Donjia Gale is a business woman, media host, and public speaker. Her entrepreneurial journey began in 2002, and in 2017 she founded Donjia Gale Enterprises, specializing in brand development, artist management digital marketing. Gale’s early career experience ranges from telecommunications, banking, sales, marketing and wealth management at Fortune 500 companies, to on-air radio host, beauty and health brands, and production at the such non-profits as the Ryan Seacrest Foundation. This diverse background served to groom her and culminate in what she ultimately does best: enhance and connect brands, consult and empower individuals both personally and professionally, and shine as the media presence.
You’ve developed an impressive career in brand development, artist management and digital marketing. Was there an “ah ha” moment for you in which you discovered this to be your jam?
Yes! An “aha moment” was last year sitting at my favorite coffee shop in Beverly Hills. I was leading a group conversation and someone shared a refreshing, eye-opening compliment. One of my speakers said, “We’ve been doing this since we were kids!” I thought back to my childhood, the evolution of my talents and where my passion originated, and—boom—it hit me! Since kindergarten kids have been telling me their stories. And as I’ve grown up people, have always asked me for advice and come to me for suggestions and inspiration daily. Aha! I’ve always had it!
When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A lead on GMA and a host of a #1 talk show in America. I have interviewed and hosted often, and many people have asked, “Why are you not famous yet?” No ego here—just a fun fact. My answer: “In divine timing.”
You grew up in Colorado Springs. As I am sure you’ve heard, Colorado has had a lot of intense population growth in the past few years. Do you visit frequently? Do you have recommendations to the un-familiar of hidden gems to visit?
Yes, I still visit often. My family is still there. I was actually born on Colorado Day. Colorado is such a beautiful, majestic state. The train trips through the mountains, Aspen in the fall, sunrises, sunsets, and snowboarding in Frisco and Breckinridge are of my favorites.
What is your favorite place you have ever lived?
This is a tough one. I style my lifestyle, and everywhere I have lived has a special place in my heart. Some of the places are Denver, Houston, Beverly Hills, Frisco, and Ft. Collins, all for different reasons. I am gifted at creating beautiful energy, great circles, and luxurious living wherever I am.
The Ryan Seacrest Foundation sounds especially inspiring. Did you feel an extra umph of drive and purpose in your work with them?
This was a super fun and exciting time for me in the beginning of my media/broadcasting career. I recently saw that Ciera and Russell Wilson were in the studio I worked in Children’s Hospital with BBoy 45. I learned so much from this team. It inspired me to work in radio and be ready for anything, these being live studio sessions with a unique patient audiences present.
On the note of the previous question, what is the most impactful you have felt in your career?
The most impactful feeling in my career is the fulfillment of sharing my transparent thoughts and idea and seeing others use them and share testimonies of their success. One time I was at a meeting doing a pitch and a former client passed a note across the room to say thank you. He remembered me helping him at a former company and how my insight had impacted his start-up, which is now a thriving national company. This warms my heart, both fun and fulfilling!
Was there ever a sense of your field of work be impenetrable, for whatever reason? If so, how did you break that feeling? How would you encourage others to break such a perception?
No. The exact opposite. I see doors and opportunity everywhere. Truth, transparency, solution-based branding, and accountability are needed now more than ever. Agencies seeking new talent are looking for differentiating factors in the next superstars and influencers. The very thing people think will not be accepted or the uniqueness they hide is what the world needs to hear, feel, and see. I would encourage people to be the natural you. Authenticity is the key.
You are also known as a brilliant public speaker. Where there any obstacles in developing your craft in that regard?
Zero obstacles, this is a natural gift. My mom encourage me to be a lawyer as a child/teen. She said I speak, think, and debate on genius levels and I need to get paid for it! I would stun her with my ability to win her and my dad over!
How did you overcome them? What would you say to someone looking to overcome stage fright?
I consult with people through frequency sessions who have speaking and stage fright. The core of this stems from confidence and false fears from trauma or childhood. I would say before any speaking engagement, take some deep breaths and remember who you are, that someone somewhere needs to hear your voice and your frequency right now, and only you can deliver a message that resonates with them right here, right now.
We read you studied flute. Do you still play?
I love this instrument the flute, and I can still play but I haven’t in a long while! I still have the flute my parents bought me in elementary school with my name engraved on it. This was important for my family. I have such great memories and beautiful experiences being in band and expressing myself through music.
Favorite restaurant in Colorado?
Colorado has some amazing restaurants. I also come from a family of chefs and love to visit new places. To name one, I would say Bonefish Grill. In addition to their amazing food and unique style, I was part of their opening team at the Denver Tech Center location. I still have friends from that team with a special place in my heart.