and how each of us can celebrate and share what makes us different. It was a fantastic opportunity for our employees to be inspired and to learn more.”

DirectorGlobal Executive & Employee Communications, American multinational technology company

“Mariana's authentic, relatable, engaging style enabled her to immediately connect with our audience. Through a series of stories, she shared uplifting, relevant, and empowering learnings that all of us can embrace as leaders.”

VPGoogle Cloud Consulting

“Mariana Atencio brought such energy and honesty to our company-wide event. Mariana's authenticity allows her to connect with others almost immediately. Thank you for providing us with the tools to be resilient and proud of what makes us Perfectly Unique!”

DirectorDiversity, Equity & Inclusion, Rapid7

“Mariana's keynote was a profound journey into the essence of authenticity. One of the most powerful takeaways from Mariana's talk was the idea that our differences are our strengths and they can help us shine in every aspect of our lives. Thank you, Mariana, for your inspiring vulnerability and for guiding each of us to better embrace our roots. Your words have r

VPWealth Planning Analytics, Edelman Financial Engines

“Not many speakers can connect and engage with an audience like Mariana Atencio can. Her keynote, 'The Power of Authenticity' impacted our members on a very personal level and left them feeling empowered! Ms. Atencio's message set the tone for the rest of the conference and left our attendees wanting more. For example, during our closing celebration two of our volunteer leaders referenced their 'What makes you perfectly you?' cards during their onstage remarks. Book Mariana - it will be the smartest decision you make for your conference or event.”

Executive Vice PresidentFlorida Apartment Association

“Mariana’s words resonated deeply with everyone in attendance, and her wisdom will continue to inspire us on our paths toward authenticity and self-discovery. We are immensely grateful for her time, expertise, and the positive energy she brought to our event.”

Logistics Excellence LeadClorox

“Absolutely blown away by Mariana's captivating energy and unparalleled ability to engage the audience. Her speech not only hit the mark but soared beyond expectations, leaving everyone inspired and eager for more! She is a force to be reckoned with.”

ManagerFord Motor Company

“Mariana exudes inspirational energy! She brought a mixed audience of young people and adults together with a message that reached every participant profoundly and uniquely. It felt like she connected with each audience member individually, yet we were in a room of 400 people!”

The Park School

“Mariana’s messages of authenticity and vulnerability were perfectly powerful for our second anniversary event. She inspired our entire community to take on a bold new initiative with gusto and confidence, reminding everyone that they are up to the challenge.”

Executive DirectorSchreiber Foods Institute for Women’s Leadership

“Mariana provided the keynote address to a conference of over 2000 finance professionals throughout the State of California and she did not disappoint. Mariana inspired and uplifted the spirits of those in attendance and I have received so much positive feedback.”

Deputy City ManagerCalifornia Society of Municipal Finance Officers

“Mariana was a fantastic speaker and we were so impressed with her professionalism, energy and engagement with our group.”

Chief of StaffLane Powell

“Passionate. Authentic. Powerful. Mariana Atencio is in a class all her own. We are constantly evaluating speakers to share their message and platform with our 6,500+ strong Women's Network. Mariana is a special talent and left our group inspired, pumped, and feeling renewed. She easily infused personal stories, actionable next steps, videos, and music. Book Mariana.”

CBRE

“Mariana Atencio’s keynote, ‘Perfectly You,’ was an unforgettable experience. Despite the size of the room, with over 126 attendees, she effortlessly connected with each person. By stepping down from the stage and engaging directly with the audience, she created an atmosphere where we all felt seen and heard. A standout moment was when she asked, “What’s the most impactful thing that has happened to you in your life?” This simple yet powerful question led to many emotional responses, with people moved to tears as they reflected on their personal journeys. It was a raw, vulnerable moment that made the message even more meaningful. Mariana’s blend of fun, energy, and deep insights kept everyone engaged throughout the session. Her authenticity and the genuine care she showed for the audience made her presentation not just inspiring but also enjoyable. By the end of it, I felt motivated to pursue the best version of myself. Mariana Atencio is an exceptional speaker, and I would highly recommend her to anyone looking for a transformative experience!”

Agency CoordinatorFamily First Life Corporate

“What a day! Mariana didn’t just speak to us—she created a space for deep connection, reflection, and truth, helping us realign with who we are as individuals and as a team. Her authenticity, warmth, and professionalism lit up the room, reminding us that real change begins from within and that purpose starts with being Perfectly You.”

CEOVictor Community Support Services

“Thank you for your inspiring and super helpful session yesterday on The Power of Being Perfectly You. I needed to hear everything that you (and the participants in the chat!) had to share. I am a “recovering perfectionist” and the insights that “it is not about being perfect, but being perfectly you” encouraged me deeply. I was also moved by your sharing about your time as a newscaster and how you felt like you were put in a box and couldn’t be your authentic self. I resonated with your story and that helped me yesterday. I was the one who shared in the chat that my “fork in the road moment” was when I decided, due to some challenges in my life, to leave my false self behind and embrace my true self. I wanted to share this note to hopefully encourage you and let you know that you are making a difference. Thank you for being you!”

Staff Software EngineerProcess & Technology, Stryker (VIRTUAL EVENT

“Mariana was the perfect opener for our event. Her energy and insights were amazing. She's truly an incredible person with a beautiful story to share.”

Events DirectorInforma

“It was a true pleasure to have Mariana at our event. Her topic was well presented and very well received. We loved her energy, her interaction with our employees, and the message on authenticity. I would highly recommend her.”

Senior Manager Employee Experience Engagement and RecognitionConfidential Health Insurance Company

“Mariana was absolutely amazing, one of the best speakers we’ve ever had participate in our Global Alliances Women in Action events. She was extremely genuine, approachable, and her message really resonated with our team members.”

Global Healthcare & Life Sciences Lead, Dell Technologies

Your session was not only informative but also profoundly inspiring. The ideas, perspectives, and actionable insights you shared sparked meaningful discussions and left a lasting impression on every delegate. The overwhelmingly positive feedback we have received underscores that your contribution was one of the defining highlights of NHCCE 2025, and the event would not have been the same without your presence and expertise.

Head, NHCCE Speaker Management, HRD Corp

“Mariana’s keynote was exactly what we needed to kick off Hispanic Heritage Month at National Grid. It was powerful, timely, and deeply resonant. Her message of embracing our uniqueness, expressing vulnerability, and living with purpose inspired us to show up authentically and proudly.

Hispanic Professional Association at National Grid

“Authentic, relatable, and effortlessly engaging are the words that come to mind when I reflect on Mariana’s performance as our keynote speaker. She was nothing short of extraordinary!! Mariana's ability to engage, inspire, and captivate the audience with her dynamic presence and genuine passion was masterful. Her boundless energy and enthusiasm created an atmosphere that was both electric and deeply aligned with our theme, resonating powerfully with everyone in the room. What truly set Mariana apart was her ability to listen, understand, and seamlessly weave our key takeaways into her message which made her the connective tissue and the perfect closer for our summit. Phenomenal!”

Executive DirectorAssociation of Latino Administrators & Superintendents (ALAS)

Mariana inspires the next generation of women to carve their own path and dare to be themselves.

Eva Longoria BastónActress, Philanthropist & Business Woman

It was a pleasure working with Mrs. Mariana Atencio and her Team during Bacardi’s Spirit Forward event. Not only was she highly engaged and accessible from the very beginning of the planning process, but flexible and open to ensure that her speech flowed well with the Summit’s overarching theme. She was inspirational, motivational and real, and we received wonderful feedback from the attendees. We would be happy to work with her again.

Sr. Brand ManagerBacardi USA, Inc.

Mariana was powerful on stage, engaging, thought provoking and the perfect speaker for our flagship global annual conference held in Miami. She was such a pleasure to work with that she ended up interviewing and moderating two very critical panels for the agenda. Mariana’s experience and professionalism will make any company that chooses to work with her look great.

Director, Marketing & Communications HeadCiti Private Bank

Mariana provided some wonderful lessons and insights into her journey and how each of us can celebrate and share what makes us different. It was a fantastic opportunity for our employees to be inspired and to learn more.

Director, Global Executive & Employee CommunicationsMicrosoft

Keynotes

Keynote by Mariana Atencio:

Real Matters: Building Trust at Eye Level

Everyone now has the same AI, the same data, the same tools. What separates you is whether people trust you and trust is the one thing that cannot be faked. It builds higher-performing teams, more sales, and more revenue.

Peabody Award-winning journalist and bestselling author Mariana Atencio had to earn it when the stakes were highest – from interviewing world leaders making impossible decisions, Pope Francis to the King of Spain, to the teams she led into hurricanes and earthquakes. That is the ask now, at every level: lead people into the unknown without having all the answers.

Mariana delivers her Architecture of Trust: three layers, built in sequence – Self-Trust, Team Trust, and Organizational Trust – grounded in two decades of reporting and ongoing research with her global community of 1.7 million.

Then the audience proves it. Mariana leads a sixty-second exercise built on NYU neuroscience. It becomes the moment they talk about for the rest of the event, and a practice that changes how they show up in any room.

Real trust is built at eye level. Through strategic storytelling, humor, and live interaction, participants leave ready to build trust with colleagues, stakeholders, and customers. Because when organizations are real, they thrive.

Key Takeaways:

Understand trust as the most valuable currency in the age of AI.
Build self-trust on evidence you can point to, not a pep talk.
Earn others’ trust in 60 seconds – at eye level, not in your inbox.
Make your purpose visible, so people believe in what you’re building.
Convert trust into faster decisions, shorter sales cycles, and people who stay.
Practice it live in an exercise the whole room does together.

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Keynote by Mariana Atencio:

Perfectly You: Embracing the Power of Being Real

Everywhere we look, we feel pressured to perform, conform, and be perfect. In the workplace – especially in times of change – that pressure shows up as overthinking, burnout, and a fear of being judged. But when people choose to show up as they are, they communicate more clearly, build stronger relationships, and work with greater confidence. For organizations, that brings increased engagement, performance, and retention.

Drawing from her viral TEDx talk “What Makes YOU Special?” (seen over 25 million times and translated into 13 languages) and her bestselling book Perfectly You, Peabody Award-winning journalist and executive communication coach Mariana Atencio shares her journey from chasing perfection to using her differences as an advantage.

In this presentation, Mariana’s signature energy, storytelling, and interactive approach give audiences practical tools to drop the armor and bring more of their real voice into how they work and live.

At the center of this keynote is Mariana’s four-step Authenticity Framework: [Your Uniqueness + Vulnerability + Purpose] × Network = Your Authentic Influence.

Audiences leave energized, connected, and ready to stand out, navigate change, and contribute – not by trying to be perfect, but by having the courage to be real.

Key Takeaways:

Replace the pressure to be perfect with the confidence to be real.
Learn and apply the four-step Authentic Influence Framework: [Uniqueness + Vulnerability + Purpose] × Network.
Mariana’s signature “Perfectly You” card exercise helps people identify what makes them different and turn it into their greatest advantage.
Learn the one prompt that strengthens your network on the spot.
Three moments of interactive, full-room connection that will completely change the way you show up in your personal and professional life

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Other formats by Mariana Atencio:

Moderating/Interviewing/Hosting

Mariana has been moderator, interviewer, and host at high-stakes events for companies and organizations all over the world. In fact, she is a fixture at some events that wouldn’t think of having the event without her.

More than just an onstage presence, Mariana brings her journalism skills to every assignment. She acts as an editorial partner, helping shape the throughline of a program; developing questions that match the moment and navigating complex topics with clarity. From geopolitics and technology to finance, media, and culture, Mariana works seamlessly with the production team to ensure technical execution is as polished as the content. She brings structure without stiffness and energy without chaos, so momentum stays high across multi-session and multi-day programs.

Mariana has interviewed and shared the stage with world leaders, cultural icons, and business executives, including Pope Francis, King Felipe VI (Spain), Michael Bloomberg, Bill Ackman, Arianna Huffington, Tyler Perry, Rafael Nadal, and Serena Williams. She has a reputation for putting guests at ease and getting surprising and valuable takeaways that resonate with audiences beyond the event.

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Keynote by Mariana Atencio:

Moderating, Interviewing, and Hosting

With experience as a national network news anchor and reporter, Mariana brings warmth and intelligence to each hosting, moderating, and interviewing assignment. Mariana’s curiosity and poise help her get the most out of those on stage with her.

The breadth of Mariana’s experience speaks to her versatility. She’s moderated conversations on embracing a mindset for change at Microsoft, on the rights of women in Iran, on gender inequality at Foreign Policy magazine’s HERPower summit, on media representation at the Paley Center for Media, on financial literacy at Nasdaq, on building a personal and professional brand at Columbia University, a panel on geopolitics and economics at Citi Private Bank’s autumn dialogues with three heads of state from Latin America, a session at the United Nations General Assembly meeting on global healthcare inequity, plus the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, PepsiCo, JP Morgan, Accenture, Spotify, Google, YouTube, Clorox, AT&T, Spectrum, and more.

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Post-Keynote Breakout & Workshop options Mariana Atencio:

Stand Out: Communicating with Authority

Media training used to be reserved for the corner office. Now the people asked to present on Zoom, record a message, or post on LinkedIn are expected to do it well and no one ever taught them how.

This hands-on training is led by Mariana Atencio, Peabody Award-winning journalist, three-time TEDx speaker, bestselling author, and executive communication coach, whose digital community reaches 1.7 million people.

Mariana teaches this method year-round in monthly executive cohorts, and more than 7,000 professionals have completed the program. Graduates have gone on to earn promotions and deliver their first talks on stage. They post on LinkedIn without second-guessing, introduce themselves with confidence at networking events, and lead virtual meetings with ease.

In this session, attendees practice in real time, receive direct feedback, and leave with skills they can use immediately. When an organization needs specific messaging, Mariana tailors the session to help leaders craft it and develop a communication plan the team can execute.

Key Takeaways:

Practice power introductions that establish authority in the first thirty seconds.
Apply the VIP Framework – Verdict, Impact, Proof – to craft messages that stick and land the first time.
Cut any message to its essentials when you have ninety seconds and one shot.
Develop an executive-ready presence on camera and in the room.
Shoot, cut, and post professional-quality video from your phone – for the moment that cannot wait.

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Post-Keynote Breakout & Workshop options Mariana Atencio:

Lead Anyway: When the Path Isn’t Clear & Certainty Isn’t Coming

You cannot lead others through what you have not yet built in yourself.

For established leaders or newly minted ones, the qualities they relied on to succeed won’t necessarily help them lead others through uncertainty, make difficult decisions, and create meaningful impact.

In this fully interactive breakout, Peabody Award-winning journalist, author, and trust-builder Mariana Atencio helps leaders move from reflection to action through three connected practices: Experience, Embody, and Expand.

First, participants take stock of the evidence they already carry. Next, they identify where they have been surrendering their agency, and practice taking action on the decisions, conversations, and changes within their control. Finally, they work to replicate that change in those they lead, recognizing that what a leader models becomes what a team repeats. Rolling out that distinctive leadership approach can become an organization’s competitive edge.

Designed as a standalone experience or as a deeper continuation of “Real Matters: Building Trust at Eye Level,” this highly interactive session transforms leadership insight into deliberate, hands-on practice.

Key Takeaways:

Leaders identify everything they have built, held, and lived through – then access that versus doubting themselves under pressure.
Attendees learn to stop focusing on what they can’t control and focus only on what they can control.
Participants learn how to deliberately transfer this mindset to those they lead, and this new mindset becomes a cultural competitive advantage.
Experience three hands-on practices that transform leadership insight into immediate action.

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MARIANA ATENCIO Moderating, Interviewing & Hosting Reel
Watch Mariana Atencio in action
Real Trust is Built at Eye Level
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Self-Trust in an AI World
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Q&A: Staying True to Yourself
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Team Trust: Relying on One Another
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