In 2016, at the age of 24, Maria Cisco made a life-altering decision. After living in Italy, Spain, and France, she felt constrained by the European market’s limitations. With unwavering determination, she packed her bags and moved to Dubai without a job, seeking greater opportunities.
Knocking on Doors: The Initial Struggle
Upon arriving in Dubai, Maria faced the daunting task of job hunting in a foreign land. For a month and a half, she persistently knocked on doors, seeking employment. Her perseverance paid off when she secured a position as a business developer for a homeware company, albeit with a modest salary. This role marked the beginning of her professional journey in Dubai.
A Serendipitous Entry into Talent Management
In 2018, an unexpected opportunity arose. The CEO of a talent management agency came across Maria’s resume, which she had distributed during her initial job search in Dubai. This led to an interview that would change her career trajectory. The job involved managing influencers, public figures, and celebrities—a dynamic and ever-evolving field. Maria found herself captivated by the challenges and excitement it offered.
Entrepreneurial Leap: Founding Her Own Agency
By the end of 2019, fueled by her passion and experience, Maria took a bold step and founded her own talent management agency. Over the next five years, she navigated the entrepreneurial landscape, honing her skills and building a reputable business in the industry.
Embracing Change: Joining Humanagement
In 2025, Maria faced a pivotal decision. Recognizing the need for personal and professional growth, she chose to close her agency and accept the role of Director of the Talent Management department at Humanagement, the region’s leading agency. This move allowed her to expand her horizons and contribute to an organization known for setting industry trends over the past decade.
Navigating Challenges in Talent Management
Maria’s journey in talent management has been marked by challenges, particularly in dealing with diverse and sometimes demanding personalities. She emphasizes the importance of adaptability, understanding that a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work. A successful talent manager must tailor strategies to each individual’s unique working style and personality, guiding them toward the right direction.
Current Endeavors: Elevating Talent in the Region
At Humanagement, Maria is focused on signing top-tier talents and nurturing emerging faces to reach elite levels. She thrives on recognizing potential and leveraging strengths to help individuals shine. Her passion lies in realizing the potential she sees in people, making her role both challenging and fulfilling.
Lessons Learned: The Power of Endurance
Throughout her career, Maria has learned the invaluable lesson of endurance—a blend of discipline, resilience, and problem-solving. She has faced moments of intense difficulty, contemplating drastic changes. However, by choosing to endure and seeking solutions, she has emerged stronger, developing a more resilient character in the process.
A People-Centric Approach to Talent Management
Maria’s philosophy centers on truly seeing her talents—not just in terms of fame or financial success, but understanding who they are beyond their skills. She aims to help individuals achieve their dreams by realizing their true potential, maintaining a balance between business acumen and genuine human relationships.
Advice to Her Younger Self: Embrace the Journey
Reflecting on her journey, Maria would advise her younger self to take things a bit easier. She acknowledges the unnecessary stress she placed on herself early in her career and recognizes that mistakes are essential for growth. Embracing experiences, learning from failures, and developing a thicker skin have been crucial elements of her personal and professional development.
Inspiring Others: A Vision for the Future
Maria Cisco’s story is one of courage, adaptability, and relentless pursuit of growth. From her bold move to Dubai to her current role at Humanagement, she exemplifies the power of taking risks and embracing change. Her journey serves as an inspiration to those looking to break boundaries and realize their full potential in the ever-evolving landscape of talent management. Do follow her on Instagram.
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