Positive Force, Survivor, Language Expert, Mother, Krompach, Czechia

A wonderful human, Ms. Vivian Stockl is a ray of light for those she goes out of the way to support, encourage and help. I’ve personally witnessed Vivi’s magic; she never meets a stranger, tends to give a second chance and a benefit of the doubt, even to the most dubious of characters. Vivian supported Ukrainian refugees in Prague by donating strollers and used clothing, and for this I’ll always be grateful. Anyone who has met Vivian would back me up in my sentiment: the world is a better place because Vivi is in it. Her daughter, Maia, has much to be proud of when it comes to her gentle-hearted mom.

1. Name

Vívian Caroline Stockl (madien name Silva)

2. Where is your hometown?

3. What is your profession/career/title/self-label/designation? What does your average day look like?

Right now I am a customer service specialist for a molecular clinical diagnosis company. I assist customers and colleagues with their questions and make sure to deliver my very best work with respect, empathy and professionalism.

4. What did you study in school?

I have a degree in Oil and Gas Management, but I have never worked in this field. I completed a flight attendant course and speak three languages: Portuguese, Spanish and English (and some Czech). Knowing multiple languages have afforded me my best job opportunities thus far, in life.

5. What was the journey like to get where you are (in life and career-wise)?

Living in Brazil felt like one big endurance test, I was in a complete survival mode, working just to survive, trying to climb a mountain in order to get a hold of a solid career.

My best jobs have been as an airport agent at the TAM Linhas aérlines, an assistant at the bank, a logistics manager at a Rio Management group. Some of the most difficult jobs I’ve had, however, were working at a gas station in Brazil as well as at a car dealership; I worked those often dangerous jobs in order to pay for college.

6. How is your life different from what you pictured at 20?

Yes, I planned to be financially independent, professionally stable and romantically happy. Well, it didn’t happened that way!

7. Was there a time when life knocked you down or out and how did you get back up on your feet?

Many times. My life has always been a rollercoaster. When I was down, I choose to stand up every time and kept going. I refused to accept the suffering, trying to be positive and optimizing for the most optimistic outcome.

8. Advice for other women?

Love yourself and please don’t allow anyone to humiliate you. Don’t give up on your dreams, it’s never too late to go for it. And finally, in order to give love, you need to have it for yourself, so love yourself first and foremost.

9. Knowing what we know now in the current political climate, can women be "all that we can be" in today's world? What is the way forward, as you see it, for "feminist values"?

We are on our way to claim equality, but it does seem to me we are still about half way. Society still oppresses women in many ways; we are expected to be perfect professionals, mothers and wives. We try, but is it fair that, for example, after long hours at work, we still need to go for a second shift at home? Warm dinner is expected but also: “Aren’t you going to the gym? You are not spending much time with your daughter, but you don’t contribute enough financially. You are aging!” Yeah it’s a thing; they say aging is the reason they change the wife for younger girl. We grow old, tired and depressed.

10. Where in the world do you feel “tallest” (i.e. where is your happy place)?

My happy place is where my loved ones are. My daughter is my sunshine.

11. What extracurricular activities/hobbies are you most proud of? Why?

I love to dance, and Zumba is my mental escape. Stand-up paddle boarding is another way for me to connect with the nature and with myself.

I truly enjoy spending time with my girlfriends, building them up to remind them how amazing they are.

All some people know is how to tear others down. I just want to bring people up, even with one word or a hug.

12. What do you want to be when you grow up? Future goals/challenges?

I want be the very best version of myself possible, a lovely mother, a great partner, and an overall a happy person. I will be happy achieving all that.

13. What fears are you still hoping to overcome?

My fear was I’d repeat my mother’s history, and I did.

14. Anything you'd do differently, if you had another go at life?

I wouldn’t give up on my dreams, for anyone, and I would put more effort into my studies.

15. What/who inspires you?

Kindness and respect in others inspire and guide me.

16. What are you hopeful about?

I am hopeful that love, respect and empathy will end wars.

17. What are some ingredients to a good life?

Having a sense of living for today because tomorrow is not guaranteed. I realized that in order to be happy, I must learn how to say no, how to remain positive and not give up.

18. What are (at least) three qualities you most love about yourself and why? What are your superpowers?

I am sincere, positive and friendly! My superpower is my faith; I believe in God who inspires me to be a decent human being.

19. What advice would you give your 14-year-old self? What advice would your 14-year-old self give you in return?

Study, respect yourself and be financially independent before marriage. Don’t expect anything less than respect.

20. What are you reading now? (What books do you gift most and what are your favourite reads?)

“The Power of Action” by Paulo Vieira. I enjoyed “The Brunette” by Joaquin de Macedo and “Rich Dad Poor Dad” by Robert Kiyosaki and Sharon Lechter. The latter advocates the importance of financial literacy, financial independence and building wealth through investing, starting and owning businesses, as well as increasing one's financial intelligence.

22. Who is a WOW WOMAN in your world who inspires you and why? Can you nominate three (or more) women you know who perfectly fit WOW WOMAN description? What would you tell them, if you had an opportunity, about why you admire them?

My mother, who always had, and continues to have a very hard life. Yet she gave up everything to raise my brother and me. I want to tell her: “Mae eu sou muito agradecida por tudo que me ensinastes e pelo seu imenso amor. (Mom, I am very grateful for everything you taught me and for your immense love). You Olga, because you go beyond to help your people, traveling from continent to continent to assist people in need giving your love and your time. Thank you for inspiring me to be a better human being!

My fabulous friend Divya Takur is a WOW Woman. I had the pleasure of meeting her in Brazil years ago and we have been friends friends for life. Divya is an empowered woman with a diamond heart and a beautiful mind, I would tell her: “Divya, you teach me that there is no limit for improvement, you inspire me as a woman, friend, mother and a great human being! Thanks to all the WOW Women who make my life sweeter: Brenda Corona, Radka, Klára Bucharová, Joelyn Waters, Mariska, and many that I can’t write here. I am very grateful.

23. Where can others find you/your work (links to websites, blogs, etc.)?

I don't have virtual footprints; the marks I leave are in the hearts of the people I cross paths with.

Bonus Quick Round Qs:

1. What and who is worth suffering for? For our fellow people, empathy for me is indispensable.

2. What would you do if you knew that nobody would judge you? I already do that now. I stopped worrying about what others say or think.

3. Who is your mentor? My mother; she is always ready with a loving word.

4. If you didn't have to work anymore what would you do with your days? I would spend as much time as possible with my daughter, help anyone in need, neighbors, friends, family members.

5. If you could be anyone for a day who would you be? I would be the one person who could end all the wars in the world.

6. If you could relive one year in your life, which one would it be? The last year of high school.

7. What bothers you most about people? What do you love most about people? I hate racist people and disrespectful narcissists. I love it, when people are kind, honest and empathetic.