Keynote Speaker | Mariana Marcano Franco
Helping leaders navigate change with clarity, confidence and courage.
Conversations that move leaders from insight to action
Keynote themes
Leading through change
Helping leaders navigate uncertainty with clarity, confidence and purpose.
Confident communication
Speaking up with influence, intention and credibility in the moments that matter.
Human-centred leadership
Leading people, not just process, through trust, empathy and accountability.
Courageous decision-making
Building the mindset and tools to act with conviction under pressure.
Leadership presence
Showing up with grounded confidence, energy and executive presence.
Clarity in complexity
Turning ambiguity into direction so teams can move forward with purpose.
What audiences experience
Insight
Powerful storytelling that sparks reflection
Energy
Engaging stage presence
Action
Practical tools leaders apply immediately
What audiences walk away with
- Greater clarity in complex environments: Understanding how to navigate uncertainty and make confident decisions during change.
- Stronger communication and influence: Learning how to speak up with clarity, confidence, and intention in critical conversations.
- Practical tools leaders can apply immediately: Frameworks and strategies to manage change, conversations, and decision-making.
- The courage to lead with purpose: Leaving inspired and equipped to show up as leaders who create momentum and direction.
Mariana’s keynotes combine inspiration with practical tools, ensuring audiences leave not only energised but equipped to take action immediately.
Based in Canberra, Mariana travels interstate to speak at live events and also delivers high-impact keynotes virtually across Australia and internationally. Whether it’s a packed ballroom or a remote team tuning in online, our keynotes are designed to connect, energise, and move audiences to action.
Why event organisers invite Mariana
- Real stories, not empty motivation – Mariana blends authenticity, light humour, and practical tools to inspire lasting change.
- Multicultural lens: A speaker with global experience across government, corporate, and not-for-profit sectors.
- Award-winning communicator: Three-time Toastmasters champion with a proven ability to engage and move audiences.
- Actionable takeaways: Attendees walk away empowered with strategies they can use immediately.
- Relatable and real: her keynote is memorable, human, and impactful.
Bring Mariana to your next event
If your organisation is navigating change and you want leaders who show up with energy, clarity and confidence, let's make your next event count.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What topics does Mariana cover in her keynote?
Mariana’s keynotes focus on leadership, communication, and navigating change in complex environments.
Drawing from her experience as a leadership and change adviser, she speaks on topics such as: Leading through change and uncertainty, confident and assertive communication, human-centred leadership, leadership presence and influence, courageous decision-making and navigating complexity with clarity and purpose.
Her keynotes combine storytelling, research, and practical tools so audiences leave not only inspired, but equipped to take action in their leadership and communication.
2. What’s the ideal format and length for the keynote?
Our keynotes are highly flexible and can be delivered as a 45–60 minute keynote (most commonly 45 minutes), followed by optional Q&A or audience interaction. Mariana adapts the flow and timing to suit your agenda, whether you need a powerful opener, an energising post-lunch reset, or a standout closer.
3. Where does Mariana speak? Can she travel or present virtually?
Mariana is based in Canberra and travels interstate, and is fully equipped to deliver virtual keynotes worldwide. Whether in-person or online, she brings the same energy, engagement, and impact to every event.
4. What makes Mariana different from other motivational speakers?
Mariana blends powerful storytelling, practical tools, and real-world leadership insight. Audiences say they leave not just inspired, but transformed. With her multicultural lens, bold authenticity, and award-winning speaking style, Mariana connects deeply with diverse audiences and delivers messages that stick.
5. Does Mariana customise her keynote for our audience or theme?
Yes. Every keynote Mariana delivers is tailored to the audience and the context of the event.
Before each engagement, she works closely with organisers to understand:
- The audience profile
- The objectives of the event
- The key challenges or themes the organisation is navigating
This ensures the keynote resonates with participants, reflects the language and realities of the organisation, and delivers practical insights that are relevant to their leadership and workplace context.