Marisa Manzocco, '21 MBA

Marisa Manzocco, MBA ’21, is a Growth Consultant at Google, where she designs and tests commercial strategies that help companies scale across global markets. A University of Alberta alumna with a non-traditional background spanning finance, film and international experience, she brings a distinctive approach to innovation shaped by the Creative Destruction Lab. This spring, she takes her next step — joining Reddit in Amsterdam as part of its rapidly growing advertising business.

BAA: What drew you to pursue an MBA at the Alberta School of Business? How did ASB prepare you for working in one of the world’s most dynamic tech companies?

My path to an MBA was less of a straight line. When I finished my business undergraduate in Windsor, I felt excited to start applying my knowledge to a career. As most people realize, it takes a while to find what you're both excited about and excel at. I bounced around from a position in banking, to taking some time to soul search as an Au Pair, to working in film and television post production in London, England. When the pandemic hit and I found myself furloughed, I realized I wanted to pivot my career toward something with a more significant strategic trajectory.

I was drawn to the University of Alberta because of its international reputation and its deep integration into the province’s innovation ecosystem. I was delighted to find that the program valued non-traditional backgrounds to diversify their cohorts. The ability to fast track the program through course overloads and credits, combined with the chance to work with the Creative Destruction Lab (CDL), cemented my decision.

The MBA prepared me for Google by teaching me how to thrive under extreme pressure. In the program, you are constantly asked to become an "instant expert" on a topic, analyze it, and present a high stakes solution to an external stakeholder. This ability to find confidence in conviction, trusting your research and experience to build a strategy for a client, is exactly what I do every day at Google.

BAA: You participated in Creative Destruction Lab (CDL) during your MBA. How did that experience influence your career path or shape your approach to innovation and technology?

CDL was essentially a "bootcamp" in the reality of startups. It provided me with invaluable exposure to deep tech and helped me realize that regardless of how complex the science is, the fundamental business hurdles remain the same: seeking funding, finding customers, and commercializing the product.

Importantly, it taught me how to bridge the gap between science and business. I learned that if a founder cannot translate their technology into a business value proposition, they will struggle to find support. While a standard MBA module is about immediate payoffs and clear rubrics, CDL taught me that innovation is ambiguous and slow. It’s not about overnight success; it’s about hitting consistent, 8-week milestones. That steady, adaptable approach to challenging the status quo is a mindset I carry into my work today.

BAA: What does your role at Google entail, and what aspects of your role excite you the most?

As a Growth Consultant at Google’s inaugural Commercial Innovation Lab, I design and test pioneering commercial initiatives that scale businesses across the EMEA region. I partner with established companies to integrate AI, creating a distinct step-change in their growth trajectories.

What excites me most is the continual novelty of the role. I thrive on the diversity of my portfolio—moving from strategic work with luxury retail brands in Italy to automotive leaders in Sweden. This role allows me to dedicate my energy entirely to high-level strategy and the testing of transformational ad models, ensuring every project is a fresh opportunity to drive market leadership.

BAA: How has working in Dublin’s tech ecosystem shaped your professional evolution?

Dublin is a unique hub because of its sheer internationality. Working here has allowed me to collaborate with colleagues from Brazil to Pakistan, providing me with a truly global perspective. Beyond my role at Google, I’ve stayed connected to the startup world through Dogpatch Labs, where I’ve acted as a mentor. It has been rewarding to see that the lessons I learned at CDL in Alberta are just as applicable to the founders building the next big thing in Ireland.

BAA: What accomplishment—big or small—are you most proud of since graduating?

I’m most proud of the perseverance I demonstrated during my first year at Google. Like my experience during my MBA, there was a steep learning curve, but I leaned into the challenge and didn’t give up on the opportunity. By staying adaptable and committed to the process, I transitioned from finding my footing to becoming a top performer on my team.

BAA: What do you think Canadian-trained professionals bring to global teams?

Canadian professionals bring a high degree of cultural competence and adaptability, which I believe is a byproduct of Canada’s multicultural fabric. As a third-generation Canadian whose grandparents emigrated from Europe in the 1950s, I grew up with a deep appreciation for diverse perspectives, which is a trait that consistently helps me build bridges in international environments. Professionally, Canadians are often perceived as a 'best of both worlds' cohort: we are known for being collaborative and polite, yet exceptionally direct and pragmatic when it comes to high stakes decision making.

BAA: For students considering CDL or innovation/VC streams, what would you tell them?

The Alberta School of Business changed the direction of my life. I initially feared that my background in the UK entertainment sector wouldn’t be "traditional" enough for an MBA, but it turned out to be my greatest strength.

My advice is to treat the MBA as a "test kitchen." It is a safe place to experiment with strategies and industries you know nothing about. At CDL, my first few projects didn't go as planned, and my final deliverable was completely different from the original ask, but that final product eventually helped a startup secure a critical round of funding. Embrace the ambiguity and challenges; it’s where the most growth happens.

BAA: What’s next for Marisa?

I’m taking a fresh leap and moving to Amsterdam to join Reddit this April. With Reddit’s advertising business growing 75% YoY as of Q4 2025, it’s an incredibly dynamic time to join the team. I’m eager to contribute to their expansion during this high-growth phase and to experience the thrill of living in another European capital with a stroopwafel in hand.

The views and opinions expressed in this interview are shared in a personal capacity and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Google.