Choosing Happiness: Finding Balance, Resilience & a New Definition of Success with Dr. Marissa Pei

In this episode of In Heels with Keni Silva, Keni sits down with organizational psychologist, bestselling author, media personality, and happiness expert Dr. Marissa Pei for a conversation about what it really means to choose happiness—even when life doesn’t go according to plan. Known as the “Asian Oprah,” Dr. Marissa has spent decades studying human behavior and helping people move from stress, negativity, and burnout toward greater balance and fulfillment. But her philosophy isn’t about pretending everything is perfect. It’s about changing the way we respond to life’s challenges and recognizing that happiness is a practice, not a destination. Keni and Dr. Marissa explore the connection between success and happiness, why achievement alone doesn’t create fulfillment, how our perspective shapes our relationships and careers, and what it takes to build resilience when life becomes difficult. Dr. Marissa also shares practical tools for breaking patterns of negativity, practicing gratitude, and creating more joy in everyday life. Drawing from her work as an organizational psychologist, her bestselling book 8 Ways to Happiness from Wherever You Are, and decades of conversations with leaders and public figures, Dr. Marissa challenges the idea that we have to sacrifice our well-being in order to succeed. Can we be ambitious and still live a balanced life? Can happiness really be a choice? And what happens when we stop waiting for circumstances to change and begin changing the way we experience them? This episode is a reminder that success isn’t only about what we accomplish—it’s also about how we feel while we’re living the life we’ve worked so hard to create. ⭐ 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