Today we’d like to introduce you to Shanarra Goode.
Shanarra, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Though originally from Southern California (Orange County to be exact), I went to boarding school starting in high school. I spent four years in a small town in North Georgia called Rome. During that time, I was challenged academically, in sports, and, for the first time in my life, got a taste of peer leadership. I then went to college at Syracuse University—sight unseen, mind you. I studied Retail Management and Marketing and always knew I wanted to get into corporate retail. Throughout college, I was a leader in my business fraternity, Delta Sigma Pi, volunteered throughout the community, and ultimately graduated with a full-time offer to work in Minneapolis at Target Corporation.
Having been raised in a single-parent household, where my mom tried very hard to give us all we needed to succeed, I saw firsthand what it meant to struggle financially. I never wanted that to be my story, so graduating and going to work immediately felt like a requirement for me. I spent my first four years out of college molding myself into the ideal corporate worker. I was a natural leader, I worked hard, and I really set myself apart by showing up as my authentic self.
In 2017, I made the tough decision to leave Target and finally take the leap to work in NYC. I quickly realized NYC was a completely different beast, and quite honestly, I didn’t love the lack of work-life balance. I’ve always been a hard worker, but I really struggled mentally. So much so that I was eventually fired from a job. I honestly believe that was the best thing that could’ve happened to me at that point in my life because it really forced me to look at my life outside of what I did.
I then became a fitness instructor, moved to LA, worked on my mental health, and eventually, when I was ready, got back into the corporate world—but this time with a completely different outlook. I vowed never to put who I worked for ahead of myself again, and that’s how I ended up working full-time while also creating my own consulting company and podcast, The Goode Guide. Through The Goode Guide, I love to speak to women who have continued to pursue a corporate career. I talk about everything from negotiating your salary to the importance of prioritizing your mental health. I also take my experience in the Consumer Product Goods (CPG) space and love working with companies as they try to scale their brands, whether digitally or within traditional brick-and-mortar.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Absolutely not. When I moved to LA, within about six months, I hit the darkest period of my life. I really struggled mentally and felt so alone. As a Black woman, the stigma of being perceived as weak weighed heavily on me. I didn’t want anyone to think I’d failed. I’d spent so much of my life up until that point moving around, being “brave,” and I didn’t want people to see me broken. The day I finally went to my doctor and asked for anti-anxiety and depression medication, I literally cried because, for the first time, I felt like there was light at the end of the tunnel. I also signed up for weekly therapy sessions, which I attended for about a year.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I currently host a podcast called The Goode Guide. I’m in my second season, and it’s become an amazing outlet for me to connect with and speak to women leaders about the challenges we face every day in the professional world. While I consider myself an entrepreneur, I also LOVE working in the corporate space. I thrive in both worlds and enjoy talking about my experiences in each.
I’m also launching my own consulting firm, where I bring my operational expertise to help brands develop and scale their products. Whether it’s a skincare company launching online or a haircare product pitching to brick-and-mortar stores, I’m passionate about helping brands grow. I’m truly the definition of “find you a girl who can do both.” I’ve spent my entire career navigating both large organizations and startups, and I have a wealth of knowledge that I love sharing—whether on my podcast or working one-on-one with clients.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Gosh, growing up I honestly don’t know that I was much different than I am today. I was always vocal and had something to say. Courageous, proud, a book worm, mamas girl, loved clothes and very independent.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegoodeguidepodcast/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shanarragoode/
