MEET DANIELLE "DJ DANI" PARKINSON

FEATURED

Feb 20

CBN: Hi ! We’d love to learn more about you, your story and what you are focused on professionally – whether it’s a business, nonprofit, artistic career etc. Please tell our readers about what you do, what you feel is most exciting or special about it, as well as anything else you’d like folks to know about your brand/art/etc.

Danielle: I’m Danielle Parkinson—also known as DJ Dani—a multi-media maven, storyteller, and well-being advocate dedicated to inspiring joy, transformation, and resilience. For over 20 years, I’ve worked in TV and radio broadcasting, currently co-hosting The Morning Reset on 95.1 The Ultimate One. My career has always been rooted in meaningful storytelling, whether it’s through engaging interviews, thought-provoking discussions, or amplifying voices that need to be heard. Beyond broadcasting, I’m an award-winning writer with eight ADDY Awards for my creative storytelling and branding expertise. Writing has always been one of my superpowers, and I’ve reignited that passion through my Dear Dani column, where I share weekly insights on mindset management, thought retraining, and practical ways to invite more joy into our daily lives. It’s all about helping people navigate life’s challenges with a fresh, empowered perspective. But my newest chapter is perhaps the most fulfilling one yet—my work in well-being consultancy. After investing 13 months in therapy, I experienced a deep transformation that led me to become Trinidad & Tobago’s first certified Chief Well-being Officer (CWO) through the World Happiness Foundation. My mission? To help individuals, workplaces, and communities create spaces where happiness, balance, and emotional intelligence thrive. One of my most heartfelt initiatives is the Kindness Clubs I’ve launched in primary and secondary schools. These clubs teach young minds that kindness isn’t just a fleeting act—it’s a movement that can change lives. Being Caribbean is at the core of everything I do. Our region is built on resilience, creativity, and deep community ties, and that energy fuels my work—whether it’s in broadcasting, writing, or well-being advocacy. But beyond our vibrant culture and undeniable spirit, I am deeply passionate about our history—both the beauty and the traumas that have shaped us. I believe that to truly heal and evolve as individuals and societies, we must confront our past, understand its impact, and consciously choose a more self-aware, connected future. This philosophy drives my work, from storytelling that sparks meaningful conversations to creating spaces for emotional and mental well-being. No matter the platform—on-air, in print, or in-person—my purpose remains the same: to help people live fuller, more intentional lives rooted in joy, kindness, and authenticity. That’s the legacy I want to build, one story at a time.

CBN: It’s wonderful to meet you! Thanks for that lovely insight. What skills or habits have you developed that have been crucial to managing and growing your business? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Danielle: Over the years, I’ve developed a few key skills and habits that have been game-changers in my journey as a media professional, writer, and well-being consultant. If I had to narrow it down, these would be my top ones: Balancing multiple roles—radio host, consultant, writer, and mental health advocate—requires being intentional with my time management. I’ve learned to prioritize tasks based on impact, delegate when needed, and set clear boundaries to protect my time and energy. Post-pandemic, I have come to accept that everything cannot be urgent; I don’t buy into false urgencies anymore. Media, branding, and well-being are ever-evolving industries, and staying ahead means being a lifelong learner. I invest in courses, attend conferences, and stay updated on trends to keep my content and strategies fresh. Entrepreneurship and personal growth come with challenges. Learning to manage setbacks, reframe failures as lessons, and maintain a growth mindset has been crucial in keeping me moving forward. I am also big on trusting the process and allowing things to flow, so I invest in daily habits like journaling, affirmations, or meditation to keep my mindset strong. Success isn’t just about what you know, but who you connect with and how you show up for others. Whether through media, well-being consultancy, or my Kindness Club, I always focus on building genuine, meaningful relationships. I love to network, but with intention—I aim to nurture relationships rather than just make transactional connections. Whether I’m on-air, writing, or coaching, storytelling has been my most powerful tool. People connect with stories, not just services or products. Learning to tell my own story authentically has opened doors for me, built trust, and positioned my brand uniquely. My best advice is to remember that success is a marathon, not a sprint. It’s about your daily habits that create your future. Self-discipline is one of the greatest forms of self-love, so invest in yourself, be kind to yourself, and stay consistent with your goals.

CBN: What steps have you taken to differentiate your brand from competitors?

Danielle: What sets me apart is my multi-media experience—I've built my career at the intersection of media, broadcasting, advertising, storytelling, and well-being. While many professionals specialise in one area, I bring a 360-degree approach to content, branding, and personal transformation. I’ve earned eight ADDY Awards for my creative storytelling, advertising campaigns, and brand strategy. My ability to craft narratives that don’t just sell but resonate with audiences is what has positioned me as a force in the media and branding industry. Whether it’s through ad campaigns, content creation, or brand development, I focus on strategies that make an emotional and psychological impact. What truly makes my brand stand out is my ability to bridge media, branding, and mental well-being. As Trinidad & Tobago’s first certified Chief Well-being Officer (CWO), I fuse my deep understanding of advertising psychology with emotional intelligence and personal transformation. I don’t just create content; I create experiences that shift mindsets and inspire action. I've spent two decades crafting media, advertising, and branding strategies that are bold, disruptive, and culturally resonant. My work in storytelling, coaching, and advertising isn’t about trends—it’s about creating long-term impact in people’s lives and in the brands I collaborate with. My brand is not just about entertaining—it’s about elevating, empowering, and evolving people and businesses alike.

“While many professionals specialise in one area, I bring a 360-degree approach to content, branding, and personal transformation. ”

— Danielle

CBN: Can you discuss the importance of corporate partnerships for your brand and how you go about establishing these relationships?

Danielle: Corporate partnerships have been instrumental in transforming my Kindness Club initiative from a simple proposal into a reality that has already impacted hundreds of students. But beyond just funding or sponsorships, I’ve learned that relationship-building is everything. People may change jobs, shift industries, or move into new roles—but strong connections will always follow. The same corporate allies who supported a small idea years ago may later be in a position to unlock bigger opportunities for you. That’s why I focus on long-term relationship building—not transactional interactions. For me, nurturing professional relationships means showing up, adding value, and expecting nothing in return. Whether it’s lending expertise, amplifying someone’s project, or simply checking in, these small moments create lasting trust. Beyond strategy, I truly believe in trusting the universe to align you with the right people at the right time. Some of my most game-changing opportunities have come from unexpected conversations and organic connections—proof that when you operate from a place of authenticity and purpose, the right doors will always open.

We thank you Danielle for sharing your BOLD JOURNEY!

Contact/Follow: @djdani868 | djdaninetwork@gmail.com | https://www.djdaninetwork.com/home