Meet Donni Satu

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Donni Satu. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Donni , so excited to have you with us today and we are really interested in hearing your thoughts about how folks can develop their empathy? In our experience, most folks want to be empathic towards others, but in a world where we are often only surrounded by people who are very similar to us, it can sometimes be a challenge to develop empathy for others who might not be as similar to us. Any thoughts or advice?

The conditions that allowed me to develop empathy stem from a combination of my early life experiences, personal struggles, and a deep exploration of my own humanity. Growing up, I faced immense challenges—being separated from my biological mother at birth, experiencing physical abuse, and enduring a sense of isolation. These hardships, though painful, provided me with the first seeds of empathy. I had to understand what it felt like to be unloved, misunderstood, and isolated, which later gave me the ability to deeply empathise with others who feel the same.

Living in various children’s homes and moving between different caregivers exposed me to a wide array of human experiences and emotions. This forced me to navigate a world where people were often hurting, and I quickly learned the value of connection and understanding. Being an outsider, someone who struggled with cultural integration and language barriers, allowed me to appreciate how powerful it is to be seen and heard. In those moments, I learned that empathy is not just about understanding others’ pain but also about recognising their humanity, regardless of their circumstances or backgrounds.

One of the most important experiences in my development of empathy was my relationship with my stepfather. He physically abused me on several occasions and was the catalyst for me running away at 10 years old, eventually landing in a children’s home for the next five years. At that time, I felt ashamed and unworthy in his eyes, which only fuelled my sense of inadequacy. It wasn’t until I was in my 40’s that I began processing my early childhood trauma. Through this journey, I came to understand that my stepfather’s actions were rooted in his own deep wounds. He had endured unimaginable suffering as a child, being thrown into concentration camps during WWII, losing his entire family. I can only imagine the scars he carried, and I realised that his behaviour was a manifestation of his unresolved trauma. He was acting from the level of consciousness he had at the time, and at his core, he was crying out for love.

This experience deepened my understanding of empathy. I learned that empathy is not just about recognising the pain of others but about seeing the deeper layers of their humanity. It’s about understanding that people act from their own experiences, wounds, and perceptions, and that at the heart of most pain is a cry for connection, healing, and love. This understanding has profoundly shaped the way I view myself and others, and it continues to guide my journey toward greater self-compassion and compassion for those I work with.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

As a Business Development Consultant and Life Coach, my work revolves around helping businesses and individuals unlock their full potential through strategic growth and personal transformation.

In my role as a Business Development Consultant, I bring a unique, holistic approach to business growth. My expertise spans across marketing, customer experience, technology, and coaching, enabling me to offer versatile solutions that cater to the diverse needs of businesses.

I help companies connect meaningfully with their customers, optimise their operations, and implement smart technologies that drive lead generation and enhance the customer journey.

I’ve had the privilege of working with businesses of all sizes, from startups to large organisations across Australasia, crafting customised strategies that bridge digital and traditional marketing to deliver results.

On the Life Coaching side, my mission is to foster personal growth and success through self-awareness. I believe that personal and professional success are deeply interconnected, and I guide my clients to achieve alignment between the two.

I have just began the journey of writing a book. My intention is to explore who we truly are beneath the layers of thoughts, feelings, and sensations that shape our daily experiences. I want to examine how our identity is formed and how it influences every aspect of our lives. I want to unpack the three levels of experience—Physical Reality, Mind, and Awareness—and guide readers on a journey from the noise of the external world to the stillness of pure awareness.

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?

The first quality that truly shaped my journey is creativity. Whether it was in my early days as a DJ, creating immersive experiences in clubs, or later as a business consultant crafting innovative strategies, creativity has been the thread that connects all my professional and personal pursuits. It allowed me to see beyond conventional solutions and approach problems from unique angles.

My advice would be to allow yourself to explore and experiment without fear of judgment. Try new things, make mistakes, and embrace failure as part of the creative process. Inspiration can come from unexpected places, so stay curious and open to new experiences.

Intuition played a crucial role in guiding a lot of my decisions. Throughout my life, I often found that trusting my gut led me to opportunities or solutions that logic alone might not have uncovered. Being in tune with my instincts, especially when navigating uncertain or complex situations, allowed me to embrace challenges with confidence and authenticity.

To develop intuition, start by cultivating self-awareness. Take time to listen to your inner voice, even when it seems counterintuitive. Practicing mindfulness, journaling, or meditating can help you tune into your instincts and make decisions that align with your true self.

I guess the third quality would be resilience. It’s a key factor in overcoming obstacles. Life has a way of throwing curveballs, but having the ability to bounce back from failure, disappointments, and setbacks allowed me to keep moving forward. Resilience gave me the strength to learn from difficult experiences and use them as stepping stones for growth.

For resilience, it’s important to adopt a mindset that views challenges as opportunities for growth. When faced with adversity, take a step back and reframe the situation. Remember that setbacks are a natural part of the journey, and each one brings valuable lessons. Strengthen your resilience by developing a support network and taking care of your mental and physical well-being.

What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?

On a personal level, it’s the practise of self awareness. I cannot stress enough how this practise alone has changed my life. Everything begins with awareness. When we’re not operating from awareness, we’re operating from a set of conditioned stories, narratives, judgements, and beliefs that veil our true essence. It’s a daily practise that is ongoing.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @donnisatu
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/donnione
• Other: https://www.mixcloud.com/donnione/