Danielle Reid
The concept of leadership can look different across the board, but one measure of a true leader is one’s ability to elevate while consistently obtaining longevity in their respective field. One look at Danielle Reid’s professional history will prove that she’s not only done those things but mastered them as well. Reid, the founder and executive director of the marketing firm DR and Associates, boasts a legendary career with nearly two decades of experience and a list of current and former clients who’ve trusted her to spearhead extensive marketing campaigns to elevate their brands. Whether consulting Fortune 500 companies and working with prominent individuals to strengthen their brand or being honored by Google as a rising star in the marketing and communications industry, Reid’s list of accolades is rivaled only by her professional track record. According to the entrepreneur, some of her most significant accomplishments have been working with emerging entrepreneurs and brands.
“The accomplishments that I am most proud of is the work I have done to help turn around failing marketing campaigns for both corporate brands and emerging brands and entrepreneurs. When I was first promoted into leadership positions in my career, I felt as if it was a test to see if I truly was as talented as I thought I was, often making me think that sometimes the projects and campaigns I was assigned were a setup for failure; some were, but I proved them wrong. I love being counted out or doubted, as it makes my determination to succeed greater. I’ve always accomplished the goals that were set, always proving them wrong, and I was truly the best to do it when I was allowed to operate in my zone of genius with a team or client who understood our goals and trusted my vision. Now, with emerging business owners and entrepreneurs, I love to see them achieve their goals once they allow me to implement a plan or listen and act on the advice and direction that I have provided. Seeing how my work and expertise have directly helped them change their lives and business is an honor all on its own, especially when I have helped them to achieve a level of business that they never thought was obtainable.”
Danielle Reid
While Reid’s work ethic and credentials have played a pivotal role in her success, her mentality around the work has also played a crucial role. The Rutgers University alum attributes her success to a few factors, including always being willing to learn and share the gems she’s picked up.
“Staying firm, always willing to share knowledge, and continuing to learn have helped me tremendously. In addition, with marketing campaigns, I am never afraid to think outside the box and present new opportunities. The best marketing campaigns are created when creatives are allowed to think outside of the box. So many people want to say, ‘What if it doesn’t work?’ but I’m a firm believer in asking, ‘What if it does work?’ and I approach every campaign and project as how I can think outside of the box and make this different from the competition and what is already out in the market and competition. I also don’t care about fitting in, and never have, which is, I believe, one of the reasons I have become so successful because I don’t follow the trends that so many people tend to follow, and I’m also steadfast on having genuine connections and being truthful with people on what will work for their needs in comparison to focusing more on my own personal profits.”
Danielle Reid
As with any industry, the marketing and communications industry is constantly changing. With those changes come specific barriers that Reid strategically combats with her willingness to think creatively and intentionally to lead with passion and innovation.
“One of the major challenges is that, unfortunately, my industry is full of misinformation from individuals who are not that knowledgeable and only care about their bottom line profit and not truly helping others succeed. With entrepreneurship and business ownership being at an all-time high, some have sought to take advantage and have, in turn, given a bad name to those of us who truly know marketing and communications. I stay ahead of the curve by attending continued education classes, seminars, and more that allow for insight into what is coming on the horizon. I’m also huge on not trying to be a hard seller and, instead, allowing for the work to speak for myself. One of the things I have found has increased my value is not being afraid to think outside the box and not focusing on being a trend-follower to allow for more genuine and authentic connections and impact.”
Danielle Reid
Reid’s advice for other women looking to enter and advance in leadership positions includes being open to receiving feedback.
“Be open and willing to be mentored, and be open to feedback. Never get too cocky in this industry to think that you know everything because you don’t: none of us do. Don’t be afraid to pursue new opportunities, and don’t allow a few bad apples to ruin your idea of what mentorship looks like. Be open to receiving feedback and how you apply it because it can make a difference in your career trajectory. Also, take advantage of all opportunities that you possibly can, including training, seminars, etc., to make sure you are always the best qualified and continue to be a lifelong learner because things always change in this industry.”
