Breaking Barriers in Politics, Leadership & California’s Future with Fiona Ma

Breaking Barriers in Politics, Leadership & California’s Future with Fiona Ma

In this episode of In Heels with Keni Silva, Keni sits down with California State Treasurer Fiona Ma for an inspiring conversation about leadership, resilience, entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and her journey into public service. Although politics wasn’t part of her original plan, Fiona shares how growing up in a family of immigrant parents, building a successful career as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), and advocating for small businesses ultimately led her to public office. She reflects on becoming the first woman of color and the first CPA elected as California State Treasurer, overcoming obstacles in a male-dominated field, and finding the confidence to lead. Keni and Fiona discuss the importance of financial education, supporting entrepreneurs, creating opportunities for women, and staying grounded while serving one of the world’s largest economies. Fiona also shares her perspective on California’s future, the challenges facing families and businesses, and why she is running for Lieutenant Governor of California. Beyond public service, Fiona opens up about the personal side of leadership, including the importance of family, friendships, work-life balance, and the hobbies that help her recharge—including Korean dramas, karaoke, and spending time with loved ones. Whether you’re interested in leadership, women in politics, entrepreneurship, financial literacy, California’s economy, or personal growth, this episode offers practical insights and inspiration for anyone looking to make a meaningful impact. Topics discussed: * Fiona Ma’s journey from CPA to California State Treasurer * Running for Lieutenant Governor of California * Women in leadership and breaking barriers * Financial literacy and entrepreneurship * Supporting small businesses * California’s economy and future * Leadership, resilience, and confidence * Public service and creating opportunities * Work-life balance and personal growth ⭐ Loved This Episode? If this conversation moved you, challenged you, or gave you a new perspective: • Tap Follow or Subscribe so you never miss an episode • Leave a 5-star review — it helps this show reach more women who need these conversations • Share this episode with someone who needs permission to keep standing • Follow @KeniSilva_ and @InHeelswithKeniSilva on Instagram • Watch video clips and full episodes on @InHeelswithKeniSilva, Youtube, McCordlistTV, Roku  • Learn more about Divorce As An Opportunity and Keni’s work at Kenisilva.com

Surviving Cardiac Arrest, Letting Go of Control & Choosing Self-Leadership with Victoria Gustafson

n this episode of In Heels with Keni Silva, Keni sits down with heart-centered life coach, speaker, and sudden cardiac arrest survivor Victoria Gustafson for a powerful conversation about resilience, healing, and finding purpose after life’s most unexpected moments. In 2024, despite doing everything “right” when it came to her health and wellness, Victoria suffered a sudden cardiac arrest that completely changed the course of her life. The experience challenged everything she believed about certainty and control, ultimately teaching her that true peace comes from embracing what we can—and cannot—control. Rather than allowing the experience to define her, Victoria chose to rebuild her life with greater intention, reconnect with what mattered most, and step more fully into a purpose-driven life. Together, Keni and Victoria discuss surviving a life-threatening medical emergency, trusting your intuition, setting healthy boundaries, overcoming fear, and why so many women lose themselves while trying to care for everyone else. They also have an honest conversation about parenting—why it’s important to let children discover who they are, make their own choices, and learn from their own experiences rather than trying to shape their lives according to our expectations. They explore how letting go of control can strengthen not only our relationship with ourselves, but also with our children. Victoria also shares how surviving cardiac arrest transformed her mission, inspiring her to help women move from self-abandonment to self-leadership and live with greater confidence, clarity, and purpose. Whether you’re navigating a major life transition, raising children, healing from adversity, or searching for deeper meaning, this conversation is a reminder that life’s greatest challenges can become the catalyst for profound personal growth. ⭐ Loved This Episode? If this conversation moved you, challenged you, or gave you a new perspective: • Tap Follow or Subscribe so you never miss an episode • Leave a 5-star review — it helps this show reach more women who need these conversations • Share this episode with someone who needs permission to keep standing • Follow @KeniSilva_ and @InHeelswithKeniSilva on Instagram • Watch video clips and full episodes on @InHeelswithKeniSilva, Youtube, McCordlistTV, Roku  • Learn more about Divorce As An Opportunity and Keni’s work at Kenisilva.com

Building a Business Together: Entrepreneurship, Family Leadership & Defining Success with Leigha Anthony

In this episode of In Heels with Keni Silva, Keni sits down with entrepreneur and business leader Leigha Anthony for an insightful conversation about entrepreneurship, leadership, family business, and the evolving world of creator marketing. As the Co-Founder and CEO of Vitamin C, Leigha built a leading creator marketing agency alongside her sister and business partner. As the company grew, another sister joined the team, creating a family business built on trust, collaboration, and shared values. Together, Keni and Leigha discuss what it’s really like to build a business with family, the importance of setting boundaries as a leader, and the lessons Leigha learned on her journey from personal assistant to CEO. They also take a behind-the-scenes look at today’s creator economy, exploring how influencer marketing has evolved, why authenticity matters more than ever, how brands choose the right creators, and why building genuine communities has become the foundation of successful marketing. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, aspiring founder, marketing professional, content creator, or someone redefining success on your own terms, this episode offers valuable insights on leadership, business growth, and building a career with purpose. ⭐ Loved This Episode? If this conversation moved you, challenged you, or gave you a new perspective: • Tap Follow or Subscribe so you never miss an episode • Leave a 5-star review — it helps this show reach more women who need these conversations • Share this episode with someone who needs permission to keep standing • Follow @KeniSilva_ and @InHeelswithKeniSilva on Instagram • Watch video clips and full episodes on @InHeelswithKeniSilva, Youtube, McCordlistTV, Roku  • Learn more about Divorce As An Opportunity and Keni’s work at Kenisilva.com

Finding Strength Through the Storm: Overcoming Adversity Through Faith & Music with Isabella Ullo

In this episode of In Heels with Keni Silva, Keni sits down with country singer and songwriter Isabella Ullo for an inspiring conversation about resilience, faith, music, and overcoming unimaginable challenges. Born and raised in North and South Carolina and now based in Nashville, Tennessee, Isabella grew up surrounded by music. Coming from a musical family, she developed a love for storytelling at an early age and began writing songs as a teenager. Drawing inspiration from country legends like Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, and Waylon Jennings, she created a distinctive country-rock sound that blends heartfelt lyrics with powerful vocals and modern production. At just 19 years old, while actively touring and building momentum in her music career, Isabella’s life changed dramatically. What initially appeared to be severe migraines turned into a devastating medical crisis. After months of searching for answers and being repeatedly dismissed by medical professionals, doctors discovered she was suffering from a rare cerebrospinal fluid leak that caused her brain to sag and compress critical nerves. Over the following months, Isabella endured numerous procedures and treatments at some of the nation’s leading medical institutions. Despite the setbacks, she remained determined to find healing and continue pursuing her dreams. Everything changed when a specialized neurosurgeon successfully repaired the leak through a high-risk surgery. However, the recovery process presented a new challenge when Isabella awoke with paralysis in her right leg. Through relentless determination, rehabilitation, faith, and the healing power of music, she slowly relearned how to walk and rebuild her strength. Today, fully healed and stronger than ever, Isabella is focused on creating music that reflects her journey. She shares how the songs written during her illness became a source of hope and healing, including music inspired by perseverance, faith, and finding purpose through life’s most difficult seasons. Together, Keni and Isabella discuss overcoming adversity, trusting the process during uncertain times, and how faith and music can help guide us through life’s greatest challenges. They also explore songwriting, country music, creativity, and the importance of honoring the legendary artists who continue to inspire new generations of musicians. This episode is a powerful reminder that even in life’s darkest moments, hope remains. Isabella’s story demonstrates how courage, faith, perseverance, and purpose can help us find strength through the storm and emerge stronger on the other side. ⭐ Loved This Episode? If this conversation moved you, challenged you, or gave you a new perspective: • Tap Follow or Subscribe so you never miss an episode • Leave a 5-star review — it helps this show reach more women who need these conversations • Share this episode with someone who needs permission to keep standing • Follow @KeniSilva_ and @InHeelswithKeniSilva on Instagram • Watch video clips and full episodes on @InHeelswithKeniSilva, Youtube, McCordlistTV, Roku  • Learn more about Divorce As An Opportunity and Keni’s work at Kenisilva.com

Resilience by Necessity: Mohamed Hadid on Building a Life, a Legacy & Starting Again

In this episode of In Heels with Keni Silva, Keni sits down with internationally renowned architect, developer, entrepreneur, and father of Gigi and Bella Hadid  Mohamed Hadid for a deeply personal conversation about resilience, reinvention, family, and the extraordinary journey behind his success. After his family was forced to leave Palestine when he was just six days old, Mohamed spent his childhood moving between countries before eventually arriving in the United States as a teenager. Entering high school without speaking English, he faced the challenge of adapting to a completely new culture, language, and way of life. Those early experiences taught him a lesson that would shape the rest of his journey: resilience is often built not because we choose it, but because life leaves us no other option. In this candid conversation, Mohamed reflects on the defining moments that shaped his life and career—from building some of the world’s most recognized luxury hotels, commercial developments, and residential projects to navigating devastating setbacks that forced him to start over more than once. He shares how losing everything led him to reinvent himself, pivoting into stocks and technology before ultimately returning to real estate with a renewed perspective on success, purpose, and perseverance. One of the most moving moments of the episode centers around Mohamed’s mother. He speaks openly about the values she instilled in him, the love and compassion she taught him to show others, and the regret he carries from not being able to fulfill her wish to be buried in Palestine. In a touching moment, Mohamed speaks directly to her memory with words that reveal the depth of his love, gratitude, and respect. This conversation goes far beyond architecture and business. It is a story of displacement, adaptation, perseverance, and the strength to keep moving forward through life’s greatest challenges. From leaving Palestine as an infant to building a global legacy, Mohamed’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience, reinvention, and the belief that every setback can become the foundation for a new beginning. ⭐ Loved This Episode? If this conversation moved you, challenged you, or gave you a new perspective: • Tap Follow or Subscribe so you never miss an episode • Leave a 5-star review — it helps this show reach more women who need these conversations • Share this episode with someone who needs permission to keep standing • Follow @KeniSilva_ and @InHeelswithKeniSilva on Instagram • Watch video clips and full episodes on @InHeelswithKeniSilva, Youtube, McCordlistTV, Roku  • Learn more about Divorce As An Opportunity and Keni’s work at Kenisilva.com