Joni Marmo
Joni Fernandez Marmo is a multiple award winning Catholic motivational speaker, content creator, and thought leader devoted to helping individuals rediscover purpose and embrace meaningful reinvention. As the Founder of the Seeking Wisdom Movement, she cultivates a growing community of Wisdom Seekers through her podcast, newsletter, workshops, and speaking engagements. With an authentic, faith centered approach, Joni inspires professionals and leaders to align their careers with their values, trust God through seasons of transition, and boldly step into the next chapter of their lives both personally and professionally.
Joni built a distinguished media career spanning nearly 30 years in broadcast and cable television, progressing from producer to executive producer and ultimately into the executive ranks at Univision Communications. As Senior Vice President of Consumer and Corporate Marketing, she led the company’s in house creative agency and oversaw all marketing initiatives, guiding cross functional teams across strategy, production, brand development, and omnichannel campaigns. At the height of her success, she made the difficult decision to step away from corporate leadership due to health reasons, what initially felt like a loss ultimately became a transformative journey toward discovering a greater calling and deeper purpose.
After leaving the corporate world, Joni transitioned into education, serving as an adjunct professor of marketing at Florida International University and later teaching theology at her high school alma mater, an especially meaningful full circle experience. This season of reflection and teaching led her to launch her podcast and pursue speaking full time, where she shares her story of reinvention and encourages others to believe that it is never too late to begin again. Today, she dedicates herself fully to producing her podcast, an endeavor far more demanding than many realize, while also developing writing projects, including a forthcoming book and workshop designed to chronicle her journey from corporate success to purposeful reinvention, offering a roadmap for those seeking greater value, fulfillment, and faith driven impact in their own lives.
• Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt
• Florida International University - College of Business - MS, Marketing
• University of Miami - BS, Mass Communication/Media Studies
• Silver Promax Award
• Cable Fax, Marketer of the Year Nominee
• Silver Telly Award
• Gold Promax Award
• NAB - President's Award
• Peabody Award
• Church Ministries
• St. Bonaventure Catholic Church
What do you attribute your success to?
My success was grounded in a strong work ethic and integrity, while fostering relationships built on respect, trust and collaboration. When I shifted to a growth mindset, everything changed and that contributed to the majority of my achievements. I began opening myself up for more challenges, and learning new skills every day. Shedding the fear of failure in the process of taking on a new project helped in growing as an individual contributor and a senior leader. Additionally, helping others by mentoring, encouraging and teaching served me well. It is in teaching that we learn the greatest lessons.
All of the above not only helped me succeed in my 30 year career in media, but most especially in these last 7 years of reinvention. During this time I've learned to align my values with my personal brand and my work. Although I'm not in corporate any more, I feel that I am making a larger impact now than ever before!
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice came from a CEO who barely knew me, but encouraged me to step out into the world without fear. This conversation took place in my exit meeting with him, when I was leaving the company. He reminded me that there's no rule book to manage your career - every path is different and no one knows what the future holds.
I've never been afraid of change, but walking away from my career was an entirely different scenario. I thought I was prepared for it, but as it turns out there were peaks and valleys. In this journey, I've held on to that advice and reminded myself that change can be difficult, but it is fundamental to growth. The real enemy? Fear! Don't let it break you or stop you from moving forward!
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My number one advice would be to have a growth mindset and be open to opportunities that will expand their knowledge and skills. In this ever changing industry, it's important to stay ahead of the curve by continuing to learn, and shedding fear of failure.
Also very important to note, is that there is a delicate balance between confidence and humility. Acknowledge when you don't know something and ask for help when needed. You'd be surprised how many people are willing to help and guide.
Which leads me to mentors and colleagues. Learn from those who have experience and have paved the way. Respect and honor the work that they've done.
Leadership is not about having a big title, but about making your position as big and relevant as possible. Sometimes we focus too much on our job responsibilities and tasks, when we should be looking at the bigger picture and seeing how we can contribute and add value to our teams and companies/organizations we work for.
Learn the lessons! In every situation, whether good or bad, there is something to be learned. Never forget to find the lesson and gain wisdom from it!
Lastly, if you find yourself in a toxic work environment, try to find a way out and look for new paths. Toxicity can harm your spirit and affect all aspects of your life - don't ever let that happen!
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
In the field of media, the greatest challenge is the erosion of the audience and how the landscape has changed dramatically. Way too many competitors, and platforms distracting people so it's hard to get anyone's attention.
With that said, there are many opportunities in reaching people through digital platforms. There are many tools at our disposal that is making it easier to break through and deliver information and messages to our intended audiences. The challenge is getting organized, finding your voice and what you want to communicate.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
My values are:
Faith
Integrity
Respect (for myself and others)
Trust
Collaboration
Service to others
What I enjoy doing:
Spending time with family
Taking walks with my husband
Edifying conversations with faith-led friends
Bible Study
