Today we’d like to introduce you to Daneilla Mckenzie
Hi Daneilla, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
After earning my BSc in Management Studies, I was unsure about my career path. I took a job as an assistant bursar at a high school, but despite being good at it, I knew it wasn’t for me. After four months, I received an unexpected opportunity to work at a new radio station. Although I initially hoped to do marketing, I was handed a script and asked to read a newscast in the studio. My audition was far from perfect, but the general manager saw potential and took a chance on me. In my first year, I was voted Employee of the Year, recognized for being current and eager to learn. Fast forward four years, I’m now a senior producer, presenter, voiceover actor, and event host. I’m not exactly sure what I want to do, but I know I like being in media—whether it’s in front of the camera or behind it, producing a radio show or hosting it, planning an event or hosting it. I enjoy it all and want to explore every part of it.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It was never a smooth road. Many people gave the general manager a hard time for giving me the opportunity, as I was never formally trained in radio. I had a voice but no formal trainer. I made mistakes and was often made fun of. There were many conversations behind my back, questioning whether I deserved the role. I would be lying if I said it didn’t affect me—because it did. I, too, started doubting myself and wondered if I was getting ahead of myself. But I reminded myself that I’ve never been one to let others define who I am. I knew I had to work twice as hard, and so I did.
Not everyone was willing to help this ‘little girl with potential’ grow, but my supervisor was different. He wanted to teach me everything he knew because I was always eager to learn. As crazy as it sounds, there was a silver lining in COVID for me, though it’s bittersweet because we lost so many lives. I even had to take a salary cut. But the pandemic gave me a little extra time to develop my skills—it felt as if the world had paused, giving me a chance to cat ch up in an otherwise fast-paced environment
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a radio producer and presenter at a radio station in Jamaica. I’m a voice actor, I love locking myself in the studio and recording commercials. I feel like it’s where I have the most fun and get really creative.
I’m knowing for people have told me my infectious laugh, personable personality a big laugh for a small body & a big heart what sets me apart is how I’m willing to go above and beyond for all that’s good. I’m proud of my resilience so for because despite all the bravo he that was said about me I never allowed it ito get inside of. I am who I am. Genuine , loving and a little cranky
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
“Discipline and gratitude are, for me, the two most important ingredients for success. Discipline is crucial because you won’t always feel motivated. It reflects who you are as a person and what you accept and tolerate. Gratitude, on the other hand, is incredibly therapeutic. When you have a grateful heart, you trust that everything works out for your greater good. It’s impossible to fully appreciate what you have now—the people, the time, your youth—until it’s no longer there. Always be present and savor every moment.”
Contact Info:
Image Credits
Dre Skeen
