Mentorship isn’t just a feel-good buzzword—it’s a powerful driver of career growth, leadership development, and organizational success. 🚀 Whether you're the one guiding or the one learning, the mentor-mentee relationship creates ripple effects that last far beyond a job title or project.

In this heartfelt and humorous reflection, we explore how casual conversations, small boosts of encouragement, and even awkward moments (🔥 torch-passing, anyone?) can shape someone’s path. From early career jitters to confident leadership, this piece highlights the magic in between—the part where mentorship truly happens. 💡

If you’ve ever said “You’ve got this!” or needed to hear it, this one’s for you.

I used to think success meant working hard, staying quiet, and fitting in.
Spoiler alert: it doesn’t.

As a Gen X’er, I followed the rules. Gen Z? You redefined them—loudly, creatively, and unapologetically. From calling out workplace toxicity 👀 to building personal brands that are bolder than our AOL screen names ever were, you’ve turned rebellion into a blueprint.

And surprisingly? I’m here for it.

In this post, I reflect on what Gen Z taught me about authenticity, ambition, and why “rewinding trauma publicly” might just be the most honest career move we’ve seen yet.

👉 Ready to unlearn what success used to look like?
[Read the full article →]

Think improv is just for comedy clubs and acting classes? 🎭 Think again. In today’s fast-moving professional world, the ability to adapt, respond in real time, and pivot without panic is more valuable than ever. Whether you're presenting to a team, jumping into an unexpected meeting, or pitching your next big idea, improv skills aren’t just helpful—they’re essential.

Improv training builds more than stage presence. It strengthens your confidence, sharpens your communication skills, and supports personal branding that actually connects. It teaches you to think on your feet, speak with clarity, and stay grounded when things don’t go according to plan (which, let’s be honest, is most of the time 💥).

In this blog, I’m diving into how the improv mindset can help you lead with authenticity, sell your story with ease, and handle the unexpected like a pro. Ready to trade perfection for presence?

Read on and let’s talk about how you stay ready when life doesn’t stick to the script.

Two weeks in Alaska’s Inner Passage brought more than rain and whales—it brought clarity.

As a naturalist and former wildlife filmmaker, I’ve been sharing stories of humpback whales, bears, and the power of the wild with audiences aboard a cruise vessel. But this journey reminded me that nature has business lessons too—especially about collaboration, leadership, and trust.

From whale watching in Juneau to bonding with young science lovers, I saw how the natural world mirrors what great teams do: support one another, share knowledge, and succeed together.

If you're navigating your own path in leadership, storytelling, or creative entrepreneurship, this reflection connects the dots between eco-tourism and business values.

🌊 Because sometimes, the best leadership lessons come with a splash.

What does it really mean to be a creative professional? For me, it started with painting my dad’s brand-new suit at age four—and it never stopped there.

From 🎬 editing and producing television shows to 🎤 mentoring professionals and 🎨 consulting creatives, I’ve built a career around reinvention, curiosity, and confidence.

This blog is a reflection on how embracing our multi-dimensional selves can fuel a fulfilling career—and why Padlin Creative was born to support exactly that.

Whether you're pivoting professionally, growing your personal brand, or finding the courage to be fully unapologetic, this post is for you.

💡 Let’s explore what happens when we stop choosing one path—and start choosing ourselves.

What do walk-off losses, rain-soaked ponchos, and a World Series win have in common?
Surprisingly, they all helped shape what loyalty, community, and showing up really mean to me.

What do walk-off losses, rain-soaked ponchos, and a World Series win have in common?
Surprisingly, they all helped shape what loyalty, community, and showing up really mean to me.

In this behind-the-scenes reflection, I share how:

• Sitting through rebuild seasons

• Finding family in the stands

• Celebrating even the smallest wins

...taught me more about connection than any highlight reel ever could.

If you've ever questioned why you keep showing up (even when it’s hard), this one's for you.

Whether you're a lifelong fan, a believer in consistency, or someone searching for meaning beyond the scoreboard—this story is a tribute to presence, people, and purpose.

👇 Read on for a love letter to baseball, belonging, and showing up anyway.

What do a Broadway musical, awkward small talk, and a fierce bunny 🐰 have in common?
Surprisingly, they all played a role in helping me find my voice as a public speaker.

In this behind-the-scenes reflection, I share how:

• Growing up obsessed with Gypsy

• Working in TV production

• Navigating life as a creative introvert

...led me to step into the spotlight—literally.

If you’ve ever wrestled with impostor syndrome, struggled with visibility, or questioned whether your voice even matters, this one’s for you.

Whether you're a creative professional, an aspiring speaker, or simply someone learning to embrace your truth—this story is your reminder that your voice is powerful, and that sometimes, the boldest move you can make is to speak up. 🎤✨

👇 Read more and discover the unexpected journey behind the mic.

✨ Ready to grow your badassery and own your next move?
If you're navigating a career pivot, recovering from a layoff, or feeling invisible in your current role, this blog is for you. I share insights from a recent talk I gave on self-promotion and professional reinvention, especially for those in mid-career transitions or looking to break into a new industry.

We dive into the real talk: the frustration, the fear, and the pressure to constantly “reinvent” ourselves, especially if you're Gen X or a woman who’s done shrinking to fit. 💼

This isn’t a generic pep talk—it’s about reclaiming your confidence, highlighting your real accomplishments, and learning how to show up unapologetically. You’ll find encouragement, practical steps, and maybe a little kick in the ass to help you realize: you’re already a badass. Now it’s time to own it. 🚀

The television industry is transforming fast — and in this brave new media world, it’s creators, not networks, who are leading the way. 🚀 In Part 2 of The State of Television, Shannon dives deep into why YouTube is the true disruptor, reshaping media more than Netflix, Amazon, or Disney ever could. 📺✨

Learn how media professionals can thrive by adapting, storytelling creatively, and embracing the tools already in their hands (hint: 🎥 it’s not about having a Hollywood-sized budget anymore). From the creator revolution to actionable strategies for navigating today’s smaller, scrappier TV world, this post is your guide to staying relevant, resourceful, and resilient in a rapidly changing media landscape. 🌍🔧

Let’s talk about the state of television. Spoiler alert: it’s a little messy.

Cable TV? Free falling.
Streaming platforms? Oversaturated.
Viewers? Comfort-watching Seinfeld and The Golden Girls like it’s 1998.
And content creators? We're out here pitching our hearts out in a market that’s shifted under our feet.

In my latest article, I dig into:
🎬 How the media landscape evolved (and then crumbled)
📉 Why reruns are outperforming new shows
👀 What most creators are missing about audience behavior
⚡️ And why this moment—while messy—is also a massive opportunity

Yes, the wave crashed. But if there’s one thing I know after 20+ years in the industry, it’s this:
Creative pros are scrappy. We pivot. We solve problems. And we damn sure don’t wait for permission to reinvent.

✨ All is not lost. Let’s solve this damn problem.
🔗 Read the blog, drop your thoughts, and let’s reimagine what’s next.

💥 Feeling overwhelmed? Burned out? A little ragey? Same.

When your inbox is overflowing, your industry’s on fire, and your nervous system is in full “Code Red,” here’s your permission to pause.

🙅‍♀️ Not to retreat.
🔥 But to reclaim.

Because peace, love, and understanding?
They’re not “soft skills.”
They’re 💪 power moves.
They’re strategy.
They’re the antidote to burnout, performative professionalism, and pretending you’re “fine.”

In this post, I’m breaking down what it really looks like to lead with:

✨ Radical self-worth
✨ Emotional intelligence
✨ And just enough weirdness to make the right people lean in

This one’s for:

🌟 Women tired of playing small
🌟 Leaders who know boundaries are professional
🌟 Anyone wondering if they’re the only one feeling off right now (spoiler: you’re not)

💫 Let’s talk about the kind of leadership that doesn’t ask you to shrink.
It asks you to show up—Fully Unapologetic.

What if work didn’t feel like... well, work?

Imagine your next team meeting feeling more like a creativity jam session—with Hot Potato, Post-its, and actual joy.

In my latest article, I explore how bringing play, collaboration, and a little Bob’s Burgers-level silliness into the workplace isn’t just fun—it’s strategic. From awkward team-building fails to sticky-note success stories, it’s a reminder that work doesn’t have to be soul-sucking to be effective.

If you're into:
✅ Creative leadership
✅ Team engagement that actually works
✅ Workshop facilitation that energizes, not drains
✅ Or just love a good Moneyball reference...

This read is for you.

✨ Let’s make work more human, creative, and unapologetically fun.
💬 Read the full article and let’s talk about how we can bring this energy to your team.

What if success wasn’t about massive wins, but tiny, consistent victories?

The greatest baseball players in history failed more than they succeeded. Ted Williams, Babe Ruth, and Willie Mays? They all had batting averages below .400. Even my beloved Washington Nationals started their 2019 season at a terrible 19-31—but instead of panicking, they focused on going 1-0 every day… and won the World Series. 🏆

Success isn’t about swinging for the fences every time—it’s about stacking small wins.

✅ Sent that email you were dreading? Win.
✅ Showed up for a networking event when you wanted to stay in sweatpants? Win.
✅ Took one tiny step toward a big goal? Win.

Read my latest article to learn how you can go 1-0 every day and turn small victories into big successes! 🚀

🔥 Rejection. Failure. Flops. Every creative has been there.

From The Graduate to Megalopolis, legendary filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola has seen both meteoric success and epic flops. And guess what? So has every creative person. 🎭

The hard truth? Failure is inevitable. But it’s also where we find growth, resilience, and our next big idea. Even the best in the industry—Coppola, Spielberg, Nichols, comedians, artists, entrepreneurs—have had projects that bombed. What sets them apart? They keep going. They keep creating.

💡 Failure isn’t the end—it’s just part of the process. It means you took a risk. It means you’re actually doing the thing while others are stuck on the sidelines, too afraid to fail. And that’s a win.

🎬 So, what can we learn from the best of the best about rejection and resilience?

📖 Read more in my latest article.

Problem-solving is the backbone of television production. No matter how perfectly you plan, roadblocks will happen—equipment failures, last-minute cancellations, and unexpected curveballs are just part of the job. The real test? How you handle them.

In this piece, I break down the mindset and strategies that have helped me navigate the unpredictable world of TV production, creative leadership, and high-stakes decision-making. From backup plans to keeping your cool under pressure, these lessons go beyond the industry—they’re essential for anyone who wants to think fast, adapt, and succeed.

Because here’s the truth: roadblocks only stop you if you let them. 💡

✨ Have you ever hit a roadblock that tested your patience (or sanity)? I’d love to hear how you handled it—or what you learned along the way. Feel free to share your thoughts!

🚨 Media professionals, creatives, and freelancers—this one’s for you! 🚨

The TV and media industry isn’t just “evolving”—it’s in free fall. Job security? A myth. Stress levels? Off the charts. And if you’re feeling burned out, stuck, or straight-up invisible, you are not alone.

In this article, I dive into:

👉 The relentless pressure of working in media & entertainment (and why it’s getting worse)
👉 The brutal reality of creative burnout, job insecurity & impostor syndrome
👉 Why the SNL 50th Anniversary Special hit way too close to home
👉 And most importantly—why it’s OKAY to just be okay (seriously!)

💡 If you’ve ever felt like you’re white-knuckling it through your career, this is for you.

Read the full article here ⬇️ and tell me—how are YOU navigating all this uncertainty?

"Are you thin yet? Accomplished all your goals? It’s been two weeks, after all! 🙃 Let’s cut the nonsense—January doesn’t have to be a gauntlet of unrealistic expectations.

This season is tough enough without piling on guilt. Instead of striving for perfection, aim for progress. Some days, just being ok is a win. Take it one day at a time—1-0, every day.

Remember: it’s ok to be ok. 💛"

What happens when a middle-aged woman reflects on life, Star Wars, fashion, body image, and the extraordinary voices challenging societal norms? You get a raw, heartfelt, and uplifting perspective on what it means to embrace yourself at every size and every stage of life.

In her latest essay, Shannon Malone-deBenedictis, an Emmy-winning storyteller, dives deep into the progress we’ve made—and the trailblazers lighting the way forward. From plus-sized fashionistas and unapologetic athletes to celebrities dismantling Hollywood's outdated body ideals, Shannon celebrates the inspirations that fuel her unapologetic self-love.

✨ For anyone who’s ever felt unseen, this essay is a reminder: you belong, and your light matters.
✨ For everyone else, it’s a glimpse into the power of acceptance, resilience, and finding joy in the chaos of life.

🎉 Embrace 2025: Love Your Body, Liberate Your Mind! 💪✨