Celebrating Your “Fig Jam” Moments with Danielle Sweeney

Ever heard someone described as a little too confident — “a bit of a Fig Jam”?

For Danielle Sweeney, that cheeky Australian phrase has become a mantra. In this week’s episode, Amani and Mandi sit down with the Toronto-based founder of Keynote Direct to talk about embracing your achievements, building confidence, and reinventing your career — one bold leap at a time.

Danielle’s career spans continents and industries. From goldsmithing in Australia to calligraphy for Chanel, and now leading a platform that connects speakers and event planners, she’s proof that creativity and strategy can coexist beautifully.

From Jewels to Keynotes

Danielle’s story begins in the world of fine jewelry. With a degree in medieval Italian literature (yes, really!), she became a metalsmith crafting platinum wedding rings and delicate designs for luxury clients. Her side passion for calligraphy turned into creating bespoke invitations for Chanel’s exclusive events — blending beauty and precision with every detail.

That balance of artistry and structure became a theme throughout her life. As she moved across the globe — from Australia to The Netherlands — she collected not just stamps in her passport, but wisdom about communication, creativity, and courage.

The Birth of Keynote Direct

When Danielle returned to Toronto and joined her cousin’s speaker bureau, she saw a gap in the market: talented, rising speakers often struggled to book gigs under $10K. That realization led her to found Keynote Direct, a new kind of platform she describes as “Airbnb for keynote speakers.”

Through Keynote Direct, speakers can list their topics, fees, and videos, making it easier for event planners to discover and book them directly — without traditional gatekeeping. Every speaker is vetted for professionalism and stage readiness, ensuring quality while opening doors for new voices.

“It’s about creating access,” Danielle shared. “There’s so much talent in that under-$10K space. We wanted to make it easy for planners to find them — and for speakers to grow.”

The Power of ‘Fig Jam’

Beyond business innovation, Danielle brings an infectious positivity to everything she does. Her love of the term “Fig Jam” represents a mindset shift — especially for women in business who hesitate to self-promote.

“I realized I was cheering for everyone else, but not myself,” she said. “When I started celebrating my own wins — even small ones — everything changed. My energy shifted.”

That confidence translates directly into better performance, whether onstage, in a meeting, or on a long training run. Danielle even noticed her pace quicken during runs when she repeated affirmations like, “Go, Sweeney!”

A Lesson in Self-Trust

Danielle’s journey shows that you don’t have to have a straight career path to find your calling. Each twist and turn prepared her for what she’s doing today — leading with authenticity, curiosity, and courage.

Her advice for anyone feeling unsure?

“Lean into what lights you up. Be honest. Be kind. And have a little Fig Jam moment — you’ve earned it.”

Key Takeaways:

• Celebrate your wins — loudly. Danielle’s favorite expression “Fig Jam” (“F***, I’m Good — Just Ask Me”) is all about acknowledging your achievements without apology.

• Confidence is contagious. When you show up with energy and self-belief, your audience feels it too.

• Follow the thread of curiosity. Each career turn Danielle took — from Italy to Ireland to Amsterdam — taught her something new about creativity and communication.

• Keynote Direct is changing the speaking industry. By giving speakers under $10K a place to showcase their expertise, Danielle is democratizing access to stages around the world.

• Kind candor builds trust. Inspired by Dutch culture, Danielle believes in being direct but never cruel — a lesson that shapes both her leadership and her relationships.