Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Adalgisa Mullano Fernández. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Adalgisa , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s jump right into the heart of things. Outsiders often think businesses or industries have much larger profit margins than they actually do – the reason is that outsiders are often unaware of the biggest challenges to profitability in various industries – what’s the biggest challenge to profitability in your industry?

The marketing industry is facing a significant profitability challenge, mainly because companies and brands often prioritize low costs over experience, natural skills, and deep industry knowledge. In the pursuit of saving money, businesses sometimes undervalue the expertise that marketing professionals bring to the table, compromising the work’s quality and impact.
This trend is further exacerbated by the proliferation of tools—especially AI. The widespread availability of these tools gives the illusion that professional marketing services are easily replicable or can be done faster and cheaper. It’s common to hear the argument that paying a fair price to an agency or individual is no longer necessary because “AI can do the job.”
However, these misconceptions overlook a crucial element: the heart experienced professionals put into their work. Marketing is more than just automation or churning out content— the essence that sets one brand apart from another comes from the dedication, thoughtfulness, and skill that only humans can provide, making a brand stand out. When cost-cutting becomes the primary focus, the result is often work that lacks the passion and personal touch necessary to make a brand or business truly shine.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I began my journey in fashion design, earning a BA in the field, but it was during my time in art school that I truly fell in love with marketing. When working on my thesis, inspired by the transformation of the lingerie industry through a marketing lens, I did a deep research on multiple aspects as to what makes a brand, how they appeal to their audiences and what makes them unique —and from that moment, I was hooked.
Even when I launched my own small business in 2018, my passion for marketing took center stage. I found myself crafting marketing strategies, directing photoshoots to align with market trends, and developing products in an industry made even more competitive by the rise of fast fashion. It was then that I realized: brands become timeless when they cultivate their own essence rather than just following trends. This has given me a unique perspective on when to embrace trends and when to break free from them.
Throughout my career, I’ve worked across various industries and roles, for both small and large brands, which has led me to my current position as CMO at Olympus Marketing. Here, I’ve had the privilege to learn under Diana Muniz for nearly two years, whose distinct approach has been invaluable in shaping my own perspective and professional path.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

After earning my BA in Fashion Design, I set out to find work in design and product development. Ironically, I kept landing marketing roles—whether it was managing social media accounts, directing brand visuals, or assisting with general marketing tasks.

Even after launching my own brand, I stayed in these marketing positions because I genuinely enjoyed the work and the learning opportunities they offered. However, I often felt a lingering sense of guilt for not working directly in the field I had studied for. It wasn’t until I started at Olympus Marketing that I realized I could have the best of both worlds—combining my creative background with my passion for marketing.

Now, even though I’ve paused my brand, I know I’ve found the perfect balance between my creative drive and my love for marketing. And in the future, I’m excited to apply everything I’m learning to my own fashion ventures.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

In the professional world, there’s a common belief that stepping on others is necessary to get ahead—something my first boss tried to instill in me. Thankfully, I’ve unlearned that mindset, largely thanks to the incredible leader I have now.

This mentality, unfortunately, was ingrained in me even in high school, where we were discouraged from sharing knowledge for fear that someone might take it and surpass us. We were told not to share skills, hacks, or ideas because someone could steal them.

What I’ve come to realize is that no one can do what you do the way you do it, even if they possess similar knowledge or skills. Your ideas and how you execute them are uniquely yours. Sharing your knowledge, especially when you’re in a position of leadership or mentorship, is essential. When others in your company grow, you grow together as a whole.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.olympusmkt.com
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adalgisa-mullano-2a9397166/