WOMEN TO WATCH

Shannon Heard

Associate Director of Executive Education
University of Arkansas, Sam M. Walton College of Business

Walton College Executive Education provides training and development programs taught by Walton College professors and industry experts to strengthen leadership and business skills for professionals across Arkansas. We serve as an extension of outreach for the University of Arkansas Walton College of Business. Walton College at 2nd & Main in downtown Little Rock is a learning center for our programs and a rental space facility for educational, business, and community events.

PRESSING QUESTIONS

Best career moment so far

Celebrating my first year as associate director of Executive Education. As I’m helping to develop leaders, I’m learning more about my leadership style. I look forward to my development journey.

Biggest challenges in my career

Balancing my professional and community commitments. As a Little Rock native, giving back is dear to me, so I had to learn not to overcommit so I don't underdeliver.

Nonprofit I wish more people knew about

Our House, which is more than a homeless shelter. Our House provides mental health services, workforce development and a safe space for children to learn and thrive.

A skill I never expected to need in this field

Developing and implementing executive education programs require management skills, but I also use my creative side, which is perfect for me since I studied economics and music at Sewanee: The University of the South.

The one thing I wish people knew about my field

Executive education provides professionals, regardless of position or industry, the opportunity to develop their business acumen. I’m proud that I can be a resource for professional growth in my community.

What keeps me coming back to my job every day

The people I interact with. I have the best team I could ask for in executive education. My teammates help me grow as a leader.

How I knew this was my passion

When I heard from participants how our executive education programs have impacted their professional and personal lives, I felt like I was genuinely serving others by helping them achieve their goals through education.

My first job and what it taught me

I was a telemarketer in high school. I learned not to be afraid of hearing “no.” It’s better to ask and hear “no” than not to ask.

IT'S ALL IN THE DETAILS

Hometown

Little Rock

I can't start my day until

I say, "Thank you, Lord."

Hobbies

Listening to music, kickboxing, journaling and spending time with loved ones

Binge watch

"Married at First Sight"

Last good read

"The Laws of Human Nature" by Robert Greene

Favorite meal in town

The Buffalo Grill

Best recent local discoverty

Leo's Greek Castle

Latest splurge

Summer vacation in Mexico

Most-used app

Spotify

Dream vacation

Mykonos, Greece

SPONSORS