HEY There,
i’m shelley.
Spoiler Alert: I quit so you don’t have to.
MY STORY
I was Chief Marketing Officer of Harley-Davidson. Arguably one of the sexiest, most badass jobs in the world. I had reached the pinnacle of a 26-year global advertising and marketing career defined by imprinting my legacy on iconic brands like McDonald’s, Visa, and Harley-Davidson. By all traditional definitions of success, I had made it. I was living the dream.
Until the dream became a nightmare. Literally.
By day I was leading a team of hundreds, riding motorcycles around the world, and shaping the future of a brand people love so much they tattoo it on their bodies. By night I was drinking myself into a stupor, trying to incapacitate a recurring nightmare hellbent on waking me up to my truth.
The truth that I was living someone else’s definition of success. My Dad’s. I felt exhausted, alone, and confused. I had followed the script I was handed. All the way to the top. So how was it even possible to feel success-EMPTY instead of success-FULL?
That awakening led me on a profound journey I called my Soulbbatical. At the time, I thought it was a way of leaving, but what I discovered was a radical new way of leading. One that invites us to release the Shackles of Should. Choosing instead to consciously and courageously rebel for what feels energizing, empowering, and expansive in the way we live and lead. I not only discovered that it is possible, but how to put it into practice every single day.
Now I’m a woman on a mission. A mission to liberate a billion souls from success-EMPTY to success-FULL. A mission to help leaders and organizations reimagine success and reshape culture in ways that celebrate our humanity, wellbeing, and soul. A mission to ensure that we all show up more energized to have greater impact in the world, not on our wellbeing.
I want to share everything I’ve learned on my journey from Chief Marketing Officer to Chief Soul Officer. Everything I wish I would’ve known at Harley-Davidson. Actually, everything I wish I would’ve been taught about leadership and success before I even started my career. I’m so clear that this is my life’s work. It’s why I’m here. To help every leader, at every level, in every organization, know that you can create success in a way that feels energizing and fulfilling from the inside out. And when you do, you create Ripples of Impact far beyond yourselves.That’s the world I want to live in. I hope you do too.
BUH-BYE BURNOUT. HELLO BADASSERY.
I FEEL FULLY ALIVE WHEN I’M…
MY SOUL
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I tried to end my own life over 16 years ago when I felt empty, exhausted, and alone. I don’t want anyone else to feel that way. Ever. In addition to my daily work, I’m a regular contributor on CBS Chicago’s Mental Health Minute and donate a portion of my book profits to support the work of mental health charities.
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Whether from the stage or in a conference room, boardroom, or classroom. As an Adjunct Lecturer at Northwestern University, I share fresh perspectives on leadership and success in a rapidly changing world and workplace. I’m also honored to be guiding female leaders as a longstanding part of Chief, the largest network of senior women executives, and to be on this journey with thousands of leaders across industries and countries.
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Authenticity, Courage, and Freedom are my Top 3. One of them is tattooed on my body as a daily reminder to show up and rebel for my truth. (If you’re curious, look closely at the photo at the very top of this page).
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I’m a big fan of sleep, dance breaks, time off, no booze, clean eating, boundaries, therapy, intentionality, close friendships, strength training, boxing, pickleball, walking/hiking in nature, HIIT, yoga, automatic writing, and real talk. Oh, and coffee and dark chocolate (because a girl has to live a little!).
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Still pinching myself about that time I trained with Brené. Yes, Brené (freaking) Brown. In 2019, I was selected to be in one of the first ever cohorts to become a Dare to Lead Certified Facilitator. And she taught us herself. Life changing.
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Let’s just say that you’ll feel me before you see me and you can’t miss me when you finally do. When we meet, ask me about my latest obsession with learning metalsmithing to craft my own jewelry!
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IYKYK. And, if you don’t know, it’s time for us to chat!
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I’m an Enneagram 7 with an incurable case of wanderlust. I’ve lived in the U.S.,Turkey, and China – and have worked and/or played in 66 countries and counting. New Zealand is my spirit land (please adopt me).
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It’s bold, brave, and badass in color form. No hiding. ‘Nuff said.
LEADSHIP
CULTURE
WELLBeING
MY POV
Want a fresh perspective on leadership, culture, or wellbeing for your news segment, podcast, or article? You’re looking at her!
I’ve been featured on NBC, CBS, Forbes, Inc., Thrive Global, Fast Company, and over 75 podcasts worldwide. I’m also honored to be a regular contributor to CBS Chicago’s Mental Health Minute segment (right here in my own backyard).
