Hi, I’m Shannon.
Career Coach. Job Search Strategist. Salary whisperer. Nice to meet you, I’m Shannon Bowen. I’m a former C-Suite executive, successful fundraiser, compassionate manager, hilarious BFF, and lifelong straight-talker.
If you’re a professional ready to level up, get paid what you’re worth, and finally feel like your career fits, you’re in the right place.
With two decades in nonprofit development and communications, I’ve led teams that don’t just perform—they retain year over year. I’ve fundraised millions, coached tons of professionals in all sectors, and taught everywhere from conferences like AFP ICON to bespoke workshops for organizations to webinars on a laptop near you. I’m the Co-Past-President of the AFP Advancement Northwest chapter here in Seattle.
I founded Monsoon Leadership because I believe professionals deserve more:
More money. More alignment. More joy.
I became a Chief Advancement Officer before 40, increased my salary by close to $100k in four years, and have a trail of former staff who still call me their “best manager ever.” But my real secret sauce? I know how to make career power moves that align passion with prosperity—so you can do meaningful work and build wealth. (Yes, both. You’re allowed. You deserve nice things!)
Let’s be real: the system wasn’t built with us in mind. That’s why I’m obsessed with helping people like you step fully into your brilliance, own your story, and negotiate a paycheck that reflects your impact.
Whether you’re plotting your next big move or just trying to survive a toxic workplace, I’ve got you. I help professionals make bold career moves that feel aligned, energizing, and built to last. My coaching blends real talk, deep strategy, and personalized reports to help you land the job and build the life you’ve been craving. We’ll figure out what lights you up, where you’re headed next, and how to show up like the powerful professional you already are.
All of my coaching services are built on my Ignite Framework, which is a unique blend of rich coaching conversations, thoughtful surveys, personalized coaching summaries, custom insights, and individualized reports to guide progress and to document growth. I help clients reconnect with their brilliance and reimagine what’s possible—not just at work, but in life. Because life’s too short to play small. Be picky. Be expensive. Be brilliant.
Outside of coaching and teaching, you’ll find me in Seattle cooking gourmet meals with my husband, cuddling our rescue pup Bandit, elbow-deep in a home DIY project, or lovingly tending to 50+ houseplants and garden of heirloom veggies.
Ready to find the job (and paycheck) that fits the real you?
Hear more about Shannon’s Passion for Career Growth:
Confessions with Jess + Cindy Podcast
YouTube with Khara Croswaite Brindle, Financial Therapist
Wisdom Wednesday with Manuela Contreras
Inspired Nonprofit Leadership Podcast
Meet Elisa: our Chief Creativity Officer!
If you love beautiful, impactful design, then you love Elisa’s creations! Elisa Bargetto is the Director of Development for Hamilton Families by day and the Chief Creativity Officer for Monsoon Leadership by night. Elisa and Shannon met at Center for Environmental Health where Elisa quickly became “Canva Queen” bringing style and zing to our donor comms. She brings the electric touch to Monsoon’s social media designs and the sassy real-talk to our comms.
She’s here to help nonprofit leaders get the skills they need to lead healthy teams and create impact without creating harm. Also, she’s passionate about people in our field getting paid the big bucks! When not designing for Monsoon Leadership, you can find her skiing down mountains, running an insane amount of miles, chasing beauty across the world, and eating fancy cheese.
