Meet the Sinergias Club team, who make it all happen every day.
The club’s team is as multidisciplinary as it is professional and personable, and they lead with great skill every day, providing support and guidance to every member from the moment they join. This role is for experienced businesspeople with an extensive network of contacts in their sector and exceptional communication skills; in this way, they foster collaboration among members and promote synergies between members of other groups. Their role is vital in guiding each member towards their goals and the club in its expansion process.
Helena Olcina
Helena Olcina is a business consultant and mentor specialising in leadership through brand image. With over 20 years’ experience in marketing and business positioning, she runs her own agency and has helped numerous entrepreneurs to develop strong, authentic and purpose-driven brands.
She is also the founder and president of Sinergias Club Internacional, where she fosters strategic connections, collaboration and mutual growth among all members.
Throughout her career, she has received numerous accolades. She was named one of the “Successful Entrepreneurs of the Class of 2011” by the newspaper La Razón, and was chosen by the Rafael del Pino Foundation as a role model entrepreneur to deliver motivational talks on entrepreneurship in schools across the capital.
A regular contributor to television and the media, Helena has been interviewed on numerous occasions for her work in promoting entrepreneurship and for organising high-profile business events in cities such as Marbella and Madrid, where she launched her first business networking company over two decades ago.
Today, she combines her strategic expertise with a deeper understanding of personal branding, helping entrepreneurs and leaders to develop an authentic brand that reflects who they are and the impact they wish to make.
A go-getting mum, a true friend to her friends, genuine, spontaneous, full of life and cheerful, she’s a whirlwind of ideas and enthusiasm.
Vanessa Ortiz de Zárate
A rarity as beautiful as she is necessary
Svetlana Ciliuta Botnarciuc
Head of the Expansion Department
With a degree in Economics and training from eXp Realty International University, Svetlana has a well-established professional career spanning 27 years in Spain, where she has built up an extensive network of business contacts and a solid reputation in international circles.
A specialist in property investment and advisor to the international group eXp Realty, she is an expert in physical gold investments.
Founder and Strategic Director of Propiedadesenmarbella.com
Within Sinergias Club, as Head of the Expansion Department, she leads the identification and recruitment of business talent.
In addition to her business activities, she serves as president of the Moldovan-Spanish association “DOINA”.
Passionate, creative, tenacious and with an infectious energy, Svetlana turns every challenge into an opportunity and every encounter into a gateway to the future.
Elsa Ibáñez Ferrer
Apart from my work, the other main focus of my life is my family—my three children, the rest of my family and my friends. I am a firm believer in warm, close relationships between people, and I am convinced that this is always the foundation of my inspiration and my work.
Maia Podskoc
Graphic designer and social media strategist specialising in personal branding.
She helps professionals and brands build a clear, consistent digital presence that is aligned with their actual objectives, transforming scattered ideas into messages that are meaningful and focused.
A specialist in creating strong visual and communication identities, he develops simple yet effective strategies for growing a social media presence without relying on empty formulas or fleeting trends.
It combines design, strategy and content from a holistic perspective, paying equal attention to both aesthetics and the clarity of the message. Its approach is rooted in a deep understanding of each brand and the people behind it.
Maia sees personal branding as a conscious and strategic endeavour. With this in mind, she guides clients through processes of organisation, self-definition and personal growth, helping them to communicate with purpose and forge a genuine connection with their audience.
Creative, approachable and strategic, she brings a unique combination of clarity, aesthetic sensitivity and professionalism to every project.
Cibele Souza
I believe in genuine connections that create value, sustainable responsibility that shapes the future, and assertive strategies that drive global growth.
Jessica Malmberg
Jessica Malmberg is an international entrepreneur whose life has taken her to travel around the world, live in seven countries, and learn multiple languages, shaping a strong global outlook and a deep understanding of what it takes to build a life across cultures.
With this adventurous mindset, she pursued her education at Pepperdine University in Malibu, California, where she studied Public Relations, International Business, and Psychology, alongside further academic experiences in other international settings.
Her approach is defined by adaptability, resilience, cultural awareness, curiosity, and a calm, solution-focused mindset—qualities developed through both her academic path and lived experience abroad.
With this combination of education, international exposure, and personal mindset, she founded Life in the Sun, a premium lifestyle and relocation agency based in Marbella, supporting international individuals, families, and entrepreneurs relocating to Spain.
Life in the Sun offers a 360° support service including relocation coordination, high-end real estate support, lifestyle management, Spanish language and cultural immersion, and access to a trusted network of professionals able to provide all essential services needed when moving and settling into a new country.
Her work is driven by a genuine, relationship-focused approach, with the aim of creating not only a smooth transition but also a sense of community and belonging.
She supports clients in building strong foundations to grow and succeed in both their personal life and business in Spain, ensuring they feel accompanied throughout their journey.
Aura Imbarus
Dr. Imbarus holds advanced degrees in Foreign Languages, American and British Studies, and World Humanities, as well as certifications in TESOL, TEFL, CLAD, and clinical hypnotherapy. Since 1998, she has taught university courses in California and currently teaches at Keiser University and the American College of Spain in Marbella. Her work has been featured on NBC, ABC, CNBC and Antena Stars, as well as in publications such as Forbes Romania and Global Woman Magazine. She also produces international events and collaborates with Younity România, part of Younity International—Europe’s largest personal development and motivation platform—as well as with Life Journey, which organises transformative events and experiences on cruise ships.
www.auraimbarus.com
Iñigo López de Uralde Tomás
Iñigo is originally from Zarautz, in northern Spain, although he has been living in Málaga for several years. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a strong commitment to his work and a deep passion for graphic design and digital communication.
He has received training in various areas of design, enabling him to develop a versatile professional profile suited to different communication environments. In his role at Sinergias Club Internacional, he is responsible for visual design, content layout and the technical maintenance of digital platforms, helping to ensure a consistent, clear and professional image across all the club’s channels.
He also maintains a keen interest in developments within the sector, keeping a close eye on new trends, tools and technological advancements, including the growing impact of artificial intelligence on creative and digital processes. This ongoing commitment to staying up to date enables him to provide effective solutions tailored to the communication and development needs of Sinergias Club Internacional.
A tireless and attentive professional, he combines precision, transparency and focus to turn every challenge into solid, well-executed results.
NICOLE KING
Club ambassador
A charismatic producer of the television programmes “Marbella RTV” and “Good Morning Spain”, she has raised the profile of many members and, through her drive and creativity, supports the club on a daily basis by promoting integration between the international and local communities in her role as Ambassador for the “Empresarias del mundo” group.
Fun, genuine, noble, sincere, loyal and committed to society – she is a blessing in our lives.
CLAUDIA
Stewardess, dancer, artist
She’s an important part of the team and the first smile you see when you arrive at Sinergias events.
A free and strong spirit that always gives strength
FABIANA CAMARE
Club Community
With a degree in Performing Arts and a specialisation in Dance, she has been studying classical ballet since the age of seven, as well as other dance styles such as folk, commercial, artistic and acrobatic dance. Trained in online communication, she is the one who brings movement, colour and sound to every aspect of the club.
Tender, sweet, noble, creative – she is art in motion.
Godfather 2026
Every year we welcome a new Patron who endorses the club’s excellence.
The Patron is not just a successful business figure; they are also someone who is socially committed and shares the club’s values.
A guide along the way and a role model both personally and professionally.
Curro Rodriguez
Recognised as one of the ‘50+1 Inspirational Figures’ in Europe and Latin America,
He has founded 31 companies in six countries, including the Ly Company Group, a multinational recognised by the Financial Times as one of Europe’s fastest-growing companies.
Having been recognised with awards such as the “Flag of Andalusia for the Economy and Business” and European Union accolades, his commitment to social responsibility led him to set up the Ly Company Agua y Vida Foundation, which is dedicated to humanitarian projects in the fields of sustainability, education and children’s rights.
His talks, from the UN in New York to his native Málaga, are an inspiring blend of hard work, optimism and a candid insight into the challenges of the business world.
Curro Rodríguez’s story is a tale of resilience and triumph, which undoubtedly inspires us to keep fighting against all odds to achieve our dreams.
Previous Godfathers
Godfather 2025: Juan Carlos Cantero Muela
He is the Head of Catering and National Director of Alabardero Catering & Experiences, one of the leading companies within the Lezama Group, a leader in the catering and events sector in Spain with 50 years’ experience in the industry.
In his role, Juan Carlos oversees all operational and strategic aspects of Alabardero Catering & Experiences nationwide, ensuring that the restaurant outlets and catering services maintain the highest standards of quality, innovation and excellence.
Alabardero Catering & Experiences, part of Grupo Lezama, has established itself as a leading name in the organisation of high-end events, standing out for its ability to deliver unique culinary experiences. Under the leadership of Juan Carlos Cantero, it has cemented its position as one of the leading choices in the sector, distinguished by its creativity, attention to detail and the personalised nature of each event.
A man of remarkable integrity, natural warmth, approachability, honesty and great professional charisma, who brings value to everything he does.
He is the Head of Catering and National Director of Alabardero Catering & Experiences, one of the leading companies within the Lezama Group, a leader in the catering and events sector in Spain with 50 years’ experience in the industry
Godfather 2024: Ricardo Bocanegra Sánchez
He was one of the first to recognise the importance of Russian investment for the Costa del Sol and has helped secure residence permits not only for Russians, but for thousands of foreigners of all nationalities and from all social and economic backgrounds. With the aim of supporting foreign residents, he founded the Federation of Foreigners’ Associations of the Costa del Sol (FAECOSOL) in 1991, and as president of FAECOSOL he achieved numerous successes for the benefit of foreigners.
He has always been at the forefront of defending the interests of foreign nationals, recognising the vital importance of residential tourism to the economy of the province of Málaga. He has authored numerous papers and articles on immigration law and has spoken at various conferences organised by foreign residents’ associations and local councils on the Costa del Sol, aimed at foreign residents.
Godfather 2023: Juanma Romero
Juanma Romero, a renowned Spanish journalist who has been working at RTVE since 1985, holds a degree in Journalism from the Complutense University of Madrid and advises professionals across all sectors on communication. He has been a leading expert on social media for the Coca-Cola group and, since 1997, has been delivering seminars, workshops, talks and lectures on visibility in the various media, as well as on charisma and empathy – topics on which he has published several books.
A regular presenter of events focusing on social and economic issues for companies and social, professional and business organisations, over the last ten years he has received more than 50 national and international awards (in Spain, Brussels, San Francisco and Las Vegas) in recognition of his professional work in the fields of communication, journalism and entrepreneurship, and his efforts to promote digital transformation and new professions.
Regarded as one of the finest presenters in the television industry, Juanma has contributed to the success of numerous programmes designed to promote and connect businesses and organisations.