Mario was responsible for several successful performance and product improvement initiatives for many organizations, including The Anthony Robbins Companies, Broadcom, General Dynamics (GD), Genomic Systems, The Ken Blanchard Companies (KBC), Life Technologies, Mitchell International, PETCO, Prosciento, ViaSat, Zico Water, and the US Men’s Olympic Volleyball team (‘84 Gold medal).

At KBC, Mario wore three distinct hats: (1) company ombudsperson and mediator—working closely with Ken as his company expert on ethics, values, and recognition; (2) director of product development—his team developed 250+ leadership products over a 5-year period, including Situational Leadership II and DiSC/MBTI, Building High Performing Teams, Raving Fans & Legendary Service, and Gung Ho; and (3) chief internal consultant—Mario led a dedicated team in an 18-month effort to collaboratively redesign all elements of the company, resulting in a significant increase in performance over three subsequent years.

At GD, Mario developed and implemented Fit to Lead, a broad-scope executive development and coaching program. Simultaneously, he co-developed and directed the corporate wellness program—consistently ranked in the Top 10 in America. Under his leadership, the program became known for its comprehensive program offerings, high participation rates, preventive care, and reduced health problems. It proved to be an effective recruitment and retention tool.

For the past 15 years, Mario has personally leveraged his experience of overcoming an excessive fear of public speaking to coach executives/senior leaders to do the same. Types of presentations include conference keynotes/breakouts, all-hands/company town-hall meetings, investor/sales, college commencement addresses, physician dinner programs, and TEDtalks.

A native San Diegan, Mario has a master’s degree in exercise physiology from San Diego State University (SDSU), where he has taught theory and practicum courses in physical education and exercise science. He is a frequent guest lecturer at SDSU, UC San Diego, and UC Santa Barbara. He is married to Michele. Their only son, Geoff, recently passed away from an accidental fentanyl-laced cocaine overdose. Mario and Michele are now volunteering their time to bring to light the opioid epidemic, to help dispel the stigma of addiction, and enhance the efforts of those who fight daily to stay sober, and to improve their recovery efforts. The Tamayo’s live in Carlsbad, CA with two companion dogs—Bella, an Australian Shepherd and Bailey, a Golden Retriever. Despite not being much of a swimmer, Mario regularly surfs at his home break in Cardiff by the Sea.