In todays' episode Emily Gornick hosts Shannen Stewart, founder and president of Heels and Handshakes. They discuss building community over competition, salary negotiation and transparency, and practical tools like keeping a “hype folder” to track wins and advocate for raises or stay grounded as a founder. They explore mindset shifts such as not adjusting the goal, only the timeline, and talk about energy, boundaries, and clearing spaces at events using sage or palo santo, which attendees described as creating a calm, positive vibe. Shannen shares gratitude practices, her NA lifestyle shift, and a woo ritual using cinnamon and a quarter, plus how she connects with her late mother through lights. Shannen Stewart is the Founder of Heels & Handshakes, a community-driven organization that connects entrepreneurs, women in business, and their allies through curated in-person events and digital experiences. With chapters in Nashville, Chicago, and Las Vegas, Heels & Handshakes provides members with access to industry leaders, mentorship, and meaningful opportunities for collaboration. Shannen founded Heels & Handshakes in 2013 after returning to her hometown of Nashville and missing the sense of community she experienced within the hospitality industry. Recognizing a gap in networking opportunities, she set out to create a space where women in the Greater Nashville workforce could build authentic, collaborative relationships that support both their personal and professional growth. Since its inception, Shannen has curated more than 240 events, building a trusted and recognizable brand. Her partnerships and collaborations include BetterHelp, Kendra Scott, TEDx, Classpass, Tiff’s Treats, Poppi, Shake shack, bringing thoughtful, high-impact experiences to the Heels & Handshakes community. Her work in hospitality has earned numerous accolades, including the 2023 Nashville Business Journal Women of Influence Award, the 2021 Nashville Lifestyles Women in Business Award, the 2019 Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce NELA Award for Hospitality & Tourism, the 2019 Meeting Professionals International Tennessee Chapter Supplier of the Year, and recognition as one of the 100 Leading Persons in Personal Services, Food, and Hospitality in 2018. Shannen also gives back to her community by volunteering with Nashville-based organizations Thistle Farms and the YWCA and serves on the TEDx Nashville Committee. If you’re in Chicago, join Heels and Handshakes Speed Networking event on March 25th! Chicago Speed networking Website: https://www.heelsandhandshakes.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/heelsandhandshakes_chi/ Ready to dive deep into your Luxe Life? Then consider this your official invitation to join me inside The Luxe Codes - our signature program, your initiation into legacy level wealth. CLICK HERE And as always don’t forget to rate/review the podcast and then head over to IG and let me know your big take aways or what you’re manifesting @iamemilygornick plus see latest ways to work with me to tap into your magic and reprogram you mindset once and for all!
