We were lucky to catch up with Danielle Hagerty recently and have shared our conversation below.

Danielle, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?

My parents did so many things right, and their influence has shaped who I am today, both personally and professionally. They emphasized hard work, curiosity, and taking care of each other, while also encouraging me to be a strong, independent woman with choices. One of their biggest lessons was to never let anyone limit me, which has been a cornerstone of how I approach life and my career.

One of the most impactful things they taught me was the mantra, ‘what is, is.’ This simple phrase has become a guiding principle for me, especially during challenging times. It helps me practice unconditional acceptance and stay grounded when I catch myself overthinking the future or ruminating on the past. I’ve carried this mindset into my coaching practice, where I help my clients embrace the present and focus on what they can control.

A specific memory that stands out is how my parents supported me in excelling at school. They worked hard to limit distractions so I could focus, and they encouraged me to express myself openly—even during uncomfortable conversations. This taught me the importance of communication and respect, which I now bring into my work as a coach. I treat my clients with the same belief and respect that my parents showed me, knowing that everyone has the potential to grow and thrive.

My entrepreneurial spirit was also deeply influenced by my dad’s saying, ‘do what you love and the money will follow.’ That wisdom has fueled my decision to start my own business and pursue my passion for helping others overcome burnout. When I’ve faced life-changing events—like divorce, career changes, and even layoffs—I’ve leaned on the foundation my parents built. Their lessons gave me the resilience to adapt and find security within myself, even during uncertain times.

Although my dad has passed away, his influence is still with me every day. My mom continues to be my rock, always there to lend a hand or cheer me up with a home-cooked meal. Their love and support have been a constant source of strength, and I strive to pass that same encouragement on to my clients.

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?

Hi, I’m Coach Dani, founder of Better Habits LLC. I’m a burnout coach with over 20 years of experience in the high-pressure worlds of tech and federal contracting. I know firsthand the toll that demanding careers can take on our mental and emotional well-being. My own journey of overcoming burnout and building a vibrant, fulfilling life inspired me to help others do the same. That’s why I created Better Habits LLC—to guide high-achieving professionals through the process of recovering from burnout and building sustainable habits for long-term success.

At Better Habits LLC, I offer a range of services to support individuals and organizations in creating healthier, more productive lives. My offerings include:

1:1 personalized coaching: A 12-week program designed to help clients identify the root causes of burnout, implement actionable strategies, and regain control of their lives.
Corporate wellness workshops: Engaging and interactive team training sessions that focus on emotional intelligence, stress management, and adapting to workplace changes, such as the impact of AI.
Resources for emotional intelligence and self-awareness: These include a free 5-day Emotional Intelligence Challenge and tools like the Daily Emotion Identification Worksheet.
Group coaching programs: A 12-week program with self-study materials and weekly group calls, providing an accessible way for professionals to work on their well-being.
The problems I solve for my clients go beyond just addressing burnout. I help them rebuild their confidence, create routines that work for their unique lives, and navigate the challenges of high-stakes industries like tech, federal contracting, and professional services. Many of my clients are grappling with the rapid transformations brought on by AI and other technological shifts, and I help them adapt while maintaining their mental and emotional health.

What sets me apart from others in this space is my deep understanding of the industries I serve. I’ve been in their shoes, facing the same pressures and challenges. My coaching is grounded in my proprietary RISE Method™, which stands for Reflect and Identify, Strengthen, and Elevate. This framework is designed to help clients identify barriers, redesign their routines, and create meaningful, lasting change. I also incorporate principles of behavioral economics and emotional intelligence into my work, ensuring that every strategy I offer is both science-backed and practical.

I’m most proud of the transformation I’ve seen in my clients. Watching someone go from feeling stuck and overwhelmed to thriving in their personal and professional lives is incredibly rewarding. I’m also proud of the courage it took to start this business and share my story of overcoming burnout. It’s not always easy to put yourself out there, but the impact I’ve been able to make makes it all worth it.

The main thing I want potential clients and followers to know about me and my brand is that I’m here to help them create a life they love without sacrificing their health or happiness. Burnout doesn’t have to be the end of the road—it can be the beginning of a new chapter. Whether you’re an individual looking to reclaim your energy and focus, or a company hoping to support your team’s well-being, Better Habits LLC is here to guide you every step of the way.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

Absolutely! One resource that has had a profound impact on my management and entrepreneurial philosophy is Tune In by Nuala Walsh. This book dives deep into the psychology of decision-making and influence, offering actionable insights into how we can better connect with others and inspire meaningful change. As a burnout coach and entrepreneur, I’ve found Walsh’s work incredibly relevant to my mission of helping high-achieving professionals transform their habits and mindsets.

What I love most about Tune In is how it blends behavioral science with practical strategies. It’s not just about understanding why people behave the way they do—it’s about using that understanding to create solutions that truly resonate. This aligns perfectly with my coaching approach, where I incorporate principles of behavioral economics and emotional intelligence to help clients redesign their routines and overcome barriers.

The book has also influenced how I think about leadership. It emphasizes the importance of empathy, trust, and communication—all of which are critical in both coaching and running a business. It’s a great reminder that success isn’t just about achieving goals; it’s about building relationships and creating environments where people can thrive.

If you’re looking for a resource that combines science-backed insights with practical advice, I can’t recommend Tune In enough. It’s been a game-changer for me, and I often find myself coming back to its lessons as I grow my business and support my clients.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been leveraging burnout marketing. Burnout is such a pervasive issue among high-achieving professionals, especially in industries like tech, federal contracting, and professional services, where the pressure to perform is relentless. By addressing burnout head-on and positioning Better Habits LLC as a solution, I’ve been able to connect with individuals and organizations who are actively seeking support.

Burnout marketing works because it speaks directly to the pain points my audience is experiencing—overwhelm, stress, and a sense of losing control. My messaging focuses on offering practical, science-backed strategies and personalized coaching to help them regain their energy and focus. I also make it a point to share relatable stories and actionable tips through my blog, social media, and workshops, which helps build trust and credibility.

Another part of this strategy is providing free, valuable resources like my Burnout Recovery Checklist and the 5-day Emotional Intelligence Challenge. These tools give potential clients a taste of what it’s like to work with me and help them take the first steps toward recovery. They’ve been an important part of building awareness and starting meaningful conversations.

Ultimately, what makes burnout marketing so effective is that it’s not just about selling a service—it’s about showing people that they’re not alone and that there’s a way forward. By meeting my audience where they are and addressing their immediate needs, I’ve been able to grow a community of individuals and teams who are ready to take action and invest in their well-being.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.getbetterhabits.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betterhabits_danielle
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-hagerty/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BetterHabitsLLC
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/show/3f6FFpciFMrjjv04MRXaSA?si=MZi6EARgQn-qF7-7Z5DRpw

Image Credits

Marshall Majewski (fishing picture)
Mary Lou Hagerty (balcony picture)