Biography
Book Shelley Paxton through The Keynote Curators.
Former Chief Marketing Officer of Harley-Davidson, and 26-year global advertising, media, and marketing veteran, Shelley Paxton is now on a mission to help leaders and organizations reimagine success and reshape culture in ways that celebrate our humanity, wellbeing, and soul. She’s a badass advisor, bestselling author of Soulbbatical: A Corporate Rebel’s Guide to Finding Your Best Life, and sought-after keynote speaker who’s been called “the next Brené Brown.” Her inspiring work has been featured on NBC, CBS, Forbes, Inc., Thrive Global, Business Insider, and the TEDx stage. She’s even become a regular contributor on CBS Chicago’s Mental Health Minute segment.
Shelley Paxton is also honored to be an Adjunct Professor at Northwestern University, Guest Faculty at MEA (Modern Elder Academy), and a longstanding Guide to senior female executives in Chief.
At her core, Shelley’s a fierce advocate for mental health, lover of the color orange, and an unabashed rebel soul.
Contact us for Shelley Paxton’s fees and availability.
Videos
Shelley Paxton Speaker Reel
Soul Biography
Why Authenticity is the Truest Form of Rebellion | Shelley Paxton | TEDxWestMonroe
Speech TopicsExpand each topic to learn more
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.
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
Blog Posts
Seven Archetypes of Success Every High Achiever Must Know
Learn the seven archetypes of success from triple Emmy-winning speaker Gaby Natale and how her Virtuous Circle framework can help you get there.
Read More
Fear Is Your GPS, and Michelle Poler Shows You How to Follow It
Keynote speaker Michelle Poler shares how to navigate fear, take brave action, and build authentic brands in this episode of The Keynote Curators Podcast
Read More
Women’s History Month Keynote Speakers Who Change What Happens Next in 2026
Women's History Month demands more than applause; discover keynote speakers who create recognition that drives real change.
Read More
Keynote Speakers Who Tell Great Stories Get Booked More in 2026
Keynote speakers need more than craft to get booked. Learn the mindset shift that builds sustainable speaking careers.
Read More
Happiness at Work Is the Performance Strategy You Need, with Jessica Weiss
Happiness at work is a performance strategy, not a perk. Learn how Jessica Weiss helps teams build real, sustainable happiness.
Read More
Emotional Intelligence Skills That Hold Up Under Pressure
Emotional intelligence is more than a buzzword. Here's what real EQ looks like under pressure, and the keynote speaking voices building it on stages in 2026.
Read MoreRelated Attitude Speakers
Get in TouchContact US
Fill out the form so we can best understand your needs.
A representative from The Keynote Curators will reach out to you.