Shawn Zanotti is the CEO and Founder of Exact, a company that specializes in sports, entertainment, business-to-business non-profit and marketing assignments.Shawn is also an author of “Top Ten PR Tips,” the author of “Embracing the Rock in Your Journey” and Co-Author of the Best selling book entitled, “Shift.”
After a successful career in broadcasting, Shawn chose to expand her media knowledge by pursuing an entrepreneurial venture. She noticed a gap between the role of an involved publicist and the client. She also noticed the need to offer publicity—let’s face it, every business, person or idea for that matter needs PR.Shawn runs the company to ensure it is superior! She works closely with client accounts to enforce branding, accountability and accuracy. Shawn is a firm believer that our success relies heavily on the clients’ success. Shawn focuses on intricate brand development through event planning that often times leave guests in awe. Shawn’s vision and determination makes for an environment where clients find family-attention to career assistance and guidance. Shawn’s success story is built upon wholehearted commitment and attention to detail. She is one of the very few successful females in an aggressive, male-dominated industry.
HN Feature: Shawn Zanotti
Exact provides the highest quality service for clients seeking marketing, public relations, event planning, management and charity work. Shawn also sits on the board for NBC Chicago and is a member of the National Association of Black Journalists. She is a designer for the trendsetting brand, Journey, which is based on style and inspiration in television and fashion. Shawn is a mother and believes motherhood is her biggest joy.
Describe yourself in 3 words
Mother,Businesswoman, Intelligent
Three must-have tools, apps, or products that are essential to your job
Computer, Cell phone, Contacts
Who/What inspires you?
I find inspiration in many places and spaces…reading other people’s writing causes my imagination to do jumps, hearing someones story of where they started and where they ended up along the journey…excites my soul. I do some my best thinking when I can’t sleep at night, I stay up late and I am up very early, as my natural sleep pattern. I sometimes “write” an entire piece in my head before I actually sit and begin to type it out. My inspiration comes from knowing that anything is possible. Every triumph,every hurdle ..is just a temporary block, on the ultimate road to success. Knowing that helps me find inspiration on the darkest of days and hope and focus on the brightest of days.
What was the best piece of advice you’ve been given in your career?
The hardest part of answering a life shift is starting! Once you make the first step…you write your destiny. Have a place inside of yourself that nobody has the right to invade, a place where only you go and share with your ultimate source– source being God, Universe, whatever you spiritual practice may be. I take a moment in that inner place every single morning before I get out the bed, I meditate and go within that inner place for me. You have to take care of self, before you can really take care of anyone else–in career or in personal life. You must keep that inner place clean and clear, for no one but you and the higher source.
What brings you the greatest satisfaction personally and professionally?
Being a mother is my greatest joy. I love being a mother– the hugs, giggles and watching my son grow in his childhood. When my son is happy, so am I. He amazes me everyday as he grows into his personality. Motherhood is knowing joy, even while experiencing the hardest trials in life. Professionally, my greatest satisfaction is having a creating a vision for a client and then putting the pieces together and then watching the vision come to life. I have satisfaction in knowing I helped a vision become reality.
What quote do you live by?
“The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away”
What advice would you give your 18 year old self?
I would tell my 18 year old self to enjoy the ride in this we call life– embrace the journey!
For more information on Shawn Zanotti go to www.shawnzanotti.com
Connect with Shawn on Instagram