Danielle Martin

I have always enjoyed doing things. I don't know how else to describe it - maybe I love the hustle.

I've been volunteering and working since I was in middle school simply because I wanted to get involved in the community. I started teaching Kung Fu to children and adults when I was 12 or 13, and when I was 15 I stated coaching softball and working in field research and public relations work at a local coastal research center. I've always been into what I do for the sake of doing and for being there for those who could benefit from my knowledge or my example.

I love this question! I actually have two answers:

1. Apply to opportunities you are slightly qualified for, perfectly qualified for, and overqualified for. Not only might you land that job, but applying for it can open doors to opportunities you are qualified for. And, if you are open to learning anything new, you can do anything you are slightly qualified for.
2. Be yourself at work. Don't put on a work persona. Authenticity makes more meaningful connections with your coworkers, clients, and partners more than you following a script or putting on a work hat. You can still do the work when you are authentically yourself in the office, maybe even better because you're not worried about putting on a performance.

I'm still figuring it out myself, but my advice to my younger self would mainly be don't be afraid and say yes to everything. I think it's also powerful to say no and know when to say no, but I think for opportunities early on, you just need to say yes. Saying yes to a lot of things has brought me great experiences. If your job needs you to volunteer at an event, go, meet people, and establish connections. It's very intimidating at first, but once you go to a couple, you kind of get the swing of it. As a person, you can never stop growing or experiencing new things.

The job market is so rough for everyone. I think it's so important for folks to get creative with their search and where they can apply themselves. For me, I was putting myself into this corner where I was not open to experiencing other roles outside the one I worked so hard to attain. But when the UX and tech industries started shifting, I had to learn the value of changing minds and perspectives. If I had not looked at other opportunities like teaching or hosting events, I would not have gotten out of that corner.

In my work and personal life, I prioritize empathy, joy, and inner peace above all things. I champion being supportive of those who need it, solving problems proactively and calmly, and finding Zen in the chaos of the world around me (which ultimately brings me joy).