137- When Trust Collapses: Lessons in Courage and Self-Trust from Venezuela | Mariana Atencio
Mon Jan 26 2026
What happens when trust in leaders and institutions breaks down? In this episode, I'm joined by journalist and speaker Mariana Atencio, who grew up in Venezuela and witnessed firsthand what happens when trust slowly erodes across government, media, and social systems. That lived experience reshaped her understanding of courage, purpose, and self-trust. Her story isn't just about politics. It's about what we can all learn when certainty disappears and fear starts shaping decisions.
We explore why self-trust is foundational to great leadership, how personal adversity can clarify purpose, and why authenticity is so vital in a fractured and polarized world. Mariana shares her concept of a "signal audit" to help leaders stay grounded when external validation falls away, and the power of giving ourselves permission to be imperfect to lead with greater courage and humanity. This conversation is an invitation to trust yourself more deeply and to lead bravely, even when the ground feels unsteady.
Sign up for Mariana's Substack, PERMISSION TO BE by Mariana Atencio:
https://substack.com/@marianaatencio?r=56ynk2&utm_medium=Click
About Mariana Atencio
Mariana Atencio is a Peabody Award-winning Venezuelan American journalist,
bestselling author, and keynote speaker who helps leaders build trust and lead high-
performing teams in times of change. A former Univision anchor and NBC News
correspondent, she reported for over a decade from high-stakes environments where
truth is tested and courage is essential. Mariana also teaches executive
communication—helping professionals speak with clarity and confidence when it
matters most. Her TEDx talk "What makes YOU special?" has over 25 million views.
She writes PERMISSION TO BE by Mariana Atencio on Substack—an honest,
practical space for anyone ready to give themselves permission to speak, lead, and be
fully themselves.
Join me in February for the Courage Is Calling Reset Retreat: https://www.meawisdom.com/workshop/courage-is-calling-reset-on-your-bravest-path/
✉️ Stay connected https://margiewarrell.com/newsletter/
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What happens when trust in leaders and institutions breaks down? In this episode, I'm joined by journalist and speaker Mariana Atencio, who grew up in Venezuela and witnessed firsthand what happens when trust slowly erodes across government, media, and social systems. That lived experience reshaped her understanding of courage, purpose, and self-trust. Her story isn't just about politics. It's about what we can all learn when certainty disappears and fear starts shaping decisions. We explore why self-trust is foundational to great leadership, how personal adversity can clarify purpose, and why authenticity is so vital in a fractured and polarized world. Mariana shares her concept of a "signal audit" to help leaders stay grounded when external validation falls away, and the power of giving ourselves permission to be imperfect to lead with greater courage and humanity. This conversation is an invitation to trust yourself more deeply and to lead bravely, even when the ground feels unsteady. Sign up for Mariana's Substack, PERMISSION TO BE by Mariana Atencio: https://substack.com/@marianaatencio?r=56ynk2&utm_medium=Click About Mariana Atencio Mariana Atencio is a Peabody Award-winning Venezuelan American journalist, bestselling author, and keynote speaker who helps leaders build trust and lead high- performing teams in times of change. A former Univision anchor and NBC News correspondent, she reported for over a decade from high-stakes environments where truth is tested and courage is essential. Mariana also teaches executive communication—helping professionals speak with clarity and confidence when it matters most. Her TEDx talk "What makes YOU special?" has over 25 million views. She writes PERMISSION TO BE by Mariana Atencio on Substack—an honest, practical space for anyone ready to give themselves permission to speak, lead, and be fully themselves. Join me in February for the Courage Is Calling Reset Retreat: https://www.meawisdom.com/workshop/courage-is-calling-reset-on-your-bravest-path/ ✉️ Stay connected https://margiewarrell.com/newsletter/