Shannon Skinner launched her first business in 1999, which was a diverse communication consulting company. More recently, she launched a web TV show, Extraordinary Women TV with Shannon Skinner, in September 2010. Find out her career route and where she sees herself in five years in today’s YEDaily…
Elevator Pitch: Describe your business in a nutshell.
I wear a number of hats, making my career diverse. I am an author, talk show host, speaker, consultant and blogger.
Extraordinary Women TV with Shannon Skinner is a web talk show featuring in-depth, one-on-one conversation with successful women from all walks of life, Canadian and international, who share their dramatic and extraordinary insights on how they “made it.” As the show’s host, I delve into what inspires their hearts and unlock the secrets to their success.
The show is geared toward the modern woman, although anyone interested in following a dream and living an extraordinary life will find something of interest. I invite you to check out the interviews at: www.ExtraordinaryWomenTV.com.
As an author, I have published a book titled The Whispering Heart: Your Inner Guide to Creativity. It is essentially a life-guidance book about how to unleash your creativity and make your dreams come true.
As well, in addition to my personal blog, I am a regular contributor to the Huffington Post.
Why did you start your business, what was the inspiration?
I launched Extraordinary Women TV with Shannon Skinner in 2010, a first-of-it-kind, because I wanted to capture the inspired action of women who have the courage to listen to their hearts and lead extraordinary lives.
I was inspired to create the show upon receiving sad news that a friend of mine had less then one year to live. After the initial shock and disbelief, I asked myself a quality question: “If I had one year to live, what would I do?” The answer to that question was the creation of Extraordinary Women TV.
What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis?
I love to connect with extraordinary people who inspire me. I enjoy being a facilitator in sharing the stories of inspired individuals. I especially look forward to studio days, when I have the chance to engage in one-on-one conversation with my guests, who range from successful business women to famous singers/songwriters to authors and humanitarians. Connecting with them and unleashing the core of their inspiration is something meaningful to me.
The most challenging part?
The biggest challenge in my work is trying to stay focused and true to my heart when there are so many influences and distractions from the outside world. I have spent a good amount of time getting clear on what my core values are and aim to make decisions according to those values. Otherwise, I will end up living someone else’s life.
Where do you see your business going in 5 years?
I would love to interview more and more extraordinary women, and touch the hearts of millions of people around the world – inspiring them to achieve their hopes and dreams. As an artist at heart, I always look for opportunity to spread my creative wings and continue working on new projects.
What does success look like to you?
That happens to be one of my favourite questions, since it is one I frequently ask my guests on Extraordinary Women TV with Shannon Skinner.
For me, success is getting in tune with what my heart whispers and finding the courage to act on it. It is not about achieving that end result, but obtaining meaningful experience and knowledge along the journey. As long as a I strive to listen to my heart and follow it, I cannot go wrong. I believe this is success.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
As I approach the second year anniversary of Extraordinary Women TV, I find myself reflecting back to the start of my career, which was in public relations. It took 20 years of PR and media relations experience that contributed to the launch of Extraordinary Women TV with Shannon Skinner – now that is a milestone.
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Again, I love this question as it is related to my “Good to Know Minute” segment, when I ask my guests about their top success tips.
My advice is this: Listen to your heart and find the courage to take inspired action. For that, you cannot go wrong.
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
I am involved with the Oxford and Cambridge Society of Toronto, which raises funds for scholarships for Canadian students to attend these two institutions. I believe that higher education is important for developing good self-esteem, having choice in life, and opening doors that might not open otherwise.
As well, many of my guests are women who have founded charitable organizations and I support them in spirit.
What is Notable to you?
The ability to follow your heart and overcome obstacles blocking the path to your dreams is notable.
Blackberry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
iPhone!
How do you keep active, energetic, and vibrant?
I keep active by jogging and walking my seven year-old pup, Bob. I strive to keep fit and maintain a healthy lifestyle.