We recently had the chance to connect with Liza Marie Garcia and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Liza Marie, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
coffee, coffee and coffee… full time c-suite, working mother of two in-college daughters, pickleball enthusiast and too much more to mention..”where can I get more caffeine?”, this describes the very first minutes of five days of my week!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Liza Marie Garcia is a former tech CEO turned award-winning author, media strategist, and founder of NOW Global Media Group. Based in Tampa, she leads CEO Book Publishing, which has launched over 80 titles across business, wellness, and faith-driven storytelling. A six-time author and serial entrepreneur, Liza Marie is known for bold, purpose-filled narratives—her upcoming book Tell Them of My Greatness debuts this fall in Barnes & Noble stores nationwide.
She began her career at IBM and went on to build one of the youngest-led telecom firms in the U.S. Today, she mentors startups, produces media content, and leads the Tampa chapter of Faith Driven Entrepreneurs. Off the clock, she’s a pickleball player, tennis enthusiast, and proud mom of two college students—with a life anchored in faith and service.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who taught you the most about work?
I was fortunate to have two female managers at IBM early in my career who shaped my understanding of leadership. Though very different in style, they shared a powerful example of professionalism—teaching me how to manage emotions, lead with clarity, and communicate with wisdom. Their influence helped me navigate the tech world as a woman in leadership with confidence.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I’d tell my younger self: don’t be so hard on yourself. Keep climbing toward your goals, but slow down enough to enjoy the journey and notice the people who matter along the way. When challenges come, focus on the wins, not the losses, as the losses will happen, but don’t let them linger. Move forward with purpose, knowing greatness is built one step at a time.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Where are smart people getting it totally wrong today?
Many brilliant minds today equate success with wealth, believing that luxury homes, status symbols, and financial freedom define achievement. While those things can be enjoyable, they aren’t the true measure of success. For me, real success lies in meaningful relationships, especially within family, earning respect from those you respect; reaching personal and professional goals that bring joy; and most importantly, helping others along their journey.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
Absolutely, yes—I’m doing what I was born to do. Interestingly, when we co-founded the publishing house, it wasn’t originally my dream—it was the co-founders. By year two, I found myself at a crossroads, tempted to take a more conventional management role in the tech world. But in that moment of uncertainty, I heard the unmistakable voice of God affirming that this path—this mission—was mine to walk. Seven years later, I’m not just confident, I’m convicted: this is the professional calling I was born to fulfill
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lizamariegarcia.now.site/home
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lizagarciaceo/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizamariegarcia/
- Twitter: https://x.com/LizaGarciaCEO
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ceobookpublishing
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@lizamariegarciaCEO
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