Mariana Marcano Franco

“WITH HARD WORK, VISION, LOVE FOR THE PROCESS AND TRUST IN GOD, ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE.”

Mariana Marcano

Country of origin: Venezuela

Occupation: Founder of Elevative, a leadership development consultancy

State of Residency:  ACT

Favourite place in Australia: Jervis Bay on the South Coast

Thoughts upon arrival: The biggest surprise for me was the incredible cultural diversity and the multifaceted nature of Melbourne. The city is a vibrant mix of cultures, reflected in its food, festivals and communities. 

Photo by Jalima Gatita

Story edited by Lucy Coulson

Mariana is a Venezuelan leadership development consultant living in Canberra with her husband Gabriel and their cat Cotufa. After 15 years working in Venezuela, Panama and now Australia, she founded Elevative, where she empowers leaders and teams to unlock their full potential. With a passion for public speaking, Mariana has earned multiple awards for speeches in her second language of English, something that she describes as one of the biggest challenges of her life. Her core values — fun, perseverance, integrity, community and courage — guide her both personally and professionally. A passionate volunteer, Mariana supports causes like Vinnies Night Patrol and the Special Olympics of Venezuela, while also serving as Director of Diplomacy for the Australia Latam Emerging Leaders Dialogue (ALELD).

TELL US YOUR STORY 

Fourteen years ago, in 2010, I embarked on a life-changing journey from Venezuela to Melbourne, Australia, with just two suitcases in hand. My mission was clear: to learn English and earn a Master of Business Management degree.

I arrived in Australia with little money but a heart full of dreams. Two weeks after landing, I vividly remember my first job. Working in a kitchen and earning my first $60 was a powerful validation of faith and optimism, even though I didn’t know the language or anyone in the country. This moment instilled a belief that has guided me throughout my migration journey: with hard work, vision, love for the process and trust in God, anything is possible.

However, my kitchen career was short-lived. I was let go because, at the time, I didn’t even know how to fry an egg! But I was grateful for the opportunity; it taught me the importance of reassessing and moving forward. This led me to train as a barista, a field I worked in for the following two and a half years.

Starting in a new country without connections, I quickly learned the value of building a network. I began forging friendships with people from various nationalities, embracing their cultures and immersing myself in their traditions. This openness and curiosity about others became a cornerstone of my journey and enriched my experience in ways I couldn’t have imagined.

After two and a half years in Australia, I thought my time here was over. I moved to Panama and spent three years building a new chapter. But life had other plans. Seven years later, I returned to Australia, this time to the welcoming city of Canberra, which has since become my home.

Mariana with a Toastmasters award

When I returned, I once again held a student visa, but this time, I was determined to break into the job market in my field as quickly as possible. Tenacity, persistence and determination became my allies as I faced each challenge with optimism. To strengthen my public speaking skills through consistent, focused practice and to overcome the challenge of speaking confidently in a second language I joined Toastmasters International in 2017 . The journey offered me a supportive space to refine my technique and grow as a communicator while gaining invaluable experience presenting to diverse audiences. Toastmasters became a transformative experience that improved my public speaking and empowered me to lead and inspire with clarity and conviction.

My career in Australia has taken me across various industries. I’ve worked in the education sector at one of the country’s top universities, the Australian National University (ANU) and for an American multinational specialising in infrastructure, where I was part of one of Canberra’s most significant projects, the Canberra Light Rail. I eventually transitioned to the energy industry, which I believe is one of the most complex fields to navigate.

I've championed leadership and DEI initiatives throughout my career, creating impactful change across multiple sectors. I led strategic leadership meetings in the energy industry that doubled attendance and received high approval ratings while coaching change champions to drive a positive culture shift. Recognised with two Shooting Stars awards in 2023, I also advanced DEI efforts as an active committee member, promoting inclusivity in the workplace. At AECOM, I guided senior leaders through complex planning and communication and successfully planned and delivered the 2022 ANZ Leadership Conference, which achieved an impressive evaluation score of 4.8/5. At ANU, I provided strategic communications guidance through COVID challenges, enhanced brand perception, and mentored staff, strengthening their resilience and growth.

Mariana and Gabriel in Africa

Today, I’m proud to say that I’ve enjoyed several successful years in the corporate world here. Now, I have the privilege of starting my own business Elevative and helping leaders from my corner. I am an organisational coach by the Institute of Executive Coaching and Leadership (IECL), and life coaching training with Robbins Madanes, also hold Hogan assessment certifications, a Master's degree in Business Management from Swinburne University of Technology in Melbourne and a Bachelor in Corporate Communications and a Graduate Certificate in Integrated Communications Management. I am bringing together all my experience and training to support my customers.

As I continue to grow my business, Elevative, I'm dedicated to further developing my skills while supporting others through coaching, mentoring, facilitation and training — helping leaders and teams unlock their full potential and thrive, just as I've strived to do throughout my own journey.

At home, I’m blessed to have my husband Gabriel and our adorable cat Cotufa by my side. Over the years of migrating (and gaining a few kilos along the way), I’ve come to appreciate how crucial it is to prioritise a healthy lifestyle—it’s made a world of difference to my overall well-being. These days, you’ll find me hitting the gym, practising yoga, and eating healthy. I’ve also thrown myself into learning new dance styles, with ‘commercial’ being my latest adventure. The fast-paced choreography has been a bit of a challenge, but it’s been an absolute blast!

CHALLENGES 

The language barrier - When I first arrived in Australia, adapting to the language and culture presented a daily challenge. Although I had some foundation in English, living, studying, and working entirely in English demanded a new level of focus and resilience. Each day became an opportunity to immerse myself, learn more, and build my confidence in both language and cultural understanding. This commitment to showing up and learning every day has been invaluable in shaping my journey here.

Building a career - Another significant challenge was breaking into the professional world. Despite my belief in hard work and optimism opening doors eventually, landing that first professional job and proving my worth required significant perseverance. Progressing in a career where I was often the exception was a major challenge, but I remained determined.

Starting my own business - Entrepreneurship presented its own challenges, especially managing the uncertainties and emotions of not knowing what the future holds. I have learned to nurture my mindset with optimism, which allowed me to live more abundantly and trust the process.

CONTRASTS AND SIMILARITIES 

Social interactions - In Venezuela, community and social gatherings are central to daily life, with frequent family get-togethers and vibrant social events. While social life is also important in Australia, there is a stronger emphasis on individualism and personal space. Both cultures value friendships, but social interaction approaches can differ significantly.

Close friendships - Both Latinos and Australians value friendship and community support highly. In Australia, “mateship” embodies loyalty, equality, and mutual support among friends. Similarly, in Latin culture, strong bonds of friendship and community are essential, focusing on supporting and helping each other.

Resilience - Latin culture strongly emphasises resilience and adaptability, values that have greatly helped settle into Australia. Latinos are known for their ability to face challenges with a positive attitude and a willingness to adapt to new environments. This resilience has been crucial in navigating the complexities of a new culture and building a successful life in Australia.

Piece of ADVICE  

Trust the journey! - Embrace the adventure and enjoy the journey! Research visa options, understand the cost of living, and be prepared for cultural differences. Build a support network early on and stay open-minded. Australia offers incredible opportunities, but it’s essential to be adaptable and proactive in your approach.

Build a network -  Focus on networking and building relationships. Leverage your unique skills and experiences, and always be willing to learn and adapt. Stay persistent and optimistic, and don’t be afraid to take risks. Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for advice or support. Success comes from hard work, determination, and a positive attitude.

Ask for help - Remember, it’s okay to ask for help. Reach out to friends, family, or support groups. Take small steps each day and focus on what you can control. Practice self-care and stay positive. Challenges are temporary, and with resilience and support, you can overcome them.

Mariana speaking at the Gals in Australia anniversary event October 2024.

IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS… 

In the next 5-10 years, Mariana envisions growing her business and expanding her impact in the leadership development space. She plans to continue volunteering for organisations that support Australia and Latin America, with a special focus on Venezuela. Mariana aims to mentor emerging leaders from diverse cultural backgrounds and launch her own foundation to support individuals with Down syndrome. Additionally, she hopes to expand her consultancy globally and publish a book on leadership and resilience.

She is passionate about supporting individuals with Down syndrome because of the personal connection she shares with her sister, who has Down syndrome. Seeing her unique strengths, resilience, and joy has deeply inspired her to advocate for inclusion and create opportunities for people with Down syndrome to thrive. She is committed to promoting awareness and supporting initiatives that empower individuals with diverse abilities to reach their full potential, fostering a more inclusive and compassionate society.

Connect on Linkedin with MARIANA and ELEVATIVE or on Instagram: @marianamarcano

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With love and gratitude - Latin Stories Australia team