Balancing the Grind with Danny Shannon, Founder of Encapsulator

Danny Shannon is the founder & CEO of Encapsulator, a company providing digital time capsule videos, allowing individuals to reflect on their present moment.

1) To kick things off, could you tell us a little about your career background and current role?

I am the founder of a company called Encapsulator, which provides digital time capsule videos, allowing individuals to reflect on their present moment.

Encapsulator records and documents our clients’ hopes, dreams and future aspirations, which are locked away into our secure time vault, which is then re-discovered at a predetermined date in the future.

This is an experience where individuals feel supported by our service at Glebe House and many other institutions, as it uses innovative technology to support the client’s mental health and well-being. Encapsulator provides a confidential space for people to express themselves without fear of judgement.

When we verbalise our goals out loud, it is very beneficial, as it helps us to remain motivated and accountable. Reflective practise is a valuable tool for recovery and progress of any kind.

I studied a Certificate 4 and Diploma in Community Services and went on to almost complete a Bachelor of Counselling at ACAP. I am also a Senior Case Manager at Glebe House and have been for the last 8 years.

I love my role, as I have the opportunity to teach men of all ages how to live their best life free from any drugs or alcohol, through sharing my experience, strength and hope.

2) What does a day in the life look like for you? Can you take us through a recent workday?

The past 18 months have been the most unbelievable journey of my lifetime. My day is usually set up with meetings with people from all over the world via zoom.

Before COVID, I would be attending networking events two nights a week, sharing the Encapsulator time capsule platform with people from all walks of life, and the feedback is always so amazing.

I also attend a private hospital every week to assist their clients with creating their first video time capsule entries. I have the amazing honour of hearing people share things like, “It was the first time I have been emotional in years,” or “I am so grateful for the experience.

I spoke about stuff that I had not thought of for years,” or “It felt like I was talking to my inner child.” Amazing feedback like this makes me so excited about what we are bringing to people in the early stages of recovery.

I tell everyone that my job at Glebe House is the best in the world, there is no other rehab service that even compares. We kick off the day with a morning group at 8 am, then the boys go on to do yoga, Pilates or ceramics.

I run a life skills group once a week and I do lots of catching up with the boys as we share experiences to help them get through tough times. I always help them realise that drugs are not the answer.

3) Does your current role allow for flexible or remote working? If so, how does that fit into your life and routine?

Although I work so much better in person with actual human connection, I have found the new age technology to provide an amazing opportunity to work remotely.

4) What does work-life balance mean to you and how do you work to achieve that goal?

My day always starts with 1.5 hrs in the gym. I have found if I can get this right, everything else falls into place. I talk often about working on the physical, mental and most important thing of all, the spiritual element in my daily program.

I believe it is my duty as a human being to carry the message of recovery. The more I give to the world, the more the universe will provide. This is why I love assisting people with creating their first video time capsule messages to their future selves.

5) In the past 12 months, have you started or stopped any routines or habits to change your life?

I am currently five months free from nicotine, as smoking was an addiction I struggled with during the past 11 years of my recovery. I am loving life so much right at this moment.

6) Do you have any favourite books, podcasts or newsletters that you’d like to recommend?

I love to listen to anything that motivates me. I am not someone to do much reading, but I consume around 60 minutes of video content on the LinkedIn platform daily. This ranges from 10-20 different motivational or educational videos. This has been a staple in learning how to be successful.

7) Are there any products, gadgets or apps that you can’t live without?

I would die without the gym, I love social media, as well as my daily health supplements which make me feel strong and energised.

8) Do you have any last thoughts on work, life or balance that you’d like to share with our readers?

I find it most important to always look after myself first, because how could I offer any value to anybody else if my cup isn’t at least half full. I live by a very strict daily program and routine. It’s something I have done over the last 10 years.

Number one on the list is my daily personal inventory, my check-up from the neck up. This little routine I do every day helps me to become aware of behaviours that may hinder my happiness.

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