In this episode of Success Is an Iceberg, host Janel Donohue interviews Deuntay Diggs, an Army veteran, law enforcement lieutenant, elected official, and advocate whose life is a powerful story of resilience, authenticity, and service. Born in Wicomico, Maryland, and raised through significant adversity, Deuntay overcame childhood trauma, homelessness, and discrimination to become a respected community leader and changemaker. A graduate of Virginia Military Institute and Liberty University, Deuntay is currently pursuing his doctorate in Criminal Justice Leadership. He made history as the first openly gay cadet and graduate of VMI and later became the first openly gay deputy employed by the Stafford County Sheriff's Office. Today, he serves on the Stafford County Board of Supervisors, including two terms as Chairman, and as a Lieutenant with the Stafford County Sheriff's Office, where he focuses on public safety, youth engagement, and community partnerships. Known nationally as the "Dancing Deputy," Deuntay has used his viral videos to inspire millions through authenticity, positivity, and human connection. In this conversation, he opens up about how his painful past shaped his empathy-driven leadership, the importance of vulnerability, and his commitment to creating communities where people feel seen and valued. His story is a powerful reminder that where you begin does not have to define where you end. Timestamps Introduction to Deuntay Diggs (00:00:49) Host Janel Donohue introduces her guest, Deuntay Diggs, a trailblazing leader, army veteran, public servant, and community changemaker. Flipping the Iceberg Upside Down (00:03:00) Deuntay explains why he shares his scars and failures openly, believing it's important for people to understand the journey. The Bravery to Share Trauma (00:04:29) Deuntay discusses how helping a suicidal cadet at VMI by sharing his own trauma became a pivotal moment for him. Coming Out at VMI (00:08:48) Deuntay recounts how he was thrust into being openly gay at VMI after confiding in a classmate. Your Past is Not Your Destiny (00:10:43) At age 13, after being given to a foster family, Deuntay realized he had an opportunity to change his life. The Catalyst for Change (00:14:50) A painful gang initiation involving his brother became the moment that led him to leave his traumatic childhood environment behind. Applying Life Lessons to Leadership (00:17:02) Deuntay explains how his past helps him look beneath the surface to understand people's behaviors and build successful teams. Getting to Know Your People (00:18:46) Deuntay shares his leadership strategy of being authentic, paying attention to details, and building relationships based on trust. Being Unapologetically Authentic (00:20:55) Deuntay discusses his commitment to being himself, a trait solidified at VMI that he carries into his political career. The Power of Direct Conversation (00:23:56) Deuntay shares a story of meeting with an angry constituent and changing their perspective by providing direct, honest information. Navigating Two Public Service Roles (00:29:05) Deuntay explains how he can serve as both a law enforcement lieutenant and an elected official without a conflict. The Dancing Deputy (00:33:00) Deuntay tells the story of how a lip-syncing video for a school supply drive went viral and led to fame. The Highlight of Going Viral (00:35:19) The most meaningful part of his viral fame was his terminally ill mother seeing his success before she passed away. Protecting Mental Health (00:37:06) Deuntay shares his unique way of recharging through motivational speaking and the importance of taking intentional time off. A Key Leadership Lesson (00:41:08) Deuntay reflects on learning the importance of clear communication and understanding that not everyone operates at the same pace. Who is Deuntay Diggs? (00:43:01) Stripped of all titles, Deuntay sees himself as a person with a heart full of love for people. The Drive for a Doctorate (00:44:23) Deuntay explains his motivation for pursuing his doctorate is to challenge himself and better understand his craft in law enforcement. What Deuntay is Still Working On (00:46:23) He is currently working on his second book, finishing his doctorate with a 4.0 GPA, and planning a mental health conference. Accept It, Change It, or Move On (00:48:49) Deuntay discusses accepting that doing the right thing isn't easy, changing how people interact politically, and moving on from negativity. A Message of Hope (00:52:39) Deuntay encourages listeners who feel trapped by their past, reminding them that the sky is the limit. Powerful Quotes from the Episode Deuntay, "I had to figure out who I was, be comfortable with me, love me, and respect me before I could expect anybody else to." Deuntay, "No one wants to have the experiences that I did. But if you have to go through that, then use it for good." Deuntay, "I try to be the love and the person that I needed as a child." Deuntay, "My big thing right now is changing how people interact. Just because we see the world differently doesn't make us enemies." Deuntay, "I want people to look at me and say, if that guy can do it, I can do it. There is absolutely nothing special about me." RESOURCES: Connect With Me: Janel Donohue Website: www.jdonohueleadership.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janel.s.donohue/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janeldonohue/ FOLLOW THE PODCAST: Success Is An Iceberg on Apple Podcasts and Spotify Connect with Deuntay: Website: https://www.deuntaydiggs.com/ Beneath The Scar: A Story of Resilience Book: https://a.co/d/073E7zM9 Beneath the Scar Documentary: https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B0F1TH7YF9?ref_=atv_dp_share_cu_r "Your past may shape your story, but it doesn't have to define your future." 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