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Speaker & communication expert

Mariana Atencio

Build authentic leadership with Mariana Atencio, speaker and communication expert. Mariana works with global organizations to develop trust-based leadership and authentic communication strategies, delivering Peabody Award-winning expertise for Microsoft, JPMorgan, and the United Nations.

Trusted by Google, Microsoft, Bacardi, Ford Motor Company, JPMorgan, United Nations

Mariana Atencio, Speaker | Journalist, Author
Mariana Atencio

Mariana Atencio

Miami, United States

Typical fee range

$26k–50k

This is an estimated fee range for local in-person events. Location and format affect the final fee.

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Miami, United States

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$26k–50k

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+44 203 835 2929

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Mariana Atencio's biography

At a glance

  • Peabody Award-winning journalist and communication expert
  • TEDx speaker with 25 million views
  • Founder of GoLike Media and Microsoft series host
Mariana Atencio is a Peabody Award-winning journalist and communication expert who helps leaders and organisations build trust through authentic leadership. Her TEDx talk on authenticity has reached over 25 million views and has been translated into 13 languages. Mariana spent years as an anchor and national correspondent at NBC News and Univision before founding GoLike Media, a female-led content company recognised amongst the 100 most powerful Latina businesses in the US. She hosts Microsoft's global series for entrepreneurs, a programme that has won Telly and Webby awards. Her book Perfectly You became an Amazon bestseller and was selected by Audible and AppleBooks. She features in the HBO series Habla Now and created Lost in Panama, an investigative podcast that reached Apple's top 10 on release. Mariana translates her journalism experience into practical communication strategies for executives navigating change and uncertainty. She has worked with Microsoft, JPMorgan, Ford, Spotify, and the United Nations to help teams develop authentic leadership approaches that drive engagement and performance. Her methods show organisations how to build credibility in an environment saturated with filtered content and artificial intelligence, helping them to maintain human connection whilst embracing technological advancement. Audiences learn to identify their unique leadership strengths, communicate with clarity and empathy during periods of change, and create workplace cultures where people contribute their best work. Mariana delivers interactive exercises that provide immediate application, helping participants cut through noise and build trust with their teams and stakeholders. Book Mariana to equip your organisation with communication tools that transform authenticity into competitive advantage and lasting business results.

Mariana's showreel and videos

Topics, sessions and talks

Developing True Inclusion For Workplace Belonging
Belonging doesn’t happen automatically. It takes intention and a surefire strategy. Being the only Latina in many newsrooms and now as an entrepreneur, Mariana understands what is needed to create a more diverse and inclusive culture in top corporate environments. She’s combined her insights with scientific research to design a 7-step formula to promote authenticity, productivity, and belonging in your organization. The results have prompted companies like LinkedIn, Deloitte, Ford, and YouTube to bring her onboard to lead multiple diversity speeches, conferences, awards, and seminars.
Leadership: Take Control To Lead And Succeed
How can you be an effective leader and bring the best out of your team, considering the challenges we face? Using The latest data and her interviews with top business minds, Mariana Atencio will share her 3UP Method for managers and employees to turn the current uncertainty and migration of talent into a unique leadership opportunity. In this session, attendees will learn to preach optimism (because no one wants to follow a pessimistic leader), lessen their fear of failure, and overcome imposter syndrome. This session will leave your attendees empowered to meet the moment.
The Power Of Being Perfectly You
Mariana Atencio examines why people and organisations perform at their best when authenticity is encouraged rather than hidden. Blending personal insight with global reporting experience, she addresses the fear, uncertainty, and pressure to conform that often block confidence and connection. Her energetic, relatable style shows how embracing individuality builds trust, engagement, and purpose. Audiences gain practical insight into navigating change, leading with empathy, and unlocking the personal strengths that drive fulfilment and sustainable success.
Real Matters: Building Trust In An Unreal World
Mariana Atencio explores why trust has become one of the scarcest and most valuable leadership assets in an age of AI, curated narratives, and corporate spin. Drawing on award-winning journalism and deep experience with global organisations, she examines how authenticity shapes credibility, culture, and performance. With sharp storytelling and interactive moments, Mariana reveals how being real strengthens resilience, fuels innovation, and aligns teams, offering clear ways to build trust, communicate transparently, and lead with lasting impact.
Communicating Confidently: Cut Through The Noise
Mariana Atencio tackles the growing challenge of being understood in a world of constant information, AI-driven content, and shrinking attention spans. Drawing on more than a decade in international television and digital media, she breaks down what makes messages land across platforms and audiences. With practical examples and real-time techniques, Mariana shows how clarity, credibility, and storytelling work together, equipping leaders to communicate with confidence, influence, and authority in any setting.

Why we recommend booking Mariana

Mariana brings proven communication strategies from her award-winning journalism career to help your leaders build genuine connections that drive real business results. Her interactive approach teaches executives how to cut through digital noise and create trust-based cultures where teams perform at their highest level. Secure Mariana now to transform your leadership communication into a powerful competitive advantage.

Check Mariana's availability

Trusted by Google, Microsoft, Bacardi, Ford Motor Company, JPMorgan, United Nations

Testimonials

The overwhelmingly positive feedback we have received underscores that your contribution was one of the defining highlights of NHCCE 2025.

HRD Corp Malaysia

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, Cloud Consulting, Google

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, Microsoft

Featured Projects

Mariana Atencio - Perfectly You: Embracing The Power Of Being Real book cover
Mariana Atencio - Lost In Panama podcast cover

frequently asked questions

Something we've not covered here?

How do I book Mariana Atencio for my next event?

What is Mariana Atencio's speaking style like?

Mariana Atencio structures her sessions around proprietary frameworks drawn from research and professional reporting experience, including a 7-step formula for belonging and inclusion and a 3UP Method for leadership development, both delivered alongside interactive exercises designed for immediate workplace application.

What topics does Mariana Atencio specialise in?

Mariana Atencio speaks on workplace inclusion and belonging, leadership development, and authenticity in professional environments. She is a Peabody Award-winning journalist and former NBC News and Univision anchor whose TEDx talk on authenticity has reached over 25 million views across 13 languages.

What information do I need to provide to book a speaker?

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There is no additional cost to you beyond the speaker's fee. PepTalk's service, from shortlist to on-the-day logistics, is included. For repeat or multi-event bookings, the team can agree preferential rates with your procurement department. Email hello@getapeptalk.com to discuss.

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Booking a speaker with PepTalk starts with a short brief: your event, audience, date, budget, and format. Send it through getapeptalk.com or hello@getapeptalk.com and you'll get a shortlist within 24 hours. Once you choose, PepTalk handles contracts, fees, travel, and logistics end to end.

I need a last-minute speaker. Can PepTalk help?

Yes. PepTalk regularly handles last-minute requests and can secure or replace a speaker, host, or comedian quickly, often within days. Availability narrows as the date nears, so get in touch as early as you can. Email hello@getapeptalk.com with your requirements.

How much does it cost to book a speaker through PepTalk?

Speaker fees vary by profile, format, and location. In the UK and Europe, virtual keynotes typically start around GBP 2,000, with top in-person speakers reaching GBP 25,000+; in the US, fees run from about USD 5,000 to USD 100,000+. Share your budget at getapeptalk.com and we'll shortlist to fit.

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Yes. If a speaker isn't listed, tell PepTalk their name and the team will approach them for you. The network extends well beyond the public roster, and PepTalk regularly books speakers who don't appear on the site. Email hello@getapeptalk.com with the name.

How quickly will I get a speaker shortlist?

You'll receive a hand-picked shortlist within 24 hours of sharing your brief. Each suggestion comes with profiles, fees, and PepTalk's recommendation on the strongest fit. If you need options sooner for an urgent event, say so and the team will move faster. Start at getapeptalk.com.

Can PepTalk help plan the speaker programme for my event?

Yes. Beyond booking a single speaker, PepTalk helps shape a full programme, matching voices to your agenda, audience, and goals across a day or a series. It is a consultative service, not just a booking. Tell us about your event at getapeptalk.com.

What does 'typical fee range' mean?

Speaker fees vary based on factors like event location, format, and availability. The 'typical fee range' figure gives you a baseline of someone's local, in-person rate sits, and we'll confirm the exact fee when you get in touch.

What logistics should I prepare before my speakers arrive?

Before your speakers arrive, confirm AV is tested, a green room is ready, and printed schedules are on hand. Prepare warm introductions for each speaker and brief your team on timings. PepTalk speakers come fully briefed, making event-day logistics smoother and stress-free from the start.

What's the difference between a keynote speaker, an MC, and event entertainment?

A keynote speaker delivers an inspiring or informative talk. An MC hosts and guides the event, keeping things on track. Entertainment — like a band or comedian — creates atmosphere and fun. Each serves a different purpose, and PepTalk can help you book the right talent for all three.

Have all the speakers on the website previously worked with PepTalk?

Not necessarily. While the speakers listed on our website may not have worked with PepTalk in the past, they are recognized professionals in the industry and known to engage in similar events and engagements. Alongside direct talent, we work with a wide variety of speaker agents and talent agencies, to ensure we have the best selection of speakers, hosts, comedians and entertainers available.

What information do I need to provide when booking a comedian?

When booking a comedian, share your event format, audience size and demographics, any sensitive topics to avoid, and the tone you're after. PepTalk makes this easy — their booking process guides you through a simple checklist so nothing gets missed and your comedian is perfectly matched to your crowd.

What information do I need to provide when booking a speaker?

When booking a speaker, you'll need your event date, audience details, format, key objectives, and budget. Having these ready makes the process smooth and straightforward. PepTalk's team uses this information to match you with the perfect speaker quickly and efficiently.

Can I book entertainment and speakers as a package?

Yes! At PepTalk, you can absolutely bundle entertainment and speakers into one seamless package. It's a great way to create a fuller event experience while enjoying simplified booking and better value. Our team handles everything together, making the process effortless for you.

How far in advance should I book a motivational speaker?

Book a motivational speaker at least 3–6 months in advance, especially for popular speakers or large events. Top speakers get booked quickly, so earlier is always better. For major conferences or peak seasons, booking 12 months ahead ensures you secure your first choice.

Can I book a speaker for a virtual or hybrid event?

Yes. Most PepTalk speakers deliver virtual and hybrid sessions with live Q&A, and virtual keynotes usually cost less than in-person because there is no travel. Tell us your platform and format and we'll match speakers experienced in online delivery. Start at getapeptalk.com.

How do I brief an insights speaker on my organisation's strategic context?

Share your organisation's top 3 strategic priorities, current challenges, and the audience's role in delivering them. A simple one-page brief works perfectly. PepTalk speakers use this context to tailor insights that feel genuinely relevant — making your event far more impactful.

Can event entertainers customise their act for my company or industry?

Yes! Most event entertainers are happy to tailor their act to your brand, industry, or theme. From weaving in company jokes to incorporating your branding into their performance, personalisation makes all the difference. PepTalk's entertainers specialise in bespoke experiences that feel made just for your audience.