Mariz Matocdo

She never imagined that building relationships would one day become the heart of her career.

Naturally reserved and more comfortable behind the scenes, Mariz Matocdo came to Dubai seeking independence, new experiences and possibilities beyond what she had known. With no relatives in Dubai, just a friend and a few hundred borrowed dollars, she was beginning a new chapter in a city where almost everything was unfamiliar.

Her early years brought difficult decisions and moments when she questioned whether staying was the right choice. Little did she know that those uncertain beginnings would eventually open doors she never imagined.

WHEN THE BEGINNING IS HARDER THAN EXPECTED

Before Dubai, Mariz earned her Bachelor's degree in Office Administration from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines and worked as an Executive Assistant in the telecommunications industry. Her background was largely administrative. She did not leave home with grand career ambitions; she simply wanted to experience working abroad, become independent and discover new possibilities.

After much prayer, the opportunity came. Arriving in Dubai was exciting and overwhelming. A distant hope had become reality.

But the excitement soon met unexpected challenges.

Her first job with a building materials company ended before she completed her contract. She later joined a trading company but decided to seek a more stable opportunity.

Over those early years, she left and re-entered Dubai four times for visa changes. Months of uncertainty and limited resources made returning to her family seem the wiser choice. Yet she continued, sustained by faith and the friends and community who supported her through the hardest moments.

Those experiences taught her a lesson she would carry forward: a difficult season does not always mean you have chosen the wrong path. It may be leading you to unexpected opportunities.

SOMETIMES, ALL IT TAKES IS SOMEONE WHO BELIEVES IN YOU

In 2008, a friend's recommendation led Mariz to the Swiss Business Council as Personal Assistant to Executive Director Myriam El-Rai. Beyond her administrative responsibilities, she supported Myriam in organizing events, particularly managing registrations, while gaining exposure to membership and accounts. These experiences helped her develop new skills and discover her potential.

Through joint business council events, another connection opened a door. In 2013, Mariz joined the Middle East Council of Shopping Centres (MECSC) under CEO David Macadam. Starting in a support role, she entered a new industry that would shape her personal and professional growth.

Mariz initially handled marketing, accounts and membership before focusing on sponsorships, communications and publications. Through interactions with senior executives and industry leaders across MENA and beyond, she broadened her perspective, gained confidence and built meaningful relationships. Along the way, she discovered that listening, keeping commitments and treating people with care were just as valuable as professional skills.

For someone who had arrived knowing just one friend, her world had expanded. She learned that one person's belief can open a door. What you do with that opportunity makes the difference.

BEYOND TRANSACTIONS: THE VALUE OF TRUST

For Mariz, partnerships have never been only about securing agreements. They are about understanding people, earning trust and nurturing relationships beyond transactions.

At one Retail Congress, a Saudi delegate expressed surprise that Mariz did not recognize him despite his regular attendance. That unexpected encounter became the beginning of a meaningful professional relationship, built over time through trust and continued engagement. His company progressed from Bronze sponsorship in 2021 to Diamond sponsorship, a partnership that continues today.

The experience reinforced a principle she values: business may begin with an agreement, but lasting relationships are built when people feel remembered, respected and valued.

LEADERSHIP IS MORE THAN A POSITION

Working under David Macadam's leadership, Mariz embraced two principles: Ownership and No Fear. Ownership means seeing the organization as more than just a place to work, caring for it and treating it as though it were your own. No Fear means embracing challenges despite uncertainty.

These principles guided her involvement in MECSR initiatives, including Retail Congress MENA and GVS Training. In 2015, she took over Retail People Magazine, overseeing editorial planning, advertising, contributor coordination, design, printing and distribution. Launched in October 2014, the magazine celebrates its 12th anniversary in 2026.

In 2024, she served as project lead of Souks to Malls – The People, working alongside the MECSR team, designers and publisher to bring the council's 30th-anniversary book to life.

Perhaps her most unexpected growth came through sales and business development - work she initially found intimidating. Over time, she found fulfilment in closing deals, securing partnerships and seeing clients satisfied, discovering that the real reward was not just a signed agreement, but the trust and relationships built along the way.

REDEFINING SUCCESS

Twenty years after arriving in Dubai, Mariz values more than professional achievements. Economic uncertainty, the pandemic and life's challenges have deepened her appreciation for family, community, well-being and the relationships that shaped her journey.

She believes God worked through people who supported her journey - from a former colleague who lent her money to friends and mentors who believed in her. Today, she passes that kindness on through encouragement, connections, prayer, practical support or simply sharing a meal, knowing how much even a small gesture can mean to someone. She embraces a philosophy close to her heart: pay it forward.

For Mariz, success is measured by the trust you build and the doors you open for others.

Mariz came to Dubai hoping to discover a different life. Along the way, she discovered a different version of herself.

And for anyone standing at the beginning of something new, her journey offers a simple reminder: You don't need to have your entire future figured out to begin. Sometimes, you need the courage to take a chance, the resilience to keep going and the humility to learn from those you meet along the way.