ASSOCIATE SPOTLIGHT SERIES: AN INTERVIEW WITH DANIELLE D’URSO

February 27, 2023

In our Associate Spotlight series, we are highlighting associates across the company who are shaping our community and who embody our Centric Brands philosophy every day.

Meet Danielle D’Urso, Executive Assistant, Kids at Centric Brands. At Centric Brands, learning plays an essential role in how we further develop our skills to grow with the Company. In her Interview, Danielle highlighted how LinkedIn Learning has positively impacted her work performance and personal growth, as well as motivated other associates to explore the platform and its courses.

As a superuser of LinkedIn Learning, what inspired or prompted you to leverage the platform?

I think it’s so amazing that Centric Brands invests in our development by providing us with access to platforms like LinkedIn Learning. It’s very important to utilize the resources provided, and that is why I immediately began taking advantage of it when I started with the Company in September 2021. There are so many courses to choose from that focus on many different topics. I am a firm believer that there is always something to learn and always something to be better at. All of the courses are packed with such useful and helpful content, and they really inspire me to continue to work hard and strive to be the best possible version of myself.

Having access to LI Learning, how has it evolved your development, and can you share the type of courses you have taken on the platform?

LinkedIn Learning has helped me grow individually, as an employee at Centric Brands, and as a team member. All the courses provide teachings that push us to be even more successful in the areas that we are great in, but most importantly, they help us build in the areas which we are weakest. I recently took the course “Leading When You’re Not in Charge,” and this had a very positive impact on me. It’s a reminder to always lead by example. You never know who might be watching and who you might inspire along the way! I also loved, “Speaking Confidently and Effectively,” because it’s something that I was not great at when I was younger. I used to get nervous in public speaking situations. By practicing and taking courses like the ones I mentioned, you learn to navigate those situations more effectively. In my role, I often have to speak to larger groups of people I am not always familiar with and this practice has made me grow in such positive ways.

I have taken courses that prompted learning in:

What are your individual learning goals?

I want to continue building my skills as an Executive Assistant. To do that, I believe it is very important to learn as much as possible about all of the different aspects of our business, especially because I directly support Steve Pinkow, Group President of Kids. He is one of the most intelligent people I know, and I am very lucky to work with him. I learn so much from Steve every single day. As an Executive Assistant, taking time to understand the bigger picture is key. I have always made it a point to learn our team members’ duties and responsibilities. I work alongside many impressive individuals, and I feel very lucky to be able to discover the traits that allow them to be so successful in their roles.

What has your experience been with LI Learning?

My experience has been nothing short of fantastic. I often take courses as I am working, and it really promotes focus and positive thinking. Many of the courses are audio-based, which also aids in individuals remaining productive during their workday.

Do you have any advice or tips for new users?

Be open to learning new things! Try something you’ve never done before because you never know what you might be able to take away from it. There are so many courses tailored to different topics, so you are bound to find something you connect with, which might also aid in your individual growth. I have learned that by being close-minded, I am only hurting myself. One will never reach their full potential if they aren’t open to expanding their knowledge pool and learning new things. Take advantage of the resources in front of you and LinkedIn Learning is a great one!

What is a fun fact about you or a hobby you like doing outside of work?

I love to box! It is such a good workout. I also love to read and recently got into Colleen Hoover’s books; I cannot believe how late I am to the game! Her books have been amazing so far. I am also a member of the DE&I Book Club through Centric Brands, and it has been such an enlightening experience. Our Book Club discussions are always productive and meaningful, and I’ve had the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people who work for our Company through it.