We were lucky to catch up with Danii Oliver recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Danii, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.
In my journey, overcoming imposter syndrome wasn’t just about battling self-doubt; it was a profound process of deschooling myself from societal and professional expectations that are often rooted in bias and unrealistic ideals. These external pressures can lead us to mistrust our abilities and silence our inner truths.
Imposter syndrome for me was seeded not just through standardized testing that framed me as a failure for not being ‘standard,’ but also through the suppression of my true identity—growing up as a queer Two-Spirit, Indigenous Taino-Arawak person in a society that did not acknowledge such identities as valid options. The identity forced upon me was binary and restrictive, contributing deeply to the feelings of being an ‘imposter.’
A pivotal moment in overcoming these feelings came from a powerful story about understanding one’s worth. It’s about a father who gives his daughter an old car to sell. She takes it to three different places: the first two see it as junk, offering next to nothing for it; but the third recognizes it as a gem and offers $100,000. This taught me a crucial lesson about finding environments that recognize and value my true worth, rather than settling for places that undervalue my contributions.
This realization empowered me to leave industries I loved where I was judged by my perceived gender and skin color—like tech (as an interactive software engineer) and adult beverage manufacturing (as the founder and brew master of Island to Island Brewery). I recognized that these judgments did not diminish my ability to code or my skills in fermentation. Instead, I’ve turned towards publishing (writing and illustrating “Unschool Discoveries” and producing Unschool Pages of Our Lives) and exploring new industries where my work and ideas could be valued, learning to say ‘no’ to environments that foster doubt and fear, which are fertile grounds for imposter syndrome.
Overcoming this involved a series of burnouts and personal reflections. Eventually, I learned to affirm my identity and establish boundaries. I learned to recognize the systemic structures—like the rigid binaries of identity and success—that were perpetuating these feelings. Recognizing these systems was liberating. It allowed me to shift my focus from trying to fit an impossible mold to redefining success on my own terms, grounded in authenticity and genuine effort.
To those struggling with imposter syndrome, my advice is to turn inward and reconnect with your inner child and ideas about the life you want to live. Ask yourself, ‘What makes me happy behind closed doors?’ Reflect on the systemic structures that may be influencing your perceptions of inadequacy. Remember, it’s not about fitting into a pre-defined mold but about shifting and branching like a tree growing in unique ways to gain more light to foster a more authentic and fulfilling life journey. This approach not only alleviates feelings of being an ‘imposter’ but also empowers us to lead and innovate with confidence and a sense of true purpose.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am the founder of KIDO PubTech and Quantum Innovation Advisors, two ventures that represent the breadth of my professional and creative endeavors. KIDO PubTech, an imprint of KIDO Family Ranch, specializes in the creation and cultivation of diverse, innovative intellectual properties. Our mission at KIDO PubTech is to craft entertainment that naturally leads to learning because it resonates deeply with audiences. As a publishing house, we are dedicated to bringing narratives to life—from page to pixel to virtual worlds—ensuring that our stories are not only told but experienced in engaging and transformative ways.
Our goal is to build a multigenerational entertainment universe, producing engaging content that can be enjoyed by families together. One of the projects I’m most excited about is our book series “Unschool Discoveries,” which explores themes of self-directed learning and personal growth, reflecting my passion for rethinking the last century’s educational models and living holistically.
What excites me most about my work is the ability to transform traditional storytelling and products into immersive experiences that do more than entertain—they open a world of choices and inspire by being relatable and relevant. Whether it’s through interactive ebooks, digital games, or virtual reality experiences, our projects at KIDO PubTech are designed to leave a lasting impact, supported by a vibrant community of creatives who identify as Mixed, Indigenous, Of Color, and the spectrum of human fluidity.
Looking ahead, we are excited about several new initiatives. KIDO PubTech is set to expand its physical products into the realm of mixed reality digital interactive experiences, aiming to blend entertainment with innovative technology to create immersive environments. This expansion includes venturing into new forms of storytelling that connect with audiences on multiple levels.
I am also deeply committed to promoting diversity and inclusion within the publishing industry through genre-bending. It’s essential for me to create and support projects that not only tell diverse stories but also provide platforms for voices that for too long have not been represented, have been gatekept against, and told they aren’t a fit.
I invite everyone to stay connected with us through our KIDO Family Ranch websites and social media as we continue to introduce new projects and collaborations that push the boundaries of what is possible in both technology and storytelling.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back on my journey, three qualities stand out as fundamentally impactful: being a polymath, possessing a natural love for learning, and having tenacity.
Being a Polymath: My interdisciplinary approach has allowed me to blend insights from multiple fields and see solutions where others might see barriers. This ability to integrate knowledge across different areas has been crucial in creating innovative products and solutions that are comprehensive and inclusive. The ability to draw connections between seemingly unrelated fields can lead to breakthrough innovations.
Natural Love for Learning: My inherent curiosity has always driven me to explore and understand more deeply, often going beyond prescribed paths of education. This trait has been vital in keeping me curious and perpetually evolving in my professional and personal life. I advise nurturing your curiosity by always asking questions and seeking to learn from every situation and person you encounter. Embrace a mindset where learning is a continuous journey.
Tenacity: The path to fulfilling your dreams is rarely linear. My journey has required a persistent drive to overcome challenges and setbacks. Tenacity has been essential in pushing through the moments of doubt and resistance, especially when venturing into areas like tech, craft beer and publishing, where my very presence challenges the status quo. As much as I hate to say it, resilience is built through encountering and overcoming difficulties.
For those who are early in their careers or entrepreneurial journeys, focus on developing these qualities through continuous learning, seeking interdisciplinary experiences, and maintaining the courage to persist in the face of adversity even if that means being prepared to pivot and adapt based on what you learn along the way.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Yes, at KIDO PubTech, we are always eager to expand our network of collaborators and partners who share our vision for creating innovative and engaging content. We are particularly interested in partnering with creatives, technologists, educators, and storytellers who are passionate about blending entertainment with learning and who bring diverse perspectives to the table.
Who We’re Looking For:
Creatives and Authors: We seek writers, illustrators, and multimedia artists who can bring unique stories to life, especially those that highlight unrepresented voices and experiences. If you have a narrative about unrepresented characters or a desire to document oral tales from your ancestors we would love to hear from you.
If you are reading this and are interested in collaborating, please reach out to us through our kidofamilyranch.com website’s ‘Platform Partners’ form. We are looking for partners who are ready to innovate while inspiring the next generation.
We believe in the power of collaboration to amplify impact and create content that is not only entertaining but also profoundly transformative. By joining forces with like-minded individuals and organizations, we can together push the boundaries of what can be achieved.
Contact Info:
- Website: kidofamilyranch.com
- Instagram: @unschooldiscoveries
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniioliver/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/UnschoolPages
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@kidofamilyranch
Image Credits
Danii Oliver, Photographer
