Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Diana Silva Head, Molé Mama. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Diana, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
This is a biggie for me. The nasty impostor syndrome gremlin inside of my head spent years transcending me into a terror-stricken, paralyzed mess while it reminded me that I wasn’t talented enough, smart enough, educated enough, the right color, age, no one ever listens to the woman in the room, and more. I spent countless moments filled with terror and anxiety, sweating with an accelerated heart rate, not because of anything anyone said to me but because of the controlling power and voice I gave to this nasty gremlin.
It wasn’t until I developed a minor heart condition that I finally understood that I had to conquer and disempower its ability to make me feel like a giant imposter.
Today, I quiet it utilizing a five-deep breath technique that a meditation instructor taught me. It drops me into the present moment, and I tell myself I deserve to be here; it’s precisely where I’m meant to be. And while it sounds like an incredibly simple solution, it works!
This practice was so helpful during my recent Food Network’s Guys Grocery Games competition. Being on National TV was an entirely new level of imposter syndrome, but thankfully, my breathing practice worked! I’ve realized I’ll never be free of this pesty gremlin, but I’m committed to disempowering it every time it shows up!
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’m a Mexican & Portuguese San Diego-based author, home cook, and podcaster celebrating culinary magic!
I believe anyone can learn to cook delicious Mexican food. My mother taught me how to cook, and I hope you decide to try some of our recipes and experience the joy of delicious tacos, enchiladas, tamales, abondigas, soups, Santa Maria-style BBQ, and so much more!
One of my dreams came true recently, and I competed on Food Network’s Guy’s Grocery Games Flavortown Academy, where I shared my Mexican cooking expertise and had a blast!
I grew up on a California Dairy Farm, and I’ve always loved to COOK and EAT! I prefer cooking with real ingredients, no low-fat, over-processed foods in my recipes!
I’m guilty of using delicious home-cooked food to connect with friends, family, employees, and strangers! Cooking for others is my love language, and if you’ve been in my inner circle or worked with me, you’ve most likely tasted my salsa, guacamole, queso fundido, mole, enchiladas, Spanish rice, and chocolate cupcakes, fondly referred to as crack cakes because you can’t have just one!
I believe home-cooked food can break down cultural and generational barriers, create a sense of belonging amongst co-workers, friends, and family and create real, meaningful connections and magic!
I recently released my new book, Abuelita’s Magical Molcajete. It’s a fun, magical, heartwarming romance filled with delicious Mexican food and hope! The characters beam with sass, imperfection, wisdom, and love and will have you longing to connect with family and friends. It may also drive you to launch new cooking clubs where you’ll spend countless hours making family recipes with multi-generational, cross-cultural friends and family, eat countless pink conchas and fluffy flour
tortillas, host a tamalada and purchase a molcajete.
I plan to promote my new book at several events, including the Carlsbad Library (June 1st), Latino Book Festival (June 8th), Warwick’s Bookstore (September 22nd), and more. For up-to-date events, visit my Molé Mama website.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
My childhood taught me the value of hard work, resilience, and teamwork. I grew up on a dairy farm where moving sprinkler pipes, cleaning barns, feeding animals, and helping my mama with family meals were daily chores. And while farm life is backbreaking work, it also builds resilience at a young age. No matter what happened on the farm, we were taught to deal with the problem of the tractor breaking, a calf’s mama dying, etc., and keep going! My work ethic, understanding that I need to support others and lean in for help sometimes, and ability to be resilient (creative problem solver) significantly contributed to my success as a manager and executive in Silicon Valley and as a business owner!
No matter where you are in your entrepreneurial journey, keep learning, evolving, connecting, and collaborating. Embrace your unique brilliance and keep going! Your business and dreams are like gardens that require time to grow!
Alright, so before we go we want to ask you to take a moment to reflect and share what you think you would do if you somehow knew you only had a decade of life left?
Four years ago, I was diagnosed with a serious heart condition that progressively became more symptomatic and debilitating. It prompted me to face my mortality and make some very big changes in my life. Today, I invest in my well-being every day! I don’t sweat the small stuff, I’ve let go of my perfection complex, and I LIVE in a state of gratitude! And last year I underwent two heart surgeries that corrected my heart condition! I’m committed to staying healthy and balanced, living with purpose and passion and surrounding myself with people I adore. I meditate, practice yoga, complete cardio exercise, strength training, and writing are all part of my weekly routine. I’m peaceful, content, and feel terrific. This is how I plan to live my remaining days! And while I might need to make adjustments to my exercise program, gratitude, practicing kindness, writing, and meditation are now part of my DNA and the way I LIVE! I wish I had figured this all out sooner!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.molemama.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mole_mama/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/molemama/
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/diasilva
- Youtube: youtube.com/c/molemamarecipes
- Other: https://www.molemama.com/book-abuelitas-magical-molcajete
