use what you’ve already got to get what you actually want
the code conversationalist
To better understand the pressures, problems and perspectives of her coaching clients, Danielle has conducted a grounded theory research project over the past 2 years interviewing over 52 leaders across a diverse range of industries holding honest, open conversations and building trust and connection. Distilling the information, insights and themes based on confidential conversations and further research Danielle has literally written the book about the hidden codes that govern our lives and has discovered solutions to help people make life work well.
This is unique to Code Conversations™. Danielle’s experiences as a mother flying solo, family leader, business founder, community member and volunteer drives her to build capacity to cut through the noise, waffle and excess. She can focus on what is relevant and needed while being human and understanding what is at the heart of the issue.
She now gives presentations, workshops and 1:1 sessions to those who want to feel like who they are is enough and realise their full potential.
People who are talking about us!
the purpose ofdeciphering the code
Do you feel you are constantly making compromises and feel conflicted about work and other important areas of your life? Perhaps you have an either/or approach where you think you can have a career or family, career or love. Maybe you think you have to blend your worlds together which is hard to do.
There is a 3rd alternative which you may not even know exists.
To access this, you can navigate through the difficulties, judgment and guilt with simple yet powerful strategies:
- Question and understand where you are at right now and what your unique context is
- Understand how your context is influencing you and what message you are buying into
- Ask if it makes sense anymore
- Choose where you want to go
- Build on what you already have
- Create a new world that works for you, rather than against you
Strengthening Self-Leadership for Business Growth and the Greater Good
As a leadership consultant, keynote speaker, author, coach, and facilitator, I’ve dedicated my career to breaking the mould of traditional leadership, empowering senior executives and high-performing teams to decode the complexities of leadership and challenge the status quo.
With over 20 years of experience spanning five countries—including a memorable stint working on a steel mill in central Italy where I learned firsthand how to navigate tough environments (and the art of great espresso)—I’ve strengthened my ability to guide leaders through complex, high-pressure situations with clarity, empathy, and a deep understanding of the human element behind leadership.
What I Do
Through my unique approach of Exposing, Decoding, and Recoding personal, professional, and workplace codes, I help leaders:
- Uncover hidden motivators and behaviours
- Overcome self-doubt and imposter syndrome (spoiler: we all face it!)
- Strengthen team connections for greater collaboration and performance
- Align leadership with their core identity to drive business growth and personal fulfillment
As both a coach and facilitator, I create a safe, dynamic space for leaders and teams to explore their challenges, develop strategies, and communicate openly. In coaching, I work one-on-one with senior leaders, helping them gain perspective and clarity. In facilitation, I guide teams through workshops and strategy sessions to build collaboration and improve performance.
Why I do what I do
My mission is to empower leaders, particularly in majority-male industries, to break free from outdated norms that limit their potential and business impact. From navigating the challenges of a steel mill in Italy to balancing life as a parent of three boys, I’ve learned that authentic leadership not only builds resilience but also drives measurable success.
By challenging societal and professional “codes,” I’m driven to help leaders create inclusive, high-performing teams where every individual is valued. This approach not only builds stronger connections but also boosts productivity, drives innovation, and delivers tangible business outcomes. When leaders align their authentic selves with strategic goals, they create lasting change that transforms both their organisations and the world around them.
Experience
Before I started decoding leadership, I spent years immersed in corporate life as a Certified Practising Accountant (CPA), gaining valuable insights while working for global Fortune 500 companies, not-for-profits, and even navigating majority-male and male-led environments like engineering services. Oh, and did I mention the steel mill in Italy? Nothing teaches you resilience and adaptability quite like working in 40-degree heat while trying to understand Italian technical jargon!
As the author of Breaking the Gender Code, I’m passionate about helping leaders break down systemic barriers, particularly those related to gender. My clients—CEOs, CFOs, HR Directors, and boards—benefit from my deep research, corporate experience, and insights into leadership transformation. Together, we build stronger team performance, more inclusive workplaces, and business success.
As the lead parent of three teenage boys, I apply my best leadership insights every day at home, project managing the complexities of family life while navigating different personalities, dynamics, and challenges. This experience sharpens my leadership skills, from strategic decision-making to managing high-pressure situations—making me a better leader, coach, speaker, and facilitator.
I live and breathe what I preach and teach.
specialties
Time for a Shift
Facilitation of Leadership & Team Development Workshops
Building High-Performing, Inclusive Teams
Breaking Through Gender Barriers in Leadership
Workshops on Self-Leadership, Life Transitions, and Imposter Syndrome, to name a few
Who I Work With
I work with senior leaders and executives, particularly in majority-male and male-led industries, guiding them through significant life transitions and solving business problems like communication issues, female representation, and stagnated growth. I also help organizations tackle challenges such as team dynamics, employee engagement, and leadership alignment, while cultivating inclusive cultures. My clients trust me to improve collaboration and drive high performance while adapting to and navigating professional change—all while staying true to their values and leadership style.
“Danielle has literally written the book about the hidden code that governs our lives – the Gender Code - and has discovered how to unpack it and provide solutions to help people leverage the strengths and skills they already have to define and achieve their own version of success”
