Early Career in Ecuador
Lorena Mariuxi Peña Barcos began her professional career in Ecuador, working in the commercial sector with two multinational companies. These early experiences provided her with practical knowledge in strategy, discipline, and teamwork—skills she later applied to her entrepreneurial endeavors.
She went on to establish her own logistics and event organization company, where she led teams responsible for executing large-scale events. This work required detailed planning and the ability to manage high-pressure environments, including last-minute changes before event execution. Her role allowed her to build a strong foundation in leadership and coordination.
Migration to the United States
Two years ago, Peña Barcos relocated to the United States with the intent to improve the quality of life for her family. She brought with her a combination of professional experience and the goal of beginning a new chapter without abandoning the achievements of her past career.
Transition to the Insurance Sector
Upon arriving in the U.S., she entered the insurance industry and quickly progressed into leadership roles. She currently serves as a training and development manager and leads a sales team. Within her first year, she launched a life insurance agency and helped train over 100 agents.
Peña Barcos has identified several challenges she faced while starting a business in a new country, including:
- Income Uncertainty: The need for a stable financial base to support business growth. Businesses often require a lot of upfront investment that can be difficult for those who are starting out.
- Cultural Adjustment: Adapting to differences in consumer behavior between Ecuador and the U.S. While many things stay the same, there are also plenty of differences between the two customer bases.
- Market Competition: Navigating a competitive landscape with multiple service providers. The insurance space is incredibly competitive for everyone but especially for immigrants starting their first business.
Despite these challenges, she developed her business by applying her previous leadership and strategic planning experience.
Professional Goals and Leadership Style
Peña Barcos describes her approach to leadership as one centered on development and mentorship. She places importance on training new agents and contributing to their professional growth within the insurance sector. Her long-term goal includes building a sustainable business model while providing opportunities for others to advance in the industry.
Future Plans
In addition to growing her agency, Peña Barcos has expressed a desire to contribute to the industry by mentoring and guiding aspiring professionals. Her plans include developing educational initiatives and creating structured paths for career advancement in insurance.For further information or updates on Lorena Mariuxi Peña Barcos’ professional activities, she can be found on Instagram at @lorenap_flow.
