When the ground shifts and everything is questioned, trust becomes the only currency that matters.

HOST, MODERATOR & EVENT EMCEE

We can’t imagine our next events, whether in the U.S. or Europe, without Mariana hosting them! There is a before and after in our Summit thanks to her.

CEO, The Venture City Summit

KEYNOTE TOPICS

Real Matters: Building Trust in an Unreal World

Topics: BUILDING TRUST, LEADERSHIP, HIGH-PERFORMANCE

Perfectly You:  Leveraging the Power Within

Topics: AUTHENTIC LEADERSHIP, RESILIENCE

WHAT CLIENTS SAY

  • It was a pleasure working with Mariana, she was highly engaged and accessible from the beginning of the planning process.

    “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.

  • Mariana is a special talent in a class all her own, and left our group inspired, pumped, and feeling renewed.

    “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

  • We can’t imagine our next events, whether in the U.S. or Europe, without Mariana hosting them!

    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 startupshe 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!”


    – CEO, The Venture City Summit

  • She adeptly navigated the challenges that come with hosting a live show. Mariana was nothing short of amazing.

    “We had the pleasure of having Mariana Atencio as the host for ERG Engage 2025, and she was nothing short of amazing. She excelled in creating an environment where everyone felt heard and respected. Mariana's professionalism shone through as she adeptly navigated the challenges that come with hosting a live show. Her 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. 


    – Director & Executive Producer, Microsoft

  • Mariana is a joy to work with. Her dedication to understanding every facet of a client's needs is among the best in the business.

    “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

  • We’ve booked Mariana for keynotes, community programs, and social media campaigns and she has over delivered every time.

    You and your organization are in the best hands by hiring Mariana. We have booked her 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

  • The choice of Mariana Atencio to lead the main stage was the single best decision we made.

    “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

  • Practical, interactive and relatable. We learned more in 40 minutes than we ever thought possible!

    “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

Meet Mariana

Expert on Trust, High-Performance Teams & Executive Communication, Peabody Award-Winning Journalist, Bestselling Author

Mariana helps leaders close the Trust Gap so teams move faster, collaborate better, and execute with clarity when the stakes are high.

  • Has been studying human behavior and decision-making under pressure for 15 years.

  • Translates lessons from high-level interviews and frontline experience into practical frameworks leaders can apply immediately.

  • Trusted keynote speaker and moderator for organizations and global convenings

  • Venezuelan American geopolitical analyst who brings global context to how leaders navigate disruption, uncertainty, and change.

Mariana is a leading authority on Trust, Authenticity and

Communication


Regularly called upon by global media outlets to analyze geopolitical shifts, leadership strategies, and provide cultural context that shapes understanding.

When you can’t trust what you see, you have to trust who you are.