For Women’s History Month I will be sharing the stories that define and provide examples of women empowerment, uplifting stories of personal triumph and businesses that are inspiring and are making a difference for women. Women’s History Month is a declared month each year that highlights the contributions of women to events in history and contemporary society.
I want to introduce you to Danielle Reid.
Danielle Reid is the Executive Director of DR and Associates, a marketing firm that specializes in branding, multicultural and diversity marketing, social media management, marketing consulting and organizational improvement with an established track record of success across businesses of all sizes and industries.With more than 14 years of experience in marketing, digital analytics, business development, and communications, Danielle’s aim is a positive ROI for her clients. She delivers measurable results and ensures that brands are strategically aligned to meet their organizational objectives. She has succeeded where those before her have failed. Danielle counts Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, and non-profits amongst her clients including Nissan, Subway, Coca Cola, The United States Navy and UnitedHealthcare. Her skills are in high demand as she has been tapped by senior level executives and management for her extensive knowledge in leading national, international, and global marketing campaigns with proven results. Danielle also has cleared the path for other women to serve in leadership positions within the Marketing and Communications industry: being the first woman to serve as Marketing and Advertising Advisor within the Department of Defense.
Here is HERstory:
Stepping From Out of the Shadows: The Woman Responsible for Some of the Nation’s Top Marketing Campaigns You have seen some of her work, but didn’t know that it was her behind the implementation for success. With over 14 years of experience, Danielle Reid has managed some of the largest marketing campaigns locally, regionally and globally. After making marks in the industry with Big 6 agencies, she looks to expand her reach and impact with her own Memphis-based boutique marketing firm. For over 14 years, Danielle Reid has worked in corporate marketing and has been recognized as one of the Top Women in Marketing and Communications in the U.S. A graduate of Christian Brothers University, Danielle furthered her education beyond her BS in Management to obtain an MBA/MA at Rutgers University specializing in Digital Marketing and Strategic Leadership. Danielle Reid, Executive Director of DR and Associates, made it a point to make sure she was not only experienced, but had the education as well to set herself apart in the industry. “I would look at leaders in various positions and wonder how I was looked over when I was not only more educated, but more experienced with a successful track record: that is what led me to start my own marketing firm to show what REAL marketing leaders look like.” A data scientist/statistician by trade, Danielle uses her love of data and numbers to apply meaningful metrics to all of her marketing campaigns. Danielle said that her ultimate goal as an agency owner is to provide “real results for real people while being a partner in success.”
Her business is DR & Associates a Marketing and Communications Firm.
What does women empowerment mean to you?
Women empowerment to me not only means saying that you support and want to see other women win, but actually putting in the work. Far too often we see people use the word empowerment and claim to empower other women, yet, won’t help the next woman or the next generation of women for success. With true women empowerment, you look to build and be a mentor for others and not look at every woman as competition.
What advice or words of inspiration would you like to share with someone?
Be yourself and stay true to yourself. Don’t allow naysayers to pull you down: what is meant for you is for you and nobody can take that away!
What do you want your legacy to be?
That I loved helping people, even at times when it may have hurt my own progression.
What inspires you?
Seeing those who doubted themselves at one point to succeed, especially with being counted out or being considered an underdog that won’t be successful.
What kind of impact do you want to have on those around you?
To inspire them to do better things at the next level and to reach their ultimate potential.
What does self care mean to you?
Self-care means taking time out to do things for yourself by yourself with no distractions. This could be something as simple as spending 30 minutes outside without your cell phone just to enjoy nature or to use one day a month for pampering yourself with a massage, facial, etc without distractions. Another form of self-care is setting boundaries with others to allow you to have time for yourself.
What obstacles have you overcome or hurdles did you personally face and how did you overcome them?
In my industry, it is primarily a white, male owned and managed area, therefore, it was extremely hard for women of color to be considered for positions above middle management. I overcame them by starting my own agency to go against the status quo and to show that my firm can provide the same services and results for a fraction of the cost.
When did you realize entrepreneurship was right for you?
I realized that entrepreneurship was right for me when I kept being denied director level and above positions, although I would be the most qualified candidate. I also knew that the teams I was working on were not accustomed to thinking outside of the box and as a creative, it was hindering my happiness as well as the results for our clients. As an entrepreneur, I am able to be as creative as I choose to be and my clients love the results.
Why did you choose entrepreneurship?
Entrepreneurship choose me in my opinion because it allowed me the freedom to do what I love without having to deal with choosing between my career and my family on a daily basis.
What would you say is your most driving motivation to keep doing what you to do?
My driving motivation to keep doing what I do is seeing the success and results of my marketing campaigns for my clients.
What are you most excited or passionate about? (In both business and life or both)
I am most passionate about seeing clients that struggle with bringing an idea or their business to life, and them being able to do so once they start working with me. So many of them have been scammed and misled by others that once they start working with me and I start to share my expertise, they tell others for referrals which speaks volumes.
What are the goals you most want to accomplish in your business and personally?
Now stepping out from the shadows, I want to be able to inspire the next generation and for people to get to know the woman who has been responsible for so many marketing campaigns and has never been given the proper credit. Often time, we give credit to the wrong people while counting out those who have the real experience and knowledge. As far as my business goals, I would like to continue to see my business grow in 2021 and beyond with new clients, new speaking engagements, new classes, and inspiring new people.
Did you have any key mentors or people who deeply influenced who you are, what you believe in and what you’re committed to in your work and life? Tell me about them.
My key mentor is actually a client, Crystell Oliver, who is a serial entrepreneur and self-made millionaire. When I am doubting myself, she pushes me to keep going. When I discounted myself, she told me to stop. She has no problem telling others about my talents and about the brilliance that I have offered to not only her brand, but everyone else that she has recommended me to as well. Crystell has also taught me a lot about boundaries and setting limitations as an entrepreneur in order not to drive myself crazy or experience burn-out.
Did you have any life-changing experiences that put you on the path that led you to be doing what you’re doing today? Tell me about them.
My life-changing experience that put me on the path to doing what I am doing today was being told that I needed to take my accomplishments off of my resume during an interview. I knew that a man would never be told this, therefore that was part of the driving factor when I knew my experience, knowledge and talents were intimating for certain leaders within the marcom industry.
What’s next for you in your business/brand? What can readers look forward to from you?
Expanding the company with more clients, especially within the non-profit and healthcare industry. As far as personal branding, I will be putting my story out there to help influence others, as I know my story will connect with other women of color.
Is there anything else you would like to share with me?
I balance all that I do while playing multiple roles as a wife, mother, and caregiver. I hope that my story can inspire the next generation as well as other women who think that it may be impossible to balance being a successful entrepreneur while having a family, being in school full time, etc.
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