Exiled: Mariana Fulan, Serena
Welcome to Exiled: Dealmakers on a Desert Island, the podcast where we ‘strand’ a guest on a remote island and ask who from their professional past, present, and future they’d choose to be stranded with. Because, at the end of the day, it’s people who make a profession.
This time, our Exile is Mariana Fulan de Souza, Head of Origination at Serena US. Having moved from bustling São Paulo to Austin just two years ago, Mariana is already making waves in the US renewables market, helping Serena expand while balancing Austin’s energy, nature, and creative vibes.
From her past
Mariana chooses Fabiana Polido, her current boss and former mentor. Fabiana stands out not only for guiding Mariana when she was a fresh-faced intern (literally lending her work-appropriate clothes!) but for giving her the confidence to thrive in origination. Fabiana taught Mariana early on that success in deals is about more than numbers - it’s about people, trust, and creativity.
From her present
For her current companion, Mariana doubles down on Fabiana. She’s described as one of the best in origination: able to spot opportunities anywhere, even from a roadside billboard. Her humour and determination would make her the perfect partner to survive desert island life and tackle challenges head-on.
From her future
Looking ahead, Mariana picks Fernando Jaeger of Odata, a client she greatly admires. Fernando is pioneering ways to bring sustainable energy to fast-growing digital infrastructure, a cause Mariana sees as crucial for the industry’s evolution. In her words, having a “data center mind” alongside renewables expertise is key for meeting the intense energy needs of the future.
Bonus round
Of course, Mariana couldn’t do without her dad, Jose Marcos, whose encouragement and belief in her shaped her journey from childhood to leadership. His support, she says, keeps her grounded and motivated—vital qualities for any Exile, on an island or in the boardroom!
