Mariana Marques is a global operations leader with extensive experience across North America, South America, and Europe. As Senior Director of Operations Excellence at Firehouse Subs, she drives franchisee support, operational efficiency, and brand growth across the U.S. and Canada. Recognized as one of Jacksonville’s Top 50 Women Leaders (2025), she also leads Women of Firehouse, championing diverse leadership. With a background in London’s hospitality industry, she brings a global perspective to business transformation. Mariana holds an MBA in Marketing from Fundação Getulio Vargas and a Bachelor’s in Hospitality Administration from Thames Valley University.
Recently, in an exclusive interview with CXO Magazine, Mariana shared insights on what drives her passion for leadership and operations excellence, the secret mantra behind her success, future plans, words of wisdom, and much more. The following excerpts are taken from the interview.
Hi Mariana. What drives your passion for leadership and operations excellence, and how do you stay motivated and inspired?
My passion for leadership and operations excellence is deeply rooted in my diverse experiences across multiple countries and roles within the hospitality industry. Starting in London, I embraced the city’s diversity and the dynamic nature of the food and beverage sector, which ignited my love for the industry. These experiences taught me the importance of adaptability and understanding individual strengths to bring out the best in teams.
I’m inspired by the tangible impact I can make on the business—seeing changes come to life in our restaurants, from enhanced team engagement to increased profitability and guest satsisfaction. Whether it’s implementing new operational strategies, improving efficiencies, or supporting franchisees in driving success, witnessing these initiatives translate into real-world results fuels my passion. Being able to walk into a restaurant and see firsthand the difference we are making is incredibly rewarding and keeps me motivated to continuously push for excellence.
What do you love the most about your current role?
I cherish the opportunity to collaborate with franchisees and cross-functional teams to drive growth and innovation. My role allows me to work closely with people at every level—franchise owners, field teams, and corporate leadership—to develop strategies that enhance restaurant execution, improve guest experiences, and create meaningful business impact.
What makes this role even more fulfilling is being part of a brand with a strong purpose. Through the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation, we help provide lifesaving equipment to first responders, ensuring that every sub we serve contributes to saving lives. Knowing that our operational success directly supports this mission adds an even greater sense of responsibility and pride to the work we do.
Beyond the operational aspect, I love mentoring and developing future leaders within the organization. Seeing individuals grow in their careers and take on new challenges is one of the most rewarding parts of my role.
What role do you think the Women of Firehouse group plays in supporting women’s leadership development within the organization?
As the leader of Women of Firehouse, I strongly believe in the power of representation, mentorship, and community in advancing women’s leadership. Our mission is to create a space where women in the organization can connect, support one another, and develop professionally.
By hosting events, facilitating networking opportunities, and providing leadership development resources, we aim to empower women within Firehouse Subs to pursue leadership roles and contribute their unique perspectives. The more we invest in diverse leadership, the stronger our company culture and performance become.
You were recently recognized as one of the Top 50 Women Leaders in Jacksonville 2025. Our readers would love to know the secret behind your success.
Being recognized among Jacksonville’s Top 50 Women Leaders is an incredible honour and a reflection of the collective efforts of the teams I’ve been privileged to lead. The key to success, in my experience, lies in resilience, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to empowering others.
Every step of my career has been shaped by embracing challenges, learning from setbacks, and staying focused on long-term growth. Whether working in international markets, leading operational transformations, or mentoring future leaders, my goal has always been to drive impact and build strong, inclusive teams.
Do you notice a lack of women in technology? If so, why do you think that’s the case?
The conversation around diversity in leadership is evolving. What’s most important is ensuring that organizations foster environments where talent, innovation, and leadership are recognized and nurtured—regardless of gender. Companies that prioritize diverse perspectives and create equitable opportunities not only strengthen their business but also drive meaningful industry-wide progress. At the end of the day, the focus should be on building inclusive cultures that allow the best ideas and leaders to emerge, shaping the future of business and technology in ways that benefit everyone.
Looking back, which women in your life have had the most influence on your career?
Throughout my career, I’ve been inspired by resilient women who’ve shaped my leadership journey. At Avon in Brazil, I managed a team of incredible women, including a single mother who overcame personal challenges to become one of the top sales leaders in her region. Her determination and strength reinforced my passion for empowering others.
Leading Women of Firehouse has also connected me with inspiring female leaders, highlighting the importance of mentorship and support in leadership development. These experiences have shaped my approach—emphasizing resilience, empathy, and the power of uplifting others.
What does the term “authentic leadership” mean to you?
To me, authentic leadership means leading with integrity, self-awareness, and a genuine commitment to people. It’s about being transparent in decision-making, standing by your values, and fostering a culture of trust and respect.
Authentic leaders don’t just dictate strategy; they inspire, support, and uplift their teams, ensuring that every voice is heard and valued.
What is your secret behind striking a work-life balance?
Balancing a demanding leadership role with personal life isn’t easy, but I’ve learned that it requires intentionality and discipline. Setting clear boundaries helps me stay present in both work and personal moments, while delegating effectively allows me to empower my team and focus on high-impact initiatives without feeling overwhelmed. I also prioritize self-care, whether it’s through exercise, family time, or simply unplugging when needed, because I believe that being at my best personally allows me to be at my best professionally. It’s not always perfect, but I’ve found that balance isn’t about dividing time equally—it’s about making conscious choices that align with my values and priorities.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years from now?
In five years, I see myself continuing to drive transformational change in operations leadership, expanding my impact on a broader scale while mentoring and developing future leaders. My focus will remain on enhancing operational excellence, fostering innovation, and strengthening brand performance, ensuring businesses continue to grow and succeed in an evolving industry. I aim to take on new challenges, lead high-impact initiatives, and further refine strategies that improve efficiency, profitability, and guest experience. Ultimately, my goal is to keep evolving as a leader, driving continuous improvement, and making a lasting impact wherever my career takes me.
What advice would you give to aspiring women leaders in operations and leadership roles?
My advice to aspiring women leaders is to own your voice, embrace challenges, and never underestimate the value of mentorship and networking. Surround yourself with people who inspire and challenge you, seek out learning opportunities, and don’t be afraid to take risks—even when stepping outside your comfort zone feels intimidating. Leadership isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about being adaptable, continuously growing, and having the confidence to advocate for yourself and others. The path may not always be linear, but by staying resilient, proactive, and committed to excellence, you can create meaningful opportunities and pave the way for future leaders.