Mariana Chao, General Manager for the Central & South East Territories for Uber Eats in Mexico, has been at Uber for over four years and has progressed through 3 different roles on Uber’s Sales team. She is also a passionate advocate for women’s and equality rights, both internally at Uber and externally. “I believe that as women in positions of leadership and privilege, we have a huge responsibility to pave the way for those who come after us so that the next generation can have the equal opportunities they deserve. At Uber, we believe in lifting as we climb—and this means not only inside of Uber, but also within the communities that we serve.”
How have you grown your career at Uber?
“My first role at Uber was as the Commercial Lead for the West Region in Mexico, managing the Sales and Account Management team for key restaurants. During this time with Uber Eats, I learned a ton about the restaurant industry. Most of our partners in Latin America run their businesses as family endeavors — not just as a way of making money, but as something close to their hearts and souls. With this fact in mind, we knew that as part of the client-facing team, we had an incredible responsibility to ensure that we could help our partners unlock their potential for success and thrive.
After two years, I was presented with the opportunity to apply for the Head of Regional Restaurants role. With this new role, I took on the responsibility of acquiring and growing each of the top local restaurants in each city across Mexico. While still keeping Uber Eats’ global perspective in mind, I embarked on a major deep dive in each city we operated in to understand the local nuances, needs, and paths to success. These learnings helped us to ensure that we were able to uphold our promises of growth, regardless of the size of the restaurant, from a small 1-person shop to a larger restaurant chain.
This year, I was privileged to become the General Manager for two territories in Mexico, overseeing all aspects of our Uber Eats business. I take great pride in connecting with our merchants, earners, and users to discuss their experiences. Knowing that I have positively impacted their lives in some way is incredibly rewarding and I am proud to be part of a team that constantly strives to be the very best in delivering quality and meaningful experiences.”
Why did you join Uber?
“I was particularly impressed by Uber’s emphasis on innovative technology, commitment to professional growth, and the inspiring people that I encountered during my recruitment process. The most notable thing about the company was the positive and uplifting energy. Everyone I met during my hiring process was super proud to be working at Uber, shared a sense of excitement about the future, and valued the community of the company. I knew that these signs combined with Uber’s values would be an ideal fit for me. To this day, I am still excited by the potential to make a significant impact on cities, restaurants, and our customers, both in Mexico and around the globe.”
What are some of the key lessons you’ve learned at Uber?
“Some of the key lessons I’ve learned at Uber are to take ownership of my projects, think outside the box, always deliver on what I promise, and never be afraid to challenge the status quo. As a younger company, we still have that start-up soul, which I highly appreciate. It allows us to experiment, build hypotheses, and brainstorm creative solutions. Though building processes from scratch demands a lot of work, the satisfaction of having thought of a creative solution and then making it happen is priceless.”
Any advice for aspiring women business leaders in Sales?
- Share your opinion, speak up, and ask the tough questions.
- Build strong relationships with colleagues and partners. Be a team player.
- Develop an understanding of the financial aspects of your business.
- Focus on results and stay organized.
- Seek out mentors who can provide guidance and support.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
- Celebrate your successes.
How does Uber support women in the workplace?
“Uber provides a number of initiatives to support women in the workplace such as mentorship programs, flexible work-life balance policies, maternity leave that is above legal requirements, and a Women’s Employee Resource Group, among others. I’ve participated with the Women ERG Group in Mexico through roundtable discussions, mentoring and being mentored about career and growth opportunities, learning about how to have difficult conversations, and diving deep into the hazards of perfectionism.”
Why is now a great time to join the Sales team at Uber?
“This is an incredible opportunity to be a part of something special and to make a real difference in the world. We are on the frontline, introducing restaurant partners to Uber Eats and partnering with them to help grow their businesses together, which is incredibly rewarding. We change the lives of these partners every day and get to see this impact firsthand.
There are many exciting projects currently coming to life at Uber Eats, and we are always looking for new team members who can bring their unique skills and diverse perspectives to the table.
Career growth potential and success is unmatched. As someone who has had 3 different roles during my time at Uber, I am constantly learning, growing, and upskilling myself. Uber provides all of the tools and opportunities you need to drive your own growth and truly supports internal mobility.”
What is your go-to Uber Eats order?
“The salmon bowl from Agua y Tierra in Mexico City!”
Anything else you want to share?
“I believe it is essential to have fun at your job and enjoy the amazing ride of being a part of this company! Here at Uber, you will always have the best team by your side, working together to achieve incredible results.”
Posted by Uber
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