Danielle Troxel: Reclaiming Power, Purpose, and Possibility 

26 Mar, 2025 Claire Muselman

                               

There's something magical about witnessing a woman come into her own—Danielle Troxel embodies that magic. When we first featured her in our Women of Influence series, we celebrated a woman of warmth, resilience, and authenticity—qualities that have only deepened and flourished over the past year. But this time, the story has a new twist: evolution. 

Danielle did so much more than survive a challenging year—she thrived through it. She went on a journey most of us only dream about: radical self-discovery, courageous leaps, and quiet, determined growth. And in true Danielle fashion, she came out the other side shining brighter than ever. 

The Power of the Pause 

Sometimes, hitting the pause button is the bravest thing you can do. In early 2024, Danielle did just that. After over 15 years of consistency and security in the workers’ compensation industry, she stepped away—taking a five-month sabbatical to reflect, recharge, and realign. 

“I didn’t plan on leaving my job,” she says. “But I knew it was the right thing to do for myself.” 

That decision—equally scary and liberating—became a pivotal turning point. The time away gave Danielle space to listen to her heart, trust her instincts, and reconnect with her inner compass. "God put it on your heart for a reason," she reminds us. That faith in her own intuition? It's her new superpower. 

A New Chapter, Authored by Confidence 

Fast-forward to now, and Danielle is back in the game—but this time, with even more clarity and conviction. She is now serving as the Client Relations and Compliance Manager at Hanna Brophy, a leading workers’ compensation defense firm in California. This new role allows her to blend her talent for connection with her deep industry knowledge, bringing strategy and sparkle to the firm’s marketing department. 

And if that weren’t enough? She also defended her master’s thesis in psychological research, officially completing her graduate degree—an extraordinary accomplishment, especially as a first-generation student. Way to go, Danielle! 

“I didn’t know what I was getting myself into when I started grad school,” she says, laughing. “But now I remind myself—if I got through that, I can get through anything.” 

The Glow-Up Is Internal 

But perhaps the most remarkable transformation is what you can’t see on paper. Danielle has shifted her mindset in a powerful way. She is done chasing perfection. She is zoomed out. She is breathing deeper, giving herself grace, and embracing the reality that we are all more than a single moment, a single email, a single performance. 

Where she once aimed to impress, she now aims to connect. Where she once sought approval, she now finds alignment. 

“I view things with a wider lens now,” she shares. “Everyone has a full life behind them, and they’re not just who we see in one moment.” 

That kind of perspective? It’s what real leadership looks like. 

Rewiring the Inner Dialogue 

Danielle is also becoming a mindset ninja. She credits her mom for one of her most grounding lessons: “Your life is what you make it.” 

Now, she practices seeing the good, leaning into positivity, and trusting that people are doing their best. This mindset is as practical as it is profound and has helped her rewrite the story she tells herself—especially when fear or imposter syndrome tries to creep back in. 

The Power of the Right People 

Danielle’s journey hasn’t been solo. She speaks candidly about the importance of community—those industry friends who showed up, those unexpected champions who believed in her, and the people who held space when she needed it most. 

“I leaned hard on people I trusted,” she says. “And some stepped up out of nowhere. It was beautiful.” 

That support was her scaffolding while she rebuilt. And now, she’s the one holding space for others. 

Productivity in the Little Things 

These days, Danielle is all about micro-wins. She's embracing new tools like podcasts and audiobooks—even just ten minutes a day—as ways to feed her curiosity and fuel her dreams. She’s tuning into The Morgan Housel Podcast and The Science of Getting Rich, soaking in every bit of wisdom as she gears up for what’s next. 

Whether she's planning her financial goals, launching a new health journey, or dreaming big about her next career step, Danielle is showing up intentionally—and doing it on her terms. 

What’s Next? The Sky. 

Danielle is no longer clinging to a blueprint. She stands in the sweet spot between readiness and wonder, excitement and surrender. "I'm most excited about the possibilities," she says. "I'm comfortable with the unknown, and I can't wait to see life unfold." 

There is something extraordinary about that kind of peace. It is not passive—it's powerful. The space between readiness and wonder means that Danielle is no longer reacting to life. She is co-creating it, embracing a journey of all things wonderful. 

Her Message to You 

If you are standing on the edge of change, Danielle has a message just for you: 

“The fear and anxiety around change can be like riding a rollercoaster—the scariest part is actually when you’re in line. Once you’re on the ride, you’re enjoying it.” 

Let that sink in. 

So, if you are waiting for the 'perfect moment' to make a move, chase the dream, or take the leap, this may be your sign. Danielle's story is the nudge you need to get on the ride. 

Because once you're in it—heart pounding, hands up—you might find that joy was waiting for you the whole time. 


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    About The Author

    • Claire Muselman

      Meet Dr. Claire C. Muselman, the Chief Operating Officer at WorkersCompensation.com, where she blends her vast academic insight and professional innovation with a uniquely positive energy. As the President of DCM, Dr. Muselman is renowned for her dynamic approach that reshapes and energizes the workers' compensation industry. Dr. Muselman's academic credentials are as remarkable as her professional achievements. Holding a Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership from Grand Canyon University, she specializes in employee engagement, human behavior, and the science of leadership. Her diverse background in educational leadership, public policy, political science, and dance epitomizes a multifaceted approach to leadership and learning. At Drake University, Dr. Muselman excels as an Assistant Professor of Practice and Co-Director of the Master of Science in Leadership Program. Her passion for teaching and commitment to innovative pedagogy demonstrate her dedication to cultivating future leaders in management, leadership, and business strategy. In the industry, Dr. Muselman actively contributes as an Ambassador for the Alliance of Women in Workers’ Compensation and plays key roles in organizations such as Kids Chance of Iowa, WorkCompBlitz, and the Claims and Litigation Management Alliance, underscoring her leadership and advocacy in workers’ compensation. A highly sought-after speaker, Dr. Muselman inspires professionals with her engaging talks on leadership, self-development, and risk management. Her philosophy of empathetic and emotionally intelligent leadership is at the heart of her message, encouraging innovation and progressive change in the industry. "Empowerment is key to progress. By nurturing today's professionals with empathy and intelligence, we're crafting tomorrow's leaders." - Dr. Claire C. Muselman

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