Meet The Palmas Judges: Danielle Wiley's Hot Takes

Meet the minds behind The Palmas, Digital Summit's new awards program designed for agencies and brands. Before they evaluate this year's most creative work, we're getting to know our judges through a series of quick-fire questions that reveal the people behind the expertise. From career lessons and creative inspiration to favorite brands, playlists, and personal rituals, these Hot Takes offer a glimpse into what shapes today's marketing leaders.

Danielle Wiley's Hot Takes

A piece of work or a partnership you're genuinely proud of, and what made it click?

We have been working with retailer pOpshelf, which has 180 locations across the US, since the beginning of this year. I am extremely proud of how quickly we built momentum. By Q4, we will be managing over 30 creators a month to highlight the impressive scope of their inventory. That scale is especially notable given that pOpshelf completely overhauls its merchandising every six to eight weeks. 

The real key to this partnership is the client's willingness to integrate. They embedded us directly into their Microsoft Teams environment and project management platforms. That level of access eliminates the usual agency friction, making communication fast, direct, and seamless.

What are you watching that's not work-related? 

We just finished Widow's Bay. It was a blast! 

Morning person or night owl? 

I am 100% a morning person, but please don't talk to me before I have had my coffee. I need my first 45 minutes or so to be spent quietly caffeinating while catching up on the news and doing all of my NYT word puzzles. Once I finish the big crossword, I am ready to start my day. 

What's your walk-up song, if your workday had one?  

Definitely 9 to 5 by Dolly Parton! I play it super loud (in headphones - I'm not that weird) before all of my important meetings and pitches.  

If you could start your marketing career over, what would you do differently?   

I'd probably make sure I had some time working in-house at a brand. My entire career has been spent at agencies, and I often wonder what it's like on the other side of the "aisle." 

Head to digitalsummit.com/thepalmas to check out the full category list, judging criteria, and submission details. Nomination entries are open through August 21, so don’t sit on this one!