New View with Shannon Denean
TDR: What issues are you most passionate about in your community?
Shannon: In 2014, Atlanta was ranked the number 1 city for sex trafficking and the exploitation of women and children. From 2003 to 2007, the city of Atlanta generated more than $290 million dollars from the sale of trafficked human beings. As a woman who believes deeply in the power of women to change the world, I was heartbroken to learn about these staggering statistics. Since that time, I have helped with fundraising efforts to support women reclaiming their lives after having been in the trafficking system.
TDR: What are most of your philanthropy efforts typically directed towards serving?
Shannon: Most of my philanthropic efforts are directed towards serving women and children. I strongly believe that the powerful and systematic changes that the world needs all start with powerful women. My philanthropy efforts have all been focused on improving the lives of women by helping them to change their minds about their situations. Currently, I am serving with the Junior League of Atlanta, an organization whose mission is to improve the lives of women and children. I also serve on the Board of Directors with Sporty Girls, Inc., a non-profit focused on introducing non-traditional sports to minority girls and helping them to gain college scholarships through those sports.
TDR: How do you define leadership?
Shannon: Leadership is the ability provide a vision of something better which inspires growth, change, and forward movement.
TDR: How would you define your leadership style?
Shannon: When I was managing my team of insurance adjusters, I described my style as "macroleadership". I have always seen it as my job to present a vision of excellence, get the right people on board (people with skill, talent and drive), and give them the space to excel. As a leader, it’s my job to provide continued encouragement, the right environment, and the necessary equipment to help others exceed their potential.
TDR: What would be the most painful lesson that you've learned in life that has helped you become who you are today?
Shannon: The most painful lesson that I've learned in life that has helped me become who I am today is that you're only as strong as the people who support you. You have to surround yourself with real, true support. I have definitely been hurt by people who didn't have my best interest at heart.
TDR: What would people be surprised to know that you had to overcome?
Shannon: People would be surprised to know that I have had to overcome being sexually assaulted in college and a terribly difficult beginning to my marriage.
TDR: Name 3 leaders that you look up to.
Shannon: Sheryl Sandburg, Michelle Obama, and Sarah Batts
TDR: Name 3 of your favorite books.
Shannon: The Devil Wears Prada by Lauren Wiesberger, Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert, and I Wish I Had a Red Dress by Pearl Cleage.
TDR: What is your advice for emerging leaders?
Shannon: You cannot demand a premium for your value until you know what it is. Spend a considerable amount of your time learning about what makes you great and what makes you different.
TDR: Complete this sentence…5 years ago I was…
Shannon: Trying to pick up the pieces of a very broken relationship, trying to discover who I was and working in a job I hated.
TDR: Complete this sentence…5 years from now I hope to be…
Shannon: I hope to have a blossoming, profitable conglomerate consisting of several businesses. I hope to have learned Spanish fluently, have done more traveling, and have fulfilled my dream of being a top-tier DJ.
TDR: If you could describe yourself in one word, what would it be and why?
Shannon: Tenacious.
TDR: What are some of your current initiatives people can help you with?
Shannon: In January 2016, I will be presenting a T-shirt line whose profits will go to benefit the survivors of sex trafficking.
Connect with Shannon:
Facebook - www.facebook.com/shannon.denean
Twitter - @ShannonDenean
Periscope - @ShannonDenean
Website - www.LevelupConcepts.com
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