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keynotes for exceptional results
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Signature keynotes
Five talks on courage, resilience and purpose
Each keynote draws on Shannon’s years flying the Apache and leading in the corporate world, and is shaped to your audience, whether executive teams, women in leadership, veterans or an all-company kickoff.
The Grit Factor: Courage and Resilience in Times of Challenge and Change
Grit isn't grinding harder. It is a practice you build before you need it. Drawn from Shannon's book, published by Harvard Business Review Press.
About this keynote 02The Grit Mindset
Most high achievers were taught that grit means pushing harder, sleeping less and never slowing down. Real grit is steadier than that.
About this keynote 03Leading with Purpose
The North Star looks like one point of light. It is actually three. Purpose works the same way.
About this keynote 04Leadership Storytelling
People don't follow strategy decks. They follow stories they can see themselves in.
About this keynote 05The Best of Both Worlds: Veteran Hires in Corporate America
Veterans bring leadership under pressure, mission focus and teamwork. Companies that know how to use it win twice.
About this keynoteSpeaker reel
Watch Shannon on stage
From the frontlines to the boardroom, Shannon delivers keynotes that inspire leaders, ignite teams, and transform audiences worldwide. Explore her talks, media appearances, and the impact she’s made on organizations around the globe.
Watch Shannon in action. Each keynote draws on her unique leadership experience, from military service to corporate boardrooms, to equip audiences with actionable insights, resilience strategies, and the confidence to lead boldly.
Shannon Polson scored 90% top two box! That is the highest score for all of our sessions over the two-day period. There were glowing verbatims as well.
Rave reviews! TWO standing ovations!
Shannon COULD NOT HAVE BEEN BETTER. Obviously, her story and insights were great, but, on top of that, she was personable and connected with so many of the attendees.
It was such a joy having you at Workday Rising for PwC’s inaugural VIP Women’s Breakfast. People are still talking about the networking, connections, and lasting relationships that came from the vulnerability and power you brought to your keynote.
Shannon was Amazing! Our team absolutely loved her and her message. Her story was spot on with our mission and our goals for the meeting. She was outstanding!
Shannon provided the ‘wow factor’ that we strive to deliver to our members.
There are similarities in business to learn from her experience, to launch your team to drive to mission critical outcomes. Very Inspiring!
Shannon was an absolute star, helping my team through the most challenging time in our business. Ten out of ten is not high enough marks.“
Igniting and inspiring organizations across industries and geographies with world class keynotes.
Top Rated by the World’s Best Organizations
Conference & Media Planner Resources
Access high-resolution images, media kits, and resources for planning Shannon’s next keynote or media appearance.
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For Conference and Media Planners
Shannon Huffman Polson Bio One Sheet
Shannon Huffman Polson Speaking Testimonials
Shannon Huffman Polson Short Bio
Shannon Huffman Polson 100 Word Bio
Shannon Huffman Polson 150 Word Bio
Media Appearances
Shannon Huffman Polson, Author and Founder, The Grit Institute, - The Global Interview
The Most Important Trait for 2021, Psychology Today
FT Business Books: September Edition, Financial Times
“I was one of the first female fighter helicopter pilots in the US Army. Here's the technique I used to stay motivated while waiting for an assignment.”, Business Insider
“Opinion: What you can learn from two prisoners of war about coping with the coronavirus pandemic’s challenges”, Market Watch
3 Steps To Develop Grit, According To One Of The Army’s First Female Apache Pilots, Forbes
This Military Mom’s ‘Grit’ Exercise Is Key to Surviving the Pandemic, Working Mother
Celebrate Service, Not a Uniform, This Veterans, Day | Opinion, Newsweek
The Grit Factor: Courage, Resilience, And Leadership In The Most Male-dominated Organization In The World, Reviewed, Irish Tech News
“Success requires a four letter word ending in “T””, The Sentinel
“Kamala Harris: Defusing Ambition As An Obstacle To Women In Power” Forbes
“Veteran Speaks About Overcoming Obstacles”, American Press
“Former U.S. Army Captain Shannon Huffman Polson: Leaders have to Own Their Own Story”, CRN
“Shannon Polson, Leader, Veteran, Real Grit”, Women of Indy-fluence
“Shannon Huffman Polson soars, Encourages Female Leadership”, Kent Wired
Book Reviews, Association of the United States Army
Polson Launches New Book The Grit Factor, Methow Valley News
“What you can learn from two prisoners of war about coping with the coronavirus pandemic’s challenges”, Yahoo! News
Find grit to ace the early stages of your career: How to build resilience in the face of setbacks
