What happens when a driven entrepreneur loses herself in an abusive marriage, then fights her way back to become the woman she always meant to be? In this raw and inspiring conversation, Danni shares her journey from building her first business at 19 to completely losing herself in an emotionally abusive relationship, and finally reclaiming her power to create a life aligned with her values. Her story reveals the messy, beautiful process of rebuilding after trauma while raising three children and growing a leadership coaching business that's making a global impact.

Key Takeaways

Recognise your own worth without waiting for validation

Danni's turning point came when a divorce barrister handed her a book about emotional abuse, suddenly she realised what she'd been living through. Sometimes we need an outside perspective to see what's right in front of us. Trust your instincts when something feels wrong, even if others minimise your experience.

Healing happens in layers, not a linear progression

After leaving her abusive marriage, Danni spent years rebuilding through therapy, mindset coaching, meditation, and physical exercise. She's honest about still occasionally slipping into old patterns of feeling "not enough". Now she recognises it without believing it. Recovery isn't a destination; it's an ongoing practice of choosing yourself daily.

Your nervous system craves familiar patterns, even destructive ones

Danni admits she used to pick fights with her current husband because conflict felt "safe", it was what she knew. When you're changing ingrained patterns, expect your body and mind to resist. The discomfort of growth doesn't mean you're doing something wrong; it means you're doing something different.

Choose who you want to be, then act as if you already are

Danni writes in her journal daily: "I choose to be..." followed by the version of herself she's becoming. This activates her reticular activating system to notice opportunities to embody that identity. You don't have to wait until you feel confident to act confident, action creates the feeling.

Strong boundaries create better relationships. Danni's relationship with her teenage children thrives because she speaks to each one differently based on how they receive information—a skill from her leadership coaching. She's honest about struggles without hiding behind perfectionism. Authentic connection requires showing up as yourself while respecting others' autonomy.

Your Next Chapter Starts Now

Danni's story proves that it's never too late to reclaim yourself. Whether you're navigating relationship changes, career transitions, or simply feeling restless in your current life, you have the power to choose differently. Start with five minutes of morning routine, even in the messiest seasons, everyone has five minutes for themselves.

Stop waiting for permission to prioritise your growth. As Danni learned, knowledge without action creates no transformation. Your future self is already proud of the courage you're building today.

Connect with Danni

• The ElevateHER membership: https://www.dannivee.com/elevate-her-by-DanniVee

• Website: www.dannivee.com

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danni-vee

• Instagram: www.instagram.com/danniveecoach

Connect with me

• You’re invited to a transformative 4-hour event I’m co-hosting with women’s health GP Dr Sian Hebron on 18 July 2025 at the beautiful Noosa Springs Golf and Spa Resort. https://www.joclarkcoaching.com/shifting-tides

• RE-IMAGINE: A personalised 1:1 six-week mentoring programme https://www.joclarkcoaching.com/work-with-me 

• Share your journey with me by sending me a message on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/joclarkcoaching/ 

• LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/joclarkcoaching/⁠

• Email me your success story at [email protected]. 

What you do today shapes your tomorrow. Your health matters because YOU matter.

Here’s to redefining midlife and making our next half of life even better than the first.