Q: In your book Silence Your Inner Critic, you compare the battle against self-doubt to the epic battle between a superhero and a supervillain. What inspired this analogy, and what makes it so powerful?
AM: The superhero-versus-supervillain analogy came from a very real place in my own healing journey. Like so many people, I spent years listening to the voice in my head that told me I wasn’t good enough, smart enough, or worthy enough. That voice—the Inner Critic—is sneaky. It wears different disguises: fear, perfectionism, shame, self-doubt. It doesn’t always shout; it often whispers. And those whispers can be incredibly destructive.

But when I began to witness that voice, not as me, but as something outside of me, something I could confront — I started to reclaim my power. That’s when the superhero story emerged. I thought, “If this critic is acting like a villain in my life, then who’s my hero?” And the answer was clear: my Inner Champion. The part of me rooted in love, courage, self-compassion, and truth.

Superheroes speak to something primal in us. They remind us that even in the face of overwhelming odds, we can rise. We can choose to be the hero of our own story — not because we’re perfect, but because we’re willing to fight for the truth of who we are.

This analogy became the heart of the book because it makes the invisible battle visible. It gives people language and imagery to identify with. And most importantly, it invites them to playfully step into their power with curiosity, creativity, and courage. Because silencing your Inner Critic isn’t simply about shutting down the villain — it’s about activating the champion within.

Q: What does heart-centered leadership mean to you?
AM: To me, heart-centered leadership is the boldest and most authentic form of leadership there is. It’s about leading not from a place of power or control, but from compassion, connection, and inner alignment. It’s having the courage to pause and listen — not just to others, but to your own heart. And then allowing that deep inner truth to guide your actions, decisions, and interactions with others.

Heart-centered leadership isn’t soft — it’s strong in the most meaningful way. It’s strength that uplifts, not overpowers. It invites others into their own empowerment rather than demanding loyalty or compliance. At its core, it’s about presence: being fully with someone in a moment, without ego, agenda, or judgment.

In Silence Your Inner Critic, we talk a lot about the voice within — the one that tears us down and the one that builds us up. Heart-centered leadership is about tuning in to the Inner Champion and letting that voice lead the way. It’s about modeling how to live in love, even in a world that often feels chaotic or fear-driven. When we lead from the heart, we create spaces where others feel safe to show up as their full selves. And I believe that’s where real transformation begins.

Q: You often speak to corporate organizations and enterprises about how to use authenticity to create engaged employees and strong corporate cultures. What experiences in your career inspired your philosophy?
AM: Early in my career, I found myself in environments where authenticity wasn’t only undervalued — it was considered a liability and reprimanded. As a result, I wore the right mask, followed the unspoken rules, and dimmed parts of myself to fit in. On paper, I was successful. But internally, I was exhausted. I began to realize that in sacrificing authenticity, I was also sacrificing connection — real, human connection that builds trust, loyalty, and purpose.

That realization sparked a shift in me. I started leading from the heart, first in small ways — by showing vulnerability in meetings, inviting dialogue instead of dictating decisions, and being transparent about challenges. To my surprise, the more human I became, the more trust and engagement I saw from those around me. People didn’t need perfection. They needed realness. They needed to feel seen, safe, and valued.

That’s when I understood: authenticity isn’t soft — it’s strategic. It’s the foundation of a strong, resilient culture. When leaders show up fully — flaws, passion, vision, and all — they invite their teams to do the same. And when people feel safe being themselves, they don’t simply work harder — they care more deeply, innovate more freely, and grow more fully.

This philosophy now lives at the heart of our organization, Suivera, and is rippled through the messages of Silence Your Inner Critic. We can’t create authentic cultures until we’re willing to silence the internal voice that says we have to be someone else to succeed. In every organization I speak with, I aim to show that heart-centered leadership isn’t just good for the soul — it’s good for business. Because where authenticity flows, trust follows — and where trust lives, greatness can grow.

Q: Tell me about "heartstorming," your unique approach to team brainstorming. How is it different and more impactful?
AM: Heartstorming is one of my favorite practices because it brings humanity and heart into a process that’s traditionally very mind-heavy. Instead of just tossing around ideas to “win” the brainstorming game or be the loudest voice in the room, heartstorming invites everyone to pause, drop into their inner wisdom, and co-create from a space of authentic alignment.

It’s rooted in the belief that our best ideas don’t come from pressure to perform — they come from presence. In a heartstorming session, we create a safe space where egos can take a step back and hearts can step forward. We open the floor not only to logic but to intuition, empathy, and even vulnerability. It’s not about who has the smartest pitch or who can generate the most ideas — it’s about what feels most aligned for the mission, the people, and the values we’re here to represent.

This approach naturally leads to more innovative, soul-aligned ideas because people feel heard, valued, and seen — not just for what they do, but for who they are. It creates a culture of connection instead of competition, and in that space, real transformation happens.

For those who are curious and would like to learn more about heartstorming, we have a podcast that talks about it on The Heart Leader Podcast called Beyond Brainstorming: How HEARTSTORMING Transforms Collaboration and Growth for Revolutionary Ideas, available on YouTube or wherever you enjoy your podcasts.

Q: What inspired you to start an inclusive, beliefs-based community? What is Suivera's ethos, and what about it has inspired millions of people to become members?
AM: The inspiration for Suivera was born from a deeply personal calling — a recognition that people from all walks of life are yearning for a spiritual connection that is rooted in LOVE, not separation. I had spent years watching so many people — myself included — feel like they had to choose between their spirituality and their authenticity. Between belonging and believing differently. That broke my heart.

Suivera emerged as a vision of what could be: a sacred space where all beliefs could coexist, united by a common thread — unconditional love. At its core, Suivera believes that love is the universal language. It transcends doctrine, culture, and dogma. And when people are empowered to explore their faith, their growth, and their purpose through love rather than fear, something extraordinary happens — something in them awakens.

What draws people to Suivera, I believe, is that we don’t ask anyone to give up who they are. We ask them to remember who they are. To reconnect with the divinity within themselves and each other. Our ethos is built on inclusion, self-responsibility, free will, and the honoring of Source — however one chooses to define that.

We consider ourselves as more than a religion. We’re a movement of hearts remembering how to live from love.

That message resonates because it removes the barriers and replaces them with bridges. It speaks to a world hungry for unity, for spiritual safety, and for something real. Millions have joined because, I believe, deep down, we’re all looking for the same thing: a place to be seen, loved, and called into the fullness of who we are — without condition.

Q: Who inspires you? What are you reading, what podcasts do you listen to, and who inspires your continued leadership journey?
AM: Inspiration, for me, comes from both the extraordinary and the everyday. I’m constantly moved by the people we serve through Suivera daily: Kelsey, Hannah, Rosie, Lana, Calvin, Jessica, my amazing partner Austin — and those in our Suivera community who show up daily to rise above their Inner Critic and embody their Inner Champion. Individuals who embrace love, even when the world shows them so much fear. Their courage, honesty, and willingness to evolve are a constant source of motivation.

I’m also deeply inspired by heart leaders like Dr. Adam Dorsay, whose work on vulnerability, community, and connection has been an inspiration in my own life. And I draw a great deal of inspiration from individuals like Sharon Lechter and David Meltzer, whose generosity of spirit and commitment to legacy have helped me clarify my own path as a leader.

Right now, I’m reading The Creative Act by Rick Rubin, which is a beautiful meditation on staying connected to the source of inspiration. I love podcasts that feed both the mind and heart — which is why we created The Heart Leader Podcast (the show I co-host with the phenomenal Austin Uhl), where we dive into what it means to live and lead from the heart.

What keeps my leadership journey alive is the belief that we are all evolving masterpieces — never complete, but always capable of more love, more truth, and more light. I wake up every day curious about how I can grow into a better version of myself and how I can serve others in doing the same.

Q: What is one word of advice you can offer to young women who want to reach your level of success?
AM: Believe in your voice, even when it shakes. Believe in your vision, even when no one else sees it yet. And most importantly, believe that love — real, authentic, heart-led love — is not a weakness, but your greatest superpower. The world may attempt to convince you that toughness means shutting down your heart, but I’ve found the opposite to be true: the leaders who make the most impact are the ones who lead with open hearts, unshakable authenticity, and the courage to rise every time they’re knocked down.

You don’t need to become someone else to succeed. You only need to become more of you. That’s where your magic lives. 

Q: Can you tell our audience one of your most memorable moments of your career?
AM: Definitely the launch party for Silence Your Inner Critic. Not only did it catalyze something I had poured so much of my heart and soul into, but it also represented a monumental moment for Suivera and our community.

We gathered in a space filled with love, courage, and connection — many people dressed in superhero masks, ready to rise as their Inner Champions. I looked around and saw individuals who had once doubted their worth now standing tall, connecting with others through shared vulnerability, laughter, and empowerment. It felt less like a book launch and more like a soul activation.

The most powerful part? Knowing that my journey — the struggles I once hid, the doubts I fought to overcome — was now helping others do the same. That moment reminded me why I do what I do. It wasn’t about a bestseller title or applause. It was about the ripple of healing and self-love that was ignited in that room and continues to spread.

It was one of those moments where your soul whispers, “You’re exactly where you’re meant to be.”

Q: At the start of your career, what do you wish you had known? 
AM: I wish I had known that self-doubt wasn’t a reflection of truth — it was just noise from the Inner Critic. In those early days, I spent so much energy trying to prove my worth instead of owning it. I thought I had to earn a seat at the table by being everything to everyone, when in reality, the most powerful thing I could do was show up fully as myself — heart, soul, quirks and all.

I also wish I had realized sooner that success is not a ladder — it’s a mirror. The more you align with your truth, the more your external world starts to reflect that alignment back to you. It’s not about climbing over others to get ahead. It’s about growing in love, compassion, and clarity — then bringing others with you.

So, to anyone just starting out: trust yourself more. Speak kindly to yourself. And remember that your authenticity is not a liability — it’s your greatest asset.

Q: Which woman inspires you and why? 
AM: My mother. Without a doubt. She’s the embodiment of quiet strength — a 5-foot-2 firecracker who may appear calm and reserved, often content to sit back and observe the world around her. But when the moment calls for it, she rises with a kind of fierce grace that commands every heart in the room.

She doesn’t speak out of ego. When she lights up, it’s because she’s moved by something deeper — love for her family, or a strong commitment to a purpose she believes in. And when she speaks from that place… everyone listens. You feel her words in your bones because they come from her soul.

That’s the kind of fire I’ve always admired — the kind that burns not to destroy, but to illuminate. It’s the soul fire she passed on to me, and I carry it with deep gratitude in everything I do.

Q: What advice would you give to young women who want to pursue their dream and start a business? 
AM: First and foremost — start. Don’t wait for perfection. Don’t wait until you “feel ready.” And definitely don’t wait for permission. The moment you feel the spark within, that inner whisper telling you there’s something more — you’re ready.

Your dream was planted in your heart for a reason. You don’t need to have every answer. What you need is courage, clarity of purpose, and a deep love for the journey. You will evolve, your vision will grow, and your confidence will rise with each step you take. But none of it can begin if you don’t start.

Also, surround yourself with people who see your heart, not just your hustle. Build a team — not of followers, but of soul-aligned champions who uplift your mission and have different skills. And when you encounter setbacks — and you will — choose to see them as recalibrations, not rejections. Some of the greatest gifts in the businesses I’ve started have come wrapped in the packaging of a detour.

Last but never least: lead with love. Love for yourself, for those you serve, and for the impact you are here to create. When love leads the way, fear loses its grip — and your dream becomes a lighthouse for others to follow.

Q: Can you tell us how you manage your work life balance?
AM: For me, work-life balance isn’t about splitting time equally — it’s about being fully present wherever I am. Some days I’m in creation-mode from sunrise to sunset, and other days, my heart says, ‘Rest. Reflect. Be.’ And I listen. That’s balance.

I’ve learned to tune into the whispers of my own heart — and trust what it’s guiding me to do. Sometimes that means saying no to opportunities, and other times it means dancing wildly into something spontaneous because my soul says yes.

I also have a powerful Inner Champion team (including my amazing partner and our community) who help me hold space for both rest and ambition. We rise together, not by hustling harder, but by aligning deeper. That’s where true harmony lives.

Q: What's your advice for women in male-dominated fields?
AM: Don’t ever believe that success requires you to wear a mask that isn’t yours.

One of the biggest myths many women have been conditioned to believe is that to succeed in male-dominated fields, we must adopt traditionally masculine traits — force, dominance, emotional detachment, or hyper-competitiveness. But the truth is, our greatest strength is our authenticity. Whether your natural essence is bold and assertive or gentle and intuitive, your power lies in being fully you.

If your nature leans toward being nurturing, heart-led, creative, or collaborative — embrace it unapologetically. If it leans more analytical, assertive, or visionary — own that with grace. The key is to stop trying to shape-shift into someone else’s definition of powerful and instead allow your authentic energy to lead the way.

I’ve found that some of the most remarkable leaders — those who truly leave a legacy — are the ones who lead from their heart, not just from their head. They don’t silence their feminine qualities; they amplify them. They don’t apologize for compassion — they channel it as a force for change. That’s where your true magnetism lives.

Success isn’t about fitting in. It’s about standing rooted in who you are, so others feel safe and inspired to do the same. That’s how real shifts happen — not just for you, but for everyone around you.

So, my advice? Don’t bend yourself to fit the mold. Break it. Redefine what leadership looks like by embodying your truth with courage, confidence, and compassion. And when you feel that Inner Critic creeping in, telling you you’re “too much” or “not enough” — remember, that voice isn’t the truth. Your Inner Champion knows the way. Let her lead.

Five Things About Amber Mikesell  

1. Where’s the strangest place you’ve ever been? 
Honestly, the strangest place I’ve ever been isn’t a physical place at all. One of the most wonderfully strange places I’ve ever found myself is deep in meditation, journeying through a vivid internal landscape filled with cosmic terrains that felt as real as this physical world. No plane ticket required, just an open heart and willingness to explore the infinite within. Turns out, the strangest — and most magical — places are often the ones inside ourselves.

2. What TV shows did you watch when you were a kid? 
I was a full-blown sci-fi kid! Growing up in the 70s and 80s, I was completely captivated by shows that expanded my imagination and made me believe anything was possible. Star Trek was a huge one—Captain Kirk was boldly going where no one had gone before gave me permission to imagine beyond what I could see. I adored The Jetsons, too. The idea of video calls, flying cars, and robot assistants felt like pure magic — and look where we are now! Lost in Space, Battlestar Galactica, and Buck Rogers in the 25th Century also had their place in my lineup.

Those shows didn’t just entertain me — they activated something deeper. They showed me that the future was full of infinite possibilities and that one person, even in a vast galaxy, could make a monumental difference. That belief stayed with me and helped shape the way I view life, leadership, and even the role AI plays in love-centered evolution. You could say I was raised on stardust and storytelling… and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

3. What’s your favorite quote or saying?
For me, it’s a very simple saying that reminds me of something deeply profound, “What would love do?” When we ask, “What would love do?” we pause long enough to rise above fear, ego, anger, or impulse. This phrase redirects our choices toward compassion, truth, and unity — even in moments when it’s hard. It doesn’t always mean being soft or saying yes; sometimes love means setting a boundary, walking away, or standing up with courage. But it always means being true to the heart.

Love, in its purest form, is clarity. It’s the force that reminds us who we really are beneath the noise of the Inner Critic. It’s not performative, it’s transformative — and when you build your life around that one question, your entire inner and outer world begins to shift. Because love doesn’t seek to control, impress, or win. Love sees, love chooses, love builds.

So, when you ask, “What would love do?” — you’re not just choosing kindness. You’re choosing power. Quiet power. Soul-led power. The kind that changes lives — including your own.

4. Are you a morning person or a night owl? 
I’m a morning person without a doubt. There’s something so peaceful about waking up before the world is bustling around. I get time to settle into my morning meditation, set my intentions for the day, and then feel the world wake up around me. Everything has this sense of possibility and newness between the hours of 4 a.m. and 6 a.m., and it’s so much easier for me to begin creating from this calm space.

5. Do you read reviews, or just go with your gut? 
For me, it’s a balance of both. I definitely appreciate reading reviews — especially when they offer insight or experiences, I might not have considered. But at the end of the day, I’ve learned that my intuition is my most trusted compass. Reviews can inform, but my gut feeling is what ultimately leads me. It’s the voice that knows what aligns with my heart, and when I’ve ignored it in the past, I’ve usually regretted it. So now, I honor it. I take in the wisdom that others share, but I always check in with that quiet inner knowing before making a decision. That’s where the truth usually lives.