Meet Flor Palazzolo | CEO at Civil Mafia | Adtech Business Expert

We had the good fortune of connecting with Flor Palazzolo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Flor, what do you attribute your success to?
I love this question because success can mean different things depending on whom you ask or from what perspective you view it. In my case, success has always been about being happy and proud of the person I am. It’s about being honest and true to myself and allowing that authenticity to interact with, create, and inspire others. This principle is the main element in overcoming every challenge, whether professional or personal. Returning to who I am, regardless of the situation, always makes things easier for me. Knowing that I can sleep in peace at night and honestly say I am a person of good feelings and character, regardless of what happens, is a privilege not everyone can claim. I maintain my composure in any situation, good or bad; I remain the same person. This consistency is largely due to my attitude, which accounts for almost 70% of the outcome. There are always many perspectives and ways of looking at the same thing, but it is your attitude towards things that can shift outcomes and open doors instead of closing them.

This world is not an easy place, and sometimes we may feel pressured to change, to stop trusting, or to resign ourselves to our fate. But that’s not the way. Being successful means being happy with who you are and, if you’re not, working towards making that happen.

What should our readers know about your business?
My current company, Civil Mafia, was conceived from a blend of failure, disappointment, and a quest for happiness. It represents not just a rebound from those low points, but a culmination of learning, a deep-seated desire to fulfill my purpose, and an ambition to shape not only my future but also that of those who work with, partner with, or share our vision. Although I’ve always gravitated towards sales and business development, my true passion lies in supporting and aiding others. Naturally, I found myself devising solutions for the challenges others faced, constantly balancing my time between being a successful businesswoman and a person who truly enjoys her work.

To be candid, the journey was fraught with difficulties. Despite a lucrative salary and the freedom to work from anywhere—even before the pandemic hit—I felt a peculiar emptiness. Something was missing, a gap that needed filling, a soul yearning for nourishment. It was only after confronting these feelings and emotions that I channeled my expertise in AdTech and business, along with my selling skills and a desire to drive change, into founding Civil Mafia.

Our company was born with the objective of enriching the AdTech and Media industry and shifting the business and communication paradigms. As a for-profit entity, Civil Mafia is guided by a vision to ‘Do Business & Do Good,’ introducing a sustainable business model that not only achieves excellence in targeting and appreciating diversities but also allocates a portion of its financial and technical resources towards making a tangible impact, both locally and internationally, through partnerships with non-profits.

Recently, our efforts were recognized when we were nominated by the Florida State Minority Supplier Development Council (FSMSDC) for the Business Impact Awards (BIA), a testament to the strides we’ve made.

The journey here wasn’t easy. It demanded resilience, adaptability, and a relentless pursuit of that which fills the soul. The lessons learned are numerous, but perhaps the most critical is that success is not merely about personal or financial achievement; it’s about creating something that gives back, that fosters community and drives positive change. What I want the world to know about Civil Mafia—and by extension, my story—is that it’s possible to build a successful, profit-driven company without losing sight of the broader impact we can have on society. Our story is one of transformation, purpose, and the belief that doing good is not just an aspiration but a sustainable business strategy.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
The MiMo district holds a special place in my heart. It’s a vibrant area brimming with parks, an abundance of coffee shops, restaurants, plant nurseries, vintage clothing stores, and furniture shops. What truly sets it apart, though, is the architecture of the Miami Modern era. This style is globally recognized and remarkably well-preserved within the district.

Beyond MiMo, I find joy in engaging with the activities at Fairchild Garden, cycling through the hidden gems of Coconut Grove, exploring the strawberry fields and farms in Homestead, and discovering emerging art galleries and projects like Tunnel. While Miami’s more glamorous spots like the Design District and Brickell offer their own kind of excitement, I’m captivated by the unexpected charm of the city. It’s in the surprising contrast between the anticipated party and shopping scene and the serene beauty of nature, art, and tranquility that I find Miami’s true magic.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Diving straight into it, the first shoutout unequivocally goes to my father. He’s not just been a parent but a mentor in the truest sense, both in life and in navigating the complexities of business. His approach was always to push me a bit further each time, challenging me to strive for excellence, if not perfection. This relentless pursuit of improvement has been a cornerstone of my own ethos.

I also owe a great deal to a former boss who opened my eyes to the importance of self-acceptance and the art of self-reflection, rather than self-judgment. They introduced me to the nuanced dynamics of workplace politics, an invaluable lesson for thriving in the corporate sphere.

Equally, I must acknowledge the lessons learned from failure and from those who didn’t live up to my expectations or who left me disappointed. Ironically, these experiences have been some of my most profound teachers, showing me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of perspective.

And then there’s time—a concept so elegantly captured by the saying, ‘We understand life only when we run out of time to live it.’ This realization has inspired me to make the most of every moment, to focus on growth, learning, enjoyment, and mindfulness.

So here’s to my father, to that insightful boss, to the invaluable lessons from setbacks, and to the profound teachings of time. Each has played a pivotal role in my journey, shaping me into the woman I am today.

Website: www.civilmafia.com

Instagram: /florazzolo /civil.mafia /civilmafiafoundation

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/florpalazzolo