Welcome to Leveling Up with Lindsay, the podcast
where we dive into leadership, small business,
and everything in between. I'm Lindsay, your
host and the proud owner of White Puny Boutique,
a space created to empower women, build confidence,
and foster meaningful connections. Whether you're
an entrepreneur, a mom, a friend, or someone
just looking for a little inspiration, This is
your space to feel seen, supported, and inspired.
Join me as we share stories, strategies, and
a little bit of life's chaos while navigating
what it truly means to level up in starting a
business, relationship, and personal growth.
So grab a cup of coffee, get comfy, and let's
level up together. Today's guest is someone I've
admired for a long time, not because she demands
attention, but because of how powerfully she
leads without ever needing the spotlight. Danny
Protovinsky is a kind of woman whose presence
makes you feel steadier, whose words make you
think deeper, and whose leadership though quiet
is absolutely undeniable. With a doctorate experiencing
teaching at three different colleges and years
of leading at the highest level within Centricure,
Dani's career is one marked by excellence, humility,
and service. But what many don't see is the strength
behind the scenes. She's been consulting, coaching,
and guiding others quietly for years. And now
she's stepping into a brand new chapter. After
recently making the courageous decision to leave
her leadership role, Dani is taking a leap of
faith into what's next. One that's rooted not
in certainty, but in calling. In this episode,
we're talking about quiet leadership, the power
of customizing your leadership style, connection,
the messy middle, and the courage it takes to
move forward when the path is still unfolding.
Dani is a naturally gifted leader, not just because
of what she's accomplished, but because of who
she is. I'm so honored to share this conversation
with you and to finally put the spotlight on
a woman who's been elevating others behind the
scenes for far too long. Let's dive in. You are
so kind, Lindsey. And I think, too, you know,
we were talking a little bit about how we've
been connected for so many years. I'm like, how
has it been that long? It's been a long time.
So Dani and I actually met at the Woman of Influence
Summit. So White Pioni Boutique did a runway.
And you were a speaker. Yep. What was your topic
again? So I've always talked about that you can
be the maker of your own magic. And I did talk
about the messy middle and what that looks like.
So this has come full circle and it's something
that just is embedded and kind of filtered into
my daily life and my practice. So I love that.
Danny and I out a week and a half ago. Was it
longer? I'm not sure days go by so fast, but
we met for coffee and I think we were there for
two hours or longer. I know when I got in the
car and looked at my phone, it was like, wow,
we could talk. about business and leadership
and connecting with people and education, honestly,
for a really, really long time. So you're a natural
leader, obviously a very strong leader. I think
this, we talked a little bit when we had coffee
about this being something that I think we were
both kind of born naturally with. Tell me about
your earliest stages of leadership. You as a
little girl, did you know, like, did you carry
those qualities then? and like tell me about
little leader Dany. Well if you can imagine just
a little girl with like fiery curly red hair
running around right telling people what to do
more so advising rather than bossing right. I
was the bossy little girl my mom always said.
Yeah but also just the quiet style of leadership
right the essential qualities to like listen
and observe but also provide some of that constructive
feedback. I was very good at that when I was
younger. Can you imagine a little five -year
-old I'm gonna give you some constructive feedback.
Yes, yes. Whether it was taken good or bad, that
could be, you know, up for discussion. But yeah,
I think, you know, part of that, and these were
qualities that I think in my younger years I
didn't even see, right? So, you know, listening,
empathy, a lot of those compassionate components
when we think about connecting with people. But
really, I was a multi -sport athlete, you know,
I was in school, always yearning for excellence,
not necessarily perfection, right? In sports,
you know, I was a captain for multiple years
and that transcended into my... college years.
I had so much fun and really still stay connected
with many of those people still today. think
about is even the wonderful coaches and leaders
that I had and how they made an impact on me.
Man our stories are very similar in that regard
when I'm listening to my mom always jokes about
being the bossy little one because she had a
daycare and I would you know wrangle all her
children and we would sing songs together and
put on plays together and I was coordinating
everything and then also a sports. I think you
learn so much and there are coaches that I've
had that really stuck with me and then as my
career has moved on in different ways or my journey
in life. There has been different managers that
will forever be indebted in my heart and just
people who led differently. And I think when
you have that experience and you're mindful of
it it's something that's in your blood because
I think it is for you and I. You look at things
a little bit differently and you don't take for
granted some of that or learn to not take for
granted, right? I learned so much about you while
we're sitting there. So much more about you which
is so awesome. Tell me about your home life.
I learned that you have a doctorate and you're
also, she does. She's a woman of many, many trades.
So just give me a little bit of background about
you personally. Yeah. Well, I am a wife, a mom,
a friend, a colleague, a leader, and I've had
so many wonderful privileges to lead in many
spaces. And I think part of that natural progression
or that natural leadership is really also being
a high performer, right? And you know, when you
strive for excellence, you're not necessarily
doing it for someone else or the show. of that
is really just getting to do the things you love,
right? And so I... packed my car and I was the
first in my family to go off to college and seek
higher education just knowing that I wanted something
a little bit different and in that space right
I got involved and I you know started to build
connection and community but then out of that
I was still leading and influencing and that
was really what was bringing me the most joy
I was recruited out of college for my first job
and I just built wonderful connections and for
that I'm so grateful and I just kind of kept
going right so I never really took a break I
did my masters while I was working full and I
was, you know, coaching dance and teaching fitness
classes and then I did my doctorate. I just never,
you know, really took a break. Never slowed down
once. Yeah. It makes me kind of tired hearing
that. I know, right? Yeah, but in that is kind
of the messy middle, right? Because it does start
to bubble up in those times of challenge, those
times of, you know, you don't see the lower part
of the iceberg, right? Yes. But also so grateful
for the opportunities. My doctorate is actually
in epidemiology, which is the study of chronic
and infectious diseases. Oh, wow. And so I have
worked in the health field for the last 17 years
going on 18 years. You know I think as you talk
about just showing up in the quiet leadership,
I also reflect it back to like the evidence -based
practice of consistency. It's like the magic
happens in those small pieces of showing up and
doing the things that you love because the byproduct
of that is getting to do so many things. like
drop right there. Consistency and doing what
you know doing what you love and what you're
passionate about. You have been a leader for
a very very long time. You have a long history
of leadership and I would love to talk because
when I think of you and what I've learned about
you even in this short period of time even in
addition to what I you know us meeting before.
Quiet leadership is something very prevalent.
When I think of you, I think of a quiet, very,
very strong leader. What would you say? This
was a really fun topic that we started with over
coffee. What does quiet leadership mean to you?
And that's very generalized, but I know you're
going to answer this like a rock star because
our conversation went very long. So I would love
like quiet leadership to you. What does that
mean? Gosh, you know, I think leadership looks
so different for everyone, but for me, leadership
has never been about the title or chasing a dog.
or specifically chasing some sort of outcome.
Really it's been about the people and the impact
and the work. I think that really has sparked
my passion. But what I love about quiet leadership,
and many actually don't know this, but I love
growing people. I really love the connection
and I think just the wonderful relationships
that I've built over the years and seeing them,
right? It's like I've seen individuals grow in
their career or in their parenthood in their
relationships and that I think is the most rewarding
part because leadership to me has been such a
privilege. But the other factor too is I typically
don't share, right? You know, I actually had
my daughter so transitioning into this season
I was working in local public health. as many
know for quite some time, which I absolutely
love. And, you know, through COVID, the pandemic,
that was like... kind of my jam, right, as we
think about chronic and infectious diseases.
And, you know, a part of that is really a calling
for more, right, to lead and to be able to show
up in a different space. And actually, I was
pregnant with my daughter. So in 2020 into 2021,
when we started, actually, the Women of Influence,
I was not showing at all. Right. And so third
trimester comes along, which is, you know, fall.
I was poppin'. So she was in my belly at the
Women of Influence Summit, which was so special.
I worked and I hustled and I did the things that
I loved all the way up, actually, until the day
that I got induced. I worked a regular day. I
connected with people and yeah, we just kind
of transitioned. I had my daughter. I started
actually in my new role as a leader with Central
Care the following week. So I did not take a
leave and I just have been kind of in those spaces.
But it's been quiet because part of it is I just
do the things that I love, right? I'm consistent.
I show up and I really think that you also have
to lead yourself too, right? I agree with that.
You said it best when we were together. And you
said, we're just, you and I are people helping
other people. Oh yeah. And one thing that this
generated, the best conversation and this, I
could get me on another soap box. So hopefully
you won't have to sit and listen to us for another,
an additional hour, three hours later, but is
customized leadership. So quiet leadership to
me is something so powerful. I think you know,
okay, this is very generalized, but you know,
you're meant to lead or you're a great leader.
when there is quiet leadership. It's best at
times when it's not put on a pedestal. You're
not screaming from the rooftops. You're not putting
a thing on a sign saying, this is what I'm doing.
This is what I need you to do. I kind of look
at that as like a management type style. Yeah,
like a boss. Yeah, like a boss. But then it got
us talking about what makes us good leaders.
Yes. And it is the customizing per person. It
is never going to be the same leading one person
from the next. And I think the secret sauce,
and you can kind of dive into this a little bit,
is really diving into the individual you're leading.
So customizing, no one person is going to probably
need the same thing. What motivates everybody
is a little bit different. What fuels the passion
behind what you do? Everything is going to be
a little bit different depending on the individual.
And what's so powerful is when you can quietly
kind of take a step back and invest in that in
person. And when I say person, Danny has led
many, many people, a large team. And I have as
well, not as big, but I mean... a good amount
of people. And when you become a really great
leader, I think it's when you take that large
group number out of it and you invest in individually.
Oh, so true. I could not agree more. And I think
that's spot on. You know, everyone's rise to
success through resiliency looks so different.
And what I've realized over the years is I get
so much out of asking the right questions, whether
it's to other leaders that are looking to grow
their own leadership, individuals that I'm working
with, individuals on my team. And from that,
it really pushes them into a different space
of accountability right thinking and identifying
what that looks like everybody has a different
season and so I think it's so important to identify
and evaluate really like what does that look
like for success for you in this season, right?
Have had the privilege of kind of asking individuals
like, you know, what are your thoughts on this?
How can we push you into this space? Because
I see their strengths that they don't even see.
And I think that's an important call out because
sometimes people are either comfortable, which
is totally okay, behind the scenes, right? In
their mind, they might have that imposter syndrome
that pops up, or they might have some of those
things that say, I'm not going to do this because
other people have done it before me, or I'm not
going to dive into it because I wouldn't be good
enough. or the fear of failure right so it's
like failing forward is absolutely okay and encouraged
in that space of resiliency but if you don't
do that it's the what -ifs it's the oh I should
have done that that almost like hit a little
harder. I agree with that so connecting building
trust is what I'm hearing as far as your approach
that makes you such an incredibly strong leader
but these are connection pieces tidbits that
literally could be used in any part of your life
truly. I think it's wonderful when you take this
on a personal level or if you own a business
just to understand the power of connecting with
people and what that looks like. But the most
beautiful thing, if you're a leader in any capacity,
and I mean any, and I even mean coach, a coach
to a sports team, it's crazy how many times that's
been brought up in this podcast so much. I was
a true athlete growing up and these things just,
they do stick with you. But now as my daughters
get older, listening and hearing and watching
the volunteers that coach, it's a special kind
of leadership. Yeah, and I think people do it
for the right reasons, right? I'll just throw
it out there that coaches don't make a lot of
money. It's like pennies, right? Or volunteer,
right? Like I mean for when you're not on like
a varsity level or collegiate level, so I have
a lot of respect for sure. Yeah, I think it's
also important to like... remain, you know, coachable
and adaptable, but also to throughout, you know,
my professional journey. And just probably over
the last 20 years, I too have hired coaches in
the professional space and the personal space,
because sometimes there is the space where you
need someone that is totally removed from your
circle to give you that perspective and that
encouragement, but to also have your back in
a way that maybe a family member wouldn't or,
you know, they just care for you so much that
they don't want to provide you with that constructive
feedback. So really, really. great leaders I
think are always seeking education or to kind
of betterment of what they give what they you
know take in and that is something I also have
a mentor business coach and I think it's because
I'm yearning you're yearning to be a better human.
It's that excellence gene that you have. Yeah,
on a personal and professional level to validate.
So I love that. Now you talked about, you know,
with leadership, personal and professionally,
there is that messy middle. You know, there's
imposter syndrome. There is times where you think
you're not good enough and everything else in
between the seasons, the seasons, that is going
to be a podcast episode itself. I love it. You
know, yes. However, Tell me a little bit about
what you speak to with a messy middle what that
looked like kind of for you I know that you do
a little bit of coaching on the side as well
as far as mentoring others And I'm sure that's
a hot topic because we all have a messy middle
Absolutely. Yeah, you know, when I think about
the messy middle, for me, I think about that
in stages of my life, right? So leaving out of
high school, I did seek a full -time job and
I left that job and I had individuals say, oh
my gosh, you're crazy to go to college and spend
hundreds of thousands of dollars. You have a
full -time job and insurance, great. But that
to me was an excellence, right? And so I was
defying what the perception of others. thought
of me and then in that moment going through college
is also trying to figure out like okay what is
this next season what do I want all of those
things and I was always an overachiever too and
a high performer because I again hold myself
to no less but then I continued on and I jumped
into my professional role. So in that space I
think the messy middle was one sometimes you
can feel like you don't know what you're doing
and so it's holding on to those characteristics
of leadership. I think it's getting back to the
roots and saying, okay, what am I good at? What
are my strengths? And then figuring out what
does the evaluation look like? Are you checking
in with yourself? Are you checking in with others?
Are you surrounding yourself honestly with the
right group of people who are interested in excellence
or growth? Because that can make such a difference
as well. Yeah, and I think too not even I would
say getting comfortable. That was a messy middle
for me. We're kind of coming up into the pandemic,
I had recognized that I did my schooling. I had
a great career. I was leading people and loving
what I was doing. But I never actually took the
time to turn around and be like, oh my gosh,
look at all these wonderful things that you've
gotten to do. And that was a messy middle for
me. And I had people share with me, oh my gosh,
you're so lucky and all these things. But what
they didn't see is. the late nights or the prep
work or some of the extras that I was doing.
I mean, part of why I love higher education is
not that I have to do it, but I might hire these
individuals one day. Right. And so for me, it's
like shaping the minds and the people and all
that they can bring to the field of health. Right.
Or the field of whatever they are interested
in. And then, you know, I think diving into relationships,
parenthood, all of what that looks like in the
next season. As I mentioned, I didn't take a
maternity leave. So my messy middle was also
having a child. And what most people don't know
is we had, you know, a great pregnancy. We had
tried a long time and just had gone through some,
you know, undiagnosed infertility. But upon delivery,
really resulting in some life -saving procedures
for both my daughter and I. And I never really,
like, processed that. And so jumping in, right,
I'm trying to, like, be the best mom, the best
wife. I'm trying to heal, right? But I'm also
trying to, like, dive into a new role and lead
others and, you know, seek to understand, like,
what are the goals? And I'm, like, pumping, you
know, 10 times a day, too, right? and just like
up in the middle of the night and eating. But
that was a messy middle for me because I was
working like I didn't have a child, right? And
then I was momming like I didn't have to work.
And so I was doing both. And so fast forward,
my daughter will be four in November, which is
crazy to me. And for those that know her, I mean,
she is just magic, right? It's like, yes, when
she enters a room, it is like so honest and pure
and powerful. It is like... amazing. But also
too, it's like she needs me in different seasons
as well. Sure. Yeah. Yeah. You said, I kind of,
I know where this is going to go and I want to
share kind of like the next step in the why.
Being in the messy middle can be really lonely
is something that we talked about. It can truly
be lonely because as a leader, you know, we do
naturally and unnaturally, just sometimes you
have to put on game face, you know, and walk
into a room. A friend of mine this actually weekend
had quoted Zig Ziglar like said, don't kick the
cat. And he's like, have you heard of that? And
I do love Zig Ziglar, but I hadn't heard of that.
And what he's referencing is, as a leader, it
can be really difficult because you walk in a
room. OK, let's just say. Danny walks in a room.
Danny walks in a room after getting into, let's
say, a car accident. Your car is messed up. You
know, you're kind of frazzled. You're whatever.
You come into the door at work, push the door
open, you're stomping through. You say, is the
coffee not done? To like an employer or coworker.
You go in your office and then that person is
frantic. That person goes to the coffee. Why
isn't it done? And well, he or she is making
coffee. They're flustered and mad. All of a sudden,
they took it the wrong way. And then they're
like, I don't have paper in the printer. I'm
making coffee, but I need to go print this. And
then will you print this for me to the next person
in the break room? And then that person goes
off, goes to the printer. And that's where there's
no paper in the copier. And then it's one thing.
And then the last person, I guess, kicks the
cat. And it's like, it is. What that message
is, is the first, you're the person. You are
the person, whether you're a business owner,
a leader, a mom, you know, at times you walk
into the room and you put the front on. And so
that can be difficult. It can be difficult. It
can be challenging, very challenging. You might
be the one running through the door, but if you're
a great leader, you're mindful of what that looks
like. And sometimes that can be lonely. So when
you surround yourself or give yourself a mentor
or someone, or surround yourself with the right
people who will elevate you in your circle, That
was something that we talked about for quite
a while that I really, really loved. And I think
this could be... Something for anybody listening
truly, you know, we have the friends we have
a little many many different friends Talk about
that a little bit you had talked about surround
yourself with that circle that will elevate you
and maybe Allow you to on your heart. Mm -hmm.
Yeah as I think about that It's it's not that
you're like withholding information, right? I
think sometimes people like oh my gosh Why don't
you tell me or why don't you say anything or
why didn't you know and a part of it is? Leadership
can be lonely if you let it right and so it's
connecting with leaders that either have different
strengths or characteristics than you do that
you can learn from and that they'll continue
to guide you, or it's individuals that you can
lean into knowing confidently, hey, I need to
just talk about this and I need to, you know.
run it by somebody and seek some constructive
feedback. I think feedback is such a powerful
tool as well. But on the other side, it's the
circle that will elevate you. It's the circle
that they're also striving for excellence. And
somebody that's like, oh my gosh, if you could
just see you, I think that is a powerful tool.
And actually, probably a little over 10 years
ago, I started telling people that. I started
being really intentional, whoever I connected
with. your impact on me is this or here's what
I appreciate about you because part of that gratitude
is so magical when you think about just growth
and development and these people that are showing
up in these spaces consistently right they don't
even know that they're bringing the magic the
influence and that impact in the professional
world we talk about like being high reliable
right and so define that is performance as intended
consistently over time right and so if you do
that that will get you the outcome but it's the
journey and the outcome, that is the growth.
And, you know, there are things that, you know,
for me, I lean into friends, mentors, coaches,
individuals in different spaces, because a part
of that is, for example, my husband, fantastic,
he is my biggest cheerleader, right? When I throw
out an idea, right, his mind is like, oh, we
could do this, we could do this, and then we
could do this, you know, and he's already got
the business plan in his mind. And I'm like,
hold on, this is just an idea that I'm like,
spitting out of my mouth for the first time ever,
right? And so some of those things I do need
to hold on to, He's so, so supportive, which
obviously love him for that. But it's also. you
know lonely and it can be isolating. So in leadership
roles I think you know you have to make some
really tough decisions about people that you
really care about and that's the hard part. That's
what people like don't see under the iceberg
and at the end of the day we are all humans just
trying to do the best that we can. Amen to that.
We are all human. Self -development is really
critical and this is on like you said on a career
side but also on a personal level. Yeah I think
the last thing that I think of in that space
is like you know Simon's that it talks about
like, what a privilege it is to lead people.
And in my mind, I would flip that and I say,
what a privilege it is to care for people, right?
And guide them and push them because they're
probably not even seeing the opportunities of
how they can show up. That is something diving
into someone's strengths and seeing them to their
core is actually a superpower. Love that about
you, Danny. I did I got that from when we first
talked and I think that connected me deeper with
you Because that is a gift, you know It's hard
to tell you know to your own horn and say but
that is something that is a gift for you And
I think you're myself that when you are able
to see people to the core and on a surface level
But what they bring to the table, that's it's
kind of little movement. I've been working on
online too because It's powerful. It seems a
little cheesy on social media But honestly if
you really think about when someone were to post
a picture of themselves a that's hard be putting
your strengths and your core values Just sitting
down and writing those out and then tying it
to you and your photo is a really powerful thing.
So Anyways, I also think when I saw that and
I love that I'm just seeing people share their
own as I'm like Moving into this next chapter,
I have more time for that, which I'm very excited
about. But I also think that sometimes individuals
don't even see themselves in that, right? Like
I could say, oh my gosh, how I see you, Lindsay.
I know like over the years I've dropped you notes.
I'm like, gosh, what you're building, what you're
creating, here's what I see, you know? And it's
important to share that, but also to believe
it, right, to your core. And that is tricky sometimes.
I have a business mentor that at one point said
to me, because I said one of the things I want
to work on for this year is stepping into my
confidence. I'm a bit of a pushover, is what
I meant, as far as sometimes in leadership. And
I know where we need to go. I know what I want
to do. But I feel like pushover. When you lead
in your own business, rather than when I was
at my previous career, it is a little bit more
difficult to stand in your confidence. At times,
I know what I want done. I know what I want the
outcome, but to stand in your values and everything
is that's a little bit easier. It's like the
day to day. So I said, what I would like to do
for this year is write it down and I'm going
to stand in my confidence. And he said to me,
What do you mean? I don't know where you're getting
that from. He goes, from what I'm seeing, you
are confident. You are moving forward. You are
getting things done and your voice a reason in
a good way. And so I'm not sure what's triggering
that for you, but it was a really powerful conversation.
I guess moral of this story is it's a really
wonderful to. surround yourself with the right
people but also do not hesitate on a personal
or career to reach out to someone just to have
this conversation to talk to on a personal or
professional level. I think that can lead a lot
of people to burn out too right if they're isolating
and they're lonely and this can differ whether
individuals are enjoying things or not right
that's a totally separate conversation but I'm
glad he said that to you I know I'm glad he said
that to you it was actually I've had a few people
there are certain things with mentors that I've
met with over the years that have stuck with
me to my core and actually that was one of them
because you know for me I have dealt with imposter
syndrome over the years. We all have, yeah. you
know and there are times where you're afraid
to fail or you're maybe second guessing yourself
or you want to be people pleaser to everyone
and that's okay but in the moment that we had
this conversation and i had to sit back and really
reflect on what had occurred in the last like
month six months a year and i was like you know
that was a valid question and it did it that
alone made me stand a little bit more confidently
so i was painting Can I ask you a question? Just
in thinking about that, I think as leaders, it
can also be challenging because we are failing
openly. We're not failing behind the scenes.
How does that show up for you in that space?
I love this question. Just curious. I actually,
so failing openly. tell everyone in my team included
I'm pretty much an open book. There are a lot
of things you know over let's say 2024 as a business
owner that was difficult it was really challenging.
And I had to navigate emotions and navigate,
you know, my outlets and whatnot. But I'm an
open book to just speak the truth. I'm not here
to sugarcoat if I don't need to. If you want
me to tell you, you know, I remember someone
saying, how's business? Oh my gosh, you guys
are doing so good. And it was so hard for me.
I have nothing to complain about as far as my
staff, the people, our customers are incredible.
But it was an emotional rollercoaster every year,
you know, economy -wise. and whatnot. And I remember
just being like, you know, like what do you say?
Cause I can't, I'm not really good at just faking.
Yeah. Which I said, you know what I said, we're
having a slower year, but our team is incredibly
busy and we're creating and we're doing, and
which is the a hundred percent truth. And so
feeling on the outside to me, Guess that's a
catch -22 question and maybe this is we're going
with because I'm an open book at them my ups
and downs and I would tell anyone I would lay
my books out there for anyone to see I'm not
afraid of telling you what I'm good at or what
I'm not good at However on days where it is hard
and it is challenging as a leader I sometimes
do put a pretty strong wall up when I want to
protect everybody else. So there's where if you
hold it in too long, it gets a little bit lonely.
But that was a very powerful question. But how
about for you? I'm going to ask you that same.
Yeah. I think I realized this kind of when I
was about halfway through my career. I'm a stuffer,
right? So like, one challenge is hard, right?
I face it head on. And I think one of the qualities
that I possess and that I love about myself is
my resilience, right? And I think that is essential.
But in that, it is the showing up for the others
and really, again, laying yourself on the line,
right? You know, I've said, I will die on this
hill, you know? And for those that know me, right?
In my leadership roles, I don't take no BS. I
don't know if I can swear on here, but anyway.
Part of that is also sticking up for them and
really making sure that you're leading with grace
and kindness. Hopefully that's what your team
would provide back to you. But I think too it
is being open to that vulnerability and that
is something as a leader I do struggle with to
be honest. That was challenging for me in the
Women of Influence Summit. you know just sharing
yeah sharing my story and um kind of sharing
a little bit of who i am aside from work right
because that can consume us if you let it but
for me i want to be a person a mom a wife a leader
i want to be all of those things and it is sometimes
hard to do it well i think it's a work in progress
yeah it's like a harmony it is because there's
been different seasons for me with this and what
that looks like i remember at my previous credit
union career man did we have some up and down
I led a team and a couple of different teams.
Don't know we connected deeper when you are vulnerable
and you just you know speak the truth and and
work together in moving forward in whatever that
capacity is and I think the same for the boutique
the people that I'm so fortunate to work alongside
I always say they're like my family Yeah, my
ride or dies like I will when you have given
your time here and believe in the bigger mission
and purpose I will bend over backwards for you.
Yeah There are still the day -to -day. There's
still, you know, the keeping the lights on. There's
still the tasks, the late nights. That's your
messy middle, right? Yeah, the messy middle when
we have events and we're running a million miles
an hour. So I believe that from the beginning,
they've been invested in the real. I think 2024
took a little bit for me to kind of get vulnerable
and really come to terms with like how to handle
that on a personal level, owning my own business
type thing. That was different, very different.
So I say that's a different season. So I'm super
grateful for this team. I'm grateful for my ulits.
I'm grateful for my mentor. And I'm grateful
for my friends who just have like in the best
timing ever make you. laugh so silly and make
memories when you need them the most. So it's
pretty awesome. Yeah, they're showing up for
you. Yeah, absolutely. So, okay, we're gonna
take it back to your little cute daughter. Yes.
So you have played a very strong leadership role
for so long and this part of our conversation
over coffee got a little bit vulnerable. When
you told me a little bit about your next step
and your daughter and your why. So tell me a
little bit about your why. in that conversation,
what your daughter said before going downstairs.
I'm never going to forget that because I completely
understand. Completely. Yeah. So what I said
to you about like kids also need you differently
in different seasons. And, you know, I didn't
take a maternity leave. I was hustling. And I
think the hard part is really loving and liking
what you do. Right. It makes it harder to step
away because you want to continue leading and
striving for that excellence. But as a business,
right, there will always be an hour. a bottom
line right that you're striving for and you can
always be better but in that moment you know
my messy middle as I've transitioned over the
last you know four years is I you know put in
the time on weekends late nights you know working
seven days a week and and I don't regret it yeah
but I think a part of that is having the flexibility
and adjusting to be at everything which I have
absolutely loved so I have not felt like I've
missed out at all but also not being able to
lead myself first, right? So whether we, in our
household, we talk about not necessarily self
-esteem, but we talk about health -esteem. So
like, how do you feel? How do you feel? Like,
yeah, are you taking care of yourself? Are you
feeling well? And that's really important as
you grow young minds and young people. Addison,
certainly at a younger age, she doesn't see how.
much I'm working, right? And even in her younger
spaces, she's come to the classroom with me when
I was in person more often if she was sick or
something like that. And she's been coming to
board meetings with me since she's been four
months old. That's crazy. And she comes to work
with me before I drop her off at school sometimes.
For me, it's the harmony, right? I wouldn't necessarily
call it balance, but she loves that and I'm showing
her how I want to show up, how I want to do things
and influencing her in such a way. Fast forward
as she gets older and more outspoken and she
is totally a leader as well. She was on a break
and my in -laws love them, certainly help us
out. I was working from home a portion of the
day and I came up to get a cup of coffee in my
like two minutes, right? Because I'm deciding
I'm like, hey, do I have to go to the bathroom
or like do I grab another cup of coffee? Before
you're on the next Zoom call. Yes, yes. And I
will just remember her so vividly being like,
mom, are you done? And I'm like, no, I just have
a couple more meetings. And by that I mean like
five, right, as we think about like stacked.
And all really great work and wonderful people,
right? But it was in that moment that she was
like, mom, just... don't go don't jump on the
meeting just don't go downstairs yeah and her
recognizing that and i was like huh okay and
in that moment i didn't have the opportunity
to be like no i'm just not going to do that but
i'm like okay it hit you hard oh my gosh really
yes yes and it hit me hard when you said she
said mommy please don't go downstairs and i was
like oh i we both got teary -eyed because i've
been in a position just similar. And I think
that's what actually, not to cut you off, but
that's what led me to move forward and taking
the leap of faith and leaving my previous career
to go all in. And it was important. The timing
of it was very important. And we also talked
about that a little bit. We did. Yeah. And I'll
just, I'll never forget her voice, right? And
a part of leading yourself first is also listening
and I'm listening to that. And I've loved the
work that I've done and the teams that I've led.
And it has been so powerful and empowering. and
part of that is like to the bigger collective
impact when you think about health and community.
But I also love being a mom more. That's amazing.
Yeah. That's amazing. Well... So now you're onto
kind of a new journey. And from the first time
we met for coffee till now, you've actually transitioned
pretty, kind of taken a huge leap. So tell me
a little bit about what's next for you. What
does that transition look like? And now what?
Yeah. So in all areas of my work, I've always
said the number one thing is being intentional,
like how you show up, what you do, how you connect
with people. And I'm just being really intentional.
like with my time with you know how I connect
with my daughter and it was funny because I didn't
openly like broadcast like hey oh my gosh I'm
moving on you know because I did have people
when I provided my notice say like oh my gosh
where are you going which is yeah so kind and
thoughtful I've loved it which makes it bittersweet
of course I'm really taking a step back and being
intentional and reevaluating like what does success
look like for me in this season. And when my
daughter wakes up and says, mom, do we get to
stay home today? I can say yes. And so in this
last Monday, it was actually just such a wonderful
day. We eased into the weekend, kind of transitioning,
and it was bittersweet, right? Just a roller
coaster. Because on Friday, you said was your
last day. Oh, well, by the time this airs, I
think it'll be about two weeks. But nonetheless,
on Friday was your last day of your career of
how many years again? 17. 17 years. Yeah. and
I think that's the hard part right because you
know you work and you hustle and you really enjoy
the work and I love the organization and so I
tell people I'm like if I'm ready or when I'm
ready like I would totally go back you know but
in this season I'm just being so intentional
with time and I'm also giving myself space to
rest. I have not rested in such a period. I can't
imagine how you feel when you get that rest and
you're just completely and fully it'll be it's
a different season I bet it's gonna look and
feel a little different. maybe than what you'd
imagine and I bet you it's gonna be even better
than you could ever imagined also. I agree. But
you said that you eased into the weekend though.
Yes. And then you said on Monday you had a really
incredible day with your daughter. Yeah we just
woke up and we were just able to be and so for
high achievers and high performers right it's
like always one thing to the next right so it's
like bringing her to work with me or you know
taking a call beforehand or again adjusting and
it's like I don't want that for her. I want to
take it at her pace, right? And so just leaning
in and listening in, we have had such an incredible
week or in this time frame with the transition.
slowing things down. We're actually working on
a couple of projects which have just been really
fun like leaning into doing other things just
before she you know goes back to school in the
fall which seems crazy. It does. But yeah and
a part of it is also leaning into the unknowing
which I really love. There have been some things
on my heart and just really things that I've
been wanting to work on over the years but I've
really been leaning into other things right and
other people which have you know certainly served
me. So yeah I'm just kind of letting my be in
the season. That's for someone who is a high
achiever. Yeah, it's hard. That is incredibly
hard. This is actually probably even for like
your, you know, if coaching is still something
that you'll do on the side or in your future
as a leader and now as leader, you know, but
this is gonna like elevate your entire leadership
with this moment right here to give back to others
to get out of that messy middle I think. And
I think too partly is having the courage and
being brave enough to actually act on that, you
know. On that day when Edison was like, Mom,
just don't get on the meeting. Don't go downstairs.
That was so hard for me. And I'm like, OK, I'm
listening. I'm done. But also wanting my teams,
obviously, to be very successful in this transition.
The other thing is like. As I think about what
is next, I'll still connect with the same people.
I told people, I'm not dying. I'm not moving
away. I'm still here. And certainly for those
areas that bring you so much joy, you do still
naturally stay connected. You cannot want to
be connected. Absolutely. Yeah. I love that.
Okay. So let's kind of wrap it up with a couple
of general questions that you would give to someone
else. What would you say to someone who is successful
in paper, maybe a higher achiever, but quietly
craving change? Yes. Such a good one. I probably
would ask the question of what of right now is
bringing you joy? Is bringing you or filling
you with gratitude? So what are you doing now?
Because it's likely that that person has gotten
to a stage for some reason or another, right?
Yes, yep. Secondarily to that, what has changed
since? if you're imagining this, right? It's
like you can look at the same image and different
people will have different interpretations of
that. But I think in different seasons, you look
at one image, fast forward, you look at the same
image, the image hasn't changed, you have, right?
And so you just look at it so differently in
just pushing that reevaluation, you know, asking
your questions. And so my friend Amanda, who
she has written a book and she also does a podcast
and she's phenomenal, but she talks about accountability,
which I love so much because you can be accountable
to others, but you also have to be accountable
to... Right. Love that. Absolutely. That's huge.
Yeah, and and and difficult. It's hard to do.
It is hard. Yeah. All right. Next question. What's
one leadership belief you want to pass on to
the next generation? Oh, you know this is deep
and I feel like we could talk about this. Yes,
we could. In many directions. You know at a high
level. I will say, and I don't know if this is
a word or not, everything is figure -outable.
Amen to that. Everything is figure -outable.
A mic drop. Yes. Yeah. Yep. It is. There's a
lot of pressure. I think for the different generations,
one can have their belief in how it's good or
bad, you know, or whatever that looks like, I
guess. But I think there is a lot of pressure
regardless. Yep. I say that actually a lot for
those even I'm training in. It's pretty incredible
that we have new people coming in to White Pony
Boutique and they want to just do so well. And
they're like, I'll get a phone call with something
didn't work maybe perfectly, which is fantastic.
Like as someone owning a business, that's what
you'd pray for. But I just said, you know what?
It's okay. Like I'm here to give grace through
and through and through, because I remember being
in certain situations as I grew up where I, you
know, you think life's over and this and that,
because you don't want to get in trouble or.
You want to be perfect. I had perfectionism.
my whole entire life and that was a struggle.
So just I kind of have taken that in and tried
to give grace where I can. So generationally
I think to take a little bit of pressure off
to say it's all figure -outable. I literally
say that. Also as a leader, right, you're creating
such an environment for them to feel safe in
failing and I think that is also essential. Whereas
again some people will say I can't fail, I can't
fail, but failing can be so good, right? And
it doesn't mean that it's diminished you. I mean
if you learned something and and really took
something out of that moment to apply, that's
the magic. Exactly what you took from that moment
and how you move forward is what is gonna make
or break. So yes, absolutely. Okay, now I know
you're gonna be in a season of being present,
being with your daughter, being with your family,
but if listeners, because you have such an incredible...
style of leadership. You are so incredibly like
passionate about talking leadership and giving
back even to the schools and whatnot. If somebody
here listening would like to follow you in any
capacity, support or connect with you, how should
they do that? I would say probably Instagram
is easiest, right? Instagram I mean for those
most people are connected with me in some way,
right? So it's either you know phone phone number
or email but I am definitely going to stay connected
to a couple of passion projects that I'll be
sharing along the way. I will be waiting in the
wind. Yes, and leaning in, right? Because it's
really leaning into those people that are in
your circle to say, hey, here's this piece of
you or yourself. And that is so important. So
that's really what I'll be doing and taking it
more in short spurts. Because the seasonality
will change, but I'm just going to enjoy it,
honestly. Oh, that is so good. Well, Dani, thank
you for showing us that leadership doesn't have
to be. allowed to be impactful. It just has to
be true. Your story reminds us that there is
a deep strength in stillness, boldness, and letting
go, and power in choosing purpose over comfort.
Whether you're in a season of leading, shifting,
or simply searching for what's next, I hope this
conversation encouraged you to trust your voice,
honor your own pace, and believe that quiet courage
can take you exactly where you're meant to go.
I'm so grateful to have had this conversation
with Danny, and I know without a doubt her next
chapter will be just as impactful as everything
she's already built. Thank you Danny and friends
for listening. Until next time, keep leveling
up, not by being more, but by being bravely yourself.
Thanks for having me, Lindsay. Thank you for
listening. If you found this information helpful,
please share it with a friend. If you're looking
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please head to the show notes below. And if you
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keep dreaming, keep striving, and keep making
a difference.