Mariana Atencio

Trust inside organisations is wearing thin. Leaders are told to be authentic and told to be on-message, often in the same week, and audiences read the gap instantly. The harder problem is building credibility with a workforce that has heard every version of values-led leadership and stopped believing most of it.

Mariana Atencio is a Peabody Award-winning journalist and author whose work on authenticity helps leaders rebuild credibility with sceptical workforces, fragmented audiences and the publics their organisations serve.

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Why organisations work with Mariana Atencio

Field-tested authority on trust. Her reporting from family separations at the US border, cartel territory, and the Syrian border gives her arguments about authentic leadership a weight that pure motivational content cannot match.
A bilingual broadcaster who has crossed from Univision to NBC News and back to independent media, which makes her credible to audiences and leadership teams operating across the Americas in both English and Spanish.
Perfectly You, published by HarperCollins in English and Spanish, gives buyers a published, citable thesis on authenticity at work rather than a talk built from generic insights.
A working journalist’s instinct on stage. She has moderated heads of state, Fortune 100 CEOs and panels at Microsoft, Nasdaq and the UN General Assembly, which is the same skill set buyers want when the brief is high-stakes interviewing rather than a standard keynote.

Biography highlights

Peabody Award winner for the Univision investigative documentary Rapido y Furioso on US-Mexico weapons trafficking.
Three Emmy nominations, a Hillman Prize, and the NAHJ Presidential Award for reporting on cartel violence, migrant family separation and women’s rights.
Former NBC News and MSNBC correspondent; prior bilingual correspondent at Univision.
Author of Perfectly You: Embracing the Power of Being Real (HarperCollins, 2019), published in English and Spanish.
2021 Henry Crown Fellow at the Aspen Institute.
Founder of GoLike Media and creator of the 2022 true crime podcast Lost in Panama, which reached Apple Podcasts’ top 10.

Biography

The hardest assignments in network news are the ones where the people on camera have every reason not to trust the person holding the microphone. Atencio spent a decade in those rooms, reporting on family separations at the US border, cartel violence in Mexico, and women’s rights along the Syrian border for Univision and then NBC News. The Peabody Award came from that work, alongside a Hillman Prize, three Emmy nominations and the National Association of Hispanic Journalists Presidential Award.

That experience is the foundation for the second half of her career. Perfectly You: Embracing the Power of Being Real, published by HarperCollins in 2019 in English and Spanish, sets out a thesis on authenticity drawn directly from the field: that the leaders, families and communities who hold together under pressure are the ones who tell the truth about themselves and their circumstances. The book reads as reporting on trust, not self-help.

She founded GoLike Media in 2020 and created Lost in Panama in 2022, a true crime podcast on the disappearance of two young Dutch hikers that became a top-10 Apple Podcasts release and was used as a platform to surface the wider issue of missing women in the region. She is a 2021 Henry Crown Fellow at the Aspen Institute.

For corporate audiences, the combined record matters more than either half alone. A Peabody-winning correspondent who has interviewed heads of state and translated live on-air for NBC speaks about credibility, belonging and culture from a different place than a speaker who has only worked the keynote circuit. That is what buyers are paying for when they put her in front of a leadership team.

Key speaking topics

Authentic leadership and trust
Belonging and culture in cross-border organisations
Communication and storytelling for senior leaders
Resilience and reinvention under pressure
Latino market and the Americas
Bilingual moderation, hosting and high-stakes interviewing

Ideal for

Leadership teams rebuilding internal trust after restructure, contested change or public scandal.
CHROs and culture leads designing belonging and inclusion programmes with substance rather than signalling.
CMOs, communications leaders and Latin America country heads briefing on bilingual audiences across the Americas.
Conference hosts who need a moderator credible with heads of state, Fortune 100 CEOs and a sceptical room.

Audience outcomes

A sharper view of what authenticity actually costs senior leaders, and where the line sits between candour and overshare.
A working framework for how trust is rebuilt with employees and external audiences who have stopped listening to corporate communications.
Concrete examples of credibility under pressure, drawn from her on-the-ground reporting in conflict zones, migrant camps and political crises.
A clearer read on the US Hispanic and broader Latin American audience for organisations operating across the region.

Talks

The Power of Being Perfectly You

A keynote on authenticity as a leadership and workplace discipline, drawn from the Perfectly You book and Atencio’s reporting career.

Key takeaways:

Why authenticity in leadership is a credibility problem, not a personality trait.
How leaders separate candour from oversharing in front of a workforce.
What journalists know about earning trust quickly that most leaders never learn.

Transformative Leadership: Building Trust through Authenticity

A leadership-team session on four core traits that build durable trust, framed for executive audiences.

Key takeaways:

The four behaviours she observes in leaders who hold credibility through crisis.
How values-based leadership reads to an audience that has heard every version of it.
Practical tests for whether a leadership message will land or be dismissed.

Communicating Confidently

A media and messaging session for senior leaders, drawing on her broadcast and live-interview craft.

Key takeaways:

How to land a message in 30 seconds when the camera is on.
What to do when the question is hostile, vague or off-topic.
The difference between media-trained polish and genuine credibility on screen.

Available for

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Videos

Testimonials

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 Director, Informa

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 Engineer, Process & Technology, Stryker (VIRTUAL EVENT)

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.

CEO, Victor Community Support Services

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 Coordinator, Family First Life Corporate

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

Chief of Staff, Lane Powell

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 Manager, California Society of Municipal Finance Officers

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 Director, Schreiber Foods Institute for Women’s Leadership

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

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.

Manager, Ford Motor Company

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 Lead, Clorox

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 President, Florida Apartment Association

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 resonated deeply with our colleagues, sparking conversations about authenticity, identity and cultural heritage.

VP, Wealth Planning Analytics, Edelman Financial Engines

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!

Director, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Rapid7

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.

VP, Google Cloud Consulting

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 Communications, American multinational technology 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 Manager, Bacardi USA, Inc.

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 Manager, Ford Motor Company

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

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 Director, SPARK Kindness

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 President, Technology Investment Banking, Itaú BBA USA Securities, Inc.

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 Producer, Microsoft

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

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 & President, eMerge Americas

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 Producer, Mighty Media Studios

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 Veysey

Executive Producer, Aspen Ideas: Climate

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 Leader, Producer, Smartsheet

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 Lead, Accenture Experiences

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/CEO, Global Policy Solutions LLC

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 through line for our summit.

CEO, Outreach

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.

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 Head, Citi Private Bank

ariana 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 Manager, Hispanic Business Unit, PepsiCo

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 Producer, Accenture Productions

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 Director, Professional Development and Programs, Alcon

Books

Perfectly You: Embracing the Power of Being Real

In this much-needed book, which is part self-help and part autobiography, award-winning correspondent Mariana Atencio digs into w…

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Mariana Atencio

Check Mariana Atencio's availability for your event

Full Profile

Why organisations work with Mariana Atencio

Biography highlights

Biography

Key speaking topics

Ideal for

Audience outcomes

Talks

Videos

Testimonials

Books

Related Speakers