Diane Marie Pisera of DMB Consulting: I Am Living Proof Of The American Dream

An Interview With Jake Frankel

Building your American dream as an immigrant demands resilience. Facing numerous rejections before receiving a positive response can be disheartening, but perseverance is key. It’s crucial to remember that you embarked on this journey not to surrender but to overcome challenges and achieve your goals.

Is the American Dream still alive? If you speak to many of the immigrants we spoke to, who came to this country with nothing but grit, resilience, and a dream, they will tell you that it certainly is still alive.

As a part of our series about immigrant success stories, I had the pleasure of interviewing Diane Marie Pisera.

Diane Marie Pisera leads as the visionary behind DMB Consulting. Drawing from her MBA education, corporate expertise at companies including Conair, and successful brand-building journey, she holds invaluable insights to create an impactful online brand rooted in heritage that resonates deeply with the audience.

Her mission is centered on empowering entrepreneurs to elevate and expand their online presence, aiming to leave a lasting generational legacy.

Immigrating from Italy with her mom at nine years old has given Diane Marie the grit and resilience to start her own business to reshape generational legacies and create her own American Dream.

An immigrant, entrepreneur, podcast host, and speaker Diane Marie is multifaceted founder, who promotes building an intentional online presence as a tool to expand reach and to create a brand with heritage that leaves a legacy.

She has spoken at Iona University and diverse corporate branding and marketing workshops. Additionally, she earned recognition as a Top LinkedIn Creator, showcased on a Times Square billboard.

Currently residing in Westchester County, NY, she actively contributes to the local economy and educates the community on personal branding, social media, and leveraging AI for effective business marketing.

Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Can you tell us the story of how you grew up.

Until the age of 8, I resided in Friuli Venezia Giulia. However, my life took a turn when my parents divorced, leading me to spend a year with my mom in my grandparents’ home in Calabria. At the age of 9, we relocated to the United States, where my mom, now a single parent navigating a challenging divorce, undertook the responsibility of raising me. The transition to a new country and the separation from our family posed significant challenges for both of us.

Witnessing my mom’s resilience, I observed her break free from a toxic marriage and create a new beginning for us in a foreign land. Starting afresh with a 9-year-old in tow was no small feat. Despite the difficulties, she aimed to instill strength in me and maintain a positive atmosphere in the face of adversity. To synchronize with my school schedule, my mom secured a job in a school cafeteria, a departure from her previous role as a stay-at-home mom in Italy, where she managed the household and family. Moving to the United States meant entering the workforce, parenting, and navigating unfamiliar language and culture — a formidable challenge she met head-on.

Was there a particular trigger point that made you emigrate to the US? Can you tell us the story?

Following my parents’ divorce, my mom found it necessary to distance herself from the local area. Despite our fondness for our residence in northern Italy, proximity to my father posed safety concerns. This period marked an exceptionally challenging time in our lives, marked by constant fear and stress. Seeking a safer environment, we relocated to my grandparents’ home in southern Italy, marking a significant transitional year.

While we cherished the proximity to family, my mom harbored aspirations of providing me with a different future, recognizing that a move to the United States would open up more opportunities. Fortunately, my aunt and her family had already made the move a couple of years prior, and we had some relatives from my grandmother’s side residing there as well, providing a sense of connection in our new venture. As a child, I never anticipated facing such circumstances, but as challenges escalated in our home life, I became acutely aware of the impending changes and the necessity for adaptation.

Can you tell us the story of how you came to the USA? What was that experience like?

At the age of 9, I distinctly recall the challenge of selecting only 10 of my beloved Barbie dolls to accompany me as my family embarked on a move. Departing from both my family and cherished toys, those initial two years felt like a continuous series of farewells to people and possessions I held dear. Contrary to the common notion that moving to the US signifies an automatic transition to a better life, the early days were far from that ideal.

Initially, upon arrival, my mom and I found ourselves residing in the basement of one of my great uncle’s homes. Adjusting to a new life in the US, I started 4th grade feeling utterly lost, hindered by a language barrier. The struggle to comprehend what was happening in school, coupled with my inability to communicate with classmates, left me isolated. As the perennial outsider, I navigated different lunch routines and an overwhelming sense of displacement. The language barrier also affected my academic performance; I couldn’t understand English, and my mom had to use a dictionary to translate social studies homework so I could grasp the content.

This linguistic and cultural transition had a profound impact on my personality. While I had excelled and genuinely enjoyed learning in Italy, my initial experience in the USA led to struggles with schoolwork, a dip in grades, and a dent in my confidence. Consequently, I adapted by becoming more reserved, observing others rather than actively participating, a departure from my previous enthusiastic engagement in the learning process.

Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped make the move more manageable

During a challenging period in our lives, my great uncle played a pivotal role in making the entire experience more manageable. Recognizing that my mom and I needed both help and support, he took decisive action. He physically relocated to our home in northern Italy, providing invaluable assistance as we navigated the complexities of moving out. His dedication didn’t stop there; he accompanied us to the United States, residing with us until he was confident that my mom and I were in a stable place. Once reassured, he returned to his home in Italy.

It’s rare to encounter individuals who sacrifice so much for others in such a selfless manner. Throughout this journey, my great uncle ensured that we were emotionally and financially well taken care of. I owe a significant part of who I am today to his unwavering love and support.

So how are things going today?

Currently, everything is going exceptionally well for me! I am the proud owner of a marketing consulting agency, thriving as an entrepreneur. Additionally, my role as a content creator has earned me recognition as a LinkedIn top creator, even being featured on a Times Square billboard. I actively participate as a speaker at diverse panels and events in my local area. On a personal note, I am engaged to my fiancé, who, like me, immigrated from Italy. We are eagerly anticipating our wedding in Calabria, scheduled for the summer of 2025.

How have you used your success to bring goodness to the world?

I actively share a wealth of self-development content across my social media channels. While social media can potentially become a toxic space, I strive to use my platform as a source of inspiration, encouraging others to strive for personal growth. Social media, when utilized effectively, serves as a powerful tool for connecting with like-minded individuals who share the same cultural background. Sharing my story and highlighting aspects of my Italian culture has been particularly successful, fostering connections with people who resonate with my content and allowing me to forge new friendships in the online space.

In addition to my online endeavors, I am actively engaged with Girls Inc in my local area, where I offer talks to young girls on entrepreneurship and aim to inspire the next generation of female leaders. Through this foundation, my ultimate goal is to be the voice of inspiration that I yearned for in my youth. I am committed to imparting valuable skills not commonly taught in schools, such as leadership, financial literacy, and self-development, to empower and guide young girls towards a brighter future.

You have first-hand experience with the US immigration system. If you had the power, which three things would you suggest to improve the system?

In my personal experience, I’ve noticed that many processes take an extended amount of time, and I believe there is room for improvement in this aspect. Additionally, the immigration office near my residence only handled certain operations, requiring a trip to the city for others. This situation can be particularly frustrating, especially for newcomers, as accessing services becomes a challenge. When initially moving to a new country, individuals often lack the necessary resources and funds, making it essential for the system to be more accessible and user-friendly.

Can you share “5 keys to achieving the American dream” that others can learn from you?

Community:

Having a support network is crucial when you relocate to a new country. Initially, it’s natural to gravitate towards those with a similar cultural background. However, to build a better future, surrounding yourself with individuals who are achieving more than you can be transformative. Joining communities at schools, churches, volunteer groups, or local events can provide valuable connections and insights.

Gratitude:

As an immigrant and entrepreneur, starting from humble beginnings emphasizes the importance of gratitude. Appreciating each opportunity and those who extend help is essential. In the early stages, remember to remain humble and open-minded, acknowledging that no task is beneath you.

Work Ethic:

The United States is a country where hard work is integral to success. While achieving the American dream is possible, it requires a can-do attitude and a willingness to put in the effort. Immigrants often make significant sacrifices, and in the initial stages, one may need to sacrifice leisure time to work or learn new skills and languages.

Resilience:

Building your American dream as an immigrant demands resilience. Facing numerous rejections before receiving a positive response can be disheartening, but perseverance is key. It’s crucial to remember that you embarked on this journey not to surrender but to overcome challenges and achieve your goals.

Own Your Story:

Embracing your unique narrative is empowering, especially for immigrants who often feel like outsiders. Growing up, I struggled with fitting in, living a dual life at home and in public. However, with age and the advent of social media, I found like-minded individuals who inspired me to embrace my story and cultural background. No longer ashamed of being different, openly discussing my values and background has fostered deeper connections with people who appreciate authenticity.

We know that the US needs improvement. But are there 3 things that make you optimistic about the US’s future?

Although the US needs improvement and the American dream has shifted, it is still a country that values hard work. It is still a country that allows people who don’t necessarily come from affluent families to build their legacy as long as they’re willing to take action and better themselves. I think America is also becoming more accepting and respectful of other cultures, especially in the workforce. I think this shift is heavily due to the conversations that are happening on social media that bring awareness to this.

We are very blessed that some of the biggest names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might see this, especially if we tag them. :-)

I’ve been a dedicated listener to Rob Dial’s podcast for the past four years, and it has genuinely transformed my perspective on life. While I enjoy self-development books, what sets Rob’s content apart is its direct and relatable nature. His straightforward approach resonates with me, addressing any doubts that may arise, particularly for those who tend to be more analytical.

What is the best way our readers can further follow your work online?

Please follow me on Linkedin at Diane Marie Pisera or on Instagram at dmb.consulting and dianemarie_pisera

This was very inspiring. Thank you so much for joining us!