Steph: HI DENNY!! If you had to explain to a 10 year old what your career over the years has been like…what would you say?

DP: Totally unexpected and absolutely engaging. I took risks, made some bad moves and recovered from all of them. A career is not a straight line. I have learned so much at every stage (even now!) and look back with pride. I would never have been able to predict the path at 10 years old much less 30!

What was your first job? If you could take 17 year old Denny out for coffee... what would you tell her about who you are today?

My first job was waiting tables at a full-service ice cream parlor. I was 16. I was really good at it ;-) I would tell my 17 year old self that I am proudest of the opportunities my life has given me to positively impact others and that is what matters most to me. Today? I am so f'ing content - still busy, less self-conscious and so in love with my full life.

I FIRST MET YOU BACK IN 2014! I DISTINCTLY REMEMBER SEEING A GROUP OF BADASS, POWERFUL WOMEN ONSTAGE AT WFF [MY FIRST CORPORATE CLIENT] & THINKING OH LORDY I’M IN OVER MY HEAD. I HAD RECENTLY STARTED MY BUSINESS SO MY GUT REACTION WAS TO BE INTIMIDATED. AFTER A QUICK PEP TALK W/ MYSELF IN THE CORNER, I SET OUT ON A CURIOUS QUEST TO TRY TO GET TO KNOW THESE WOMEN. YOU ALL MADE SPEAKING IN FRONT OF THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE APPEAR SO EFFORTLESS. I GET HEART PALPS JUST IMAGINING IT. WHAT HELPS YOU COPE W/ NERVES?

I procrastinate like crazy and am rarely prepared "enough" but I truly enjoy connecting with an audience. I refuse to use a teleprompter because I want to be able to look right out into the audience and see that response, not stare at screens. I love to ad-lib within a context. I would say to focus on connection - forget about how many are there and seek to connect with a few. Make it personal. Share your fears. We all have them and the audience appreciates the honesty. Free yourself from a script and work from notes. I miss speaking - it always gave me energy.

Why did you choose steph grant studios? what was the experience like?

I knew you would let me relax. I hate having my photo taken. You made me forget that was what was happening. I also knew you'd edit the shit out of the session and only send me the few worth seeing. I have never considered myself to be beautiful or photogenic. I love the photos. I like how natural they are. And your team is a delight too! Wish we could have all talked for hours.

How would you like to see the world differently in your lifetime?

Oh, where to begin. I would love to see us make continued progress instead of the major pendulum swings. One step or one leap in front of the other instead of setbacks. The current backlash on DEI is a great example. Painful and so unwarranted. It has institutions running scared. So wrong. Diversity improves business, government and educational endeavors. What I hate is how those who resist change are able to demonize and weaponize the targets of their discontent in this social media frenzy while the really important issues remain unaddressed.

What are some fun aspects of your job? Any unexpected stories that would make us laugh?

My "job" these days is all about board service and wisdom sharing. I love the variety of businesses and teams I get to work with. And I laugh every day, mostly at myself. Not sure there is a story but I can say that the older I get, the more humor I require to get through the day. Getting old is not for cowards.

What’s one song that defines you & why?

My walk-on song was always "New Shoes" by Paolo Nutini. Obscure and so me.

What do you spend your time & energy on outside of work?

That has changed so much as I have aged. Family still my highest priority but the demands are less today - more "on call" than "on duty". Today, I am focused more on self care and maintaining engagement with the friends I care about most.

I was so excited that I got to photograph you and your son together. what about his talent inspires you?

I teared up reading that question, Steph. Being Dan's mom has been the greatest gift in my life. I have learned so much watching him grow and learning to step back and admire his talents as they emerged. He is kind, funny, talented, smart, creative and curious. His willingness to take risks by putting his artwork forward, inspires me everyday. He trusts his POV in a way I never did at his age. His willingness to be vulnerable, not perfect, inspires me. I love seeing him and his artwork evolve!

Connect with Denny Post HERE. 🖤