We recently had the chance to connect with Dan Oliver and have shared our conversation below.
Dan , we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What battle are you avoiding?
I used to get triggered and angry by smokers, because I hate the smell & they’d often do it in the absolute worst places. I’m a singer so my lungs are my instrument and also, I love myself; so I don’t want to injest poison. Now I don’t lower my frequency to meet them on demon time & trust Karma or security will take the garbage out. It’s actually been a relief to remove myself from that vampiric energy and let security or safety teams do that job much better than I can.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Yes, hello my name is Dan! I am someone who absolutely loves nature and protecting our Earth and sovereignty. I am an artist and singer, obsessed with food. From Trader Joe’s snacks to new Patisseries, I like exploring what new and exciting creations are out there and share them on Instagram at DanOliverEats. My music is a mix of covers and my own songs; I’ve created most of my original music in a scrappy and quick style and the covers are a bit more thoughtful. I grew up in Wisconsin, was a huge nerd, loved school and extracurriculars and my time in Boy Scouts. I’ve never lost that small town mentality where you really can do it all. In a class of 140 students, there’s no sense of clicks or who is or who isn’t cool. It was like family and everyone could do whatever; this has remained an element of my career. I build things because I can’t be limited to one lane, exploration, creativity and remaining curious and open remain at the heart of my company Dan Oliver Design. I’m a bit like Willy Wonka; I have ideas, I make Art & it feels like there’s often a “Slugworth” trying to imitate. But my work is made to show people we all win bigger prizes in life when we step into the energy of Authenticity rather than imitation. I’ve embraced my nerdy side, my neurodiverdent mind and have matured to allow as much help from others as I can possibly get. Outsourcing the areas where I am weak, help me to focus on making my drawings, my music or making TikToks at DanOliverEats to inspire the next generation of creators & the builders of New Earth. So many old systems are crumbling now and it’s cool to see everyone working together OR relaxing (equally important). I’ve been a reluctant leader but I’m getting over my shyness because when I embrace all of me, others do the same and life keeps getting more magical. Faith in the Universe pays off and my work demonstrates that. I had doubters, saboteurs and people who told me “you can’t do that” and I’ve proven them wrong through consistency, action and faith. I’m Gay too, so growing up in a hyper-conservative area basically wired in an attitude of questioning authority for authority sake or traditions that only seem to benefit a particular sort of heteronormality. I’m rambling now…. Just be you, be authentic and find the spaces, people, clubs or books where you can unlock your potential.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who taught you the most about work?
.y Grandpa. Although he was already retired from his role in international sales for Hobart and WW2 Captain, his presence has had the most profound impact on my life. I can’t recall one time when he rushed anything or acted out of malice. He was the definition of a gentleman and while I constantly miss the mark and battle intense emotional waves, he showed me how to keep it cool by creating systems of logic. He had one place for every tool in his shed, outlined with sharpie and promptly returned. Grandpa Mike taught me the importance of having a good value system. That sense and logic paired with consistent effort can yield serious results. His generation is gone, but Chivalry is not.
Also; Ray Dalio’s philosophy of upward spirals of abundance & caring more for achieving results rather than how something looks has had a major impact on how I create & go about the adventure of being alive.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
The fear of being unloved if I show up fully as me. I often hid my opinions and even humor or wit to fit in. I dimmed my light in an effort to make others comfortable but it wasn’t helping anyone. I was afraid it I spoke my mind or had needs that I would be rejected. I still have fears that come up in forming relationships and dating. I suppose my shyness and loner style come from that, but also I’ve worked too hard for the life I’ve created to allow anyone to jeapordize my peace so there is a fear that if I’m too open that would happen. I’ve had to learn how to create boundaries but sometimes that looks like a wall. Trying to find that balance still and overcome those insecurities that I don’t have anything to bring to the table. Fear never goes away; you just get better at putting it in its place and using it constructively.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
Lewis Howes
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
Nature gives answers. If you want to understand your community; study a documentary about Flamingos. Cross reference books from various subjects. Never get comfortable in a zone because you stagnate. All of life is always in flux; change is good. Growth is satisfying. Using energy efficiently is sexy; it feels good to be in service, in flow. Life is short, nothing is promised, it’s okay to look foolish in pursuit of your goals. It’s not about looks; it’s about results. You have to be willing to experiment and even lose things or people that aren’t meant to go where you’re destined to be. Life has a plan and if you tune in, you can work with creation consciously. I know enough to know I don’t know anything.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: DanOliverEats & Danoliverdesign
- Twitter: DanOliverDesign
- Youtube: Danoliverdesign
- Other: You can find my music on Spotify, Amazon Music, Pandora and more.
