Kamala Avila-Salmon on Telling the Truth, Trusting Your Voice & Changing Hollywood
About the Episode
In this episode, we sit down with Kamala Avila-Salmon—storyteller, producer, and DEI powerhouse—whose career spans music, tech, and Hollywood. From breaking barriers as Lionsgate’s first head of inclusive content to founding her own production company, Kamala opens up about the power of authentic storytelling, the hidden roadblocks in the entertainment industry, and what it means to lead with truth, clarity, and conviction.
Key Takeways
A Storytelling Mission with Purpose - Kamala’s north star is clear—amplifying underrepresented voices in media. Her work across music, film, and tech reflects a commitment to inclusive storytelling that’s both creatively rich and socially resonant.
Roots of Representation - Inspired by shows like The Cosby Show, Kamala was struck early by how rare and powerful it was to see Black families on screen. That early spark led to a lifelong pursuit: understanding who gets to tell stories—and why.
Breaking New Ground at Lionsgate - As the studio’s first-ever head of inclusive content, Kamala reshaped how a major film studio thinks about representation, pushing for content that reflects the full spectrum of global audiences.
The Hidden Hurdles of DEI - Hollywood may speak the language of inclusion, but Kamala exposes the deeper issue—leadership remains dominated by white men, and allyship often comes with unconscious gatekeeping. New, diverse talent is expected to deliver perfect work to even get in the door.
Raising, Not Lowering, the Bar - Kamala debunks the myth that DEI lowers standards. In truth, marginalized creators are often held to higher ones. Meanwhile, legacy creators are greenlit based on relationships—not always merit.
Impact Across Genres - Inclusive content doesn’t have to be heavy to be meaningful. Kamala’s lens includes everything from rom-coms to docuseries. Her metric? Cultural impact, storytelling quality, commercial viability, and whether it opens doors for others.
Creative Collaboration as Power - Kamala champions productive tension between producers and creators. Great content, she says, emerges when creative vision is matched with honest business context—and both sides trust the process.
Presence Over Perfection - Forget the myth of balance. Kamala practices intentional presence—whether with her team, her family, or herself. She prioritizes showing up fully, not dividing herself into burnout-inducing fragments.
Multitasking ≠ Mastery - Kamala challenges the hustle culture norm of doing it all at once. She encourages slowing down, focusing deeply, and giving people the gift of undivided attention—especially in an always-on world.
Leading with Self-Trust -Her definition of unleashing your inner queen? Trusting your voice, honoring your judgment, and speaking the truth—even when it’s uncomfortable. She draws strength from icons like Oprah, Beyoncé, and Michelle Obama, and channels that energy into her own bold leadership.
Reclaiming Intuition as Power - Kamala closes with a call to action for women to reclaim their instincts. In a world that often pressures us to stay quiet or play small, authenticity is not just radical—it’s revolutionary.
