REBEL IN A GOWN INTERNATIONAL SPEAKER
LEADERSHIP COACH, ARTIST, AUTHOR
“Shelley is an absolute ROCKSTAR with unbelievable energy that radiates throughout her entire keynote! She captivated our audience of executive leaders with stories from her own fabulous journey through her career and made them really think about how they are showing up for their teams. She taught the audience that embracing everyone's WEIRD is just good business. People left inspired, excited, and energized to get back to their teams to put some of her teachings into place. Shelley was a true highlight to our event.”- Hannah DeMaio, Women Leading Travel & Hospitality
About Me
What if you could lead like you actually mean it?
Not perform it. Not prove it. Just be it.
That’s the heart of Rebel Leadership
And it’s what I help leaders reclaim every day.
I’m Shelley Brown keynote speaker, coach, and creator of Rebel in a Gown, a human-centered leadership rebellion built on emotional intelligence, presence, and unapologetic self-trust.
With 20+ years in hospitality, travel, and tech, I’ve seen the cost of performative leadership up close.
I know what it’s like to crush the goals, play the game, wear the mask and still feel like you’re not quite seen.
I know what it’s like to push harder, climb faster, and silently carry the pressure of the voice that says:
“I've gotta be a badass, work harder than anyone else, and do it perfectly.”
I lived by that voice.
Until I couldn’t anymore.
I burned out trying to belong in spaces that rewarded polish over presence
and I realized that
true belonging doesn’t come from blending in, It comes from rebellion.
From rewriting the narratives internal and external that tell us who we should be and how we should show up.
Because when you lead like you mean it,
you create space for others to do the same.
That’s where Rebel Leadership begins.
It’s not about being the loudest voice in the room
It’s about being the realest one.
It’s generous. It’s grounded.
It’s how we stop managing perception and start building cultures where people actually thrive not just survive.
Whether I’m on stage or working 1:1 with high-performing leaders, I help rebels rebel to:
Break the rules that break people
Lead with clarity, not just control
Build cultures of belonging without burning out
Combine EQ + IQ for leadership that actually works
If you're done shape-shifting for the system and ready to lead like you mean it:
Let’s rebel. Let’s build. Let’s lead.
Short Bio for Meeting Planner
Shelley Brown | Rebel in a Gown
Shelley Brown is a former hospitality and event tech exec turned leadership rebel. Now a sought-after keynote speaker, she challenges outdated leadership norms with bold, heartfelt talks that blend guts, grace, and grit. Known for her raw honesty, quick wit, and unforgettable stage presence, Shelley empowers teams to ditch performative culture and lead with real connection, emotional intelligence, and authenticity. Her message isn’t just inspiring, t’s transformational. If you’re building brave leaders and purpose-driven culture, Shelley delivers the spark that makes people lead like they mean it.
