Every month we ask an emerging leader we admire to share what she is doing to take the lead in her career. We invite her to share how she achieved her current position, what obstacles she encountered on her climb, as well as tips for how to be a rising woman of influence.

This month we shine the Emerging Leader Spotlight on Shannon Allen, Global Career Development Project Manager with General Motors

Favorite leadership quote:
“Shoot for the moon, even if you miss you’ll land among the stars.” — Les Brown

Why did you choose your current career path?
The position of Career Development Project Manager is quite frankly a dream come true. My passion in life is to see others succeed and offering career development programs, tools and coaching to help get them there is what I love to do.

What is the most important thing you have learned that has been critical to your career success?
I believe that having the courage to speak up about the change I wanted and building a network of influencers (those that want you to succeed) have been the key components to getting me to this point. Knowing this will allow me to have continued success in my future.

What key steps did you take to get to the role you are in today?
Many actions lead me to where I am today. I couldn’t really say it was one specific action over another. It seemed to be a combination of many things: building a network, sharing and expressing my interests with leadership & coworkers, and career happenstance. What is happenstance? It’s those moments occurred by chance and led you to new opportunities. The right place at the right time kind of thing. I encourage others to get out of their comfort zone, to have many experiences in life because no action goes without reward in one way or another.

What tools or resources have you used that have been crucial to your success?
Understanding my strengths and passions has been critical to my success, because when you do what you love, it shows. Knowing this and understanding how I fit into my organization is important because aligning with my true passions has allowed me to really feel great success at General Motors. I have used the Myers Brigg Personality Testing and Strengths finder 2.0 to understand myself, the stage I was at, and how that might fit within GM.

What are some top tips you can recommend to other women who want to be recognized as a high potential emerging leader?
Put yourself out there as someone that others want to work with. Take on projects that are NOT part of your daily work both inside and outside of your organization. I believe when you take on new challenges you continue to grow and expand which leads you to more opportunities.

“One never knows what each day will bring. Let them happen and expect great things!” — Shannon Allen

Connect with Shannon Allen on LinkedIn.