JUMP START
To set in motion
Connection to an external power source to impart fresh or renewed energy
Jump Start Training & Development exists to put good people and good work in motion.
I work with mission-driven organizations across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors to develop bold, grounded leaders and thriving teams.
I’m Shannon Stober, a nationally recognized trainer, speaker, and coach with a background in sociology and two decades of experience in leadership, public service, and community-building. From boardrooms to backyard barns, I bring sharp insight, humor, and heart to every room I enter. My work centers on authenticity, agency, and audacity because that’s what it takes to lead well and live fully.
I started facilitating in 2002 while serving in AmeriCorps, and I knew right away I had found my lane. Over the next decade, I took every opportunity I could to lead workshops, retreats, and trainings while holding senior leadership roles in government and nonprofit organizations. In 2015, the side hustle became the main hustle, and I launched my own consulting practice. What began as Verve Exchange Consulting became Jump Start Training & Development in 2021.
The idea behind the name is simple. Sometimes you don’t need an overhaul. You just need a spark. Someone to pop the hood, see what’s underneath, and get things moving again with clarity and confidence.
That is where I come in.
At the core of my work is the Jump Start triangle; a model I have carried with me since the early days. It reflects the three dimensions of effective facilitation: relationships, process, and outcomes. I build environments where people can learn through experience, make meaning together, and walk away with tools that actually work.
You can find the full list of degrees, credentials, job titles, and awards on LinkedIn. They’re real, I’m proud of them, and if you like a tidy timeline, it’s all there.
HOW I WORK
Leadership Philosophy & Beliefs
Shannon defines leadership as a process, and that process is LEAD: Learn, Evaluate, Act, Develop. Rooted in experiential learning theory, LEAD reflects how people actually grow, learning new concepts, evaluating their relevance, acting through practice, and developing through applied insight. This model guides her approach and applies across all leadership domains.
Shannon believes every person has a unique leadership signature. This belief reflects her core values, which are infused throughout her work: authenticity, agency, and audacity. Authenticity grounds leadership in alignment rather than performance. Agency reinforces personal ownership and the ability to influence outcomes. Audacity calls leaders to act with clarity and courage when it matters most. Together, these values shape how individuals grow, how teams function, and how meaningful work moves forward.
Training Methodology
Shannon’s training sessions revolve around dialogue, play, and real-world application, drawing from her fluency in experiential education, adult learning theory, and facilitative leadership. Having written and evolved all her curriculum, Shannon tailors each session to meet participants' specific needs.
Her high-energy, hands-on facilitation style encourages active learning, pushing participants to connect new ideas with their personal and professional experiences. This agility allows her to respond to the group's dynamics, using real-time feedback to guide sessions toward their goals. With a commitment to humor and dynamic interaction, Shannon ensures that participants leave with practical tools, a sense of curiosity, and a renewed commitment to learning and growth.