Danielle Reynolds – 20 Under 40

In her work as a business development manager at accounting firm Whitley Penn and as a volunteer with local organizations, including Capital for Kids and Lemonade Day of Greater Dallas, Danielle Reynolds is passionate about connecting with people.

Reynolds started working in human resources at Whitley Penn seven years ago and worked her way up to business development manager.

“After implementing the firm’s wellness program and leading campus recruiting efforts for the last several years, I found myself ready for the next challenge,” Reynolds said. “I never said no to opportunities and realized my ultimate passion was connecting with people, building relationships, and being a resource to them however I could. Now being in a business development role, I feel like I am exactly where I am supposed to be, and it was through those relationships I built early on.”

She’s also used her skills in building relationships and connecting with people as an advisory council member and service chair for the Dallas Regional Chamber Young Professionals group and the Communities Foundation of Texas Emerging Leaders in Philanthropy cohort program. 

She continues to give back to the community by volunteering with Capital for Kids, which supports organizations that educate, protect and encourage at-risk children, and Lemonade Day of Greater Dallas, which seeks to empower youth to become business leaders, advocates, and volunteers of the future. Most recently, Reynolds started a monthly volunteer event organizing a team of volunteers from her Dallas/Preston Center office to assemble “busy books” (coloring book kits) for patients and families at Children’s Health Medical Center Dallas.

“This community is truly the most generous group of people, and I feel so blessed to surround myself with like-minded people that want to make an impact,” Reynolds said.

What was your first job, and what did you learn from it?

I played Division 1 soccer at the University of Oklahoma, so you could say that was definitely a full-time job. The biggest skills I learned were time management and discipline since it’s all a huge balancing act of managing your obligations, staying committed, and recognizing what is most important. I also learned how to be goal-oriented, manage my competitive spirit, and understand the benefits of working with teammates to accomplish something great. 

How do you motivate others?

The most important thing we can do is inspire people, and I think a big part of that is setting a good example through actions and words. Be a listening ear for others, be available to hold each other accountable, and always celebrate, no matter how big or small. We tend to focus on the “gap” and how far we have left to go when really, we should be focusing on the “gain” and how far we’ve come!

What’s a fun fact that someone wouldn’t know about you?

I love to bowl! During my senior year of high school, my friends and I joined one of our parent’s bowling leagues, and it was a blast!

What would you tell an 18-year-old you?

Push yourself out of your comfort zone and embrace opportunities early on. Don’t take anything too personally and work on developing fewer, better friendships that will last a lifetime. And hang out with your parents/family more, time goes by way too fast.

Who’s your biggest inspiration and why?

The person that inspires me the most is hands down my husband. He is driven, committed, and courageous in all things he does and supports me in everything I do. I have never met someone who leads, supports, and encourages others with more love and humility than him.

Which leadership skills were the most challenging for you to develop and why?

Learning to control what you can control. Trust the process, and don’t stress about the things you cannot control. When you show up, do what you say you are going to do, and have confidence in yourself, then you can pour into others and empower them.