Marlene Braga: Leaving the Good Girl Behind—From Steve Jobs to Skirball

On this episode of Adapt or Die: Transformative Leadership Conversations, Andreas Pettersson sits down with Marlene Braga, a dynamic creative executive whose career spans iconic organizations like ABC News, A&E, Azteca America, PBS, and now the Skirball Cultural Center, where she leads public programming. Born in Miami and “made in Havana,” Marlene is a Cold War kid whose family fled the Cuban revolution—fueling her instinct to move forward at all costs. From print production at Gap to working with Steve Jobs, her journey is defined by audacious pivots, fearless action, and learning to lead without permission. In this conversation, she shares how confronting doubt, integrating her inner critic, and redefining the "good girl" script transformed how she serves others—without abandoning herself.

Challenge →
Raised to be a “good girl” in a Cold War Cuban household, Marlene felt confined by expectations of self-sacrifice and servitude. By her early career, those internalized patterns led her to over-function for others, under-function for herself, and miss out on bold opportunities—even turning down a call from Steve Jobs.

Adaptation →
Through deep reflection, creative risk-taking, and the support of a tight inner circle, Marlene rewrote her inner narrative. She left Miami with two cardboard boxes to chase political science in D.C., said yes to Pixar when doubt screamed no, and began actively naming and taming her inner critic instead of letting it drive.

Success →
Marlene has since led creative teams across media, television, and cultural institutions—crafting public programs that stir minds and hearts. From managing large-scale events to mentoring the next generation of Latina leaders, she now pushes with purpose and models power with reflection. Every pivot has made her more authentic—and more unstoppable.

🔥 60-Second Hot Seat:
She ditched perfection, declined Steve Jobs (for all the right reasons), and now greets her inner critic like an old friend on the couch. Marlene's power mantra? “Doubt is the oppressor of the people—honor it, then move forward.” Her pregame ritual before tough conversations? “Don’t abandon Marlene.”

Letting go of shame. Rewriting doubt. Living without permission. Marlene’s story is a masterclass in leadership with soul.

📘 Power Without Permission
Marlene is a co-author in Power Without Permission. Get your copy at leadersadapt.com/book and join the community of women building unapologetic leadership from the inside out.

Visit www.leadersadapt.com/adaptordie for show notes, free resources, and coaching programs.

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