Welcome To I'd Tell Myself...

Welcome to I'd Tell Myself. I'm your host Danielle Frankel. Have you ever wondered how the choices we make as young adults truly shape the path one takes in life? There's so much messaging about "making the right choices" or "setting yourself up for success", but what if you feel pulled in an unconventional direction? What if life takes you down an unexpected path? What if the opportunities available for you to pursue are limited by circumstance or responsibility?

We often take for granted the perception that people in positions of influence or power got there through a clear-cut path. However, if you take the time to get to know them and hear their stories, you’ll find most people traveled a unique and interesting road that only makes sense in hindsight. The specific set of experiences, mistakes, lessons and support that made them qualified to do the work they are doing today could not have been planned.

Curious about who people are, why they do what they do, how they grow & change, and how they help each other, I've spent my career focusing on the people side of business. In each role I've worked on creating healthier work environments and opportunities, supporting people through major transitions, and working 1:1 with individuals invested in their personal development. These conversations are an extension of my curiosity, and of my belief that one of the ways we can help each other is by sharing parts of our lives and experiences.

I’m conducting a series of interviews to bridge the difference between what we assume and what people’s experiences are really like. One of the goals is to normalize this reality, the other is to learn from the shared experiences of those who have already made it to a place on their journey that looks like success. What challenges and unusual experiences did people find along the way? How can their lessons be useful to others?