03-19-2026RAPID RESPONSE

Maryam Banikarim on career chaos, C-suite pressure, and betting on yourself

The former CMO of Univision reflects on navigating setbacks, redefining identity beyond job titles, and how her upbringing during Iran’s revolution shapes her view of resilience and leadership.

[Photos: Rachel Murray/WireImage/Getty Images; Milad Fakurian/Unsplash]

Career disruption is accelerating across the economy—and few people have navigated it more boldly than Maryam Banikarim. The former CMO of Univision, Gannett, and Hyatt, and host of The Messy Parts podcast, Banikarim shares hard-won wisdom about C-suite politics, and what it means to ultimately bet on yourself. Growing up in Iran during the time of revolution, Banikarim offers a unique perspective on the current Middle East........

© Fast Company