We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Danielle Parkinson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Danielle below.
Alright, Danielle thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So, let’s start with a hypothetical – what would you change about the educational system?
One of the most significant changes I would make to the education system is placing a stronger emphasis on emotional intelligence, mental health, and social well-being alongside academic achievement.
At the heart of my mission is a deep commitment to promoting well-being and mental health awareness within primary and secondary schools. I have spent the past year diving deeper into the strategies of well-being in education and corporate spaces, and one of the first projects I have been developing after completing my certification is an initiative called the “The Kindness Club”.
This series of in-school workshops aims to cultivate emotional intelligence, kindness, and resilience, ultimately creating thriving and compassionate school communities, less prone to violence.
While traditional education focuses heavily on intellectual development, it often overlooks the importance of nurturing students’ emotional and psychological health. This gap leaves many students ill-prepared to face the challenges of adulthood, whether in their careers or personal lives.
In my experience, meaningful self-care and mental health awareness have been transformative in my life and the lives of young people. Through The Kindness Club, we aim to provide students with tools for learned hopefulness, self-compassion, and kindness.
These qualities help students thrive academically and prepare them for more fulfilling, resilient lives. We focus on teaching students in creative and engaging ways, with topics like how to manage stress, build positive relationships, and approach life with gratitude and purpose.
For World Kindness Day 2023, I had the privilege of spending time with around 40 young students who truly came alive as they engaged with our kindness-themed content. The activities centered on fostering kindness towards their peers, teachers, friends, family, and also themselves. Initially, the students entered the session quietly and somewhat timidly, but as it progressed, they became increasingly engaged and energized. By the end, they were enthusiastic about embracing the kindness message and eager to spread it further. It was a powerful reminder that kindness is a timeless and universal value—one that can deeply resonate and become an integral part of our lives from a young age.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I’m Danielle Parkinson, also known as DJ Dani – a dynamic media maven, storyteller, and certified well-being warrior. With over two decades in the media industry, I’ve had the honour of winning 8 Addy awards, including gold and silver in 2012 and 2017, for excellence in advertising.
My journey has been one of passion, purpose, and a drive to create content that engages and transforms. I’ve worked in Advertising, PR, journalism, and broadcasting, which led me to my current role as a morning radio host on The Morning Reset (95.1FM) and as a digital content strategist.
Whether I’m on the airwaves as the host of The Morning Reset on 95.1FM, producing digital media strategies, or developing content, my focus is always on delivering impactful, meaningful work. I help clients and collaborators develop powerful narratives, solve communication challenges, and create engaging content that resonates.
What truly sets me apart is my unique blend of media expertise and my deep commitment to mental and physical well-being, allowing me to create a holistic, people-focused approach in everything I do.
I’m incredibly proud of my certification as the first CWO in Trinidad & Tobago, This milestone reflects my deep commitment to well-being, mental health, and positive leadership. My work has always been about using media and storytelling as a vehicle for positive change. Winning multiple ADDY Awards has also been a career highlight, but my true pride comes from helping to elevate others through content that educates, inspires, and sparks transformation.
My brand is rooted in connection, empowerment, and positive change. I want people to know that every project I take on is an opportunity to inspire personal growth, foster positive mindsets, and contribute to the well-being of others. Whether it’s through my radio show, digital content, or workshops, my mission is always to uplift and energize my audience with engaging and transformative content.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
One of the biggest lessons I had to unlearn was the need for external validation. Early in my career, I placed too much weight on other people’s opinions and the approval of those around me. I thought that if I just worked harder or did more, then I would finally be “good enough” in the eyes of others. But over time, I realized that constantly seeking validation from others was actually holding me back from truly believing in myself and my abilities.
The turning point came when I reflected on my journey—the awards I’d won, the projects I’d led, the lives I’d impacted through my work—and I realized that my work and accomplishments were already speaking for themselves. I didn’t need the validation of others to prove my worth. Learning to trust my talent, abilities, and work ethic was a transformative experience. It meant forgiving myself for past mistakes, letting go of the pressure to be perfect, and allowing myself the space to heal and grow.
Unlearning the need for external validation has allowed me to focus on what truly matters: doing work that is meaningful, impactful, and aligned with my purpose. By trusting myself, I’ve been able to flourish both personally and professionally, and I’ve learned to ignore the naysayers and just let my work speak for itself. That shift in mindset has been one of the most liberating experiences of my life.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
Say “yes” to the things that
light you up. Over the years, I’ve learned that some of the most exciting and fulfilling moments in my career have come from saying yes to projects that brought me genuine joy and sparked my curiosity.
For me, trying new things—whether it was stepping into a different role, experimenting with a new medium, or taking on a challenge outside of my comfort zone—has led me to uncover talents I didn’t even know I had. It’s in those moments of exploration you realize how multi-faceted and capable you truly are.
For me, creativity isn’t about sticking to one path; it’s about expressing myself through various mediums—whether it’s broadcasting, writing, digital content, hosting workshops, or TV production. Embracing this diversity has allowed me to grow personally and professionally, and it’s shown me how powerful it is to follow what excites you.
Saying yes to opportunities, even when you’re unsure of the outcome, can help you uncover new aspects of yourself. It teaches you to trust your instincts and reminds you that creativity is about exploration. You might discover that you’re great at something you never expected, and that’s where the magic happens.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.djdaninetwork.com/
- Instagram: @djdani868
Image Credits
Photographer – Kerron Riley