2025: My Personal Story and Milestone
The Layoff
It was November 2014 and my boss called me into her office. The HR rep was there, so I knew something big was about to happen. The pharmaceutical company I was working for at the time had just been acquired. As with most acquisitions, we knew layoffs were coming.
She said, "Shawn, your job has been eliminated. However, you are eligible for a severance package." I felt a mix of disappointment and excitement at the same time.
I had worked in pharmaceuticals for 22 years in various roles. I had been laid off before when I worked at a start-up company that went belly up. But this time was different. I was older now, had more experience under my belt, and had completed my doctorate the year before.
I wasn't devastated like I thought I would be - although no layoff is ever easy to process.
Although I'd been teaching and training for decades, in 2014, I started speaking publicly about my dissertation research on leadership, emotional intelligence, and gender. I found that I loved educating, empowering, and inspiring audiences.
For the first few months of 2015, I was job searching and was really frustrated with the process. I'd apply to a position (along with dozens or hundreds of others) and never hear back. It felt like my resume and entire work history went into a black hole.
I remember waking up one day and making a conscious decision to try something else. So, I put all of my job research papers in the closet, and decided to try my hand at my own business as a professional speaker.
The Milestone
I had heard that it takes about 3 years to turn a profit. I was going to dedicate 3 years to my business and if I couldn't make ends meet, I'd go back to pharma.
I am thrilled to share with you that 2025 marks 10 years of my business! This is a huge, personal milestone for me.
I started as a speaker, and that's still most of my business. A couple years later, I started teaching as a professor at Pepperdine University and UC Irvine business schools. This helped me hone my expertise and services around leadership, gender, bias, EQ, and DEI.
Shortly after that, I landed a book contract with a publisher, and my book, The Power of Perception: Leadership, Emotional Intelligence, and the Gender Divide, came out in 2018. In the years following, I began consulting to companies on all aspects of DEI.
The Bike Ride
Ever since I was young, I thought it would be cool to ride my bike across the U.S. I've heard about various rides over the years, and even though it was on my bucket list, I never had the time or wasn't in shape enough to do it.
I've been riding with a bike club consistently and in 2023, bought a gorgeous rainbow tye die Trek Domane (pictured above).
Last Summer, I stumbled across a cross-country bike tour with Trek Travel, and signed up!
Why, might you ask?
Because I'm self-employed and can make the time
It's always been a bucket list thing
To celebrate 10 years in my business
So, I'm doing this thing. We ride from Portland, Oregon to Portland, Maine over 6 weeks. It runs from August 21-October 7 of this year. The cool part is we dip our tires in the Pacific ocean when we start, then the Atlantic ocean when we finish.
It will be an incredible experience, a great way to see the U.S., and meet great people. Not to mention probably getting in the best shape of my life!
The Book Deal
A few months back, I was fortunate to sign a two-book contract with another publisher.
My first book, The Power of Perception, focused primarily on women and leadership.
My next book (planned launch in Fall 2025) will focus on helping and supporting men be better allies.
And my third book (planned launch in Summer 2026) will focus on the superpowers of both men and women.
Currently, I'm in the throes of researching and writing the second book. It is tentatively titled 7 Levels of Male Allyship: Working Together to Create Gender Inclusion.
Next Steps
Given the bike ride and book deal...I will be spending countless hours both riding and writing in 2025!
I will keep you posted with updates, and please don't hesitate to reach out with your speaking or consulting needs -- or just to offer words of encouragement!
Thank you for being part of my 10-year journey.
-Dr. Shawn Andrews
