It's been over 20 years since I left Brazil to pursue a dream in London. Beyond leaving my home country and a successful marketing career, being an immigrant meant making a conscious decision to leave my comfort zone and take risks. But what would I be risking if I hadn't taken the risk?

Back in the days, I was working in Sao Paulo for American Express, celebrating five years in the company with a nurtured ambition of having an international career but no English skills. London "called me" as an opportunity to study the language and I decided to stay. My dreams' voices were loud and led me to face all the challenges of being a foreigner, from working in pubs and clubs to stores. While studying and saving money, I managed to get my first internship at Alexander McQueen - an unbelievable privilege that opened doors to what I would later find out to be my real purpose. Following it, I worked for Saint Laurent, Sergio Rossi, and Burberry, travelled the world, and produced events and end-to-end marketing campaigns. Then I got pregnant and as my baby was born, I started redeeming my purpose. Something was missing. It was time to take the risk again.

In parallel, I had become a curious and careful observer of the marketing landscape changes and cultural evolution. I quickly realised the power of influencers and understood they'd be key communication channels in the near future - despite the market's reluctance. Plus, my Brazilian background helped me see things differently and bring a more diverse perspective to international projects. 

This whole process ignited an internal revolution: despite my achievements, I felt empty. MG Empower then came to life in 2017 as an influencer marketing agency, in a light-bulb moment in a coffee shop in London - with a 3-month-old baby by my side and the support of my husband. The name "Empower" translated the vision sitting there since the beginning: empowering people and giving back everything I was given throughout my journey. My business idea met my purpose and it all made sense. 

Due to the networking I had built, the business quickly got traction as one of the only UK agencies working with influencers at the time and, mainly, innovating by doing so. We've been pioneers in building strategies to feature influencers on red carpets rather than celebrities - and I still remember the reaction I got from a brand when I proposed it the first time. I learned soon I'd need the risk element to innovate as well. 

In 2021, the opportunity to sell my business to an American company came up - and I went for it. It was a valuable moment as we've managed to transition from an influencer to an integrated marketing agency and expand our services and impact. However, in 2023, due to the parent company's financial issues, I had to acquire it back. In February 2024, I did my third and successful M&A, when MG Empower was acquired by the DXG group. I remain as a shareholder, Founder & CEO, and continue to drive the business to its purpose of empowering and giving back. 

Not every risk taken will lead you to success. But the risk embedded in not taking risks can be more daunting. I'm incredibly grateful for the woman I became after it all. Being a Latina leading a business abroad, securing results and driving growth has brought me as many rewards as challenges - from prejudice to closely facing gender inequality in the corporate environment. I learned how to fight, I learned how to make my voice heard and mostly I learned how to build resilience by combining mind, heart and spirit. And I would never choose not to learn what I've learned. 

This is part one of a four part series with Maira Genovese, Founder & CEO, MG Empower, who will dive into her journey as an entrepreneur + Latina going through the acquisition process. Stay tuned for more!