Request Fees & Availability
Shon Barnwell
Chief Master Sergeant, Air Force, Author, Board Member
Background: Former NCO | Military Leaders
Topic: Change Management, Corporate Culture, Decision Making, Entrepreneurship, Inspiration & motivation, Leadership, Coaching

Speaker Profile

Summary: Shon Barnwell served in the United States Air Force for 25 years reshaping organizations on five continents.  Her areas of expertise include logistics, project management, on-demand training, and consulting.  She served in numerous leadership positions at the squadron, group, wing, numbered Air Force, and major command levels. Shon deployed in support of Operation Southern Watch in Bahrain, Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq, and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.  During her final tours of duty as a Superintendent, she was responsible for all matters affecting morale, welfare, resiliency, retention, recruitment, and readiness.  Shon rose to the rank of Chief Master Sergeant – a rank that reflects only 1% of the enlisted force.  She continues to lend her talent to develop next generation leaders!

After retiring in 2014, Shon started an event planning company to provide professional and memorable experiences for her clients and their guests. She has launched over 300 successful events, managed a budget of $3.2M, and delighted more than 35,000 people.  Shon leverages her travels to 28 countries to provide unique and memorable hospitality experiences. Last year, the Founder and CEO of the Women Veterans Alliance (WVA) nominated Shon for the 2023 Department of Veteran Affairs Center for Women Veterans Trailblazers “Women Making a Difference” Initiative; and she was recently nominated for the prestigious Blacks in Government (BIG) Meritorious Service Medal.

In 2020, Shon launched a publishing company and released her first book, “Leadership Is About Behavior, Not Titles.” She conducts impactful workshops on Leadership and Professional Development to help leaders, Human Resources Offices, and Training Managers create and enhance collaborative environments.  Shon serves on several Boards; and she also mentors fellow Veteran entrepreneurs and their family members. 

Shon holds a Masters in Business Administration and several certifications in resiliency, training, and hospitality.   She is pursing a doctorate degree in Business Administration.  She resides in South Carolina, with her husband of 33 years, retired Master Sergeant Andre Barnwell, United States Air Force. Their lovely daughter, Aliyah, is a government employee in the National Capitol Region.

Question 1) Why would a prospective client want you to be their keynote speaker or to support their speaking event? What are some compelling aspects of your background/career/experience that we should know about? 

As a champion of successful organizational and employee engagement, I have a natural ability to disarm the inhibitions of others to foster understanding, learning, and collaboration.  I clearly identify limiting factors to help leaders chart favorable courses of action that produce impactful results. At the heart of every event is my commitment to create high-performing and resilient teams.

During my 25-year military career, shaping Air Force organizations on five continents, I have serve in the capacity of trainer, mentor, facilitator, supervisor, manager, and leader.  My dynamic and hands-on approach brings individual needs to the forefront to boost collective self-efficacy, drive positive culture, enhance empowerment, and showcase the benefit of continuous learning initiatives.

Question 2) What are your primary topics/areas of expertise? Some examples may include: Conflict resolution, International Relations, Leadership, Diversity and Inclusion, Cybersecurity, as well as specific countries or geographical regions.

  • Burnout
  • Business Etiquette
  • Collaboration
  • Emotional Intelligence
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Leadership
  • Organizational Culture
  • Service Excellence
  • Workforce Development

Question 3) What are the 2 – 4 positions you have held in your career that you would like prospective clients to know about? Please provide a brief description of each.

  • Publisher and Author, Barnwell Publishing LLC, SC: I leverage my cultivated knowledge and expertise in event operations, management re-engineering, and consulting to develop and host workshops, training, and seminars for emerging leaders and middle-level managers at public, private, and governmental agencies worldwide. I devised a 12-month training program for an agency at the largest industrial complex in the state of Georgia – Robins Air Force Base.  The effort provides comprehensive professional development to emerging leaders, new hires, and trainees, and encompasses 7,900 hours of instruction and hands-on activities.

  • Business and Industry Services Specialist, Central Georgia Technical College, GA: I authored and presented On-Demand Training to a servicing population of 330 private and public employers across 11 counties in Middle Georgia. I directly facilitated the training of 800 employees and was handpicked from a cadre of tenured instructors to create and deliver leadership seminars for Fortune 500 companies such as Graphic Packaging International Inc., and Kumho Tires; as well as the Warner Robins Air Logistics Complex.

  • Superintendent, Air Force Reserve Command, Manpower, Personnel and Services, Robins Air Force Base, GA: I served as the senior enlisted strategic advisor for the largest A1 Directorate in the Air Force to ensure manpower, personnel and services policies, programs and operational procedures aligned with Department of the Air Force and Reserve Command objectives.  I managed two career fields and worked directly with the Air Force Career Field Managers to update and expand Reserve-specific curriculum and formal training requirements for 3,000 members. 

  • Superintendent, 78th Force Support Squadron, Robins Air Force Base, GA: I served as the principal advisor to the squadron civilian director on all matters affecting the professionalism, morale, and welfare of a team of 843 military, government, and contractors in support of more than 28,000 personnel assigned to 37 mission partner units.  I managed complex special projects, advised senior leaders, expanded internal and external collaborations, and devised solutions to a host of family and military member related challenges.

Question 4) Have you supported any speaking events recently? If so, what were the events and who were the clients?

  • DoorDash:  In-person, half-day leadership workshop for 100 sales associates
  • Randstad:  Speaker, DEIA webinar for Global Multi-Ethnic Voices across six countries
  • Women Veterans Interactive Foundation (WVIF):  Speaker (leadership) and panel member (entrepreneurship) for National Empowerment Summit 
  • BIG National Training Institute:  Presenter (leadership) at annual event for government employees
  • South Carolina Veterans Business Outreach Center (SC VBOC):  Speaker (entrepreneurship)

Question 5) Do you have any articles or publications? Have you been featured in any? If so, what were they?

I have been featured in 15 publications, TV and podcast features and my book has been added to nine Professional Reading lists, included the Defense Intelligence Agency.

Question 6) Do you have any Client testimonials?

“Shon brings the perfect blend of expertise, active listening, and engaging hands-on activities to spark impactful learning and training development events. I am very appreciative of her flexibility, professionalism, and positivity. Thank you for helping our team learn, share, and grow!” – Kristan Johnson, Senior Human Resources Business Partner, SMB Sales, DoorDash Leadership Summit, San Francisco, CA

“Teaming with Shon Barnwell on a function is always a voyage to a wonderful and memorable experience! Her flawless attention to detail on Run-of-Show or other Production efforts has our team clamoring to work during her events. She truly thinks of everything! As a result, guests are delighted and our Team Members are consistently exposed to superbly planned and stress-free events. Looking forward to our next partnership!” – Lexi Henry, Sales and Marketing Director, Warner Robins Conference Center, Courtyard by Marriott, Warner Robins, GA

“I had the privilege of working closely with Chief Master Sergeant (retired) Shon Barnwell during my Air Force career and she epitomizes servant leadership in every way! This book is essential reading for anyone interested in connecting better with the people around them – so critical in these unprecedented times.” – Brigadier General Kenneth Todorov, USAF (Retired), former 23rd Rescue Wing Commander, Moody Air Force Base, GA; current Sector VP, Northrop Grumman Defense Systems

“Shon is a powerhouse, but most importantly, she is authentic, passionate, and caring. She does not take her strengths as a leader for granted and she constantly encourages everyone to reach beyond their potential.” – Meghan Florkowski, Director, Women Igniting the Spirit of Entrepreneurship (WISE) Women’s Business Center

Speaker Request Form

To request a Speaker for your event, please fill this form out or call (540) 952-9709

  • Requestor Information

  • "What organization is requesting a speaker at their event?"

  • Event Information

  • If your event is virtual, please indicate so along with the platform you will be using to conduct your event (i.e. Zoom, WebEx, Teams, etc.)
  • If your event has more than one date or you are requesting for the same speaker for the same event over time, please indicate so in the box above.
  • What would you like your audience to walk away from this event with? What is the type of event? Who will be the primary audience (e.g. Mid/Senior leadership, Executives, managers)
  • What is the topic of the event in which you would like the requested speaker to present?
  • (Ex: 1300 hours - 1900 hours CST)
  • How long and at what time would you like the requested speaker to speak for?
  • What is the dress code for this event?