35 under 35
Danielle Darling Omicron Omicron - Lindenwood University
Financial Advisor & Certified Divorce Financial Analyst, Resource One Advisors
Which of the Delta Zeta shared values resonates with you the most? Empowerment
How did you discover your passion for what you do, and what opportunities have helped shape your career?
Discovering my passion for financial advising was a journey that has been deeply personal to me. Growing up, my grandfather, a financial advisor, inspired me to do what I do today. I always aspired to be like him. I was originally born in China, abandoned, lived in an orphanage and was adopted when I was six months old. I was raised by a single mom, so my grandpa served as a father figure in my life. The second I arrived in the USA, my grandpa and I made an instant connection, and he immediately knew I would one day take over his business when he could no longer work. Having my grandpa support me and encourage me to fulfill a role of an advisor, especially in a heavily male dominated industry, will be something I will forever cherish!
The synergy between my personal aspirations and the professional opportunities afforded by Resource One Advisors and LPL Financial has been instrumental in shaping my career trajectory. Their guidance has empowered me to expand my reach and impact as a financial advisor, allowing me to continue my grandpa’s legacy, while creating my own path in the industry.
Who has been an invaluable mentor for your professional career? What did you learn from them?
David Steward, the founder of World Wide Technology, serves as an influential figure in my professional journey. His impact on my life is profound, rooted in a deeply personal connection forged during my formative years.
As a high school senior, I was fortunate to receive the support and mentorship of David and his wife, Thelma, who believed in the power of education and made an investment in me by supporting tuition costs for any college of my choice. As soon as I found out David and Thelma were sponsoring my college, I knew one day I wanted to pay it forward by giving back and investing in others.
What sets David apart is his extraordinary story and journey that led him to where he is today. Growing up as a black boy in a segregated United States, he encountered countless obstacles and challenges. With determination and resilience, he has emerged as one of the wealthiest black men in the country, embodying the essence of the American Dream. His story, marked by perseverance in the face of adversity, deeply resonates with my own humble beginnings, fueling my aspirations to strive for excellence and overcome obstacles.
As I continue along my professional journey, I carry with me the lessons learned from David, striving to emulate his spirit of resilience, generosity and commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of others.
What words of wisdom or advice do you live by?
Setbacks are setups for success.
When challenging times are upon us, we must view those obstacles and difficult times as opportunities for growth and see it as a chance to reach a new level of potential. I firmly believe that some of my greatest moments wouldn’t have been possible without enduring and overcoming adversity. This perspective fuels my determination to push through life’s challenges and inspires me to approach each setback as a setup for future achievements.
What is the most impactful book you have read, or podcast you have listened to, that relates to you professionally? What made it so impactful?
A podcast episode of “The Ed Mylett Show” featuring Jamie Kern Lima, the founder of IT Cosmetics, changed my life. This conversation resonated deeply with me and reaffirmed that I’m on the right path in life and that anyone can become anything they aspire to be with an ambition and drive to succeed.
Jamie’s authenticity and willingness to share her darkest days, along with the poor decisions she made, left a profound impact on me. Her journey from adversity to achievement serves as a powerful reminder that setbacks are often the precursors to success. When challenging times are upon us, I’ve come to appreciate the bad times and see them as opportunities for growth and learning. By embracing adversity and approaching difficulties with a positive mindset, I’ve discovered that some of my most significant personal and professional milestones have emerged from moments of low periods.
How do you make sure you stay connected with your professional network?
What you give is what you get. Staying connected with my professional network is a natural extension of my ability and talent to forge meaningful, personal relationships. As my business is deeply personal to me, I prioritize collaborating with individuals whom I genuinely enjoy being around.
Utilizing social media, such as LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram, have been instrumental in maintaining and nurturing these connections. These platforms not only provide avenues for engagement but also offer valuable insights into the interests and activities of my professional contacts. The power of social media lies in its ability to bridge the gap between virtual connections and real-life interactions, enabling me to stay authentically connected with my network and cultivate meaningful relationships that transcend digital boundaries.
How have friendships helped you professionally? Is there a friend (or Delta Zeta sister) that has been behind you every step of the way on your career journey?
I am in the business of relationships rather financial planning and investments. My clients are not just clients; they are also cherished friends and family members who have entrusted me with their financial well-being. My Delta Zeta sisters have reached out for guidance on financial planning and investments, forging deeper bonds as we navigate their financial journeys and life together!
Among these friendships, my Delta Zeta little, Monica, has been a constant supporter. From our days in business school to this present day, Monica has been by my side every step of the way. Despite the traditional big-little dynamic, it often felt like she was the big! Monica has been instrumental in helping me expand my client base by connecting me with her own network. Through her referrals and the subsequent referrals from those connections, I’ve been able to grow my client roster and deepen my impact in wealth management.
What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?
Focus on health and wellness. Yoga, golf, pickleball.