Maira Viana

Early in life I discovered my three greatest passions: international travel, event planning and public speaking.

So far, I have been able to travel to 20 countries and I am excited to continue to add to that number. I feel that international travel allows me to immerse myself in other cultures and provides valuable diverse insights.

The first event I helped plan was a party on my block when I was only 8 years old! We raised money, booked a venue and purchased the sweets, but we were kids and waiting around to eat candy wasn’t our strongest pursuit, so we ate all the food one week before the actual event. Still, I considered the event a success, because we planned the party ourselves, bought a lot of sweets with the money we raised and achieved our final goal which was to satisfy our sugar craving!

My other greatest skill is public speaking and I found that out after presenting an essay during 7th grade. I was nervous and did not think I did a good job, but at the end my teacher gave me the greatest compliment I had received in school at that point in my life! After that, throughout my academic career, presenting projects was something that brought me satisfaction and good evaluations.

When it came time to find a career, I wanted to unite these skills with my love of international travel, so I chose to study Tourism - Events and Business. Shortly before graduating college, I started an internship in the Pharmaceutical Industry acquiring experience in diverse cross-functional roles; however, it was in the Sales Training Department that I realized I could best leverage my skills! I was lucky to find a career that united two of my greatest passions. There I was able to organize motivational events for the sales force in several places around the world and I was also able to practice public speaking through sales and product training.

One of the events that gave me great joy to organize was Zambon Sales Convention in Italy. That trip was given to the sales force as a reward for the results of the previous year. I devoted over 500 hours to plan and organize that event. The company took 150 people to Italy for one week and the time was divided between two cites; Milan and Rome. The first part of the trip was in Milan and business centered, going over results, marketing strategies, rewards and visiting the company production plant. The second part of the trip was in Rome, where the group was able to enjoy free time and sightseeing. There are a couple of pictures at the end for you to see.

One year later I had the pleasure of working for Sephora in Brazil. I came on board at the beginning of the operation in the country and had the opportunity to help the company grow through sales training. I started training cast member (sales representatives) for the opening of the second store. It gave me great satisfaction to coach and teach employees for diverse roles and help the company reach the sales results. For two years I trained over 200 people and helped the company open half of the stores in the country. Through that process I built many relationships, some of which I believe will last for a very long time.

I am very proud of the work I accomplished! I am happy I was able to influence and help people achieve their goals and make their dreams come true. And of course, it is very rewarding to be recognized for the work I have done.

Now, after been relocated internationally twice and with two children, to work full time with training and event planning became really challenging. I was forced to reimagine my career and apply my abilities in other areas. I found a great opportunity assisting international employees with their relocation to the USA! Through this new career path, I am still able to train and coach people, while sharing my life experience.

I still plan to go back and work full time with my passions and greater skills; however, until then I will help others, travel and take care of my growing family!