Our clients include:

Shannon Polly and Associates

Shannon PollyShannon Polly and Associates is a boutique leadership development firm that provides consulting, training, facilitation, speaking and coaching services across North America and the globe. We deliver workshops and one-on-one coaching. Our expertise is in how the science of positive psychology can create flourishing individuals and organizations; and using experiential training to teach presentation skills and executive presence. Shannon Polly and Associates also provides change management and strategic planning consulting using the principals of Appreciative Inquiry. Shannon Polly and Associates’ mission is to increase productivity and profitability of individuals and organizations by increasing well-being.

As Seen In:

Character Strengths Matter: How to Live a Full Life

Character Strengths Matter: How to Live a Full Life

“My friend, Chris Peterson, would have loved this book. It brings to life with personal stories, practical recommendations,wisdom, and humor the dry scholarship that he (with an assist from me) did in the ‘Classification of Strengths and Virtues.’ Chris was very down-to-earth and I am sure he would have concurred in my enthusiastically recommending this book to everyone who works with character strengths in the real world.”

- Dr. Martin E. P. Seligman, father of positive psychology, author of Authentic Happiness and Flourish

Buy The Book


What they have to say about us


  • I attended a mini breakout by a “positive psychologist” who put forth some illuminating insights. If you, as a leader, ignore your peeps, 40% will disengage from you, if you focus on what they are doing wrong, 22% will disengage, and if you focus on what they are doing well, they will disengage from you only 1% of the time. In other words, focus on wins and strengths.
    Google participant
    Leaders Connect DC
  • Adkins
    Shannon was a wonderful, enthusiastic keynote speaker with deep knowledge. She made connections with key stakeholders and refined her presentation to suit the planning committee’s goals. Shannon actively engaged the audience, including remote participants, and drew them in with relevant, tailored examples (teaching us) how to leverage our strengths for a lifetime of success and happiness.
    Beth Adkins
    Assistant Controller – BGA & IS at GE Aviation
  • Angela-Lee
    I thought I was going to be working with Shannon merely to strengthen my voice. What happened instead is that Shannon gave me life tools that improved my ability to be heard as a business leader. She helped me everything from tactical tools like breathing exercises to transformational exercises about how to connect better with my clients. She truly did help me find my ‘voice’, and so much more!
    Angela Lee
    Engagement Manager at McKinsey
  • Lisa-Buksbaum
    Over the years I have collaborated with professional coaches and leadership trainers who are talented, intelligent and get results. Shannon Polly is one of the most remarkable professionals I have experienced. Shannon possesses a dazzling array of strengths which she uses to help her clients achieve tangible results.  Her grasp of cutting edge subjects in positive psychology, business, and leadership is as impressive as her delivery is compelling and memorable. I have had the pleasure to experience her presentations at several global and national conferences where she receives the highest marks in audience satisfaction and take-home value. Shannon is a mesmerizing and accessible presenter who combines the power of a Broadway actress with the comfort of your next door neighbor. As a professional coach and leadership trainer, Shannon has the right blend of confidence, compassion and drive to keep her clients focused on achieving realistic and attainable stretch goals. She combines the latest scientific insights from positive psychology to teach clients how to set goals that are simultaneously intrinsically motivating and life-changing. She is a talented writer, strategic thinker and meeting facilitator. I recommend her without reservation.
    Lisa Honig Buksbaum
    CEO & Founder, Soaringwords.org
  • Peter-R.-Worrell
    Collaborating with the management team and Board, Shannon designed a highly effective session using Appreciative Inquiry. All of the stakeholders were engaged and aligned. The powerful concepts and vocabulary introduced by Shannon has been adopted by the management, board, and faculty as we aligned on alternatives for growth, increasing financial accessibility, and addressing the changing curricular delivery methodology. The ultimate beneficiaries of her work with us are the students– present and future.
    Peter R. Worrell
    The Landing School, Chairman of the board
  • Lucy-Hone
    Before I met Shannon, I had a total phobia of public speaking. She gave me techniques to help me calm my nerves, precise tips on how to stand and “perform” on stage, and the support and confidence to make me believe I could do this thing successfully. I have now found my voice and just did my first TED talk!
    Lucy Hone
    Director, New Zealand Institute of Wellbeing and Resilience
  • Andrew-Chambers
    You know when you guys showed up, I was thinking “How are they ever going to pull this off? People are not happy about this change. I don’t know if this is going to work.” And then you started and were getting people involved in the discussion and I was just so amazed at how well it went. And I thought, “My people are going through a lot…they need some positivity.” And I knew we had to do the workshop with all our teams.
    Andrew Chambers
    Northern Lights Canada, Employment Services Coordinator
  • Barry-Acker
    Shannon developed and facilitated an event that led us to define our mission, goals and methods for reaching them. She handled a diverse group and a few curve balls gracefully and adroitly. She has a great sense of humor, an exuberant self-confidence, and a willingness to listen and negotiate to reach the best results.
    Barry Acker
    The Landing School, President


workshop

Workshop/Keynotes


The latest research in psychology and neuroscience is revealing the power of how positive emotions and employees’ strengths can be unleashed to stimulate better performance, higher levels of productivity and full engagement.
Leadership-Coaching

Leadership Coaching


Shannon has been coaching for 8 years, is an ICF Associate Certified Coach and received her coaching certification from the Georgetown Leadership Coaching Program. She uses tools such as the VIA Character Strengths

Leadership Development Coaching and Consulting