Marcos Liberato shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Marcos, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Being able to enjoy quality time with my family
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Marcos Liberato. I’m an entrepreneur and the owner of two Montessori schools in Florida, where we focus on providing high-quality early childhood and elementary education. Our mission is to foster independence, confidence, and a genuine love of learning in every child we serve.
What makes our schools special is our commitment to the true principles of Montessori education, not just as a teaching method, but as a philosophy that respects the individual pace, interests, and potential of each child. We work closely with families to create a nurturing environment where children can develop academically, socially, and emotionally in a natural and meaningful way.
My journey in education began after I moved from Brazil to the United States in 2015. Building these schools has been deeply personal to me, it’s not just about running a business, but about creating communities where children are respected, encouraged, and empowered to reach their fullest potential.
Today, I continue to work on expanding and improving our programs to ensure we remain a place where children can thrive, and where parents feel confident their children are receiving not only an excellent education but also genuine care and guidance.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Before the world told me who I had to be, I was someone following a very traditional and structured path. I graduated in engineering, earned an Executive MBA, and built a career working in banking and later at one of the Big Four consulting firms. On paper, I was on a successful trajectory but over time, I realized that this wasn’t the life I truly wanted.
I wanted to build something of my own, something with real purpose, something that could make a positive difference in people’s lives. That’s what led me to entrepreneurship and ultimately to education. Today, I own and operate Montessori schools where our mission is to serve the community by giving children the foundation to grow into independent, confident, and compassionate individuals.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me something that success never could: resilience, patience, and the value of integrity above all. A few years ago, I put everything on the line to expand my business and build a new school. I trusted the wrong person, a developer who took my entire deposit and delivered nothing. I had to fight a long legal battle, which lasted almost four years, to recover what was rightfully mine.
It wasn’t just about the money; it was about facing betrayal, disappointment, and the feeling of helplessness, learning how to keep moving forward anyway. That experience taught me to trust my instincts, but also to never lose sight of my purpose.
What I gained from that hardship was far more valuable than what I lost: a deeper understanding of perseverance, a stronger sense of responsibility, and an unshakable belief that doing the right thing, even when it’s hard, is what truly leads to meaningful, lasting success.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies the education industry tells itself is that children can only succeed if they are taught in a rigid, factory-style system, where every child learns the same thing, at the same time, and at the same pace. This outdated model ignores the reality that each child is unique, with their own interests, strengths, and natural rhythm of development.
It also neglects important life skills that traditional education often overlooks: emotional intelligence, entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and critical thinking. These are fundamental skills for life, yet rarely prioritized in conventional classrooms.
That’s why I’m so passionate about Montessori education. It respects the individuality of each child, encourages hands-on, practical learning, and fosters independence, curiosity, and a genuine love of learning qualities that will serve children far beyond their school years.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
If I knew I had only 10 years left, I wouldn’t change anything. I’ve already made conscious decisions to build a life focused on what truly matters to me. I’ve learned to say no to things and people that don’t align with my values. I don’t waste time chasing things that don’t bring meaning or fulfillment.
My days are dedicated to my family, to building schools that have a positive impact on children’s lives, and to being fully present in the moments that matter most. I’ve already structured my life around purpose, contribution, and quality of time, so knowing I had 10 years left would only reinforce that I’m exactly where I need to be, doing exactly what I should be doing.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.imkpreschool.com
- Instagram: @imkpreschool
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcosliberato/
Image Credits
Can you blur child face?
