In this podcast episode we speak with Shanta Eaden, a people-first leader with over 20 years of experience as an enterprise change leader. Shanta has a background in leading multinational teams through various sectors and specializes in professional development, project management, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) frameworks.

Shanta’s career journey began with a high school co-op program in banking and later transitioned to the oil and gas industry. Despite facing challenges and discomfort in a predominantly white male-dominated industry, Shanta embraced her uniqueness and authenticity. She emphasizes the importance of staying true to oneself, standing up against bias, and seeking mentorship and coaching.

One pivotal moment was when Shanta’s leader asked her to sit at the back of the room during a high-level presentation. She chose not to comply and instead sat at the table, highlighting the importance of asserting her presence. This experience led her to pursue a role in DEI to address such behaviors in the workplace.

Throughout her career, Shanta learned the significance of change management, embracing discomfort, and navigating cultural shifts. She encourages individuals to be confident, ask questions, and find mentors who provide guidance, support, and accountability. Shanta’s journey exemplifies the power of resilience, authenticity, and learning from diverse experiences in shaping a successful career. Tune in now. 

Shanta a wife, a mother and a people-first leader.  As an enterprise change leader who brings 20+ years of expertise integrating people, process and technology to affect change. She has led multinational teams in the Finance and Energy sectors, through acquisition integration, strategic program/project management, professional development, skill-building, establishing DEI frameworks, organizing global Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), and facilitating executive workshops/training. 

As a recognized DEI strategist, change leader and project management executive, she emphasizes trusted partnerships, and leverages her uniquely positioned PM background to close the gap between strategy and execution to drive change.

Shanta is a sought-after DEI speaker, panelist, certified professional and inclusive behavior coach, business consultant and change leader who mobilizes teams, focusing on culture and inclusion.  She holds a Project Management Professional certification (PMP), a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Texas Southern University and an MBA from LeTourneau University, concentrations in Management and Human Resources.

Key discussion points from this episode include:

• Introduction - 9:20
• Learning from Discomfort - 23:13
• Importance of Mentorship - 36:30 
• Empowering Moment - 51:19
• LLH Questions - 1:07:01

Connect With Denise: https://linktr.ee/denisetaylorlive

Website: www.denisetaylor.live

Facebook: Denise Taylor, Instagram: @denisetaylor.live

Connect with Shanta: shanta@leadersedgeconsult.com 

This episode is brought to you BY: POWER PLAY

Takeaways:

• “You don't have to go into spaces and be anyone else. Just show up with excellence as you always do.“ - Shanta 
• “Get your foot in the door and show them what you're capable of.“ - Shanta 
• “There's nothing like a mentor you can trust.“ - Denise Taylor

Life, Love and Happiness Wisdom Questions and Answers:

What is your life wisdom? 

• “I've done a lot, but I could've probably done more if I just would've opened myself up to yeses sooner."

What's your love wisdom? 

• “To me God is love and the way that he loves us is the way we should love others.”

What is your happiness wisdom? 

• “I always talk about the personal board of directors. Just like you have one for your company, you should have one for you." - Denise Taylor