Pursuit 365 Day 29: Amanda Da Silva

Q. If you could give your past self some advice what would you tell yourself? 

I have had many interesting life experiences, but the most memorable ones, without a doubt, were all learning moments for me. One in particular, although frustrating, taught me two very important lessons. The first lesson is to closely listen to what your intuition is trying to communicate with you. Today, I know that when you can sense something in your bones and when you have a persistent suspicion that expands far beyond rational or analytical thought, then your gut is most likely trying to reveal something to you. 

When your instincts tell you that something is not right, or that the situation you’re in goes against everything you value and hold dear, then trust that gut instinct. I learned this the hard way during my early career, and I wish I could go back in time and tell my past self to acknowledge the blazing red flags for what they were. Because no matter how attached you are to a job, if it’s in misalignment with your core values, leave and find a better environment where you can grow and thrive. 

You don’t have to work for a manipulative, controlling, or micromanaging superior and you shouldn’t tolerate their ill practices, corruption, and blatant misuse of power. The second lesson is if you want to be able to control your financial destiny, then you need to work on generating multiple streams of income. Being your own boss brings a level of flexibility that allows you to be more selective about the people you work with. 

You become the embodiment of the company culture and, as a result, there are fewer chances of finding yourself stuck in a work atmosphere that doesn’t adhere to your mission, vision, and principles. So, I would like to tell my past self that you deserve much better. You are worthy of greatness. Don’t be afraid of leaving behind what is familiar for a different, more rewarding path. And most importantly, keep pushing onward! 

Q. What do you have going on that you’d like to share? 

Aside from my regular business ventures and my first book release in 2022, I am currently in the process of editing an eBook centered around university planning for high school students. This is a guidebook designed for students who are trying to find the right school and it offers valuable information and resources ranging from test scores and extracurriculars to preparing for interviews, crafting university essays, and identifying a career path based on personal traits, characteristics, strengths, and weaknesses. 

I am also considering another book project targeting independent school owners interested in learning how to write policies adhering to ministerial regulations. These are all endeavours that I happen to be well-versed in that can be pain points for others. 

Q. Do you have a mantra or phrase you live by? What is it? 

A mantra and a phrase that I have always lived by and resonated with the most, even at a very young age, is Nike’s “Just Do It” slogan. I find this to be an incredibly powerful statement that incites a level of trust, rigour, and determination to fight for your ultimate goals and crush any challenges that stand in the way of completing your aspirations. 

Q. What keeps you motivated on a daily basis?

Knowing I am doing something I’m truly passionate about each day. Most importantly, my motivation stems from my family along with leaving the world better off than I found it. I genuinely believe that, as individuals, education is what grants us greater freedoms and easier access to all that is necessary to create a just, caring, and humane society. This is why promoting equitable educational opportunities and simplifying the process is at the center of everything I do.