Time to read: 5 minutes
Today we introduce you to Explorer, Connector and Leader Danielle Walsh.
What is unique about what you do?
I’m a builder and investor dedicated to facilitating a shift in consumption habits necessary to address global challenges. I rarely stop smiling or being surprised at the outputs from those I work with, and am lucky to meet inspiring people every day.
It is quite remarkable to be addressing global challenges while smiling! What else makes you stand out?
For the good or the bad, I’m a freedom fighter (for those who have done the programme, you will understand when I say that freedom is my number one value).
We certainly do get it. What inspired you to join the programme?
Not the typical answer. It was a summer evening in 2016 and I had the pleasure of sitting next to Gal at a mutual friend’s dinner. Gal arrived late having just left one of the iDiscover programmes. We clicked immediately and rudely indulged in a 1-2-1 for the rest of the evening, switching back to the table only to fulfil social rules of engagement (we have understanding friends…). Gal and I have an obsession with the discovery of people and what our real purpose is in life… Gal is just bold enough to go straight to it, and experienced enough to bring others on the ride. I suppose he saw a lost child in uniform and invited me to join one of the programmes. For a woman survivor of a dog eat dog masculine environment, showing emotion is a weakness; showing vulnerability is a failure. This was an invitation to flip the cards, and oh my but it was not an easy invitation to accept. That said, I was inspired through curiosity. This new friend showed me that I might just be sitting, untied, in Plato’s cave.
What is the most challenging aspect of your work or the biggest challenge you have dealt with and how did you overcome it?
Persuading the best people to jump ship and join ours. Upon success, continuingly ensuring they have the platform and tools to fulfil the mission, especially when the grains of their territory are not fully understood.
What is your Mount Everest? What would you love to create in the world?
Happiness and comfort for as many people as possible.
What is the most inspiring thing that happened to you as a result of iDiscover?
I will honestly say that even after 4 years I go back to my notepad where I recorded my iDiscover skeleton. It helps me review my values, my goals, my why and how, and my me – the happy true me, not the society pleasing me. I’m certainly not there yet on the self-discovered, but I’m progressing on the self-discovery for sure.
What do iDiscover and its community mean to you?
Being connected to people who value themselves enough to take on this journey.
What is your most sacred daily/weekly/monthly ritual or performance hack that really works for you?
To dance, it is a daily need. I love the strictness of ballet and the freedom of contemporary. Normally, I can indulge in hours at the weekend, but regular 3 minutes in the week works a treat. If I work alone with no one around, I step away from my seat every hour, pop on a song, and do a little jiggle. But there are ways around it in the corporate office, just watch out for that stride over the walk ;)
What is your favourite quote or the question you want to leave us with?
One of my favourite quotes is from Epicurus: We must exercise ourselves in the things which bring happiness, since if that be present, we have everything, and if that be absent, all our actions are directed toward attaining it.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Spooning almond butter.
What was your best adventure ever?
Life. It still is.
Best travel tip or secret location to share with us?
Do part / all of the trip alone. Explore as much as possible by foot. Plan little, expect nothing.
Beautiful. Thanks for the interview Danielle. We wish you all the best in this adventure! Keep on fighting and exploring!