Interview with Amanda Da Silva

Amanda Da Silva is an educator by profession, an entrepreneur by nature, an Amazon best-selling published author with her new book, Be YOU Unapologetically released in 2022, and a two-time Amazon best-selling co-author of Pursuit:365. Formerly the CEO of a K-12 Independent School in Vancouver, B.C., Amanda is a passionate and consummate professional. She holds a bachelor’s degree in both Human Kinetics and Education, and a master’s degree in Leadership and Administration.
With a calling to empower the people around her with purpose and authenticity, Amanda has expanded her role as an educator and become an industry thought leader in confidence coaching. She has over twenty years of experience in the education and business sectors to pull from and is now sharing her curated knowledge with wider audiences through her writing and one-on-one coaching.

Expanding her classroom to a global audience, in 2020, Amanda founded DS Education Group as well as her own personal development and leadership coaching brand. She continuously brings energy and excitement to lifelong learning for students and clients alike, providing a supportive educational community and unparalleled training courses and resources to enhance their future dreams and goals.

Find out more about Amanda on her personal website:
www.amanda-dasilva.com/about-me

What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Loving myself, my family, and others for where they’re at.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Living in the ‘present’ each day excited for what gifts will unfold (gratitude for what is); feeling alive and well surrounded by loved ones; and the freedom to pursue my dreams!
What is your current state of mind?
Open-minded, curious, excited what the future holds.
What is your favourite occupation?
An educator and entrepreneur
What is your most treasured possession?
Photographs and my wedding rings
What or who is the greatest love of your life?
My family
What is your favourite journey?
My own introspective journey of self-discovery that I travel daily on a mission to become my best self and empower others to do the same. This journey recognizes we are all interconnected. In this way, we elevate the collective of humanity.
What is your most marked characteristic?
My smile (according to my husband)
When and where were you the happiest?
Fishing on a boat in the lake with my husband. My mind was clear, and I was present with nature.
What is it that you most dislike?
Inauthentic individuals
What is your greatest fear?
Mediocrity or unfulfilled potential
What is your greatest extravagance?
A bath prepped with dried rose petals, a glass of bubbly, lit candles, and listening to my favourite podcast (no kids making noise or fighting in the background)!
Which living person do you most despise?
No comment: I try not to live there.
What is your greatest regret?
Not listening to my “gut” and walking away from narcissistic individuals sooner.
Which talent would you most like to have?
The ability to play multiple instruments at a high level. Oh, and learning salsa dancing.
Where would you like to live?
Lakefront property (not too remote of an area) living in a wood cabin-style home designed by our family. I can see our family there enjoying picturesque lake views, taking part in year-round outdoor activities, indulging in the fresh air, and our children and dogs playing freely.
What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?
Living a lonely life devoid of simple pleasures, connection and meaning.
What is the quality you most like in a man?
Integrity and keeping promises
What is the quality you most like in a woman?
Compassion and courage
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
Attachment to things which do not serve me
What is the trait you most deplore in others?
Ego, arrogance, narcissism
What do you most value in your friends?
A reciprocal relationship rooted in integrity and authenticity. Unconditional friendships that withstand the test of time.
Who is your favourite hero of fiction?
Wonder Woman, who is a multifaceted person, dedicated to love and kindness. She’s one of the most iconic and beloved DC Heroines of all time.
Who are your hero’s in real life?
Dr. Maya Angelo, Angela Ahrendts, and Oprah to name but a few.
Which living person(s) do you admire?
My children
What do you consider the most overrated virtue?
Comfort. If you try to avoid all discomfort rather than embrace it when it presents itself, then you do not learn and grow from such an experience. To be comfortable is to stay the same. It is in the discomfort that we make meaning and develop realizations which allow our comfort zone to expand.
On what occasions do you lie?
To keep hope, belief and wonder alive. This is in reference to my young children during Christmastime. Elf-on-the Shelf, Santa, Mrs. Claus, and the reindeer—enough said! (wink)
Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
“Oh, great, more fun stuff,” in reference to things not going as planned or something taking a turn for the worst.
Excellent!
Perfect!
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
Welcoming, asking, and allowing for more ‘support and help’ to enter my busy life whether that’s working in my business, caring for our kids, dogs, house etc. I recognize that just because I currently do it all, it doesn’t mean it has to be that way.
What are your favourite names?
Jacob
Jaden
Samantha if I had had a girl.
How would you like to die?
In my sleep.
If you were to die and come back as a person or thing, what do you think it would be?
To come back as ME–a better, wiser, newly upgraded version!
What is your motto?
“Just do it” ~Nike