From feeling a sense of displacement after moving across the globe, Danyal Diallo has become a strong advocate for social change.
A presenter, TEDx speaker and public speaking coach, the 18-year-old shares his life story and insights to mindset, leadership, public speaking and entrepreneurship.
Mr Diallo was born in Khartoum, the capital city of Sudan.
When he was just three-years-old he permanently dislocated his hip, right before he and his family moved to the capital city of Egypt, Cairo.
While attending school in Cairo, he experienced bullying for the first time.
“Not only for walking with a limp but also for being one of the few black kids at that school,” he remembered.
He recalled becoming defensive in order to protect himself from the hurtful words and harassment that was thrown his way on a daily basis.
“In retrospect, I realise that it had to happen,” he said.
“You see, I felt ashamed of my dark skin and my physical disability to the point where I thought to end things and commit suicide.
“I didn’t choose to be in my situation. I didn’t want to be born this way but yet, I was. And I had to learn to play with the hands I’ve been dealt.”
Growing up in a Christian family, there was one church service that stuck with Mr Diallo.
“As a kid I was usually sleepy at church. The pastor was talking about ‘purpose’ one day and I was thinking what was my purpose,” he said.
“I wanted to ask him but I never got the chance to as in the next few days mum dropped a bombshell on us saying we were going to Australia.”
The Diallo family moved to Dandenong in 2010 and five years later, moved to Pakenham.
After moving to Pakenham, Mr Diallo discovered that playing soccer was his number one passion and so he went after it, however his hip couldn’t quite take it.
“As devastating as that reality was, I had to move on,” he said.
“Between then and now I’ve made some life-pivoting decision that enabled me to reach without fear – to think big, start small and move fast.”
After launching his own business at just 16-years-old, Mr Diallo joined the INNovation Crowd, an initiative by Casey and Cardinia councils.
The INNovation Crowd program was designed to support local startup businesses.
“I love how when I tell the members of my group about my goals and things I wish to achieve, their reply is often, ‘Danyal, that’s great but dream bigger’,” he said.
“I was used to people crushing my goals and telling me that it’s impossible, so hearing that I was dreaming too small was a completely different tune.
“One that had its own melodic rhythm which opened the way to different possibilities.”
Determined to make a successful life for himself, he started searching for more answers and came across a man named Earl Nightingale.
The American author once said, “You become what you think about”.
“Let that sink in for a moment,” Mr Diallo said.
“If I become what I think about then I want to be authentically me, I want to be reliable and I want to be a phenomenal communicator.
“That was around two or three years ago. Now, I’m a presenter, TEDx speaker, public speaking coach.”
A true inspiration, Mr Diallo is also an actor represented by local agency, Khans Entertainment, as well as the co-owner of an online mask business called Pretty Petals Face Masks.
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Mr Diallo said he always gravitated towards leadership positions at school, speaking at assemblies and youth groups at church.
He started taking note of public speaking when he was in secondary school, at Chairo Christian College in Pakenham.
“I’ve had the wonderful privilege of speaking at different events and met people from different backgrounds,” he added.
“I’ve noticed that a common thread between these people is they all want respect and they all want to go somewhere. I don’t just mean location wise but in their lives.
“Everyone wants to make an impact and they should but they don’t pay attention to two important things. And those things are clarity and time.”
Mr Diallo encourages people to be specific on their goal and to watch the clock.
“I want to positively impact as many lives as I can before my time comes.
“I want to leave a legacy that enables people to break free from their limitations and really tap into their God given potential.
“I’m not just saying this to be cute, there’s a real petrifying spine chilling thing out there called regret.
“I’m well aware of the fact that tomorrow is not necessarily guaranteed. So, start and continue creating! Do not be afraid.”
During times of Covid-19, Mr Diallo hopes to inspire and help as many people as possible.
“I know that’s hard to read right now during Covid-19 – a time of uncertainty where the nation is in lockdown, in self-isolation,” he said.
“We’ll get through this together. For all those businesses on lockdown right now, we’ll get through this.
“For all those artists and performers out there, we’ll get through this.”
For those who are struggling through the pandemic, Mr Diallo suggests adopting practices to help cope.
“For me, I’m a huge extravert, so virtually connecting with my friends is crucial. Make social connections,” he said.
“And most importantly never hesitate to seek professional help when needed if you’re suffering from poor mental health.”
Mr Diallo said his challenge right now is adjusting to this ‘new norm’ while managing to reach out, motivate and educate current and future performers and leaders.
“I’m not alone in this, I’ve got my wonderful media manager Sara Nawz and my endless supply of wisdom, my mentors.
“Thank you, Chris Hall, Ryan Jenkins, Quang Huynh, Mark Carter and Kartik Gupta for teaching me invaluable lessons about business and personal growth.”
Undertaking a bachelor of Business Management at Federation University in Berwick, he has been dedicating a lot of time and energy through the lockdown into studying.
“I’m aiming to finish my studies and while time is passing by, I also aim to continue my personal growth journey,” he added.
“I’m auditioning for roles on tv and film and I’ll continue growing my business as well as my network.
“‘You become what you think about’. Let that sink in for another moment.”
