Meet Adriana Pirela
In the ever-evolving world of business and leadership, Adriana Pirela stands out as a dynamic force redefining how companies access top-tier talent and lead with empathy. With a rich career spanning over two decades, Adriana is a seasoned marketing strategist who has driven global initiatives for some of the world’s leading brands, including Samsung, BlackBerry, Digicel, and TCL. She currently serves as the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) at Brava, a groundbreaking company reshaping business technology solutions for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). However, Adriana’s journey doesn’t stop at business strategy; she has also become a powerful advocate for fractional leadership and mentorship, blending career success with a commitment to empowering the next generation of leaders. Discover her path from the corporate world to creating lasting impact through innovative leadership models and personal dedication.
Where It All Began: Adriana’s Path to Global Impact
Adriana’s professional journey traces back to her roots in Venezuela, where she first developed a keen interest in communication and marketing. Growing up in a country where the concept of a global market was still emerging, Adriana learned early on the importance of resilience and adaptability. She credits her upbringing for shaping her approach to marketing, blending creativity and strategic thinking to solve complex problems.
“I learned early that the ability to adapt to changing circumstances is the key to thriving in a global market,” Adriana reflects, emphasizing her Venezuela-based experience.
Her early academic foundation in marketing set the stage for a career that would later see her take on executive roles with some of the most renowned companies in the world. With a degree in marketing, she embarked on her career with a focus on global strategies, bringing innovative solutions to the brands she worked with and driving measurable results. Discover more about Adriana here.
Professional Ascent: From Global Brands to Global Influence
Adriana’s journey up the corporate ladder began with global powerhouses like BlackBerry, Samsung, Digicel, and TCL, where she led transformative marketing initiatives, ranging from brand development to international product launches. Her leadership was defined by her ability to unite cross-functional teams, drive strategic growth, and deliver results across diverse markets. These formative years gave her deep insight into the intricacies of brand positioning, customer experience, and global strategy. But as her career evolved, so did her vision. Embracing a more agile and purpose-driven model, Adriana pivoted into fractional leadership, offering executive-level strategy without full-time constraints.
“At the heart of my work, whether for a multinational corporation or an emerging startup, is the belief that leadership is about impact, not just hours,” Adriana shares. “Fractional leadership allows companies to access specialized expertise while remaining nimble.”
Today, she proudly identifies as a Chief Marketing Officer, Chief Mama Officer, and Chief Mentoring Officer, a personal title that reflects her holistic approach to life and leadership. As Adriana says,
“It’s how I honor my professional drive, my role as a mother, and my passion for mentoring the next generation of leaders.”
Championing the Fractional Leadership Model
Adriana’s career reached a defining moment with the successful launch of Brava, where she took on the role of Chief Marketing Officer. At Brava, Adriana led a fractional marketing team that not only created the brand from the ground up but also launched it into multiple markets, positioning it as a benchmark in the B2B enterprise solutions segment. Her strategic use of the fractional executive model has set her apart in the evolving business landscape. Under her leadership, Brava saved 26% in operational costs while maintaining executive-level output, proving that innovation and efficiency can go hand in hand. The team’s lean structure encouraged agility and rapid iteration, traits that are now embedded in the company’s culture. Explore more about Brava here.
Brava’s customer-centric approach, which simplifies complex tech language for small and medium-sized enterprises, reflects Adriana’s core philosophy: make leadership accessible, impactful, and inclusive. “We want Brava to be the provider that helps customers identify and even manage their needs,” she explains.
In her own words: “Fractional leadership allows emerging companies and startups to access high-level executive talent without the costs of a full-time hire. This model democratizes access to strategic expertise, enabling companies to grow with the right guidance.”
Her ability to combine executive strategy with human insight is one of her most distinctive qualities. As more companies look for flexible growth models, Adriana’s leadership continues to serve as a blueprint for what’s possible with the right vision and structure.
Mentorship with Purpose: Building an Inclusive Future
Beyond her executive roles, Adriana has become a powerful advocate for mentorship and representation. For Adriana, mentorship isn’t a side activity, it’s a calling. Recognized as one of the Top 25 Mentors of the Year, she offers free mentorship through platforms like Upnotch.com, guiding emerging talent through their professional journeys. Explore more about Upnotch here.
She is a fierce advocate for Latina representation in leadership. “As a Latina in a global corporate environment, one of the biggest challenges has been breaking stereotypes and proving that diversity brings value to organizations.” Her leadership style is deeply inclusive, reflecting her lived experiences with linguistic, cultural, and structural barriers. Adriana believes that community and mentorship are key tools to help more women and Latinos rise in the business world. “Through mutual support, we can share experiences, advice, and connections that help us move forward.” She is committed to creating spaces where diverse voices are heard, celebrated, and empowered to lead. Adriana envisions a future where diversity in leadership is the norm, not the exception.
She regularly hosts informal mentorship circles and virtual sessions to make herself more accessible to professionals across industries. Her goal is not only to help individuals thrive but also to reshape corporate spaces to be more welcoming to diverse voices. By actively opening doors for others, Adriana is helping to build a pipeline of inclusive leadership for the next generation.
“Mentorship not only provides guidance but also confidence and motivation to overcome obstacles.”
Balancing Leadership and Motherhood
Adriana’s leadership journey is not only defined by corporate milestones but also by her commitment to motherhood. As a proud “Chief Mama Officer”, she has redefined what it means to lead with empathy while staying present for her family. Her philosophy emphasizes that success isn’t measured by hours clocked but by the quality of presence, whether in the boardroom or at home.
“Balancing career and motherhood is a journey, and for me, it’s about quality over quantity,” Adriana shares. “Strategic planning and strong support systems are crucial, but the key is to stay present in every moment.”
Her ability to navigate both worlds has made her a relatable role model for women striving to do the same. It’s not just about managing time, it’s about leading with purpose and grace in every sphere of life.
Work-Life Integration: Leading with Purpose
Adriana’s leadership journey is rooted in a holistic view of success, one that values both personal fulfillment and professional impact. She believes that leaders shouldn’t have to compartmentalize their lives to succeed. For her, integrating work and life is not only possible, it’s powerful.
Balancing executive leadership and motherhood, Adriana defies the outdated narrative that women must choose between career and family. She leads with clarity and control, proving that ambition and presence can coexist. Adriana reflects, “The key for me has been strategic planning, setting clear priorities, and relying on a strong support network. At home, we emphasize the value of quality time over quantity.”
Her integration of personal and professional life is more than a balancing act, it’s a leadership philosophy. Her features in Forbes LATAM and Forbes USA (Spanish Edition) recognize her ability to lead with authenticity and vision. She redefines what it means to be a leader by championing flexibility, purpose, and inclusivity.
Vision for the Future: A Legacy of Empowerment
Adriana’s vision extends far beyond corporate success. “I want to expand my mentorship efforts, helping more people find their professional path without having to sacrifice their personal lives.” She is committed to expanding the reach of fractional leadership, making it a sustainable model for future businesses and professionals.
Her accolades, including the Business Leadership Excellence Award 2025 and her inclusion in Storm2’s Top 100 Women in Fintech, are not just honors, they’re proof of the impact she continues to make.
“My goal is to leave a lasting impact by creating an ecosystem where success is not exclusive but accessible to all.”
Editorial Note:
Adriana Pirela’s journey is one of innovation, resilience, and purposeful leadership. From leading global marketing efforts to championing fractional leadership and mentorship, she continues to break new ground in what it means to lead. Her story serves as an inspiration to executives and entrepreneurs, showing that success is not just about business achievements but about making a lasting, positive impact on people and communities.
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