Buy My Book, Featured in The New York Times

 

Shannon Milliman,

Inaugural Poet Laureate of

Florence, Alabama

Featured in the New York Times

Storyteller | Keynote Speaker | Poet | Interactive Educator
CPTD • SHRM‑SCP • TEDx Speaker

I help organizations rediscover the human side of performance.

I use story, humor, interactive exercises and even poetry to help teams communicate more clearly, think more creatively, and actually connect with each other again.

Because:

  • Creativity is a leadership skill
  • Storytelling is a tool for influence
  • Connection is how work gets done

Organizations bring me in when they want more than inspiration…

They crave a shift in the regular grind where you just clock in and survive.

They feel the sting of AI brain rot and insist on human connection

 

What you can expect:

  • More honest communication
  • More fun, laughter, energy and participation
  • More trust across teams
  • A message people actually remember
  • More heart, spirit, whole self at work, hurray! 

Why clients choose me

  • Inaugural Poet Laureate with a public humanities leadership role
  • TEDx speaker with national performance experience
  • Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD)
  • SHRM‑SCP with deep organizational fluency
  • A storyteller who blends poetry, improv, and education
  • A speaker equally at home with executives, frontline teams, and creative leaders

Popular keynote themes

Creativity at work
Courageous communication
Leading through uncertainty
Rehumanizing the workplace
Storytelling for influence

If you’re looking for a keynote that is thoughtful, surprising, and engaging on a new level, you’ve found her.

 

Contact Me
My Programs
ATD-CPTP
NSA

Clientele & Appearances

Kroger
City of Portland
ACT-W
Triangle Productions
ATD
Mortified

View More →

Watch Shannon in action

  • Not So Supernova
  • A One-Woman Play
  • Talent Development
  • Storytelling
  • Emcee Services
  • Keynote Entertainment
  • A Roller Coaster Of Cosmic Emotions And Inspiration Making Peace And Finding Humor In Life’s Unmet Expectations

Virtual Courses

Say Yes

Not So Supernova →

Legacy Stories

Legacy Stories →

Testimonials

“Fantastic. Physically you had excellent use of stage, body movement, and props. Artistically, your use of tone and storytelling was right on! And your message was vulnerable, brave, raw, relatable. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of it.”

Kendra Pink
Strategist

“I am the VP/Program Chair for WEO (Women Entrepreneurs Organization) and I oversee inviting and vetting our monthly keynote speakers. We look for talented speakers to educate or inspire our membership and we like to mix things up month over month.

I discovered Shannon on social media way back in March and, when I saw her performances were endorsed by a business colleague, I reached out to her. I felt that her content and delivery with the improv aspect would be great fun! Shannon accepted and then graciously customized her routine for our group (and the times – with COVID) and through her dynamic story-telling and vulnerability indeed inspired and empowered us through her performance. We loved having her and highly recommend her!”

Susan Malo
Digital Marketing Consultant at RevLocal

“I am the president of WEO (Women Entrepreneurs Organization). Shannon recently spoke at our September meeting. This was our first “hybrid” meeting where the presentation was both in-person and virtual. Shannon was dynamic and fun and inspiring. She touched both audiences in a heartfelt way. I highly recommend Shannon for your next event or meeting.”

Roni Sasaki
Owner of EnviroMet

“It was a delightful experience watching Shannon Milliman perform her completely fresh and original “Not so Supernova” play. Her presence and energy completely pulls you in and her personal, unfiltered satirical slice of an experienced remarkable life brings smiles, laughter and surprise at her raw honesty. She is gifted and a natural. Not a puffed up actress. Not to be missed.

You will be completely surprised and lifted up a big notch in appreciation for the good and beautiful things in life.”

Scott Nokleby
Marketing Executive

“Shannon’s an honest and passionate actress who uses her full body to convey an entire range of unnameable yet relatable emotions. She was composed, graceful and accessible.

For now, Not So Supernova was a one-night-only performance. I’m thankful I was on the invite list and there to share such an organic exchange of art, admiration and inspiration. Congratulations, Shannon!”

Janna Lopez
President Magazine Makeover

“Shannon is fearless in revealing her innermost thoughts and feelings about some of the events in her life. Her sense of humor invites others to see the world from her unique point of view and to think differently about their own life lessons learned. She is a wonderful story teller!”

Colleen Bourassa
NuSkin

Latest Blog 

4 Ways to chasse career development in COVID-19 crisis

4 Ways to chasse career development in COVID-19 crisis

Dec 15, 2020

Whether the deterrent is COVID-19, recession, professional or personal, when the uncertain becomes certain – discombobulation can intensify without agility. With agility, the resilient talent development professional can choreograph a new dance and find reflective...

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This place gives me hope for America

This place gives me hope for America

Dec 15, 2020

I performed Not So Supernova this week in Pittsburgh, PA. And the experience was poignant on many unexpected levels. I was in Pittsburgh for an annual conference for Grounded Solutions Network where I contribute as an Ambassador, advocating for affordable home...

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If it is good enough for Audrey Hepburn…

If it is good enough for Audrey Hepburn…

Dec 15, 2020

I believe women possess powerful ideas. I also believe that by learning to master the delivery of these ideas, their messages can finally make the kind of impact they’ve always been capable of. Seize them! Seize the moments, the breathes, the opportunities and believe...

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