We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dan Blanchard a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Dan, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?
The risk I took that stands out vividly in my memory was the decision to send my manuscript to a publisher despite my doubts about my writing abilities. At the time, I had been teaching for several years and had often been told by my students that I should write a book. While I appreciated their encouragement, I never considered myself a proficient writer. Nevertheless, their persistent belief in me spurred me to write a manuscript of an inspirational teen leadership book.
The decision to write the manuscript itself was a small risk compared to what followed. After completing it, I initially intended to keep it in my desk drawer, a personal accomplishment to share with any future student who expressed similar sentiments about my teaching. However, a deeper reflection on my own advice to “swing for the fences” made me reconsider. I realized that if I truly believed in taking risks and pushing boundaries, I needed to practice what I preached.
With a mixture of trepidation and determination, I gathered the courage to send the manuscript to a publisher, fully expecting it to be rejected. I viewed this act as more of a personal test of courage than a serious attempt to get published. To my astonishment and delight, the publisher not only accepted my manuscript but also expressed interest in publishing it. This unexpected turn of events marked the beginning of a new chapter in my life.
Since that momentous decision, I have gone on to write over 40 books, each one a testament to the power of embracing uncertainty and seizing opportunities. My journey as a writer has opened doors to speaking engagements, interviews, and recognition in various circles. Despite these accomplishments, I have remained grounded in my primary roles as a teacher, coach, and parent, which continue to inspire and fuel my writing.
Taking that initial risk taught me invaluable lessons about the potential rewards of stepping outside my comfort zone and challenging my own self-doubt. It reinforced the importance of encouraging others to pursue their passions wholeheartedly, even in the face of uncertainty. Looking back, I am grateful for the encouragement of my students and the unexpected success that followed my decision to take that leap of faith.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
About Me:
I’m Dan Blanchard, an award-winning and bestselling author, TEDx Talk speaker, educator, TV host, and philanthropist. My journey began with a passion for storytelling and a desire to inspire and empower others. As an educator, I saw the transformative power of knowledge and wanted to expand my reach beyond the classroom.
Getting Into the Industry:
I started my career as an educator, which naturally led to writing and speaking engagements. My experiences in education, combined with a love for writing, propelled me into becoming an author and public speaker. Hosting TV shows and giving TEDx Talks were natural extensions of my mission to inspire and educate.
Products/Services/Creative Works:
Books: Bestselling motivational and self-help books.
Speaking Engagements: TEDx Talks and keynote speeches focused on breaking free from routines and living a more exciting life.
TV Hosting: Educational and inspirational TV shows.
Blog and Articles: Practical tips on public speaking and personal growth.
Newsletters: Free monthly newsletters with valuable insights and updates.
Problems Solved for Clients:
Inspiration and Motivation: Helping individuals find the drive to pursue their dreams.
Personal Development: Strategies for personal growth and self-improvement.
Educational Insights: Knowledge and perspectives for educators and students.
Public Speaking Guidance: Advice on securing and delivering impactful TEDx Talks.
What Sets Me Apart:
My holistic approach combines experiences as an educator, speaker, author, and TV host to deliver multifaceted insights. My TEDx Talk, “Breaking Free from Routine: How to Live a More Exciting Life!” highlights the power of language and storytelling.
Proud Accomplishments:
I’m proud of the recognition my work has received and the positive impact on those I’ve helped. Seeing individuals transform their lives is incredibly rewarding.
Main Things to Know:
My work is driven by a desire to make a difference. Whether through books, speeches, TV shows, or articles, I aim to inspire and equip others with tools for success. My brand is built on authenticity, passion, and a commitment to continuous learning and growth.
We’d love to hear the story of how you turned a side-hustle into a something much bigger.
While my side hustle in authoring and speaking has not turned into my main career, it has significantly enriched my life and career as an educator and coach. Here’s the story of how I got started and some of the key milestones along the way.
Getting Started
My journey into authoring and speaking began with my deep-rooted passion for education and a desire to inspire and empower others. As a teacher and coach, I saw firsthand the transformative power of encouragement and motivation in students’ lives. This inspired me to reach a wider audience beyond the classroom, leading me to write my first book and start speaking at various events.
Key Milestones
First Book Publication:
Publishing my first book was a pivotal moment. It allowed me to share my insights and experiences with a broader audience and established me as an authority in the field of personal development and education.
TEDx Talk:
Delivering my TEDx Talk titled “Breaking Free from Routine: How to Live a More Exciting Life!” was another significant milestone. It provided a platform to share my message on a global scale and connect with a diverse audience.
National Speakers Association Membership:
Joining the National Speakers Association CT Chapter was instrumental in honing my speaking skills and expanding my network. It provided opportunities to collaborate with other professionals and gain valuable insights into the industry.
Television Hosting:
Hosting my TV show opened up new avenues to reach and engage with viewers, further amplifying my message and impact.
Ongoing Engagement:
Offering free monthly newsletters and maintaining an active blog and Medium presence has allowed me to stay connected with my audience, provide continuous value, and receive feedback that helps shape my future work.
Balancing Both Careers
I’m passionate about teaching and coaching youth, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to make a direct impact on young lives every day. My authoring and speaking engagements complement this work, allowing me to bring fresh perspectives and motivational content into my educational role.
While I am open to the possibility of making authoring and speaking my main focus upon retiring from public education, I am also excited by the idea of exploring new interests and opportunities that may arise. For now, I’m content with the balance I’ve achieved, where both my side hustle and primary career enrich and inform each other.
Final Thoughts
The journey of my side hustle has been incredibly rewarding, and I am proud of the positive impact it has had on my audience. Whether it remains a side hustle or becomes a main focus in the future, I am committed to inspiring and empowering others through my work.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
Absolutely. My creative journey is deeply rooted in my personal experiences and a powerful mission to create a better world for our youth and those who care for them. Having endured a challenging childhood myself, I understand firsthand the impact that difficult circumstances can have on a young person’s life. This has become the driving force behind my work as an author, speaker, educator, and coach.
Creating a Better World for Youth
My primary goal is to inspire and empower young people to overcome obstacles and realize their full potential. I believe that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their background or circumstances. Through my books, speeches, and educational initiatives, I aim to provide the tools and encouragement they need to succeed.
Supporting Caregivers and Educators
In addition to helping youth, I am deeply committed to supporting the caregivers, educators, and mentors who play a crucial role in their development. I offer resources, insights, and motivation to help these dedicated individuals navigate the challenges they face and make a lasting positive impact on the lives of the young people they serve.
Key Components of My Mission
Empowerment: I strive to empower youth with the knowledge and confidence they need to take charge of their own destinies. By sharing my story and the lessons I’ve learned, I hope to show them that they have the strength to overcome any adversity.
Inspiration: My goal is to inspire both youth and adults to pursue their dreams and make a difference in their communities. Through my TEDx Talks, books, and public speaking engagements, I share messages of hope, resilience, and the importance of breaking free from limiting routines.
Education: As an educator, I understand the transformative power of learning. My mission includes providing educational content that not only informs but also motivates and excites. I aim to make learning a lifelong adventure for everyone involved.
Community Building: I believe in the power of community and the importance of building strong, supportive networks. My newsletters, blog posts, and workshops are designed to foster a sense of community and provide ongoing support and connection.
Looking Forward
While my creative journey is a side hustle at the moment, it plays a significant role in my life and work. I am committed to continuing this mission, whether it remains a side project or evolves into a full-time endeavor after I retire from public education. My ultimate aim is to leave a lasting legacy that contributes to a better, brighter future for the next generation.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://granddaddyssecrets.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blanchard_dan/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/daniel.blanchard.186/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-blanchard-i-help-young-people-become-good-people-82a69723/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk6X_mhuQ3BiLMy-1qF6ynw
- Other: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-blanchard-i-help-young-people-become-good-people-82a69723/
Amazon Author Page; https://www.amazon.com/stores/Dan-Blanchard/author/B00KEO611E?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1719757326&sr=8-1&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true
TEDx Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8T8yLvwKwzM&t=6s&pp=ygUXZGFuIGJsYW5jaGFyZCB0ZWR4IHRhbGs%3D
Image Credits
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