Trailblazer Shannon Oleson

Associate Director of Sales and Relationship Management at Calastone, Co-Chair of the Future Leaders Network

Shannon Oleson’s career began on stage, spending years as a professional dancer touring across the UK and Europe. The discipline, resilience, and creative collaboration she developed in the performing arts became the foundation for a bold career pivot during COVID, when she entered the world of sales at PitchBook.

Her transition into the commercial sphere was marked by rapid impact. At PitchBook, Shannon consistently exceeded sales targets, strengthened team culture, and built high‑trust customer relationships through data‑driven insight and a collaborative, client‑first approach. She now brings that same energy and expertise to her role as Associate Director at Calastone, where she drives commercial growth, strategic partnerships, and client success across the fund distribution ecosystem.

Shannon also plays an active role in shaping community. She serves on the Future Leaders Shadow Board and is the Co‑Chair of the Future Leaders Network (FLN), contributing to organisational strategy, culture, and leadership development. She has been recognised as Volunteer of the Month by Women in Banking & Finance (October 2025) and featured in LGBTQ+ Women of Impact, reflecting her commitment to representation, advocacy, and community leadership. She volunteers with Tangent Mentor helping individuals from lower socio-economic backgrounds pivot into sales careers.

How are you connected to WIBF?

I first connected with WIBF after attending a panel discussion on Women on Boards. During the event, I met Rachel Harbers, who had just completed her term as Co‑Chair of the Future Leaders Shadow Board. She encouraged me to apply, knowing I was keen to build non‑executive board experience and broaden my exposure to strategic governance.

What started as curiosity quickly turned into a meaningful opportunity. I applied, joined the Future Leaders Shadow Board, and stepped into the role of Co‑Chair of the Future Leaders Network (FLN). It’s been a powerful way to contribute to WIBF’s mission, develop board‑level capability, and help shape initiatives that support the next generation of women leaders.

What action have you taken in your career to help you find opportunities to develop and continue your growth?

A lot of my approach to growth comes from my early career in the arts. Training and performing taught me to stay curious, adaptable and willing to step into unfamiliar spaces. That mindset still shapes how I navigate my career.

I’ve learned not to wait for opportunities but to create them by following what genuinely interests me. Instead of chasing stretch projects for the sake of it, I align myself with the things I naturally enjoy and then find the connection back into my work. Cooking, being outdoors and reading give me space to think differently, and they often influence how I build relationships. Letting parts of my real life show up in conversations builds a far more genuine connection than small talk ever could. Those moments matter, and they often open doors in unexpected ways.

For me, growth comes from staying curious, Letting myself explore things I’m drawn to, even when im starting from zero skill, trusting that I will grow into them and bringing my whole self with me.

Do you have any helpful tools, methods or resources you can recommend to our members, such as books or podcasts for example?

A tool I always come back to is doing the thing I’ve been putting off. Signing up for the class I keep thinking about, tackling the life admin that feels annoying, or finally trying something new always gives me more momentum than any book or podcast (though I am an avid reader, and listen to tons of podcasts that are non-work related just for laughs, news and good stories).
So my best recommendation is to follow the things that make you feel more like yourself. Do the task you’ve been avoiding, try the hobby you’ve been curious about, and make space for joy. Those are the things that end up supporting your growth in ways you don’t always expect.

What advice would you give to people at the beginning of their career?

Learning to be coachable is one of the most valuable things you can do early in your career. Take feedback seriously, sit with it, and reflect on what it’s showing you about your strengths, your habits and the way you show up. Not all feedback will feel comfortable, and not all of it will be right for you, but it will always give you information. The important part is thoughtfully choosing what you want to take forward and deciding the kind of person and professional you want to be.

I’d also encourage people to diversify themselves. Read widely, listen to voices outside your own experience and make a habit of seeking out different perspectives. It helps you understand people better and gives you a broader toolkit for how you show up at work. And as you grow, look for ways to build bridges for others too. Share what you learn, open doors when you can and create space for people who might not naturally find their way into the room. That mindset strengthens your own development and the culture around you.