I’m from Manhattan Beach originally, born and bred, and I lived in the Sand Section all 18 years of my life before going off to college. I have a half sister but essentially grew up as an only child, just with my mom and my dad. I’ve always been very close to my parents, still am, and essentially still live 100 yards from them, which I find very amusing and interesting. For college I went to the University of Pennsylvania, right in the heart of Philly and I had never even seen snow. From there I went to New York, because all my friends did, where I worked in advertising at Field & Stream magazine – clearly not my fortes! Present day me would definitely appreciate being in that environment more than early 20 something me did! I met my husband in a bar in New York and I rocked the boat to come back here to attend business school at UCLA. After a short stint on the westside we moved back to Manhattan Beach in 2013.
About Dana Taylor Old
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
They’re great, super chill, and as they are getting a little older I’ve definitely noticed I’m taking on more of the protector role in the family….probably much to their chagrin. I don’t think they love it but it’s the natural progression right? My father is from Bethesda, MD and my grandfather was in the CIA so it took their family around the world quite a bit. He originally moved out here for graduate/business school and never looked back. My mom is that quintessential valley girl who has never lived outside of L.A. and so she really relishes travel and now wants to experiences as many other places as she can. My husband is from New Jersey and I have a wonderful mother-in-law who lives in South Jersey and we try to bring her out as much as possible. Additionally, I have a half sister who lives up in Seattle with her family.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I’m an Executive Coach and Trainer and I work with individuals and teams on leadership, communication, team building, facilitating a lot of off-site mastermind sessions. I love the idea of helping people, but doing so in an authentic way – I can use my personality and humor, and I feel very much myself to be able to add value to these organizations. I made the transition from corporate life back in 2019 and after some reflection and introspection, I figured this path and it’s been great.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Ask for what you want, be prepared to get it. No one is going to hand you anything on a silver platter. I also get up really early and a firm believer that the early bird gets the worm.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
In 10 years I see my family and I moving to Park City as our son would likely be in college around that time.
Dana Taylor Old & Our Community
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
El Sombrero has always been on the top of my list and there is definitely some nostalgia there. Martha’s – big breakfast fan! Uncle Bill’s – almost every weekend my father, son, and I will go there for breakfast.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
Most of my childhood and adult life.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
The Kettle, Panchos – all bring back so many memories and family times that I have loved.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
Walking or running along the strand – you will undoubtebly run into family, friends, all while taking in the beauty of Manhattan Beach.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
I’m a huge women’s soccer fan and a big fan of the ’99ers. The Mia Hamms, Brandi Chastains, Julie Foudys and I’d probably go on a walk with them to the pier. Just kind of talk to them about the legacy they left behind, how they think women’s sports in general have evolved and where they see it in the future.
For Fun
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
I love Miracle. The lessons in it, the team unity, the patriotism. I used to say Love Actually but I’m burnt out on it now.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
Everyone thinks I’m so outgoing and always outgoing but I think that the older I get the more introverted I get, needing down time and time to recharge. I come across as very social, loud, and outgoing, but it doesn’t come as naturally to me as it used. I’m also a very curious person and I like being dumb and learning new things. Right now I’m learning Pickle ball, Mahjong, and French…just because I don’t like being complacent and love learning new things.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Being outside and active. You will never say, “oh I wish I had stayed inside and not experienced that.” Getting up and doing something outside will always be a 10 out of 10.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
Myself, I’m very self-driven. I hate complacency and I think I push myself quite a bit. My son, I want him to be proud of his mama. Finally, definitely my parents as well. As I mentioned at the upfront I’m very close with my parents and I want them to be proud of me, even at age 40.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Mom and Dad. Manhattan Beach. Comfort.
