Danielle Martin – Mentoring Through a Change in Mindset

Gold Coast mindset attitude coach Danielle Martin believes a good mentor is someone who is able to sit without judgment and be interested in a young person and most importantly just be present for them.

“Just being present is vital,” Danielle says. “For that person to feel that you’re there with them, and being open to what’s going on for them can make an amazing difference in their life. Showing up each week for them is a powerful support message of, ‘I am here for you again.’”

Danielle has been working as a volunteer mentor and facilitator for the Inspiring Brighter Futures Foundation supporting people to inspire a brighter future. The Foundation’s purpose is to mentor, support, and inspire people in local communities to move their lives Onwards & Upwards.

Danielle has mentored with the Foundation’s Onwards & Upwards program with students at Nerang State High School, Palm Beach Currumbin State High School, and Miami State High School on the Gold Coast. She has also mentored for the Foundation’s job seeker program for the long-term unemployed, and also the Queensland Police Service’s outlaw motorcycle gang exit program.

“I had a fair bit of insight into the difference a guiding hand through mentoring could make and I instantly recognised the great work the Inspiring Brighter Futures Foundation was doing and its possibilities,” she said when first introduced to the organisation.

“Their Onwards & Upwards program is very adaptable for many groups in the community. The beauty is in its simplicity and through building participants’ emotional intelligence and developing their values — I’ve seen firsthand the major impact this can have on people’s lives.”

Danielle said the progression in the young people over the eight-week mentoring program is massive in some cases and it is extraordinary to watch and having the kids “opening up and saying this is changing their life.”

Danielle says, “I’m sure every facilitator and mentor would experience this but I always walk away feeling like I learnt more and got more than I ever gave. Helping out someone who just needs a different perspective is amazing.”

One of her own mentors was Canadian personal development leader Bob Proctor who had the firm conviction that you could change wherever you are in life by a change in mindset and attitude.

She also still works remotely for The Freedom to Choose Project following a stint in the USA where she monitors and reads homework by incarcerated men and women in California as part of their mentoring program.

Danielle truly understands the power of giving back in developing personal satisfaction.  “I believe the greatest pandemic of this century is the feeling of dissatisfaction. My belief is that if you’re feeling any dissatisfaction in your life then the best way to feel really satisfied with what you’ve got is to make yourself available to other people.”

Over eight weeks, participants in the Onwards & Upwards Wellbeing Program delivered to students and emerging leaders in public, flexi, and private schools, undertake a personal development and mentoring program that uncovers and embraces their values as individuals.

Attributes mentors work with students in developing include – their outlook on life, motivation to succeed, engagement with school, developing trusting relationships with adults, setting and achieving goals, and building positive relationships with peers and teachers.

The Inspiring Brighter Futures Foundation plans to hold over 80 programs in 2025 in Queensland, focusing on its core groups of young people facing challenges, emerging student leaders, and job seekers.

The Foundation welcomes new mentors. To register your interest and to find out more please visit inspiringbrighterfutures.com

You can make a general donation to Inspiring Brighter Futures and know that you’re directly improving the wellbeing and future of people in our community who need it the most.

ENDS media enquiries to Brenton Gibbs 0419 828440 [email protected]