Awaken Your Whispering Heart: Creativity, Connection, and a Magical Grand Tour of Italy

What if the most rewarding and vibrant chapter of your life is still ahead? For women standing at the crossroads of post-corporate life and shifting family responsibilities, embarking on a new path or stepping out onto their own stage can feel both exhilarating and uncertain. Yet, as Shannon Skinner demonstrates, the power of creativity and meaningful experiences can transform this stage into your most fulfilling encore.

In this blog, we explore Shannon’s inspiring journey, the creation of her book Your Whispering Heart: An Inner Guide to Creativity and how her travel tours empower women to live passionately and purposefully. If you’re considering a bold move to ignite passion and purpose in your Executive Encore, this may be the motivation you’ve been seeking.

A Whisper That Sparked a Movement

For Shannon Skinner, a seasoned broadcaster, writer, travel journalist, and now tour creator, her spark for transformation began in a moment of deep reflection while playing her piano. Even while achieving professional success in her global public relations consulting business, she felt an itch for something more, something she could not quite articulate. That’s when her creativity took center stage.

Her book, Your Whispering Heart: An Inner Guide to Creativity, was born from her personal exploration of creativity as a gateway to joy and a deeper sense of purpose. Starting with the simple question of what makes creativity tick, Shannon uncovered profound truths. Most notably? Creativity isn’t reserved for the “artistic.” Rather, it’s a form of expression deeply embedded within all of us. Problem-solving, building new projects, and shifting perspectives; these are all acts of creation that can redefine your next chapter and encore.

The Role of Passion in Reinvention

Shannon reminds us that life’s reinventions begin with inspiration. Whether it’s through music, writing, or savouring simple joys like travel and human connection, every woman holds the power to stir her creative soul.

But how do you ignite that spark, especially if years in a structured work environment have dulled its glow? Shannon offers easy but impactful tips to recalibrate your focus:

• Identify What Inspires You: Spend time immersed in places, pursuits, and stories that light you up, from museums to books, great movies, the theatre, nature walks, or travel.
• Take Small, Intentional Actions: Pick up a pen, a paint brush, a musical instrument, sign up for a class, step out to join a new group, or start a journal; these small moments can grow into something greater.
• Remember Your Inner Artist: Creativity shines not just in art but in action, whether it’s crafting a business strategy or dreaming up new adventures.

Inspiration is the fuel for creativity. ~ Shannon Skinner.

Transformation Through Travel

Shannon’s passion for exploration led her to craft intimate travel experiences geared toward women ready to connect, reflect, and grow. Her upcoming grand tours to Italy and India promise more than sightseeing; they offer full immersion into inspiration.

Picture this: savouring a vineyard’s tranquillity in Tuscany, wandering the cobblestone streets of Florence, or soaking in the vibrant colours of India’s bazaars. These curated tours transform wanderlust into a form of personal empowerment, bringing together small groups of women to reflect and forge meaningful connections.

Highlights of Shannon's grand tour of Italy (May 3 to 12, 2026) include:

• Cultural Exploration of Florence, Siena, Rome, and more.
• Culinary Delights like wine tastings and authentic local cuisine.
• Shared Moments with like-minded women, creating lifelong memories while reigniting your sense of purpose in your Executive Encore.

Lessons in Boldness

For women stepping into this encore stage, Shannon’s advice is practical and empowering. She emphasizes the importance of surrounding yourself with people who uplift you and letting go or distancing yourself from the influence of those who are naysayers. They may have your best interests in their mind, but this is the time for you to trust yourself to do what's best for you. Whether tackling a creative project, exploring business, or embarking on an international trip, the key takeaway is clear: trust yourself, be your own counsel, and take the leap.

Call to Action

Now is the time to dream boldly , live authentically, and kick up your heels for joy. Do you need the nudge to reignite your creativity or embark on transformative travel? Start by exploring Shannon Skinner’s Your Whispering Heart: An Inner Guide to Creativity, now available in paperback and digital formats. Read a sample HERE.

If travel calls to you, consider joining one of Shannon’s upcoming tours for an unforgettable adventure. Visit shannonskinner.com to learn more, and take the first step toward your encore. Bookmark Discover the Heart of Italy for the grand tour itinerary for May 3 to 12, 2026.

Comment below or share this post to spread the inspiration! What’s your next move? How will you transform this chapter into your most meaningful one yet? The stage is yours.

Next Steps 

You don't need to tackle transformation in your Executive Encore alone. Learn about a different and more effective way to take charge of your Executive Encore experience. Learn about consulting and coaching for women-owned businesses to accelerate sustainable growth. Contact me on my website's Contact Page or schedule an Executive Encore: 30-Minute Complimentary Call.

Are you ready to redefine your encore chapter? Share your story or join the Executive Encore community of supportive women prepared to uplift and inspire. Together, let’s turn uncertainty into unstoppable momentum and build the Executive Encore movement!