Actress, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and writer Suzana Pires chatted about her book “Unleashed.”
Pires also discussed being an author and performer in the digital age, at a time when streaming, AI, and technology are so prevalent.
What inspired you to write the book “Unleashed”?
When I first started the Dona de Si Institute (my Foundation in Brazil to empower women), I felt the need to map out the reasons that we, women, are so prone to give up on the construction of our professional lives.
I found studies of all kinds that show that women are more educated, generate more profit when leading, and are more entrepreneurial.
We are capable and brave. So, what is the cause of such a high number of female entrepreneurs going broke? That was the answer I could not find anywhere. Therefore, I decided to conduct my own study and relied on my hundreds of thousands of readers and fans.
We identified the three major challenges women encounter in the workplace, and they have nothing to do with their professional skills but rather with cultural factors.
The main causes leading to professional bankruptcy and surrender among women are: female overburden, oppressions, and loneliness. The book is about the steps to neutralize those three pains and move forward with your life.
When I received the proposal to write a book, I wrote about my own empowerment journey with my own professional stories, all with honesty.
I am not painting myself as a super powerful woman that never gave up or never committed a mistake. I am super real with my audience and I think that’s why women connected so fast with the book.
Did this book teach you anything about yourself?
Yes! I need ‘Unleashed’ and Dona De Si more than any woman. The institute gives me the strength to keep going.
What motivates you each day as an actress and author?
The characters… I love people: our complexion, emotions, actions, and reactions, so the process of observing different types of people and bringing them to the screen is what motivates me.
What was it like working with Sharon Stone?
It was an honor. We don’t know each other on a personal level, but even so, she supported me and all the women that my institute is supporting. This is a “sorority” in action. Sharon is a champion.
How does it feel to be an actress and author in the digital age? (Now with streaming, technology, and social media being so prevalent)
Oh my God, it’s difficult. I´ve had to rebuild my image again through social media, and learn how to communicate in a new environment. I am learning something new everyday about social media, about A.I, and the technology age that we are living in.
I am still understanding how it could be good for artistic work. I think we are all aware of this issue, and the urgency for governing bodies to weigh in about A.I.
What is your advice for young and aspiring actors and authors?
My only advice is: don’t wait for the call. Create the calls!
Can you tell us some of the ways that you are helping women to thrive in their lives?
Virginia De Gomez (the content director of DONA DE SI) and I have created the “Dona De Si Journey,” with 160 hours of online classes, on how to neutralize those pains discussed in ‘Unleashed’ (work overloaded, oppressions, and loneliness).
We strive to reach a point that our students increase their business 20 percent a year and don’t stop there.
The Dona De Si Journey is our basic structure to change their lives but we also have professional educators in the following areas: technology, fashion, beauty, writing, and directing. All this done with mental health support, as therapy.
What does the word success mean to you?
To me, success means access to people’s hearts. It’s an honor and a great responsibility.
What would you like to tell our readers about your new book?! (What’s the one thing you want them to get out of it)
Dear readers, this book was created to make your lives better and also to create a dialogue with us, as women. Thanks for trusting me with this part of your journey.
To learn more about Suzana Pires, follow her on Instagram.
