Why Shannon Mentors

Growing up as the youngest of six, Shannon’s curiosity was electric—but scattered. She was the kind of kid who tore through history books one week, then obsessed over obscure indie films the next. With parents expecting an Ivy League lawyer, and a school counselor flat-out telling her she’d never succeed, Shannon’s choice to pursue art school was more than a bold move—it was an act of defiance.

At  the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), Shannon discovered her passion for storytelling through video. She also discovered the power of teamwork & betting on herself. Now, she mentors younger creatives with that same spirit—because she knows how lonely it can feel when your path doesn’t look like everyone else’s.

She’s not just a mentor; she’s a mirror. She helps people see their potential before they’re ready to believe in it themselves.

Why Creative Growth Isn’t Linear

Shannon followed her gut when she chose SCAD—and it led her into a future most people couldn’t yet see. Through that leap (and many late nights balancing school, mental health, and part-time jobs), she learned to embrace the zigzags. That would become the story of her career.

From being told she was “overqualified” in New York and helping double the size of a creative staffing agency in Chicago, to leaving corporate media to return home and care for her mother, Shannon’s path never followed a straight line. But it always moved forward. And every twist taught her how to find truth in chaos, story in setbacks, and strength in uncertainty.

Why Teamwork Fuels Her Best Work

Eventually, her talent took her across the world. From China’s rice paddies to New Zealand's shire, Shannon created award-winning stories with Discovery, National Geographic, and Netflix. She climbed the ladder—from midnight sessions as an editor to boardroom meetings as a senior producer. Along the way, she never lost sight of what mattered: great stories, great teams, and great care for the people behind the scenes.

What set her apart wasn’t just her skill. It was her ability to bring out the best in others. To help editors own their instincts. To encourage shy talent to speak boldly. To empower creatives who felt like outsiders—especially women and those whose bodies or identities didn’t match industry “norms.”

Why She Built Something New

After years of producing for networks and studios, Shannon founded Padlin Creative—named in honor of her mother, Lina, aka Paddy. It’s more than a company. It’s a calling: to coach, champion, and co-create with professionals who want to live fully, show up truthfully, and stop shrinking to fit someone else’s expectations.

As a Body Image Certified Coach, Emmy winner, speaker, and trusted mentor, Shannon now combines personal storytelling with professional development, helping others become their most creative and unapologetic selves.

Because at the end of the day, your career isn’t just about the work you make.
It’s about the person you become making it.