What does it really look like to rise fast in your career while staying grounded in who you are? In this episode of Women Who Make It, Angela sits down with Danyel O’Connor, a powerhouse leader whose career spans more than two decades across the CPG and food and beverage industries.

Danyel has built a rare blend of experience as both an operator and investor — advising and representing brands like Cravings by Chrissy Teigen, Mini Melts USA, and now leading Umami, a SaaS and AI-enabled platform that helps food and beverage companies turn consumer clarity into crave-worthy growth.

Their conversation dives into the realities of decision-making in leadership, especially when the information is imperfect (because it almost always is). Danyel shares her personal framework for making confident choices in times of uncertainty, and how she’s learned to embrace the “messy middle” — those uncomfortable in-between moments where leadership and growth actually happen.

From building trust with new teams to developing confidence in the boardroom, Danyel’s insights are refreshingly candid and practical. She opens up about the early days of her career — starting out in the dairy industry — and what she’s learned about being one of the only women in the room. She also talks about the transition from consultant to executive, why preparation is her superpower, and how curiosity and clarity have shaped her leadership style.

As the CEO of Umami, Danyel is now sitting at the intersection of food, technology, and innovation. She explains how Umami is changing the product development process by helping brands use consumer reviews and AI to uncover what people actually want — before they spend millions bringing a new product to market. The result? Faster innovation, smarter insights, and more confident launches.

This episode is full of takeaways for anyone looking to grow in their career — from early managers to senior executives. Danyel reminds us that leadership isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about taking thoughtful action, staying curious, and knowing when to slow down or speed up.

She also shares a few words of advice for ambitious women: don’t wait until you feel 100% ready. Sometimes 85% is enough. Trust your instincts, stop being performative, and show up as the best version of yourself — because confidence is built through doing, not waiting.

Whether you’re navigating a new leadership role, building credibility fast, or trying to lead with both head and heart, this conversation will leave you feeling both grounded and energized.