Today we’d like to introduce you to Danielle Bongiorno.
Hi Danielle, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was born and raised in Wilmington, NC, where I became a well-known basketball player in the area. Despite a season-ending knee injury my senior year of high school, I earned a scholarship to play at Lenoir-Rhyne University. After a successful college career, I stepped into coaching to pour back into young female athletes in my hometown.
I eventually found myself wanting to explore new opportunities in my career, so I took a sales role at a company called HomeTown Ticketing. We experienced significant growth during my time at HomeTown Ticketing which offered me opportunities to step into leadership roles and accelerate my career. Despite my success, I felt my heart calling me to something more.
This wasn’t the only area of my life where I felt I wasn’t fully embracing my true self. In my 30s, I took a bold and scary step toward living authentically. I came out, let go of who I thought I had to be, and embraced the real me. This step inspired me to stop settling and start pursuing the path that felt true in every area of my life. I then left my corporate career to write my first book, Take the Leap, and started my own speaking and coaching business.
Today, I’m less than two months away from my book being published, and I’m on a mission to inspire others to live with courage and pursue the life that’s calling them!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I wish, ha! I’ve faced many challenges throughout my journey, but over the past few years, my greatest struggles have come from within. Struggles like fully accepting myself, not letting fear define my life, and letting go of expectations in order to live true to me. I had to face these struggles head on to step into the life I’m living today.
I had been married to a man for five years when I began accepting the truth about my sexuality and what this would mean for my life. The thought of getting divorced and starting over brought up every fear in the book. I was afraid of what people would think, afraid I wouldn’t be accepted, and afraid I’d lose everything.
I reached a point where I realized I couldn’t allow fear to define my choices any longer. I had to trust myself and follow what my heart was calling me to. Each leap, whether in my identity or in my career, forced me to face my fears, doubts, and insecurities head on.
With my first book on the way, I am still learning how to overcome these fears and doubts every day. I constantly remind myself to trust the process, let go of perfection, and remember, I have nothing to prove—I am already enough.
We’ve been impressed with Danielle Bongiorno, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My mission is simple: I want to help people overcome the obstacles that are stopping them from living a life they truly love. I empower people to embrace their courage, get clear on the vision they want for their life, and trust their inner guidance. And I inspire them to take bold steps toward the path they feel called to—whether that’s in their identity, their career, or the pursuit of a dream.
My first book, Take the Leap, is releasing this fall. It’s a guide for anyone ready to take their own brave leap or make a change in their life that feels scary and uncertain. It combines heart-led wisdom with practical tools and actionable steps to help readers see their leap through.
I also share my message through speaking engagements such as keynotes, workshops, and podcasts. One of my favorite things to do, is stand in front of a group of people and remind them they are not alone on their journey, inspire them to do what they didn’t think they could, and encourage them to not give up.
In addition, I offer 1:1 coaching to help individuals on a more personal level, work through the blocks that keep them from creating a life they love.
I bring my whole heart into everything I do, and I’m passionate about helping others find the same freedom and joy I’ve discovered in my own life.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
My advice is to find someone who is where you want to be and learn from what they do. A number of my mentors were bosses or leaders in the company I worked for. I simply asked if I could schedule a time to meet with them on a consistent basis to pick their brain and learn from them. A good rule of thumb—you don’t know unless you ask. Don’t be afraid to seek help or ask for guidance from those who are further along than you or in higher roles. If you don’t have a direct connection to this person, you could always offer to treat them to lunch or a cup of coffee. Most people are more willing than you might think to share insight or offer support. And remember, being genuine and prioritizing the relationship over simply gaining information is always the real win.
Pricing:
- Contact directly for more information on services.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.daniellebongiorno.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedaniellebongiorno/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/danielle.bongiorno.9
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellebongiorno/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@thedaniellebongiorno?_t=ZT-8yPR9pqpEWt&_r=1
Image Credits
Professional Studio Photos By: Just Jessie Photos (Jessie Timberlake)
