Meet Danae Labocki

Having a work ethic, for me, was not just a means to achieve goals but also became a channel through which I received affirmation from those around me. My innate desire to please others combined with my drive led me to roles that championed service – working to uplift others and assisting nonprofits. Yet, with time, I’ve come to understand the essence of balance. While a strong work ethic is commendable, it is equally vital to ensure that the labor is rooted in passion and purpose rather than mere validation from others. Rest, rejuvenation, and reflection are not signs of weakness but are integral for sustained success and well-being.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Several years ago, while serving nonprofits across the U.S., I was struck with a profound realization – I believe it was God-inspired and my heart started pointing straight back to Akron. I was overcome with a vision and passion to use the fifteen-plus years of experience and expertise I gained to lift up my own community. So, I approached Chad Crawford, who I’ve known, respected, and worked with for many years to partner with me in this venture. So, with a bit of a “let’s do this” attitude and a shared dream, we rolled up our sleeves and kickstarted IMMIX.

IMMIX is more than just a business; it’s a mission. Combining our strategic insights, our creative flair, and a meticulous appreciation for data, we aim to empower local businesses and nonprofits. We’re passionate about nurturing and reinforcing the relationships they have with customers, donors, or community members.

The commitment to empowering our community and being in long-lasting relationships with our clients is evident in everything we do, from leading insightful talks at local conferences to fun-filled kickball games with our clients and friends.  Over the past year, we have started our “Coffee Collaboration” – a safe place for Executive and Development Directors to come build friendships, discuss the nuances of fundraising, donor development, and more.

Our ambitions go even further. At the heart of IMMIX lies a fervent desire to support and uplift marginalized and often overlooked leaders within Akron. We’re committed to immersing ourselves in diverse environments, gaining new perspectives, and learning from those whose experiences differ from ours. Furthermore, we’re excited to reintroduce “Buy Local Serve Local”, a dedicated platform that seamlessly intertwines community, nonprofit initiatives, and businesses by spotlighting their stories and driving increased engagement and awareness. Through all these endeavors, our primary goal remains unchanged: to make a tangible, lasting difference in our beloved Akron community.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
1. Local Connection, Commitment, Authentic Relationships, and the Power of Word-of-Mouth: At the heart of IMMIX’s success is a genuine love for Akron. Our journey has not just been about understanding our community but about being an integral part of its fabric. This connection to Akron, combined with authentic relationships, was the catapult for our growth, with word-of-mouth endorsements being invaluable. When I think back to those early days, it’s clear that the genuine recommendations we received were instrumental in building our reputation and trust.

So, we encourage you to dive headfirst into your community. Understand it, love it, and be a proactive part of its evolution. And as you forge ahead, place genuine relationships at the center of everything you do. They’ll be your most authentic and influential advocates.

2. Data-Driven Creativity: We recognize and live out the magic of blending strategic thinking with creative impulses. But at IMMIX, we’ve added another layer: letting data drive our decisions. This trifecta – strategy, creativity, and data – ensures our initiatives aren’t just innovative, but also effective and impactful. If you’re at the beginning of your professional journey, remember this: while creativity sets you apart, data validates your direction. Stay updated, be curious, but also ensure your decisions are rooted in real, tangible insights.

3. Resilience and Rooted Purpose: Reflecting on IMMIX’s journey, one of the standout qualities that carried us through has been resilience. Starting from a passionate vision birthed in the heart of Akron and navigating the myriad challenges of helping local businesses and nonprofits foster genuine relationships, we’ve had our fair share of hurdles. Yet, it was our unwavering ‘why’ that kept us anchored. Every time we felt overwhelmed or discouraged, we circled back to our foundational desire to make Akron a better place to work, serve, and live.

Never lose sight of your ‘why.’ It will be your north star during difficult times, motivating you to push forward when things get hard. And as you progress, celebrate every achievement, big or small. These moments of joy not only serve as a reminder of how far you’ve come but also fuel your drive for the journey ahead.

Lastly, for a deeper dive into resilience, understanding your purpose, and transformative leadership, I cannot recommend Brene Brown’s “Dare to Lead” enough. It’s a game-changer, equipping you with tools and insights that can profoundly shape your journey.

Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
When overwhelmed, I’ve found that structure and balance are key. I start by organizing my projects and tasks with Trello, a tool that has been indispensable in visualizing my workload and setting clear priorities. Each morning, we dedicate 15 minutes for a check-in with our team. This brief sync-up ensures we’re aligned, can address any immediate concerns, and provides a moment of camaraderie that often lightens the load. Yet, it’s crucial to remember that we’re not machines; we need to recharge. So, while we work passionately, we equally emphasize the importance of play. It’s a belief we’ve embedded into our company culture, ensuring that each member takes a day alone every month. This isn’t just a day off—it’s a day dedicated to resting, refreshing, resetting, or even diving into new learning. Such moments away from the daily grind invigorate us, providing clarity and renewed energy. Be sure to balance your dedication with self-care, and remember that efficiency isn’t just about hard work, but also about working smart.