We were lucky to catch up with Dani Jackson-Smith recently and have shared our conversation below.
Dani, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
Imposter syndrome, akin to bias and ego, is a natural aspect of life that loses its grip when acknowledged. Recognizing that none of us are masters in everything at all times, I’ve come to view discomfort and doubt as signs of growth rather than barriers. The key is not to yield to fear but to confront it head-on.
To conquer it, I’ve got a rotation of self-care practices: prayer, meditation, therapy, journaling, and listening to audiobooks. These rituals keep me grounded and connected to my inner self, propelling my drive to contribute. I firmly believe that understanding ourselves—our strengths, weaknesses, triggers, and boundaries—is crucial for personal growth.
When fear emerges, I embrace it as an opportunity for exploration. Regardless of outcomes, I remind myself that joy lies in the journey, and regrets are far more painful than facing fears. For example, during a challenging period in my career, the words of “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho provided solace and inspiration. Despite doubts and feelings of inadequacy, I took a leap of faith for a senior position, wondering if I was smart or experienced enough. Guided by the belief that ‘when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it,’ I applied and secured the role, doubling my salary and transforming my career trajectory.
As Seth Godin emphasizes in The Practice, our work is too vital to be dictated by our feelings. Consider Audre Lorde’s words: ‘When I dare to be powerful, to use my strength in the service of my vision, then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid.’
Keep going.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
When someone inquires about my story, I find myself retracing a path filled with a myriad of experiences, trials, and victories. It’s a journey intricately woven with threads of my Chicago upbringing, a fervent love for storytelling, and a dedication to fostering community.
From my earliest days, I’ve been immersed in various forms of production, from participating in high school radio and TV classes to contributing to the yearbook. Writing poetry and short stories became a passion, often captivating anyone willing to lend an ear with tales born from my vivid imagination.
Inspired by my mother’s career in journalism, where she illuminated the stories of our community through her work at the Kansas University newspaper and the Chicago Defender, I learned the importance of distinguishing between hard news and soft news, and the value of amplifying the voices of those around us. These lessons became ingrained in me.
My journey led me to advertising through the University of Illinois, where I saw an opportunity to marry my creativity with the promise of stability. Over the span of a decade in the communications industry, I’ve had the privilege of working with renowned brands like Kellogg’s, Nintendo, Samsung, Starbucks, Foot Locker, and Allstate. From crafting unforgettable experiences like the Keebler Treehouse in New York City to developing impactful DE&I and influencer strategies, each project has added depth to my expertise.
In 2019, I furthered my commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion as the DE&I Lead at Edelman Chicago. Transitioning into the role of VP of Multicultural Marketing and DEI, I crafted strategies rooted in cultural understanding to foster trust among both internal and external stakeholders. These experiences reinforced my belief in the profound impact of diversity and inclusion on organizational success.
Today, I’m embarking on the exhilarating journey of entrepreneurship with the launch of Cre8tors—a platform dedicated to amplifying the voices of companies, leaders, and influencers who are driving positive change in communities worldwide. Our ethos revolves around authentic connection and collaboration, believing in the power of these relationships to spark innovation and drive meaningful transformation.
So, when asked, “What’s your story?” it’s not just about the milestones or accomplishments—it’s about the values I hold dear, the journey I’m on, and the lasting impact I strive to make. And with each chapter, I’m eager to continue shaping a narrative of purpose and connection.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Resilience, self-care, and creativity have served as guiding lights on my journey. Throughout life, we encounter setbacks and challenges, but resilience is essential for moving forward. Taking time for self-care goes beyond superficial practices; it’s about nurturing oneself to maintain a sense of identity, purpose, and confidence, even amidst adversity. Creativity has been my driving force, shaping my approach to life with curiosity and innovation. It’s not just about artistic expression; it’s about creatively navigating obstacles, discovering new solutions, and uncovering hidden opportunities. Whether behind the camera, interviewing people, or telling stories, creativity has helped me forge connections. From my early days working with Street Knowledge Media in NYC to launching The Cre8tors, I’ve embraced the philosophy of picking oneself, championed by Seth Godin. This mindset empowers me to create opportunities and navigate challenges with resilience, self-care, and creativity as my allies. So, to those on their journey, I encourage you to cultivate these pillars, for when you pick yourself, the possibilities are limitless.
Tell us what your ideal client would be like?
My ideal artist clients are bold individuals and companies who recognize the transformative power of their creativity. Similarly, my ideal brand and corporate clients, regardless of stage, prioritize positively impacting society. With my stellar roster, we can help them achieve their goals.
Contact Info:
- Website: TheCre8tors.com
- Instagram: @missdanijackson
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danijackson
