Home: Reston, VA. Birthplace: Washington, DC. Profession: Communications professional. Organization: Dani Mackey Communications. Title: President. Pronouns: She/Her/Hers. Alma mater: University of Delaware.
How would you define your career? I help individuals, companies, associations, and nonprofits achieve their communications goals and, ultimately, bolster their reputations through sharing why what they do matters to society. Current project: Working with a wide variety of clients and to help them tell their story and why their work matters more effectively. Recent recognition: The recognition I achieve is not for myself, but for others. I have helped clients earn significant national TV, radio, print, and podcast coverage and interviews and am quite proud of that. Latest accomplishment: Successfully helped a female client achieve Wall Street Journal and USA Today best-selling status for her first business book launch. Latest contribution to others: Pro bono PR for Black Horse Forge, a veteran-run organization that teaches blacksmithing skills to active military, veterans, first responders and their supporters. They find skills, a way to cope with PTSD, and community. What’s been your big (or biggest leap)? Striking out on my own after twenty years working for PR agencies large and small. Hobbies: Amateur blacksmithing, pickleball tournaments. Recently viewed and recommended: RRR. Phenomenal story and artistry.
Personality profile: Generosity, understanding, friendship, personal growth. What one word would your closest friend use to describe you? Loyal. Moral compass: What would I tell my younger self to do? How do you define an ideal business relationship? One in which we listen to each other, learn from each other and trust each other. What is your greatest joy? Family, friends and dogs. What word or phrase do you use far too often? Listen (or so I’ve been told). How do you relieve stress? Pickleball and blacksmithing. What is your go-to workout? A couple of hours of pickleball or boxing. What ingredient is essential to your perfect vacation? Sunshine.
What was your first paying job? Hot dog cart vendor. What was your favorite college course? Marketing. What book have you repeatedly read? Pride and Prejudice. What movie have you repeatedly watched? Pride and Prejudice. What’s prominently featured on your home or office wall? My son’s artwork from over the years when he was growing up. What’s the best advice you received in your career? If you aren’t sure what to do, don’t do anything at all. What is your favorite app? One Drive.
What is your big idea?
Help kids learn to become entrepreneurs at an early age.
What change are you working on to effect in your profession or field? Helping other young professionals get started. What mega-trend most excites you? Remote work. Before the pandemic, I was working from my home office, as well as space in Washington, DC. For people like me, that kind of flexibility is a real life-changer, for the better.
As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? A professional tennis player. After your loved ones, what object would you first save from your burning home? While I would probably grab my pickleball bag first, I’d also grab some family heirloom jewelry. How would you choose to spend tomorrow, if you knew it was your last day on earth? Eating, drinking and being merry, as much as possible. What advice would you give your younger self? Stand up for yourself in every situation.
Personal mission: Enjoy life and work, and help others do the same as much as possible. Personal motto: It’s ok (I don’t get stressed out too often). Desired epitaph: It’s ok 😉.
