Danielle Smith, the visionary founder of The Positive Workplace DXB & Danielle Smith Coaching, has emerged as a leading figure in the realms of executive, career, and life coaching. Based in Dubai, Smith’s journey from a successful recruitment agency owner to a sought-after coach underscores a profound transformation driven by personal and professional reinvention. Her story, marked by resilience and a quest for fulfilment, offers a compelling narrative about finding one’s true calling and the pursuit of genuine success.
Early Life: From Orphan to Empowered Individual
Danielle Smith’s early life was far from ordinary. At the tender age of three, she was found as an orphan at Seoul Train Station, later spending about nine months in an orphanage before being adopted by a family in the Netherlands. The subsequent mental health challenges of her adoptive mother led to Smith being placed in a foster home at nearly eight years old.
These early experiences of abandonment had a profound impact on her self-belief and sense of security. Despite these challenges, Smith’s resilience began to shine through in her early twenties when she moved from Amsterdam to London. This pivotal move marked the beginning of her realisation that a fulfilling life is largely within one’s own control. “I slowly began to see that a quality life is in your own hands and that you are responsible for your own choices and well-being,” Danielle Smith reflects on this transformative period.
Transition to Coaching: Finding True Passion
Danielle Smith’s career trajectory took a significant turn when she transitioned from running a recruitment agency to becoming a coach. After successfully building and exiting her recruitment business in Dubai, Smith was driven by a desire to align her work with her personal values and passions. “I always had a big interest in human behaviour and helping people,” Smith explains. Although recruitment itself did not ignite her passion, she found immense fulfilment in guiding individuals through career choices and self-belief.
This realisation led Smith to explore the world of coaching, where she quickly expanded her services to include life coaching and executive coaching. “Career coaching goes hand in hand with broader life coaching if you really want to help people find a career in line with their personal values, strengths, interests, and purpose,” she asserts. Smith’s expertise in positive psychology further enhanced her ability to empower clients, helping them gain confidence and achieve their personal and professional goals.
Major Achievements: Building a Loving Home
One of Danielle Smith’s most cherished accomplishments is the loving family she has built. “Coming from a challenging background, my biggest achievement is building the loving home I had always longed for myself,” she shares. Smith’s personal life reflects her professional success; she has been happily married for nine years and is the proud mother of two healthy and joyful daughters. This aspect of her life underscores the importance of achieving a balance between personal happiness and professional success.
Professional Journey: From Trial and Error to Success
Smith’s professional journey was marked by a series of trial and error. Initially, she aspired to be a primary school teacher but discovered her true calling through side jobs that led her to hospitality. Working as an assistant sommelier at a Michelin Star restaurant in London exposed her to the demanding world of high-end service, which, despite its allure, did not fit her lifestyle aspirations. “The 14-hour days with three hours of sleep a night were not for me,” Smith admits. Her subsequent move to Rotterdam and a role in recruitment set the stage for her later career in coaching.
Today, Danielle Smith runs The Positive Workplace DXB, focusing on leadership coaching, life coaching, and strengths-based coaching. This role perfectly aligns with her career goals, as it allows her to contribute to others’ growth and empowerment—core elements of her purpose.
Inspiration and Motivation: Drawing Strength from Experience
Throughout her career, Danielle Smith has been inspired by individuals who take responsibility for their success and embrace their dreams despite obstacles. “Everyone who takes responsibility for their own success and failures inspires me,” she notes. This philosophy has guided her own approach to overcoming challenges. When facing setbacks, Smith relies on coaching tools to reframe her perspective and maintain gratitude. “I take the time to reframe circumstances to help me remember how blessed I am and what life is really about,” she explains.
Lessons Learned and Evolving Definitions of Success
One of the crucial lessons Danielle Smith has learned is the importance of authenticity and self-alignment in one’s career. She acknowledges that her previous career in recruitment, although financially rewarding, was not aligned with her true passions. “I feel that I failed to live true to my inner voice by not admitting earlier on that recruitment was not the right career choice for me,” Smith reflects. This lesson has shaped her approach to work, emphasising the need to follow one’s passion and align professional roles with personal values.
Smith’s definition of success has evolved significantly over the years. Growing up in humble surroundings, she initially equated success with financial prosperity. However, she now views true success as encompassing both personal fulfilment and meaningful relationships. “Without a happy, healthy family and friends around you, I would not call that a true success,” Danielle Smith asserts.
Advice for the Future and Leaving a Legacy
Looking back, Danielle Smith would advise her younger self to embrace confidence and explore opportunities without conforming to societal expectations. “Think big and don’t try to fit in,” she recommends. This advice reflects her own journey of self-discovery and career evolution.
Smith hopes to leave a legacy of empowerment and inspiration, particularly for women. “I want my daughters to grow up believing they can be anyone they want and pursue any goal that they feel is meaningful,” she shares. Her mission is to empower women as leaders and entrepreneurs, fostering a positive business environment and inspiring future generations to pursue their passions with confidence and resilience.
In conclusion, Danielle Smith’s journey from a challenging childhood to a successful career in coaching exemplifies the power of personal growth, resilience, and finding fulfilment in one’s work. Through The Positive Workplace DXB, she continues to make a significant impact, helping individuals and organisations thrive. Her story serves as an inspiring testament to the importance of following one’s passion and making a meaningful contribution to others’ lives.
