GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - Shannon Cohen, a community leader, co-author of the groundbreaking W.K. Kellogg Foundation Study entitled “Invisible Walls, Ceilings, and Floors: Championing the Voices and Inclusion of Women of Color in West Michigan,” and the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce 2017 Athena Young Professional Award recipient has launched a new, multi-level enterprise – the inaugural cornerstone of which is her just-published book – Tough Skin, Soft Heart.
Based on personal experience along with insight from business colleagues and outreach to primarily women executives, Cohen addresses the emotional, mental and physical strain that comes with the commitment to make a difference in the community. According to Cohen, “I’ve seen firsthand how leaders, so embroiled in the work challenges they face every day along with their home-life responsibilities, burn out and feel isolated. This book is both instructive and curative – tough on assessment, yet gentle in advice.”
Tough Skin, Soft Heart accurately combines the rocky shoals most women leaders traverse in their personal and professional lives with self-care guidance that delves deeply into those things that help keep them on track and also uplifted.
Tough Skin, Soft Heart is also the brand of a variety of products Cohen markets locally at various retail outlets as well as on her website: shannoncohen.com. They include journals with covers bearing aphorisms such as “Speak life to the dreams of your own soul,” and “Some dragons you don’t run from, some dragons you slay,” along with messaged mugs, prints and greeting cards. “At first,” Cohen muses, “I wanted my products to be carried by Hallmark; now I’m thinking I’d rather be the next Hallmark!”
In addition to her Athena Young Professional award, Cohen has been recognized and honored for her commitment to improving the community of Grand Rapids. Those include the 2017 GROW Leadership Award, being named among the Grand Rapids Business Journal’s “40 Under 40 Top Young Professionals” and in 2018, the Journal’s “50 Most Influential Women in West Michigan.”
Cohen’s book Tough Skin, Soft Heart, along with her other products, can also be purchased on her website: shannoncohen.com.
For more information about Shannon Cohen, or to schedule an interview or book a speaking engagement, please contact Mary McLoughlin at (616) 698-0748, (616) 340-3784, or mary.t.mcloughlin2015@gmail.com.
►Make it easy to keep up to date with more stories like this. Download the WZZM 13 app now.
Have a news tip? Email news@wzzm13.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter.