About
My Story
Hi, I'm Shannon.
The story of how I got here starts with me not paying attention.
I was a super ambitious, high-performing, sleep-deprived graduate student who showed up to take a fitness class at my gym. I was on auto-pilot, and didn’t read the schedule to notice that the usual class had been replaced by a yoga class. I was already in the room when I figured it out, and I was so annoyed. It was too late to leave without making a scene, so I stayed. Turned out, the class was really challenging for not only my body, but also my mind, which is the only reason I kept showing up for it on purpose thereafter. I didn’t like being “bad” at anything, least of all yoga and mindfulness. That stuff is easy, right? Ha.
Turns out, it doesn’t work like that. The more I dove into mindfulness practices, the more I realized there is to learn – mostly about myself. I started noticing changes for the better in how I handled the highs and lows of everyday life, in my relationships, and in my work.
I started paying attention to where my attention was going, and that changed everything.
My Path
I’ve spent over 20 years working with business students, alumni, and applicants in both the university and non-profit settings. I’ve been an Admissions Committee member and leader at two top business schools, and now, I bring that expertise to coaching MBA applicants and professionals poised for a career pivot or leveling up. (Learn more about my professional background here.)
I first connected mindfulness to my work in the MBA world during my graduate training in health promotion management. I founded MindfulMBA and continued to build my expertise as a professional coach by pursuing certification in teaching mindfulness skills and techniques, as well as my 500-hour advanced certification in yoga instruction.
My path is one that makes more sense looking backwards than it did when I was building it, though. I know how it feels to be uncertain and totally unclear about what your next step should be. Mindfulness helped me navigate those curves, and it still does, every day.
My Mission
Over the years, I’ve noticed something important about high-performers:
When you’re out there “winning at life,” no one asks you how you’re doing.
They assume they know. You’re doing great. If they do ask, what do you say? “I’m great, thanks! Busy! Got the promotion, got the certification, got the apartment…lots going on, but all good!” That’s not how you’re doing, though. That’s what you’re doing.
Mindfulness practices have changed my life. They’ve made me more present, more intentional, and more connected in every way that matters most to me in my life. I want the same for you.
I’m passionate about helping bright, talented and motivated individuals harness their personal sources of strength to achieve their goals and dreams. The most powerful route to that place starts by looking inward, though. Only through understanding your personal motivations, beliefs, and patterns first can you push through to shift how you show up in the world.
I want to know how you’re doing, and support you in getting to the what that aligns with your sense of purpose, fulfillment, and greatest potential.
Values
Connection
People before process, always.
Possibility
Creativity, optimism, and full effort are a powerful combination.
Inclusion
Openness and flexibility expand and deepen our experiences.
Balance
Stay grounded where it matters while stretching ourselves.
Why Mindfulness?
Mindfulness can not only alleviate stress, but can enhance focus, creativity, and decision-making abilities. It can also increase compassion, and make us better team members and more effective leaders.
I hope what you find here helps you to find and create more meaning in work that matters to you. If nothing else, at least it gave you a moment to catch your breath, so you can unleash your potential.