We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Danielle Gray a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Danielle, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
Resilience, for me, is a product of rising from the ashes of both business and personal failures. The ability to bounce back, stronger and more determined, comes from facing rejection in the unforgiving modeling industry. Every “no” became a stepping stone towards a more robust “yes.” In gymnastics, my journey wasn’t without its falls, both literal and metaphorical. Not reaching the level I initially aspired to was a tough pill to swallow, but those setbacks fueled my determination to redefine success on my terms. The resilience I’ve built is a collage of these experiences, a testament to turning setbacks into setups for a stronger comeback. It’s the willingness to stand up again after each fall, whether in business, personal life, or the gymnastics arena, that shapes the core of my unwavering resilience.
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?
Professionally, I run Train Like A Gymnast (TLAG), a fitness brand that goes beyond your everyday workouts to give users movements inspired by gymnastics strength and flexibility. TLAG is an online and in person community with a fitness app, wellness resources, and small group events. Our aim is to improve women’s confidence, especially those looking for a lifestyle change. Keep an eye on our website for exciting stuff happening in 2024!
Personally, I’m chasing dreams beyond TLAG. I’m stepping up my hosting game and dipping my toes into becoming an author. Mental health advocacy is a cause I’m passionate about too and will continue to speak at events and conferences about topics close to my heart. Exciting things are in the pipeline on all fronts. I love being part of transformations, and there’s more to come!
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?
Reflecting on my journey, three key elements have profoundly shaped who I am today. Firstly, my background as a gymnast equipped me with invaluable lessons and skills. The discipline, resilience, structure, and ability to turn setbacks into comebacks were etched into my character through my childhood and teen years. Secondly, my own encounters with mental health challenges have given me a deep understanding of feeling less than and struggling. This empathy allows me to connect with clients on a deeper level. Lastly, my curiosity in the personal development space has been a game-changer. Staying curious keeps me resilient, persistent, and constantly learning. My advice for those starting their journey: Stay true to who you are, never stop learning, embrace experimentation, and remember that nobody has it all figured out. Every “no” is just a step closer to a “yes.”
Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?
My ideal client is someone with a spark of determination and a readiness for positive change. Whether you’re a millennial or gen X woman juggling a busy life in a suburban or urban area, I’m here for you. If you’re carrying extra weight, feeling a bit disconnected from who you see in the mirror and pictures, and seeking strength both physically and mentally, we’re on the same wavelength. I thrive on working with individuals who want to manage their stress better and make a lifestyle change. My sweet spot is individuals ready to invest in their well-being. – whether they are former athletes, young professionals, executives, or seniors – what matters most is the desire for positive change. I thrive on guiding those who want to get stronger, both in body and mindset, and who are ready to embrace what it truly means to Train Like A Gymnast.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.daniellegrayfit.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/daniellegrayfit
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/daniellegrayfit
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellecgray/
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/daniellegrayfit
Image Credits
Lindsay Rosenberg J Aggabao Alain Mitchell Pat Curran Jake TyCyn
