Mara Guzman
- Leadership Educator | Former University Professor

Hi! My name is Mara, and I recently moved to Boulder from Mexico. I’ve always been passionate about leadership since I graduated with a Bachelor’s in Management and Accounting. While working at Kellogg’s Mexico, I realized that university had prepared me academically, but I had no clue how to effectively lead people. After experiencing poor leadership, I wanted to learn how to do better, which led me to pursue a Master’s in Positive Leadership. This journey ultimately helped me discover my true passion for education. For the past three years, I taught leadership at Tec de Monterrey, one of Mexico’s top universities. There, I learned a lot from my students and their challenges, especially in understanding professors from older generations. As a millennial, I feel I was able to connect with them more easily. I look forward to connecting with you and continuing to learn and grow together.
My advice to students...
It all starts with you. Taking care of yourself is essential. Finding the right balance between work, exercise, sleep, mental health, social time, and moments of rest is crucial. When one of these key elements is missing, it’s hard to expect excellence from yourself as a leader. Without enough sleep, you won’t have the energy to exercise or make healthy food choices. You’ll likely feel tired and irritable, which can affect those around you. Remember, you can't pour from an empty cup. My advice is simple: prioritize self-care so that you can show up as the best version of yourself—not only for you but also for those you lead. When you take care of yourself, you are better equipped to take care of others and lead with energy, patience, and clarity.