Meet Danielle Cobo

We were lucky to catch up with Danielle Cobo recently and have shared our conversation below.

Danielle, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
In 2020, the world was thrust into a whirlwind of change. With the relentless spread of Covid-19, the global pandemic brought nations to a standstill. Lives were upended, jobs were lost, and the very fabric of our existence seemed to unravel. Like many, I was caught in the whirlwind of change that swept across the globe—a year of unprecedented challenges and unexpected turns changed my life forever in 2020.

In January 2020, my husband, who had served a year’s deployment in Iraq, finally returned home. Our twin boys, mere toddlers when he left, had grown into little adventurers during his absence.

When my husband left for deployment, our boys stumbled around like drunk sailors, barely finding balance. They uttered their adorable first words like “Thunder” during Florida storms. But when he returned, they turned into mini race car drivers, driving their toy Power Wheels Jeep like seasoned pros.

Rather than navigating Blackhawk helicopters amid enemy fire, my husband returned to mediate disputes over who gets to play with the TRex. The adjustment was challenging for our entire family.

Heartbreakingly, tragedy struck just as we began to adjust to our new life. In March 2020, I tragically lost my mother to suicide—a heartbreaking blow that left me shattered and searching for solace. The weight of grief seemed unbearable. Just as I began to navigate the complex web of emotions, the pandemic descended upon the world, closing doors and shrouding hope in uncertainty.

Amid these tumultuous events, another pivotal moment unfolded in my life. I made the decision to leave a toxic work environment—a place that had consumed my identity and defined my purpose for seven long years. As I bid farewell to a job I loved at the most recognized medical aesthetic company, I found myself standing at the crossroads of my existence. My job had become my identity.

Rather than plunging into another job search, I took a few months for self-discovery, a pilgrimage to find my purpose and carve out a future aligned with my authentic self. The world had come to a standstill, and in that stillness, I sought clarity amidst the chaos. The time I took for myself proved to be a revelation-a time to pause, reflect, and reevaluate my life.

During that period of introspection, I delved deep into my passions, values, and purpose. I delved into books that sparked my curiosity, attended online courses that nourished my mind, and engaged in soul-stirring conversations with mentors and loved ones. I embarked on a path of self-care, nurturing my well-being through journaling, exercise, and creative pursuits that I had long neglected. My appreciation for the simple pleasures of life was rediscovered during it all.

Through my journey, I realized my purpose lay not in job titles or awards for top sales performance but in my connections with others. My heart yearned to make a difference, to contribute meaningfully to others’ lives. I wanted to create a positive impact, to empower others to embrace their self-discovery and achieve their personal and professional goals.

With newfound clarity, I began redefining success on my terms. I sought opportunities that aligned with my values, seeking fulfillment. I started writing, sharing my experiences and insights on social media to inspire and uplift others navigating similar paths.

Over the next two years, I started a business, became a sought-after speaker, host of a top-rated podcast called “Dream Job with Danielle Cobo Podcast”  and wrote a book available on Amazon in January 2024.

The storms of 2020 have taught me that purpose is not a fixed destination but an ever-evolving journey. I’ve discovered that purpose can emerge from challenging circumstances. There are times when chaos and upheaval push us to uncover our true selves. I’ve found it in the moments when we navigate the depths of despair, the resilience that rises from our deepest wounds, and the unwavering determination to rise above life’s challenges.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
Since I departed from corporate, I have dedicated myself to helping people develop the grit, resilience, and courage to thrive professionally and personally. As a former Senior Sales Manager at a Fortune 500 company, I led my team to remarkable success despite downsizing, restructuring, and acquisitions. The valuable lessons I learned guide organizations to build high-performing teams and achieve award-winning results.

Through my consulting work, I have witnessed my clients launch and scale thriving businesses. Several clients secured well-deserved promotions within their respective organizations, attracted exciting new job opportunities, and elevated their sales achievements, often earning accolades as top performers.

In addition to my consulting work, I am a keynote speaker and host of the “Dream Job with Danielle Cobo Podcast”  Through these platforms, individuals have discovered practical strategies to achieve their professional and personal goals, all while leading fulfilling lives. With great anticipation, I announce the forthcoming release of my book in January 2024. Drawing upon real-life anecdotes, practical strategies, credible research, and actionable steps, the book “The Grit Factor” provides individuals with the tools to transcend limitations and unlock their innate grit, resilience, and courage.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
I developed three valuable skills and qualities during a series of challenging events in 2020. I have adopted these qualities as guiding lights for a fulfilling and purposeful life.

Self-Reflection: When faced with challenges, I’ve learned the value of self-reflection. During my introspection, I reflected on my values and aspirations. My self-awareness enabled me to gain a profound understanding of my purpose and to make decisions that resonate with who I am at my core.

Resilience: The first quality that emerged from the depths of adversity was resilience. Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, I discovered unwavering strength within me. This ability to bounce back from setbacks, adapt to unforeseen circumstances, and remain steadfast in adversity. Resilience gave me the courage to be vulnerable, redefine success on my terms, take risks, and build my confidence.

Grit: A character trait that emerged from my self-reflection journey is grit. Through moments of self-doubt, determination fueled my relentless pursuit of growth and success, urging me to surpass limitations and push boundaries. Whenever I faced a challenge or celebrated a triumph, grit whispered, “You are capable of more.” I learned that setbacks are mere stepping stones in the journey to success. Grit fuels my ambitions, propels my dreams, and empowers me to conquer the impossible.

These three qualities and skills—self-reflection, resilience, and grit—have become my compass, guiding me toward a purpose-driven life. They serve as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, growth and transformation are possible.

In the face of life’s trials and tribulations, holding onto a powerful truth is crucial: when one door closes, another opens—a doorway to something greater than we can imagine. Amidst the storm, it may be challenging to grasp the reason behind the redirection. However, we have the power to choose how we respond to adversity. We can succumb to victimhood, allowing challenges to define us, or we can rise above, accepting that these obstacles shape the very core of who we become. In our struggles, we find strength, and in our pain, we find purpose.
We have the power to turn pain into purpose, and in doing so, we can create a ripple effect of change, spreading hope and resilience to all whose lives we touch. We must never forget that our mess can become our message. Each experience, no matter how difficult, has the potential to serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration for others.
Remember that we are not alone. Countless others have weathered storms similar to ours and emerged stronger, wiser, and more resilient. They stand as beacons of encouragement, illuminating the way forward.

So, during life’s challenges, we should take a moment to breathe and reflect. Embrace redirection, for it leads us toward the greater destiny that awaits. The challenges we face today shape us into the person we are destined to be tomorrow. With grit as our ally, no obstacle is insurmountable, and no dream is beyond reach.

Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
Several books influenced my growth and helped ignite positive transformations in me.

The first is “How Are You Really” by Jenna Kutcher. Within its pages, I discovered a profound shift in my perspective on work-life balance. This remarkable book guided me to relinquish the shackles of endless to-do lists and embrace a more meaningful approach to life. It empowered me to prioritize genuine connections, savor precious moments, and be fully present with the people who truly matter.

The second book, “Overcome Your Villains,” is by Heather Monahan. Heather’s powerful insights taught me how to overcome adversity with unwavering confidence and carve my path toward professional success. Through her guidance, I found the strength to leave a toxic work environment and pursue my passion.

Lastly, “Atomic Habits” by James Clear. Through James’s book, I learned that small, intentional changes can profoundly impact. His wisdom shed light on the mechanics of habit formation, empowering me to break free from unproductive patterns and cultivate positive habits that propel me toward my aspirations. The book was a gentle yet profound reminder that remarkable results are born from consistent, incremental progress.

These three books have become cherished companions in my quest for personal growth and fulfillment. They have reshaped my perspective, infused me with motivation, and provided practical tools to achieve my professional and personal goals.

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