Why I’m Not Your Average Leadership Coach
The Spark That Started It All
Ten years ago, I found myself hiking in the mountains of Germany, surrounded by fresh air, breathtaking views, and deep conversations with a friend. Out of the blue, he asked, “Dani, you’ve been jumping from one hospitality job to another all over the world. Doesn’t it bother you that you’re not building a traditional career for your CV?”
Without missing a beat, I turned to him and said, “Not at all. I don’t ever want to be limited by what other people think I should do. That’s why I’m going to start my own business one day.”
And just like that, the seed of entrepreneurship was planted. At the time, I didn’t know what my business would look like or how I’d get there. All I knew was that I was determined to build something on my own terms: something meaningful, impactful, and 100% me.
A World of Lessons
Before that mountain hike, I’d spent a decade travelling the around the world, living in eight different countries, and working in everything from bars to luxury resorts. My friends teased me about my “unconventional career path,” but I saw every step as building blocks. Living overseas taught me resilience, adaptability, and how to connect with people from all walks of life.
And honestly? It also made life fun. There’s nothing like navigating a new culture, fumbling through a foreign language, or learning to drive on the wrong side of the road to prepare you for the curveballs of business.
These adventures gave me a global perspective, a love for diversity, and the ability to find opportunity even in uncertainty. All of which became core to my leadership coaching philosophy.
My “Why” (aka What Gets Me Out of Bed in the Morning)
Now, I wake up every day excited to help other small business owners become the leaders their teams (and families!) deserve.
Why? Because I know firsthand how leadership impacts not just the workplace, but also relationships at home.
My dad was a CEO, leading a team of 300 people when we were living in Hong Kong. He was under so much pressure that he wasn’t always present with us at home. While I loved him dearly, those memories shaped my mission: to help leaders find the balance between life and leadership. I want my clients to succeed without sacrificing the things that truly matter.
When a client tells me their team is thriving and they’ve started going for lunch time walks again and can be more present at home, I know I’m doing the work I was meant to do.
What Makes Me Different?
Here’s where I throw the playbook out the window: I don’t believe in bearing and beige leadership coaching. I see leadership as an adventure, and every session with my clients is a new journey.
Together, we navigate challenges, solve problems, and uncover growth opportunities because no two leaders (or teams) are the same. But don’t worry; it’s not all chaos. I use a 4-dimensional leadership model to guide us. We always have a structure to rely on when things get messy.
I also bring the values that shaped me into every interaction:
Growth: I’m always learning, whether it’s through coaching, networking, or creating new resources for my clients.
Passion: My clients aren’t just numbers! They’re people I care deeply about. I show up 100% for every session, fully focused on their unique needs.
Leadership: Sometimes, being a good coach means saying the hard things. I lovingly point out patterns or behaviours that might hold my clients back because that’s what real growth looks like.
And let’s not forget my adventure mindset. I’m not afraid to dive into the unknown, even if it means competing with coaches who have decades more experience or working with industries I know nothing about. I trust that with the right mindset and tools, my clients and I can tackle anything together.
What’s Next on the Horizon?
The future excites me. I’m currently creating an online program and writing a book to reach more business owners. But I’m not just building a program. I’m building a movement. I want to help small business owners transition from overwhelmed technicians to empowered leaders, creating businesses that grow not just profits but people.
Imagine a community of small business legends who inspire greatness, prioritize balance, and lead with heart.
That’s what I’m here to create.
Join the Adventure
If you’re tired of feeling like you have to choose between leading your business and living your life, I’ve got good news—you don’t have to. Leadership is a journey, and it’s one we can take together.
Whether you want to fine-tune your team dynamics, regain work-life balance, or just figure out what’s next, let’s chat. The adventure starts here.
Are you ready to Lead Like a Legend?
