We were lucky to catch up with Bianca Dara Benhaim recently and have shared our conversation below.

Bianca Dara, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear about the things you feel your parents did right and how those things have impacted your career and life.

Growing up as the daughter of two entrepreneurs who built and operated a successful boutique marketing firm in Miami, I was surrounded by the hum of creativity, discipline, and resilience from a young age. For over 30 years, my parents carved out a respected name for themselves in the real estate and healthcare industries—two highly competitive and ever-evolving sectors. Their ability to sustain a thriving business for decades wasn’t a stroke of luck—it was the result of consistency, strong values, and a deep commitment to relationships. What they did right has shaped not only who I am personally, but also how I navigate the world professionally.

One of the most valuable lessons my parents instilled in me was the importance of integrity. In the world of marketing, promises are easy to make, but trust is earned through delivery. I saw my parents consistently meet deadlines, honor contracts, and go above and beyond for their clients, even when it wasn’t the easiest or most profitable option. They understood that building a reputation takes years, and protecting it requires daily intention. Watching them handle client relationships with care and authenticity taught me to value the long game in business and life. Today, as a professional, I carry this with me. Whether I’m managing a creative team, handling a tough deadline, or collaborating across departments, I lead with honesty and follow through with action.

Another thing my parents did right was make our home a place of possibility. Some of my earliest memories involve sitting at the edge of the dining room table while my mom reviewed brand mood boards or my dad brainstormed campaign headlines. Rather than shielding me from their work, they welcomed my curiosity. I remember once offering feedback on a real estate brochure when I was barely old enough to spell “luxury,” and instead of laughing it off, my mom sat there with me spelling it out. That small moment left a big impression: small steps make a big difference. This early exposure to creative thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration gave me the confidence to speak up, take initiative, and believe that my voice mattered. It’s no surprise that I’ve built my career in creative operations.

Perhaps the most meaningful impact of all was the example they set of partnership. My parents didn’t just run a business; they built a life together rooted in shared vision, mutual respect, and relentless support. Their ability to play to each other’s strengths—my mom’s strategic thinking and creative instinct paired with my dad’s relationship-building and operational savvy—showed me the power of collaboration. They made space for each other to grow, and that modeled a healthy dynamic I try to emulate in my teams: one where every member feels seen, supported, and empowered to do their best work.

Ultimately, what my parents did right wasn’t just about business—it was about living their values out loud, every single day. They showed me that success is a byproduct of consistency, that relationships are the backbone of any good venture, and that creativity can (and should) be a family affair. Their legacy continues to shape me, and I carry their lessons proudly into every project, every meeting, and every new challenge I take on.

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

My journey into the world of marketing and creative operations began long before I entered the workforce—it was quite literally the backdrop of my childhood. Raised in Miami by entrepreneurial parents who built a boutique marketing agency from the ground up, I grew up witnessing firsthand what it meant to nurture relationships, solve complex business challenges, and bring bold ideas to life. Their agency, which specialized in the real estate and healthcare sectors, was more than a business—it was a creative playground, a training ground, and a classroom rolled into one. That early exposure ignited a spark in me that would eventually grow into a full-blown career.

After earning my bachelor’s degree in International Affairs with a minor in Business from Florida State University, I pursued an MBA in Marketing Management from Florida International University. I knew I wanted to build a career that combined strategic thinking, creativity, and structure—and marketing operations was the perfect intersection of all three. I returned to the family agency and began working from the ground up, touching every part of the business—from client communication, project management and campaign strategy to backend process optimization. That experience gave me a comprehensive understanding of how to make creativity scalable, repeatable, and effective.

Eventually, my skill set and experience caught the attention of Norwegian Cruise Line, where I was recruited to join and help grow their young internal creative agency. It was an exciting opportunity to take everything I had learned and apply it to a global brand. There, I, with the help of my team, built the operations infrastructure from scratch—introducing evolving technologies, formalizing workflows, and reinforcing SOPs that enabled the team to deliver more efficiently and consistently. From creative briefs to delivery pipelines, I helped build a framework that allows great ideas to thrive and reach the world at scale.

The work I do now lives at the crossroads of creativity and systems. I specialize in building the operational backbone that supports high-performing creative teams—whether it’s optimizing project management platforms, establishing efficient approval processes, or ensuring cross-functional alignment across departments. I thrive in solving complex, often messy problems with clarity, structure, and a people-first approach. I help creative professionals do what they do best—create—while making sure the business side doesn’t miss a beat.

What sets me apart is my fluency in both creativity and operations and both English and Spanish languages. I understand how to speak the language of designers, copywriters, and strategists, while also delivering the kind of results and reporting that executive stakeholders demand. I don’t just build processes—I build trust, culture, and momentum.

What I’m most proud of is my ability to lead with empathy and purpose. Whether I’m working with a lean team or steering enterprise-level initiatives, I always bring a sense of ownership, adaptability, and a deep respect for collaboration. I believe that great work starts with great relationships, and I invest in both.

To anyone exploring a partnership with me or learning about my work for the first time, I want you to know this: I’m committed to building creative ecosystems where ideas can flourish and teams can thrive. Whether I’m solving for inefficiencies, scaling a vision, or simply helping a colleague find clarity, my mission remains the same—make creativity work better.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

One of the most defining moments in my career—and a true test of resilience—came in early 2020. I had just graduated with my Master’s Degree and was steadfast on getting hired by a Fortune 500 company. In mid-February of that year, I was thrilled to be recruited by Norwegian Cruise Line to join their growing internal creative agency. After years of working my way up in my family’s marketing firm, the opportunity to contribute to a global brand felt like the next exciting chapter. I was energized, motivated, and ready to make an impact.

And then—just weeks later—the COVID-19 pandemic brought the world to a standstill. The cruise industry was hit hard, and my contract was abruptly terminated. To say I was devastated is an understatement. I had just leaped at what I thought was a dream opportunity, only to have it disappear almost instantly. It was a humbling moment, one filled with uncertainty, fear, and disappointment. But it was also the beginning of a personal reset.

Rather than letting that moment define me, I chose to view it as a challenge to grow. I spent the next nine months getting PMP certified, sharpening my skills, staying up-to-date with emerging technologies, and reflecting on how I could bring even more value when the world reopened. I leaned into resilience by preparing, staying curious, and refusing to let a single setback derail the vision I had for myself.

Then—just when I least expected it—Norwegian Cruise Line called me back. They wanted me to return and help rebuild. This time, I wasn’t just ready—I was more prepared, more focused, and more driven than ever before. I stepped back in with renewed energy and a deeper appreciation for the opportunity. Since then, I’ve played a key role in building operational infrastructure from the ground up, implementing evolving technologies, and reinforcing SOPs that now support a thriving internal creative agency, Rebel Fish Creative Group.

That experience reminded me that resilience isn’t just about bouncing back—it’s about showing up better. It’s about choosing to believe in yourself when the path disappears and trusting that your preparation will meet opportunity again. For me, that phone call was more than a job offer—it was proof that resilience pays off.

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

One of the most important lessons I’ve had to unlearn in my professional journey is the lure of instant gratification. Early in my career—especially in the fast-paced world of marketing—I often equated quick wins with long-term success. I believed that if I didn’t see immediate results, something was wrong with the strategy, the execution, or even with me. But over time, I’ve learned that instant gratification is not a long-haul strategy, and that mindset was holding me back from true growth.

The backstory is rooted in my transition from working in my family’s marketing firm to being recruited by Norwegian Cruise Line. Coming from a smaller agency where timelines were tight and turnarounds were fast, I was used to immediate feedback and visible impact. But when I joined a large corporate brand—right before the COVID-19 pandemic—I quickly realized that meaningful progress in large organizations takes time, buy-in, and patience.

Then came the ultimate test: just weeks after starting my new role, the world shut down. My contract was terminated, and I was left reeling. I had taken this huge step forward, only to be paused indefinitely. It was during those nine months away that I truly confronted my relationship with results and timelines. I had to ask myself: Who am I without constant validation? What if progress looks quiet, slow, or behind the scenes?

When I was asked to return to Norwegian Cruise Line, I came back not just with experience, but with perspective. I no longer chase quick wins—I build for sustainability. I invest in systems, processes, and people that create lasting impact, even if the rewards aren’t immediate. I’ve learned to find pride in the foundational work: the kind that doesn’t always show up in headlines but makes everything else possible.

Unlearning the need for instant gratification has made me a better leader, collaborator, and strategist. Now, I play the long game—because that’s where the real value is built.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Aboveand_Bianca
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bianca-dara-benhaim/