Meet the team

Mariana Marcano Franco

Work with Mariana

Mariana is a leadership coach dedicated to enhancing both individual and organisational performance through continuous learning, sustainable growth, and long-term success. With extensive experience across the private, not-for-profit, and public sectors in Australia and internationally, she offers a global perspective in her consulting and coaching.

Mariana has had the privilege of coaching leaders from some of Australia’s most respected organisations, including Amazon, BHP Group, Coles, Commonwealth Bank, The Australian National University, the Embassy of Sweden, the Department of Education, the Prime Minister’s Cabinet, and the National Indigenous Australians Agency, among others.

Her areas of specialisation include fostering effective communication and empowering individuals to build strong leadership skills. Mariana works with clients to explore strengths, personality, and core motivators, helping them navigate conflict resolution and difficult conversations. She also provides guidance in career planning, relationship building, and networking, while supporting clients in overcoming impostor syndrome and building their confidence. Her approach also focuses on emotional management, improving listening skills, and mastering the art of giving and receiving feedback. Additionally, Mariana supports clients in adapting to change, working with Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) teams, enhancing public speaking skills, and achieving a healthy work-life balance.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Organisational Coach, Level 2 – Institute of Executive Coaching and Leadership (IECL)

Hogan Certification (HPI, HDS, MVPI, 360) – Peter Berry Consultancy (PBC)

Life Coaching Certification – 100 hours – Robbins-Madanes Training

Strategic Communication Management Professional (SCMP) – Global Communication Certification Council (GCCC)

Winner of three consecutive public speaking and leadership contests – Toastmasters International

Master of Business Management – Swinburne University of Technology

TESTIMONIALS

"After having worked with Max for number of months I have gained a wealth of insights that have supported me on my personal and professional journey. Whatever the goal of my sessions, and these have been many and varied, I have gained clarity, insight and perspective, and formulated next steps and actions. Most importantly I feel confident and excited to take these actions. Max is consistently professional whilst providing a comfortable, safe and held space to share inner most thoughts, limiting beliefs as well as goals and dreams. No matter what I bring to the session, I always finish amazed by the progress I have made that he has supported and facilitated. Max is an exceptional coach and I feel immensely grateful to have the opportunity to work with him."

"Max's coaching style is the epitome of calm assurance. From the moment I began working with him, I felt a sense of ease that allowed me to open up about my past and current challenges without hesitation. The welcoming environment he creates is unparalleled, making it effortless to speak openly and honestly. Max’s ability to listen deeply and relay insights is truly remarkable. He doesn’t just hear what you’re saying; he understands and distils it, highlighting crucial elements that you might have overlooked. His guidance has been instrumental in helping me discover solutions and strategies to tackle my issues.”

"I am profoundly grateful for the safe, nurturing, and transformative space Max creates. His care, non-judgement, and compassionate yet confident guidance have been invaluable in helping me identify priorities and practical steps as I navigate different areas of my life. Through his attentive presence, active listening, insightful questions, and thoughtful exercises, Max has been a catalyst in reawakening self-belief in my dreams, and identifying consistent, manageable, yet significant steps to realise them. Our sessions help empower me to move towards living an inspired life aligned with my core values and authentic self. I always leave our sessions feeling more alive! It is a gift to work with Max.”

"I have found our sessions invaluable. Amidst a lot of confusion and a difficult life transition, I was feeling very lost at the start of our work together. I have now addressed a lot of the challenges I brought to our sessions initially, I have made a lot of progress and my mood has improved a lot! I am starting to see a way forward in my life again after feeling stuck for a very long time. Max is a wonderful coach with a lot of patience and sensitivity and I have really enjoyed working with him."

"I feel blessed to have come across Max when I did, especially during some big changes in my life. I found that Max's ability to be present and engaged whilst also reflecting things I've said back to me, has helped so much in helping understand where I'm at, and to see myself in a much clearer way. Max creates a safe space to share my thoughts, and what's coming up during sessions without judgement. I've not worked with a coach long term before, yet, after already working together for the past few months, I have signed up for block coaching. I highly recommend Max for his genuine gift/ability to coach & ask really great questions and be that transformative space for anyone who needs it."