Meet Eva Hughes | Business and Leadership Advisor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Eva Hughes and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Eva, what matters most to you?
One value that has been a constant throughout my career is consistency. It’s not just about being persistent, but about maintaining coherence between my words and actions. Consistency isn’t always easy. It challenges you, especially when you’re faced with decisions that might go against your own interests. But that’s the key to real leadership and success, being able to stay true to your values, even when it’s difficult.

Throughout my career, whether as CEO of Condé Nast Mexico and Latin America, and Editor-in-Chief of Vogue Mexico and Latin America, or even during my time as a volunteer at South Miami Hospital, and hosting WLRN’s Asian American Focus, that commitment to consistency allowed me to build trust with the people I worked with and create environments where people knew they could count on me.No matter the position or the industry, I’ve always believed that being consistent in how I approach challenges, lead teams, and make decisions is what creates lasting trust and credibility.

When you are consistent in how you show up, people know they can rely on you, which naturally builds trust and confidence. This has been the guiding principle that shapes how I lead and collaborate. When people know they can count on you to deliver on your words and follow through with actions, that’s when real progress happens.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My career has been a journey of passion, perseverance, and a commitment to staying true to my values. From my early days in publishing to leading Vogue Mexico and Latin America as the youngest Editor-in-Chief in the history of the magazine, and later becoming the CEO of Condé Nast for Mexico and Latin America, each step has shaped who I am professionally.

What sets me apart is my leadership, whether it’s in decision-making, building relationships, or staying authentic to my core beliefs. I approach everything I do with integrity and intention, making sure my words and actions align. This consistency has helped me build trust and strong networks throughout my career.

One of the things I’m most proud of is how I’ve been able to uplift and empower others through my leadership roles. I’m passionate about mentoring and supporting the next generation of talent, and I believe that giving back to the industry is one of the most fulfilling parts of my journey.

It hasn’t been easy and with time I’ve learned that challenges are often opportunities in disguise. I’ve faced self-doubt, fear, and moments of vulnerability, but those are the moments that have helped me grow the most. The most important lessons I’ve learned along the way are that resilience and staying true to your values are critical to long-term success. You will face setbacks, and things won’t always go as planned, but if you have integrity and consistency in your actions, people will respect and trust you.

In my role as a public speaker, I often talk about the importance of reinvention alongside leadership and personal branding. Reinvention is a key theme in my story because, throughout my career, I’ve learned the value of staying open to change and being ready to evolve with whatever the world brings your way. It’s key to always look ahead and embrace the unknown, even when it feels uncomfortable. This mindset of adaptability and forward-thinking has been central to my success, and it’s a message I love sharing with others.

As the Founder and CEO of Adira Consulting, a firm dedicated to helping businesses and individuals elevate their leadership, brand strategies, and overall growth, my focus is on helping clients on their business goals and I work closely with leaders to develop impactful strategies and enhance their leadership skills. Whether I’m consulting for a company going through a major transition or coaching executives to become more dynamic leaders, my mission is to unlock potential and talent.

Additionally, I serve as the Executive Vice President and Chair of the Advisory Board at Istituto Marangoni Miami, where I focus on building strategic partnerships and mentoring the next generation of creative leaders. Balancing my work with Adira and my role at Marangoni Miami allows me to combine my expertise in leadership and strategy with my dedication to education and mentorship.

I absolutely love traveling through Latin America for work. It’s such an enriching experience, meeting new people and immersing myself in diverse cultures. Each trip brings a unique opportunity to learn, explore, and connect with others in ways that are both professionally and personally fulfilling.

What I want people to know about my story is that success isn’t a straight line. It’s a mix of hard work, staying true to your values, and having the courage to keep moving forward even when the path gets tough. My brand, and who I am as a leader, is about lifting others as I climb, staying grounded, and always being open to learning and evolving. That’s what has driven me to where I am today, and that’s what will continue to push me toward what’s next.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting, I’d plan a week of great food, shopping, and a little culture! Here’s the itinerary:

Day 1: Coconut Grove
We’d start the trip with breakfast at Le Pain Quotidien in Coconut Grove. Then, we’d go for a walk around the area or to the park, followed by shopping at The Bazaar Project, a unique boutique filled with eclectic finds curated by Yeliz Titiz. Afterward, we’d grab lunch at Bellini. To end the day on a sweet note, we’d head to Whip n’ Dip for some delicious ice cream.

Day 2: Bal Harbour Beach Day and Sunset
We’d begin the day with a morning walk along the beach taking in the peaceful ocean views. Afterward, we’d enjoy lunch at Makoto in Bal Harbour Shops and then some window watching and shopping at The Webster and my other favorite stores (a secret). In the evening, we’d settle on the beach to watch the sunset. Dinner with friends would be at Casa Tua for a group gathering.

Day 3: Design District and Art
We’d head to the Design District to explore art and fashion. For lunch with friends, we’d dine at L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon. Afterward, we’d continue exploring the district’s galleries and boutiques, with a stop at Istituto Marangoni Miami for a tour and coffee at its café, Edicola, followed by a stop at Ladurée for a macaron break.

Day 4: Museums and Culture
We’d spend the day diving into Miami’s cultural scene, starting with the Rubell Museum followed by the PAMM. We’d visit the beautiful Vizcaya Museum and Gardens for a glimpse of Miami’s history, followed by a trip to the Frost Science Museum to explore its exciting exhibits. For dinner, we’d enjoy The Surf Club.

Day 5: A Relaxing Final Day
On the last day, we’d take it easy with breakfast at Cecconi’s in Miami Beach, a walk around the beach. Later, we’d grab some Bianco Gelato in Coconut Grove and reflect on the beautiful week.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
When I think about who has been instrumental in my life and career, the first person who comes to mind is my sister, Ana. She has been my mentor, my best friend, and my biggest supporter since we were little girls. At school, people used to think we were best friends, not sisters, because we were always together, confiding in each other. That bond has carried through our lives, and she continues to be a guiding force in everything I do.
Ana has always known me better than anyone. She understands my strengths and weaknesses inside and out. And here’s the thing: she’s always had my back. She’s never been afraid to guide me in the direction she believes is best for me, always with my best interests at heart. I wouldn’t be where I am today without her support. In fact, when she was offered the position of Editor at a magazine, she passed on the opportunity and recommended with the owner that I be interviewed for an internship instead. That decision ultimately led me to an interview and then taking on the role she had passed on. Talk about life-changing!
One memory that stands out is when we were at a newsstand, and she pointed to a Vogue magazine and said, “You should be working there.” Her belief in me never wavered. Ana has always pushed me in the way only someone who truly loves you can: by challenging my own limitations, questioning my self-doubt, and reminding me that fears should never hold me back. She’s taught me that it’s okay to be vulnerable, to embrace challenges, and to strive for success with integrity, kindness, and a strong set of values.
Beyond her support, Ana is one of the smartest and most fierce individuals I know. She approaches life with a positivity and optimism that is nothing short of inspiring. Even in the face of difficulties, she radiates a confidence that things will work out, and she brings that energy into everything she does. Her intelligence is not just in books or academics; it’s in her ability to read people, understand situations, and always find the right words to guide and uplift those around her.
Ana’s caring nature extends to everyone she meets. She’s the type of person who will go out of her way to help others, even when it means putting her own needs on hold. Her compassion, coupled with a fierce drive to make things better, makes her a force of nature. She doesn’t just tell me to go after my dreams; she lives as an example of how to do so with courage, grace, and a heart full of love.
Ana’s love and unwavering support have been the foundation of my journey. She has not only been there to celebrate my successes but also to lift me up during tough times. Her belief in me has helped shape who I am today, and I’m forever grateful to her for that. She is more than just my sister; she is my rock, my inspiration, and the one who continues to push me to become the best version of myself.

Website: https://evahughes.com

Instagram: @evahughes31

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evahughes3117/

Twitter: @evahughes31

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eva.hughes.921