Born in Cambridge, England but raised in Spain, Laurel Bencomo initially chose to study business at the University of Barcelona simply because it felt familiar — both of her parents are entrepreneurs. She went on to earn a master’s degree in sales and marketing management at the EADA Business School, while working in events for a group of restaurants in Barcelona.
One day, she was handling a last-minute booking at one of the venues when the organizer came in and said, “I want the best table and the most expensive menu. I have a large group of porn stars to make happy!”
A great brand ambassador defends and champions the brand as if it were their own, passionately and authentically. It’s about building trust and inspiring others to see the brand the way you do.
Having worked with talent before, Bencomo immediately thought, “This one could be tricky.”
“Even though it wasn’t one of the larger events I usually managed, I made it my priority to ensure everything went perfectly,” she recalls. “I even helped them coordinate extra arrangements outside the venue. About a month later, the same person who made that booking called to offer me a job as an event manager at FanCentro. A week later, my journey with the company officially began!”
Over the next five years, Bencomo would learn the ins and outs of the business, ultimately rising to the post of senior sales manager — and most recently, landing a 2025 XBIZ Exec Awards nomination for Brand Ambassador of the Year. Now, as WIA’s Woman of the Month, she tells XBIZ how she found and grew into her place in the industry.
XBIZ: What were your responsibilities when you first started at FanCentro? How did they grow and change over time?
BENCOMO: When I first joined FanCentro, I worked on designing engaging experiences that represented the company and connected with creators and potential partners. However, when the pandemic hit, in-person events were no longer feasible. I’m incredibly grateful to the CEO of FanCentro, Vadim, who encouraged me to prove that I could create value and carve out a new role for myself.
Over the next month, I worked tirelessly to understand the platform, its processes and how different teams operated. I reached out to every team member to learn who did what and how things worked. Eventually, I connected with my current manager, Nicholas, the chief of expansion at FanCentro. Together, we started building the sales team from the ground up, focusing on recruiting and onboarding creators while gradually developing the processes that form the foundation of the work I do today.
I’m deeply thankful to Vadim and Nicholas for believing in me and giving me the space to prove myself, and to all my team for having the patience to teach me everything I know today.
XBIZ: Tell us about your current job there, as senior sales manager.
BENCOMO: I work in talent acquisition, coaching and platform development, helping content creators and their management teams successfully use FanCentro to monetize their content and engage with fans. My role includes introducing creators to the platform, negotiating terms and guiding them through the onboarding process to ensure their accounts are set up effectively. I also contribute to improving the platform by proposing new features and fixes aimed at maximizing creators’ earnings. This involves finding ways to encourage users to spend more time on the platform and increase their engagement and spending. Additionally, I collaborate on marketing campaigns to promote FanCentro and represent the platform by attending industry events.
XBIZ: Before joining FanCentro, did you have any interest in, or exposure to, the adult industry or the creator space?
BENCOMO: Not at all! But after just a few months, FanCentro felt like a family to me. The environment was incredibly accepting and allowed me to be myself. This industry has taught me that everyone is unique and special in their own way. Regardless of size, skin color or other traits, there’s a sense of inclusion and very little judgment. Being part of this space has been transformative. I’ve had the freedom to embrace my individuality and explore my talents, no matter how unconventional they might be. It’s that openness and sense of belonging that has made this industry the right fit for me.
XBIZ: What projects or accomplishments are you most proud of?
BENCOMO: I’m especially proud of helping creators maximize their earnings, particularly those who started small. Watching them take my advice, grow their platforms and achieve success is incredibly rewarding. I also love seeing my ideas implemented by the team. When those ideas become live, profitable projects, it’s an amazing feeling.
XBIZ: How have you grown as a person and professional since joining the company?
BENCOMO: Personally, I’ve become much more patient and open-minded in many aspects of life. Professionally, I feel like I’ve grown exponentially. When I started, I didn’t have a clear vision of what I wanted to do, but now I’ve discovered a career that I genuinely enjoy and feel at home in. It’s been a long journey of self-discovery, and while I still have big ambitions for the future, I do see I have evolved since I started.
XBIZ: Any big goals for the coming year, in your career or personal life? What are you most looking forward to?
BENCOMO: My biggest goal is to help FanCentro reach the next level. I want to stay involved in improving the platform to maximize earnings for creators and further innovate in ways that benefit the entire community. I’m looking forward to seeing the positive impact of these efforts and continuing to grow alongside FanCentro.
XBIZ: Any advice for other “women in adult”? Either folks already working in the industry, or those considering entering the field?
BENCOMO: For those already working in the industry, I’d say: Don’t hesitate to reach out! Whether you’re looking for a hand, brainstorming ideas or just wanting to connect with fellow industry professionals, I’m always here to help or chat. For anyone considering entering this field, I can genuinely say it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It’s an industry that embraces individuality, fosters creativity and provides a strong sense of community.
XBIZ: You’ve been nominated for a 2025 XBIZ Exec Award in the category of Brand Ambassador of the Year. In your opinion, what makes someone a great brand ambassador?
BENCOMO: To me, being a great brand ambassador starts with wholeheartedly believing in the brand you represent, without question or doubt. You need to align fully with the company’s values and embody them in everything you do. A great brand ambassador defends and champions the brand as if it were their own, passionately and authentically. It’s about building trust and inspiring others to see the brand the way you do.
Each month, XBIZ spotlights the career accomplishments and outstanding contributions of Women in Adult. WIA profiles offer an intimate look at the professional lives of the industry’s most influential businesswomen.
