Secondly, I take professional development very seriously. I’ve had a handful of wonderful people that invested in me and I love passing down their wisdom plus a few nuggets of my own.

Here’s what I would say to women who are seeking out Board positions or c-suite roles:

• You cannot make it to the C-Suite alone. If that’s your goal, you need to seek out a core group of advisors who have charted the path before you. Ask questions, be open to critical yet constructive feedback, and use their triumphs and failures to help guide you. I call this a “Personal Board of Directors” and I believe it’s an essential first step on the journey towards joining a Board.
• Invest in your own professional development. Always seek out new opportunities for growth. Invest your time, and sometimes your own money, on a night class, networking event, or professional retreat if it will help you make important connections or advance your position. For example, Black Women on Boards is an organization that helps Black Women seek out Board opportunities and/or provides the support that you will need along your journey to joining a Board.
• Be the hardest working person in the room. People will not just hand you things. You have to be willing to work harder than the next person), ask the right questions, say yes to stretch opportunities, become an expert in your craft. And finally, don’t forget to socialize your superpowers - you’d be surprised by how people will come to you with opportunities if you put it out to the universe.
• Return the favor. Once you’ve made it on a Board or to the C-suite, don’t wait too long to return the favor. Some of my most important moments of growth have happened when a strong woman, who just made it to the “top of the mountain”, reached back to help me make it to the top as well.
  

You’ve spoken in numerous places about supporters who have helped your career. I notice that you don’t call them mentors. Do you believe there is a difference?

I refer to those who have helped me along my journey as my “Personal Board of Directors”. My personal board of directors don't merely support and inspire me - sometimes they create new opportunities for me with a mere mention, whether I’m there or not, because they are champions of my success and key stakeholders in my life. Having a Personal Board of Directors is an intentional step beyond having a mentor. Mentorship is often one sided, inconsistent and seasonal. My personal Board of Directors have been key stakeholders in my professional life and an integral part of my career trajectory. They helped me become the Shannon Nash that you see today.

How do you maintain your creative projects, as a documentary filmmaker, and your professional workload? Any secrets?

I’ll be honest, it’s not always easy! However, there are 24 hours in a day and I maximize as many of them as I can. I live by my calendar and stay pretty true to my schedule. But I always include “me” time to reset and focus.

Most importantly, I have an unbelievably supportive husband and family that make sure I am always at my best. They show up for me in ways I could have never imagined and I’m grateful for them.

I have deemed 2023 as my “Year of the Yes”! I want to take as many chances and opportunities as I can this year. So far it is paying off and I am truly blessed.

Special shout out to Shonda Rhimes book - "The Year of Yes: How To Dance It Out, Stand in the Sun and Be Your Own Person."

You’ve shared that you have a super power in building and maintaining relationships. Care to share your top tip?

It is important to regularly check in with people and in an authentic way. Don’t just reach out when you need something, make sure they know you’re touching base because you care about the relationship. Relationships are two way streets and you should approach them as such. Ask yourself “what am I bringing to the relationship” and make sure you’re never showing up empty handed.