Interview with Danielle R. Chou

This week, I'm excited to introduce Danielle R. Chou, an Executive Assistant with a truly unique path! Danielle transitioned from city planning to the EA world in 2022 and hasn't looked back. A Pushcart Prize nominated poet, Danielle brings a distinct blend of strategic planning and creative thinking to her role. Get ready to hear about her journey!

You've transitioned from primarily an Executive Assistant role to Vice President of Client Growth and Engagement. How have the skills you honed as an EA, such as planning, confidentiality, and administrative assistance, directly translated into your success in client engagement and business development?

As an Executive Assistant, I’ve sat at many tables, including business operations. As all EAs know, I had to anticipate needs before they were spoken and build trust across all levels. That role trains us to think two steps ahead, communicate clearly, and manage the unexpected. In client engagement and business development, those same skills help me understand what matters most to our clients, identify opportunities, and stay organized through fast-moving conversations. I still view my role as making others successful, but now I do that for more than just executives or internal teams.

Event planning can often be part of roles that involve client engagement and networking. Can you describe any experience you have with organizing client-facing events, industry gatherings, or even internal team events? What was your role, and what aspects did you find most challenging or rewarding?

One of my favorite events in which I’ve assisted with was an internal summit I helped the Director of Operation host. I managed logistics: finding a space, reserving it, having meals catered. You know—the usual drill. Catering the meals is challenging, because you’re tracking various orders and special needs. My favorite part of this internal summit? Seeing my colleagues connect authentically and walk away with value and renewed purpose. That’s how you know it was a success.

You're an ultramarathoner, which requires immense discipline and mental fortitude. How do the principles and challenges of training for and completing an ultramarathon translate into your professional approach to problem-solving, resilience, or "sticking with it" in demanding work situations?

Ultramarathoning teaches you to keep going when every part of you wants to stop, and believe me, your body will want to stop. At one 100-miler attempt, my body told me to stop just under 73 miles. My husband, then-boyfriend, walked me to the car and made sure I was okay before he went back to the seating area to grab our chairs and ice chest. By the time he returned, I was snoring away! I’m still chasing that 100-mile belt buckle and will earn it one day.

I bring that same mindset of training to go the distance to the EA role. Whether I’m troubleshooting a last-minute client need or schedule change, or I’m navigating competing priorities, I rely on the same tools: break the challenge down into small steps, keep showing up, and remember the why. Also, training has also taught me the value of rest and recovery—both are critical if you want to cross that finish line, in fitness or in business. Always remember that ol’ saying: You can’t pour from an empty cup.

Given your experience as a key liaison between clients and internal teams, how do you ensure seamless communication and high-quality service delivery when acting as the bridge between different stakeholders with potentially competing priorities?

I’ve learned to approach every assignment and interaction with empathy. Everyone has different drivers. For example, clients want results, but internal teams need realistic timelines and clear scopes to make results happen. I focus on active listening, setting expectations early, and translating needs into actionable steps for each side. I work to create alignment by understanding what each stakeholder needs so that way the ball is always moving forward.

You love talking about books, podcasts (especially personal growth), running, and CrossFit. How do these personal interests and your commitment to personal growth contribute to your well-being and help you maintain your energy and focus in a fast-paced professional environment?

When I mentioned earlier that “You can’t pour from an empty cup,” that’s exactly what I mean. CrossFit and running keep me physically and mentally sharp. Podcasts and books show me new perspectives and tools to bring back to my team and sometimes even clients. Personal growth isn’t just a hobby. It’s how I stay resilient, inspired, and connected to my goals. Plus, these interests often become points of connection with clients and colleagues. You’d be surprised how many great business conversations have started with “What have you been reading lately?”

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Danielle R. Chou started off in city planning but made the transition to the EA life in 2022, and she hasn’t looked back. A Pushcart Prize nominated poet, she plans, writes, and resides in Plano, Texas, with her husband, two cats, two dogs, and two very special Pomeranians.

Danielle's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniraschel/