Shanon Olsen

Shanon serves as Henley’s COO and a key partner in business development, bringing more than 20 years of experience in transformational learning to every relationship she builds. Her work is grounded in the belief that lasting leadership development occurs through customized programs that are steeped in human connection, learning that is aligned to a larger vision, and inquiry-based transformational content - not through off-the-shelf solutions or quick fixes.

In her role, Shanon partners closely with sponsors, leaders, teams, and organizations to co-create development experiences that are built for the people, meaningful, deeply relevant, and readying leaders for the emerging future. She listens for what’s possible, helps people name what matters most, and designs pathways that shift them from outdated transactional habits to transformational leadership. Clients often describe her as someone who can hold both the importance of the human story and the needs of the organizational system simultaneously, weaving them together in ways that make learning and development both accessible and sustainable.

Shanon’s style is authentic, direct, connected, and full of levity. She creates trusting partnerships where leaders can stretch, experiment, and step into new ways of working. Her thought partnership and consulting centers on expanding views around what is possible, crafting development approaches that move toward creating workplaces where all people thrive.

Inside Henley, Shanon guides the development of our coaching team, shapes new offerings, and helps steward our largest client engagements with care and clarity. She brings people together—colleagues, clients, and partners—to design work that is creative, customized, and grounded in shared purpose. With humor, generosity, and a steady presence, she helps bring Henley’s values to life in everything from program design to community engagement to the smallest details of how we show up.

At her core, Shanon believes in people’s collective ability to move toward a meaningful future. She believes in development that invites people into possibility, honors their lived experience, and transforms how they lead—one relationship, one insight, and one meaningful conversation at a time.

Relevant Education and Certifications:

• The Leadership Circle 360 Profile

• TED* The Empowerment Dynamic

• BA in Program and Curriculum Design

• Certified “Experience Innovation” Experience Point Facilitator

Favorite Quote:

“Trust that meaningful conversations can change the world.” — Margaret J. Wheatley