Biography

Book Shelley Paxton through The Keynote Curators.

Shelley Paxton is a globally recognized author, keynote speaker, and transformational coach on a mission to liberate the souls of leaders and organizations by redefining success from the inside out. With a career spanning over two decades, Paxton has become a leading voice in the movement to prioritize authenticity, well-being, and purpose in both personal and professional spheres.

Before embarking on her soul-centered journey, Shelley Paxton spent 26 years as a highly regarded marketing and advertising executive, stewarding some of the world’s most iconic brands, including Harley-Davidson, Visa, McDonald’s, and AOL. As the Chief Marketing Officer of Harley-Davidson, she found herself at the pinnacle of corporate success. However, despite the external accolades, she felt internally unfulfilled—a realization that prompted a profound personal transformation.

In 2016, Shelley Paxton made the bold decision to leave her high-powered corporate role to reconnect with her true purpose and deepest desires. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of her “Soulbbatical,” a term she coined to describe her journey toward self-discovery and alignment with her soul’s calling.

Shelley Paxton’s transformative journey is chronicled in her bestselling book, Soulbbatical: A Corporate Rebel’s Guide to Finding Your Best Life (Simon & Schuster, 2020). Part memoir, part manifesto, the book invites readers to become the Chief Soul Officer of their own lives and to open up a whole new world of possibility. Through candid storytelling and actionable insights, Paxton empowers individuals to break free from societal expectations and to live authentically and courageously.

As a sought-after keynote speaker, Shelley Paxton brings her message of soulful leadership to audiences worldwide. Her talks are known for their energy, authenticity, and transformative impact. Drawing from her own experiences, she challenges conventional notions of success and encourages leaders to prioritize well-being, purpose, and authenticity in their professional lives.

Sherlley Paxton’s speaking engagements have included appearances on the TEDx stage and features on platforms such as NBC, CBS, Forbes, Inc., and Thrive Global. She has been described as “the next Brené Brown” by Chip Conley, NY Times Bestselling Author and Former Airbnb Executive, highlighting her ability to inspire and connect with audiences on a deep level.

Through her company, Soulbbatical, Shelley Paxton offers coaching, workshops, and programs designed to help individuals and organizations align with their soul’s purpose. As a certified professional coach, she works with executives at Fortune 100 companies, entrepreneurs, and fellow rebel souls to foster cultures that celebrate humanity, well-being, and soul.

Her approach is rooted in the belief that true success comes from living in alignment with one’s values and purpose. She advocates for a redefinition of success that prioritizes inner fulfillment over external achievements, aiming to combat the burnout epidemic prevalent in today’s workplace culture.

Shelley Paxton holds a Bachelor of Science in Business and Marketing from Boston College. She has also trained with renowned thought leaders, including Brené Brown and Rich Litvin, further enriching her coaching and leadership philosophies.

Her personal mantra, “I quit so you don’t have to,” encapsulates her mission to guide others toward a more authentic and fulfilling life without necessitating drastic career changes. She believes in empowering individuals to make conscious choices that align with their true selves, fostering a sense of freedom and purpose.

Based in Chicago, Shelley Paxton continues to inspire a global community through her writing, speaking, and coaching. She is currently working on her second book, tentatively titled Success-FULL, which aims to further explore the themes of authentic success and soulful living.

Through her work, Shelley Paxton invites individuals to rebel for what truly matters, to embrace their inner rebel soul, and to lead lives rich in authenticity, courage, and purpose.

For more information on Shelley Paxton and her offerings, visit www.soulbbatical.com.

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I Quit So You Don’t Have To!

In a post-pandemic world dominated by burnout, attrition, and an urgent search for greater meaning, my signature I Quit So You Don’t Have To! keynote is the essential roadmap for redefining success in a way that feels more energizing and less exhausting. I share insights from my own journey – from Chief Marketing Officer of Harley-Davidson to Chief Soul Officer on a mission to help more of us live success-FULL (not success- EMPTY). My actionable S.O.U.L. principles are energizing leaders to champion change in their lives, companies, and the world.

If you’ve heard one too many that-was-super-inspiring-but-how-the-hell-do-I-apply-to-my-life keynotes, then look no further. My talk is a trailblazing mix of inspiration and interactivity from the main stage to ensure that the audience walks away uplifted and in motion.

Let’s create Ripples of Impact (ROI) together.

PSST… I Quit So You Don’t Have To! can be delivered as a keynote, a workshop, or a custom curated combination. Live or virtual, of course.

Ripples of Impact: Creating Cultures That Have Impact IN The World, Not ON Our Wellbeing

Imagine a bolder, braver, more badass world.
Where success isn’t measured by busy-ness and burnout,
But by wellbeing and soul.
Where leaders can thrive without sacrificing their humanity.
And organizations embody the belief that ROI is not only Return on Investment,
But also Ripples of Impact.
The kind of ripples that can only radiate from cultures filled with energized, inspired, and healthy humans.
This radical reimagining of our work cultures isn’t just possible – it’s essential.
It’s the empowering antidote to burnout, disengagement, and attrition.
It’s an invitation to quit defining success in a way that no longer serves people or profit.
The real future of work is a celebration of our humanity, wellbeing, and soul.
We’re being called to create it together.
And Shelley is here to help your organization blaze the trail.

Testimonials

She has that rare ability to get everyone leaning in, even on the most challenging of topics.
– Stacey Watson, SVP of Life Events, Fidelity Investments
Shelley is a force of nature. She just spoke to the members of The Outlier Project and as soon as it was over my phone blew up which was no surprise. The value she delivered was off the charts and her passion, authenticity and energy are all next level. Shelley is funny, brilliant, engaging and a beautiful soul.
– Scott MacGregor, Founder + CEO of SomethingNew LLC, Founder of The Outlier Project, Record 8x winner of the American Business Award for Innovation
Every time I invite Shelley to speak, I feel like we’re listening to the next Brené Brown. And my community agrees.
– Chip Conley, Rebel hospitality entrepreneur and New York Times bestselling author
Her work should be mandatory in universities and companies.
– Bob Schwartz, Chief Transformation + Innovation Officer at Mount Mary University and former VP, Global Design + UX at GE Healthcare
Shelley speaks powerfully from the soul. Her passion, charisma, and content never fail to engage and inspire. I’ve seen her light up thousands of women from the stage. I can’t wait to have her back.
– Cheryle Jackson, CEO, Founder of Grit and Grace with Cheryle, g2coach
Shelley’s authenticity and relatability as a former c-suite executive are so refreshing. And her genuine, soul-led passion for helping leaders at every level to show up more powerfully in their lives and work is viscerally experienced in every insight and idea she shares. We recently had her on a thought leadership panel and she left an incredible impression yet again on so many within our community. Our global community left feeling energized and empowered to define their own path toward success-FULL. We’ll definitely invite her back.
– Danny Cohen, President of Roc Search USA and Co-Chair 50/50 Women on Boards

Booksby Shelley Paxton

Soulbbatical: A Corporate Rebel's Guide to Finding Your Best Life

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