Peace | Power | Passion
Namaste.
“In a conflict between the heart and the brain, follow your heart.”
In the fall of 2015, I was recruited as Director Of Sales Marketing at MentAd, an Israeli startup based in Tel Aviv. I was excited for the opportunity to lead a sales and account management team and support US expansion, driving SaaS sales for e-commerce, CPG, and Retail, calling on brands and agencies to sell predictive marketing technology, with API integrations with Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
(MentAd - Predictive Marketing was Acquired by SocialCode now rebranded Code3)
Reporting to the CEO meant a level of transparency, where I discovered my salary was not approved by the investors in China. I was at risk of being let go, just months after leaving a secure role at Payability. Despite closing deals with Target, Kohl’s, and Stanford University, my life was spiraling out of control, I had a great job, and a beautiful apartment in Hell’s Kitchen but my relationship was ending and this life change tested my strength and mental health. Inspired by an argument, my ex said, “I Think you’re burned out, you’re always stressed or in a bad mood after work. If you want to go yoga all the time, why don’t you just become a yoga teacher?” I had always wanted to work for myself but could always find an excuse to return to the safety of my decent-paying tech job and a 401K. Though I was running marathons and practicing yoga daily, I hadn’t prioritized my mental health. Yoga became an obsession, perhaps escaping into my work, but this journey helped me reflect, humble myself, and heal from a 13-year breakup.
Completing my yoga teacher training gave me the confidence to travel to India and explore spirituality and rich culture. Beyond this, working with Keoni Movement Arts inspired me with the good work and unique fundraising struggles non-profits face when serving the community in NYC.
As a non-profit board member, I was proud of the donations, curriculum, and community we built, under the leadership of Paul Keoni Chun.
““Comfort is no test of truth. Truth is often far from being comfortable.””
My truth was tested, and my faith was renewed. I found beauty in the diverse community that I served, I reveled in my Saturday morning class at the YMCA Chinatown location, and chair yoga with Keoni Movement Arts.
Travel and networking, trying to find private clients and expand my yoga business, I connected with Ryan & Talonya, where I joined Spiire Programming Committee to create leadership and wellness content for entrepreneurs and corporate leaders.
Biography & Programming
“Shawn is a passionate coach and yoga concierge, making the practice of yoga accessible to all ages and abilities. Spending nearly a decade as a Digital and Social Media Marketing Executive, Shawn discovered the path of Yoga as a way to calm the mind, improve concentration, and envision creative possibilities.
Through mindfulness, yoga, and meditation, he's helping others attain peace, mobility, vitality, inner enlightenment, self-awareness, and self-acceptance.
He is Yoga Alliance Certified (200 hours) through accredited teacher training at Sonic Yoga in New York City with a decade of experience practicing Vinyasa, Ashtanga, Bikram, and Kundalini-based yoga. He is a certified Laughter Yoga Leader, bringing the joy of laughter to all types of organizations and communities.”
Bhramari Pranayama (Buzzing Bee Breath)
Is a breathing technique that can be used as a regular daily practice to facilitate mindfulness and relaxation. Bhramari pranayama "Buzzing Bee" calms the nerves and reduces tension and anxiety. It also helps to reduce anger and frustrations and stimulates the throat chakra, which when balanced enables communication and allows us to express how we think and feel.
The Laugh Track
In 1995 Dr. Kataria, a medical physician in Mumbai, began studying the benefits of Laughter as medicine. As a Yoga practitioner, he noticed the similarities between laughter and Pranayama exercises from which he created Laugher Yoga, a blend of deep breathing, stretching, and laughter exercises that cultivate child-like playfulness. A joyful and energetic practice that will open your heart, allow you to be more connected and leave you blissful.
“THE AUTHENTIIC LEADER™
The Leader We Need”
“The world is craving a new type of leader — people with real, relatable stories and the courage to live and lead with a clear sense of purpose. Success is now measured more by relevance than résumé. Authenticity and honest relationships are valued as a foundation for personal and professional fulfillment. Are you the type of leader who embodies these qualities?
On Fri, May 18, 2018 join us for a full-day multisensory learning experience that will inspire you to build healthy, balanced, purpose-driven organizations.”
Sponsored by:
Young & Rubicam
3 Columbus Circle New York, NY 10019
