Valerie René Sheppard is a leadership expert sharing wisdom as a speaker, author, coach and host. She has a diverse background, including business strategy and marketing, creative and performing arts, event planning/production, and personal/professional development. She started her 28-year marketing career working in cause-related marketing, helping non-profits strengthen communication and grow their memberships. After adding an honors MBA to that experience, she moved into line management and consulting roles with some power-houses in marketing, branding, and business strategy, namely Procter & Gamble and Sergio Zyman. She rounded out this aspect of her career as a Vice President of the $2.5 billion dollar Grocery Division of ConAgra Foods, where she managed a portfolio of national and regional brands. She is certified professionally qualified to teach in collegiate schools of business by the AACSB.
Valerie’s artistic side is similarly broad and deep, starting with acting and dance when she was a toddler. She has performed in school and community theatre as well as in television, film, commercials and voice over. You might see her delivering the mail as Mail Carrier Carla in an episode of the Emmy-nominated “Hip Hop Harry” on the Discovery Kids channel, or recognize her voice at the live “Rochambeaux Variety Show,” or see her interviewing people at an event as a live correspondent. One of her latest endeavors is live improv comedy, which she performs with ImprovCity. She credits improv with enabling her to think quickly on her feet as well as laugh at herself.
With an ability to see the big picture and manage all the details it takes to bring it to life, Valerie is an astute producer. She has created events ranging from intimate private gatherings to week-long educational experiences for hundreds of professionals. Among her make-it-happen skill set are strong strategic thinking and analytics, detail-oriented tactical and logistical planning and execution, and exceptional written and verbal communication skills. Valerie also has a flair and artistry that adds elegance to the end result.
Lastly, Valerie has a passion for personal development and achievement. She has coached young girls, mentored homeless women, taught in corporate universities and collegiate schools of business, and managed large cross-functional work teams. She has been recognized for her coaching and training ability by students, mentees and peers. Valerie has been able to help people from all walks of life overcome obstacles to achieve success. She believes in life-long learning and living authentically, which she accomplishes through ongoing exploration in spirituality, human achievement, personality dynamics, and communication.
Through The Heart of Living Vibrantly™, Valerie not only leverages all of the above skills and expertise, she has turned her passion into her mission. Using her own journey as a foundation, Valerie focuses on personal transformation as a means to free people from inner and outer limitations, and empower them with ways to reach their highest potential and live more vibrantly. She is a routine contributor to Divine Caroline™, Ezine.com, The Natural You Network™, and LightVision™ Post. She also hosts the Happy to Be ME!© show on the Women’s Information Network.
Valerie loves sports, international travel, reading mystery novels and lounging at the beach. She has lived in 10 states, moved 18 times, and visited 27 countries. She is happiest when sharing quality time with friends and family.
