Today we’d like to introduce you to Shannon Smock
Hi Shannon, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My journey has been filled with both challenges and incredible opportunities. I got my start in the entertainment industry, where I worked as an actress and a model. This demanding environment taught me invaluable lessons, particularly the importance of resilience and the ability to gracefully handle rejection.
After a few years in the entertainment industry, I transitioned into the non-profit sector, where I had the privilege of building a children’s health museum right here in St. Louis. This was an incredibly fulfilling experience that ignited my passion for making a real difference in people’s lives and fueled my desire to help others realize their full potential. However, it also presented its own set of challenges. After 13 years, COVID hit and I needed to step down. When I left, I discovered that my identity had become deeply intertwined with my role as CEO. You know the question that every Midwesterner loves to ask right after “where did you go to high school?” “So, what do you do?” Well, stepping down left me feeling lost, struggling to rediscover myself outside of that role and it felt impossible to answer that question. I learned several key lessons during this period of transition. First, the importance of self-reflection. Looking back and being fully honest with myself about what went well and what didn’t, and using that information to identify what lessons I learned and patterns I saw. Second, I learned to identify and avoid the “title trap” that so many of us fall into. We define ourselves by our titles instead of our purpose and values. Now when someone asks me what I do, instead of saying I am the CEO of Emerge Brighter, I like to say I help others shine personally and professionally.
These diverse experiences, combined with my academic background in Psychology and Nonprofit Management, have equipped me with a unique and comprehensive skill set. Today, I am honored to guide individuals on their own journeys of personal and professional growth. I believe that everyone has the capacity to live a life filled with purpose and joy. My vision for Emerge Brighter is to empower individuals, particularly women, to design and live their best lives through strategic life planning. I’m excited to explore partnerships with local non-profits that serve young women and women experiencing life transitions, offering workshops to equip them with the tools and confidence they need to thrive.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Absolutely, not! My journey has been far from perfect. The struggles I have faced along the way have been both personal and professional. I live every day with a chronic health condition that has taught me the importance of self-care, prioritizing my well-being, and adapting to unexpected circumstances. I have transitioned through marriage and divorce, and the stress of coping as a single mom. I experienced situations in the entertainment industry that made me uncomfortable and question my boundaries. These experiences taught me the importance of advocating for myself and setting clear boundaries and expectations. Running a nonprofit, securing funding was a constant struggle. We faced numerous setbacks and had to get creative in finding alternative solutions. My own experiences with struggles and adversity have deepened my empathy and understanding of the challenges faced by the individuals I work with. My goal is to create a safe and supportive space where they can feel heard and understood.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Emerge Brighter?
Emerge Brighter is a personal development company focused on empowering individuals, particularly women, to achieve their full potential through strategic life planning. Strategic life planning is a proactive approach to creating a fulfilling life by identifying your purpose, values, setting meaningful goals, developing an action plan, building resilience, and living intentionally. Emerge Brighter offers a comprehensive workbook that guides individuals through this process helping them to shine brighter both personally and professionally.
Emerge Brighter was founded by a woman who understands the unique challenges and opportunities faced by women today. It specifically caters to the unique needs and aspirations of women, offering a supportive and empowering framework for personal and professional growth. The workbook is designed to be beautiful, insightful, and accessible, making personal development enjoyable and achievable.
What I am most proud of in our brand is the ability to create a positive impact by contributing to the well-being and success of women. We encourage readers to pick up a copy of the workbook, especially now as a new year and new goals are top of mind. Additionally, follow us on social media and stay tuned for the launch of our small group luxury retreat that will be offered later this summer.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
I define success as being able to live a life that is authentically mine. It is finding joy in both my personal and professional life. It is living my purpose by making sure that my values and my actions are aligned. It is defined by having strong and meaningful relationships. Especially, for me, it is being able to prioritize my health and well-being. What kind of teacher or coach would I be if I also didn’t say success is also embracing continuous learning opportunities that help us shine even brighter.
Pricing:
- $20.00 – Emerge Brighter: Reveal Your Potential Through Strategic Life Planning Workbook
Contact Info:
- Website: https://emergebrighter.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emergebrighter/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EmergeBrighter
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/emerge-brighter
