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.
Audience: Company-wide and community audiences – annual employee gatherings, associations and industry conferences, Women’s events, and Latino, cultural, and community groups. A strong keynote for recognition and award ceremonies, and for teams moving through change, restructuring, and rapid growth.