Why People Matter More Than Metrics, with Yasmin Marinaro

Hey Trailblazers. We are back with a fresh episode of Women in Tech Trailblazers and this one is all about loyalty, leadership, and what it really means to show up as yourself. Tiffany Benitez sits down with Yasmin Marinaro, a senior marketing leader who has spent her career building growth by focusing on people first. From startups to global brands, Yasmin has seen it all and she brings the real talk.

Yasmin opens up about authenticity and why it is not about fitting a mold. She shares how early in her career she felt pressure to sound and lead like everyone else in the room and how that slowly changed. “What makes you unique becomes your superpower,” she says, and that mindset shift shaped the kind of leader she became.

The conversation also digs into her career journey and how curiosity led her into digital, innovation, and ultimately loyalty and retention. Yasmin explains why retention is not just a metric but a relationship. Behind every screen is a human being and technology should make that experience more meaningful, not more distant.

Of course, they do not skip the hard stuff. Yasmin talks honestly about being the only woman in the room, subtle bias, and how it can show up in ways that are easy to miss. Her advice is grounded and practical. Focus on outcomes. Build allies. And remember that “data and impact speak louder than anything else.”

Here are the key takeaways:

(3:31) What authenticity really means in leadership

(6:46) Not having it figured out and why that is okay

(8:22) A nonlinear career shaped by curiosity and tech

(12:24) Experiencing gender bias and learning to navigate it

(17:24) Why assuming positive intent changes the room

(20:04) Time and attention as the real currency

(27:14) Redefining success on your own terms

This episode is for anyone who cares about building teams and products people actually want to stay with. It will leave you thinking differently about leadership, loyalty, and your own path forward. Tune in, listen closely, and ask yourself what kind of experience you are creating for the people around you.

About Yasmin Marinaro

Yasmin Marinaro is Vice President of Marketing at Besitos and KashKick. She leads loyalty, engagement, and retention programs for digital consumer platforms. Her career includes roles across startups and established companies in fintech, media, and travel. She has supported product launches, market expansion, and organizational growth at multiple stages. Yasmin also serves on nonprofit boards focused on community initiatives.

Connect with Yasmin:

LinkedIn

About Tiffany Benitez

Tiffany Benitez leads Data Governance at Compass Group USA, ensuring data quality, integrity, and compliance across all business units. She is passionate about driving data excellence and advancing women in tech and STEM.

Connect with Host:

Tiffany’s LinkedIn

Disclaimer

This podcast is for informational purposes only. The content should be taken as something other than professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to consult with professionals regarding specific situations or concerns.