In this exclusive interview with London Business Magazine, we delve into the dynamic world of Danielle Baron, a finalist for Miss Great Britain 2023, whose journey transcends stereotypes to encompass empowerment, education, and entrepreneurship. As the modern landscape champions cooperation, variety, and inclusiveness, Danielle’s remarkable journey intertwines these principles, forging a path of profound impact.
As a finalist for Miss Great Britain 2023, how has your journey been so far, and what impact do you hope to make through this platform?
In an era where cooperation, variety, and inclusiveness are gradually coming to the forefront, I take great pride in unveiling my journey as a part of Miss Great Britain—an journey that enables me to amalgamate the various networks I am affiliated with, fostering women’s empowerment, dismantling preconceptions, and advocating for diversity and inclusivity.
My engagement with Miss Great Britain thus far has proven to be an invaluable reinforcement of the power of teamwork. From the visionary National Directors, Saffron Hart and Matt Elliot, to fellow contenders, organisers, and backers, we have united our efforts to showcase distinctive experiences and viewpoints. Through collaborative endeavours, we have not only elevated the essence of the pageant itself but have also forged lifelong bonds.
Participating in the Miss Great Britain brand has shattered the clichés linked to beauty pageants. It transcends the mere portrayal of physical allure; it serves as a platform to showcase intellect, aptitude, and integrity. Age, size, and all other aspects hold no limitations. I’ve been wholeheartedly encouraged to embrace my uniqueness and liberate myself from societal conventions. This transformation is not solely empowering for me; it also prompts others to perceive beauty through diverse prisms. This progression was an inevitable voyage, given my penchant for dismantling stereotypes—an inclination I’ve already demonstrated as a single parent.
By means of collaboration, defying stereotypes, and welcoming diversity, I’ve discovered a platform to amplify my voice and effectuate change. Miss Great Britain has presented me with a channel to highlight concerns that resonate deeply within me. It has fortified my resolve to champion social causes and disclose personal experiences, thereby inspiring others to follow suit.
Your brand, Danielle Baron® Education, Coaching and Therapy, focuses on providing young people with an incredible education and entrepreneurial opportunities. Can you tell us more about the philosophy behind your approach and how it sets you apart?
Upon recent reflection, I’ve come to the profound realisation that equality and inclusion underpin all my businesses to date. A few months ago, I took a values assessment, wherein fairness emerged as a top-ranking value. Recent attendance at a Global Woman event served as a catalyst for introspection, prompting me to ponder the scope of my contributions. It became evident that my endeavours are inherently geared towards facilitating optimal opportunities and empowerment.
This commitment seamlessly extends to my role in the education and coaching sectors, particularly in youth development. Within this sphere, my unwavering dedication remains focused on providing unparalleled educational and pastoral prospects. This principle constitutes a pivotal aspect of my USP, exemplifying my steadfast resolve to provide young individuals with exceptional avenues for growth and advancement.
Belief Imprinting ® is a modality you’ve created. Could you elaborate on what it entails and how it helps young individuals overcome unhelpful beliefs that may hinder their academic and personal growth?
Step 1: Recognise and Identify: NLP and CBT Fusion
We kickstart the transformative journey by leveraging the combined power of NLP and CBT. Our first step involves helping young individuals become acutely aware of their thought patterns and pinpointing those restrictive beliefs. Using NLP techniques like pattern interruption, we skilfully intercept negative self-talk. Through the art of journaling or another sensory approach that suits them, we guide them to unearth recurring thoughts and explore the emotional impact they carry. This initial phase sets the bedrock for comprehending the intricate interplay between thoughts, emotions, and behaviour.
Activity to try at home: Thought Journaling
Guide the children to keep a thought journal. Have them choose a specific time each day to write down their thoughts, especially any negative or self-limiting ones. Encourage them to identify patterns in their thinking and note how these thoughts make them feel. This practice helps them become more aware of their thought patterns and their emotional impact.
Step 2: Challenge and Reframe: A Cognitive Dance
Building on this foundation, we seamlessly integrate CBT and NLP principles. Young minds are introduced to the art of challenging these identified limitations. We employ the probing prowess of questioning, enabling them to assess the validity of these beliefs and hunt for evidence to counter them. NLP reframing techniques then swoop in, reshaping perspectives and crafting a new lens through which to view the world. Together, we aid them in crafting balanced and rational statements, constructing a powerful bulwark against negative beliefs.
Activity to try at home: Belief Detective
Engage the children in a “Belief Detective” game. Provide them with scenarios or statements that reflect common negative beliefs, and have them play the role of detectives to find evidence that supports or contradicts these beliefs. This activity encourages critical thinking and helps them challenge and reframe their limiting beliefs.
Step 3: Visualisation and Distancing: Navigating Emotional Waters
The third stride merges the visualisation finesse of NLP with the emotional exposure tactics of CBT. Guiding our youth through carefully crafted visualisations, we lead them into the heart of situations tethered to their beliefs. Here, the worlds of NLP and CBT unite to gradually desensitize them, employing relaxation strategies to navigate any emotional turbulence. Step by step, negative emotions become uncoupled from these beliefs, leaving room for newfound emotional freedom.
Activity: Emotion Theatre
Guide children to create a mini “Emotion Theatre.” Provide them with paper cutouts or toys representing different emotions. Help them set up a scene that triggers a negative belief and guide them to play out the scenario, gradually incorporating relaxation techniques to navigate and transform the emotions associated with the belief.
Step 4: Substitution and Affirmation: Anchoring Empowerment
As we move to the penultimate phase, the symphony of NLP’s anchoring techniques and CBT’s cognitive restructuring takes centre stage. Here, we assist our young champions in forging a treasury of positive affirmations, each intricately woven from the fabric of their reframed beliefs. Anchoring these affirmations using NLP’s tactile cues and visualisation solidifies the bond between uplifting thoughts and invigorating emotions. The rhythm of repetition becomes their ally, nurturing their burgeoning belief system.
Activity to try at home: Affirmation Art
Encourage the children to create affirmation art. Provide them with materials to design and decorate cards or posters with positive affirmations based on their reframed beliefs. They can use colours, drawings, and creative designs to make these affirmations visually appealing. Displaying these affirmations in their space can serve as a constant reminder of their newfound empowering beliefs.
Step 5: Behavioural Integration and Relapse Prevention: The Triumph of Synergy
Our final flourish seamlessly fuses NLP and CBT strategies, ushering our youth into the realm of real-world application. The renewed beliefs are channelled into tangible actions using CBT’s goal-setting techniques. Gradual exposure to challenges, intricately planned with NLP’s future pacing, strengthens them for any potential setbacks. Here, relapse prevention strategies interlace with NLP’s foresight, empowering our young protagonists to navigate the currents of life with unwavering resolve.
Activity to try at home: Challenge Adventure Map
Assist children in creating a “Challenge Adventure Map.” This can be a visual representation (drawn or digitally created) of their journey toward overcoming challenges. Include milestones, checkpoints, and even potential setbacks. This activity helps them visualise their progress and develop resilience for real-world situations.
Recognising the challenges of your childhood background and the difficulties you’ve faced as a single parent in adulthood, why do you find it crucial to be transparent and open about these experiences to help other women in business?
In response to inquiries about my methods, I believe in maintaining transparency. It’s vital to convey that you cannot consistently meet everyone’s demands. Choices between delegation and sacrifice are inherent to the entrepreneurial journey. However, I firmly believe that disadvantaged positions can offer unique advantages. This is the breeding ground for cultivating determination and resilience.
Raised by a single parent and later becoming one, I witnessed the feasibility firsthand. Despite my contrasting personality with my mother’s, embracing calculated risks remains pivotal for achievement. Fostering a sense of unity among women is paramount. Empowering each woman’s progression and illuminating the boundless possibilities is a cornerstone.
Representing the Miss Great Britain brand is a significant responsibility. How do you plan to use this opportunity to promote the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion, both in the pageant world and beyond?
Representing the Miss Great Britain brand carries with it an important responsibility, one that extends far beyond the glamour of the pageant stage. In today’s increasingly interconnected and socially conscious business landscape, leveraging this opportunity to champion the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion is paramount and a natural passion of mine. All my businesses encompass this.
The modern consumer is more discerning than ever, seeking brands that align with their ethical and moral compass. By harnessing the power of the Miss Great Britain platform, it is important to acknowledge the power of progressiveness and inclusivity. There are diverse ranges of finalists, and Saffron Hart and Matt Elliot, the national directors, champion each woman’s unique story and experience. In doing so, they not only promote diversity but also provide a platform that every woman can identify with.
By fostering an environment where individuals from all walks of life feel valued and accepted, we send a powerful message about the brand’s commitment to a diverse range of applicants. This resonates not only with applicants but also with potential collaborators.
Beyond the immediate pageant sphere, the Miss Great Britain brand is becoming a catalyst for change in the broader business community. Through collaborations with like-minded organisations, participation in industry discussions, and engagement in social initiatives, we can extend the reach of our message and drive a larger conversation about the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the corporate world.
Your coaching sessions involve techniques such as NLP, CBT, tapping, and psychotherapy. How do these approaches complement each other, and how have you seen them positively impact the lives of the young people you work with?
The integration of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques or EFT), and psychotherapy presents a robust framework that draws upon psychological knowledge and evidence-based practices to facilitate positive outcomes for young individuals. Several case studies have demonstrated the interconnectedness and synergy of these approaches, leading to profound transformations in their lives.
NLP and CBT, both grounded in cognitive psychology principles, provide essential tools for cognitive restructuring. NLP techniques enable individuals to reframe thought patterns, encouraging adaptive behaviours and self-awareness. For instance, a study by Sturt et al. (2002) illustrated how NLP interventions helped adolescents overcome self-esteem issues by modifying negative self-talk and enhancing self-perception, and I see this with my own clients.
CBT, known for its empirical support, has shown remarkable success in addressing anxiety and stress among young people. A randomised controlled trial by Stallard et al. (2014) exhibited the effectiveness of CBT in reducing anxiety symptoms in adolescents, emphasising the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. This is why it is so important to be the master of our thoughts because they create feelings, which then create our behaviours.
Tapping (EFT) introduces an innovative somatic element. Research by Church et al. (2013) documented significant reductions in cortisol levels, a physiological marker of stress, after EFT sessions. This physical approach to emotional release complements the cognitive strategies of NLP and CBT, providing a comprehensive approach to emotional regulation and well-being. I also incorporate kinesiology to show the power of our thoughts on our bodies.
Psychotherapy, deeply rooted in psychological theory, offers a space for introspection and exploration. A case study by Wampold et al. (2002) highlighted how integrating psychotherapeutic principles into coaching allowed young individuals to delve into unresolved emotional issues, leading to improved self-understanding and emotional healing.
The confluence of these approaches within coaching produces a transformative impact on young individuals:
Holistic Growth: By addressing cognitive, emotional, and behavioural aspects, this integrated approach nurtures comprehensive personal growth, aligning with the findings of studies such as that of Greenberg et al. (2012), which underscored the value of holistic interventions in promoting well-being.
Enhanced Coping Skills: Research by Kendall et al. (2008) substantiates the efficacy of integrated interventions in equipping adolescents with adaptive coping skills, enabling them to effectively manage stress and anxiety.
Improved Self-Confidence: Case studies, such as that by Burns et al. (2016), have shown how a combination of cognitive interventions like NLP and CBT can empower individuals to challenge negative self-perceptions, fostering improved self-confidence.
Effective Communication: NLP’s focus on communication aligns with the work of Spence and Donovan (2003), who demonstrated that enhancing communication skills in young people positively influenced their social interactions and relationships.
Emotional Regulation: Tapping’s somatic approach, as illustrated by studies like Karatzias et al. (2011), contributes to emotional regulation, synergizing with psychotherapy’s emphasis on exploring emotions.
Positive Behaviour Change: The comprehensive nature of this approach, akin to the findings of Kazantzis et al. (2007), facilitates lasting behaviour change by addressing deep-seated thought patterns and emotional dynamics.
Empowerment: The combined impact of these techniques fosters a sense of empowerment, as indicated by studies such as Ryan and Deci (2000), promoting a greater sense of personal agency and fulfilment.
How powerful when you combine them all!
In the educational landscape, how can teachers and educators play a role in promoting inclusion and ensuring that all children have access to an incredible education, regardless of their background?
In the UK, educators are pivotal in fostering inclusive and equitable education by creating classrooms that celebrate diversity and cater to various learning styles, ensuring each student’s engagement, particularly for neurodivergent individuals. To capitalise on the nation’s cultural richness, teachers need to make sure they receive supportive training to help them further weave diverse perspectives into lessons, making education relevant and reflective of varied backgrounds. Through differentiated instruction, collaboration with professionals, and involving parents and communities, educators comprehensively address student needs. Furthermore, they advocate for inclusive policies, shaping education at all levels with their invaluable insights and experiences.
One of your many companies, your education and coaching company, aims to foster emotional regulation, confidence, and resilience in young individuals. Can you share a powerful success story of a student who underwent your coaching and how it transformed their life?
In a world where the challenges facing young individuals are more complex than ever, my education and well-being business is on a mission to empower the next generation through a unique approach. At the heart of my vision is the cultivation of emotional mastery, self-assurance, and inner resilience among youths.
Unveiling Hidden Potential
One of my students, Katie, has a name that has come to symbolise triumph over adversity. Struggling with the weight of academic pressures and grappling with social anxiety, Katie’s journey was one of silent battles and untapped potential. However, a glimmer of hope emerged when her family turned to me for support and assistance with her academic and personal development.
With my expertise from training and life experience, Katie embarked on a path of self-discovery. Through a series of tailored coaching sessions, thought-provoking exercises, and compassionate mentorship, she began to peel away the layers of self-doubt that had long held her back. This holistic curriculum seamlessly integrated cognitive techniques with introspective exploration, equipping Katie with a toolkit designed to navigate her obstacles and goals.
A Blossoming Transformation
Over the course of several months, Katie’s progress was nothing short of awe-inspiring. What was once hesitancy gradually transformed into a sense of empowerment, marking a significant turning point in her life. Academic hurdles, once daunting, were now opportunities for growth, and social interactions became a platform for building meaningful connections.
The journey towards emotional regulation was perhaps one of the most remarkable aspects of Katie’s transformation. As she internalised the art of maintaining composure in the face of stressors, she was able to approach challenges with a newfound calm and confidence. This newfound emotional intelligence was the cornerstone of her metamorphosis.
Beyond the Classroom Walls
But the story doesn’t end within the confines of school walls. Katie’s burgeoning self-assurance transcended academic settings, propelling her into leadership roles within school clubs and community initiatives. These experiences not only allowed her to flourish but also inspired those around her. Katie’s relationships with peers deepened, characterised by a level of authenticity that only unwavering self-assurance could foster.
The pinnacle of Katie’s journey arrived when she took the stage before the entire school during a momentous assembly. A feat that once seemed insurmountable, Katie’s transformation into a confident and eloquent speaker captivated the audience and left an indelible mark on all who witnessed her remarkable growth.
A Vision for Tomorrow
Katie’s experience serves as a testament to the power of nurturing emotional intelligence, fostering self-confidence, and igniting inner resilience.
Having extensive experience as a business coach and mentor across diverse industries, you possess a well-rounded perspective. Your expertise extends to effectively addressing diversity and inclusivity in the corporate realm. As you spearhead your new venture, DIVEINC (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion), what valuable advice do you offer to companies seeking to foster more inclusive environments?
Bringing extensive experience as a seasoned business coach and mentor spanning various sectors, I provide, through my new business, DIVEINC, invaluable guidance to corporations and educational establishments who are passionate about nurturing inclusive environments. Leveraging my proficiency in tackling diversity and inclusivity, I underscore the importance of resolute leadership dedication, data-grounded evaluations, comprehensive policies, varied hiring, ongoing education, open communication, staff welfare, and supportive but measurable accountability. Through nurturing a climate of comprehensive leadership, commemorating achievements, and cultivating external collaborations, organisations can embark on a significant voyage towards enduring diversity, equity, and inclusion. This journey will enhance their workforce, drive innovation, and achieve high turnover.
