How Carlos Slim & Forbes
Shaped My Marketing Debut
From Aspiring Writer to Accidental Marketer
I didn’t plan on a marketing career—it found me. Back in college, my dream was to become a writer. My parents, however, nudged me toward something more "practical," so I majored in Communications and Digital Media, close enough to channel my creativity into a commercial path.
Graduating in 2014, I entered the workforce during the blogging boom. Content was king, and I was ready to claim my crown. "Fantastic! I’ll get paid to write!" I thought. That enthusiasm led me to an interview at a fintech startup called ComparaGuru.com (now Coru).
After two interviews, I landed the job—but not as a Content Writer. They offered me a PR Strategist role. With student loans looming, I accepted. Little did I know, this pivot would shape my future.
Cracking Forbes: Crafting Columns That Stick
My first assignment? Support the CEO in writing his weekly column for Forbes Mexico's digital edition. The topic: finance. My expertise: well, not finance. I leaned into personal finance—accessible, relatable, and researchable (or so I thought).
But 2014 wasn’t exactly rich in digestible personal finance content. No YouTubers promising "5 Ways to Fix Your Finances in 3 Months." Stuck, I looked to the best: Carlos Slim, the world's second richest man at the time. If anyone had insights worth sharing, it was him.
Mining Wisdom: Researching Carlos Slim's Financial Mindset
Interviewing Slim directly? Not a chance. But the internet was filled with his interviews, speeches, and articles. I dove into archives, sifted through his words, and extracted actionable insights. By weaving his philosophy into practical advice, I crafted an article that resonated.
That piece became one of Forbes Mexico's Top 5 Most-Read Articles in 2015 —a milestone that taught me the value of creative research and strategic storytelling.
Takeaway: When Content Is Scarce, Curate from the Greats
If the mountain won’t come to you, go to the mountain. When content feels out of reach, study industry leaders. Analyze their decisions, spot behavioral patterns, and distill their success into actionable insights. It’s a blueprint for engaging content—one that works for your brand and your audience.
That mindset turned a PR role into a storytelling platform—and kickstarted my career in marketing.