Wellbeing Strategist · Writer · Speaker

Helping people
and organizations
truly thrive.

Shannon Arens is a wellbeing strategist and writer exploring the intersection of mental health, work, and what it means to live well — in every part of life.

Shannon Arens

About Shannon

Clinically trained.
Research-driven.
Deeply human.

Shannon came to workplace wellbeing through an unconventional path — one that began with a Master's degree in mental health counseling and clinical training as a therapist, then wound through years of health and fitness coaching, and eventually into the corporate world. That background gives her something she carries into every conversation: a genuine understanding of what it means to struggle, to heal, and to grow.

What sets her apart isn't any single credential — it's how she works. Shannon is deeply data-driven, staying current with the latest research, industry benchmarks, and trend reports to bring evidence to every recommendation. But she pairs that rigor with real empathy for the humans behind the data. She knows that a statistic about burnout represents a person who can't sleep, a parent who's running on empty, an employee who's quietly disengaging.

As Director of Wellbeing at Sequoia, she partners closely with HR and benefits leaders to translate that blend of data and humanity into strategies that are practical, measurable, and genuinely felt by employees. She's a collaborator first — someone who helps teams make the case for wellbeing internally and build programs that actually work.

🧠
Master's in Mental Health Counseling Clinical foundation in psychology, human behavior, and therapeutic practice
💪
Health & Fitness Coaching Background Physical wellbeing expertise spanning personal training and corporate wellness
📈
Director of Wellbeing, Sequoia 7+ years advising tech companies on total employee wellbeing strategy
Shannon Arens
7+
Years in the field

My Point of View

What I believe about
wellbeing.

01

Mental Health is the Foundation

When mental health is declining, it shows up everywhere — in our bodies, our relationships, and the quality of our work. You can't build a thriving workforce, or a thriving life, without addressing it first.

02

Wellbeing Can't Exist in a Silo

Physical, mental, financial, and social health are deeply interconnected. A fitness perk without community, an EAP without manager support — none of it works in isolation. Real wellbeing requires a whole-person approach.

03

Prevention Beats Intervention

The most costly health outcomes are often the most preventable. Investing upstream — in habits, connection, and early support — is both the compassionate and the smart business choice.

Speaking & Podcasts

Conversations about
what actually matters.

Shannon speaks and guests on podcasts about workplace wellbeing, mental health, and the research and trends shaping how companies care for their people. She brings a rare combination of clinical depth and practical, on-the-ground experience to every conversation.

Interested in having Shannon speak at your event or join your podcast? She's always open to conversations that push the field forward.

Get in Touch
Mental Health as the Foundation of Workplace Performance
Beyond the EAP: What Effective Wellbeing Programs Actually Look Like
The ROI of Wellbeing: Making the Case to Leadership
Wellbeing in Tech: Lessons from the Inside
Prevention Over Intervention: The Smarter Approach to Employee Health
The Whole Person at Work: Mental, Physical, Financial & Social Health

Past Speaking & Podcast Appearances

Transform2024
Healthcare Revolution Global2023
MH Worklife Panel2023
Grove2022
Virtual Vibe Podcast2022
And more since 20192019–present

Get in Touch

Let's connect.

Whether you're interested in having Shannon speak, guest on your podcast, or just want to connect around shared ideas — she'd love to hear from you.