EPISODE SUMMARY
In this episode, host Lexi Leggs, Millikin, sits down with Shannon Bogardus, Delaware. A former Tri Delta chapter development consultant turned founder and CEO of SBL Signature, a New Jersey-based marketing and events company, Shannon was recently recognized as a Top 100 Innovator & Entrepreneur. She shares her journey of building a business rooted in authenticity, strategy and bold decision-making, along with the lessons and perspective she’s gained along the way.
Tune in to hear our last episode before a brief summer break! We’ll be back with more Let’s Talk Tri Delta in July following Convention 2026 in Denver.
EPISODE NOTES
Shannon Bogardus, Delaware, doesn’t wait around for the “perfect time.” She creates it. In this episode, she shares how her experience as a chapter development consultant for Tri Delta shaped her leadership style, confidence and ability to navigate high-pressure environments. From mentoring collegiate women to launching her own company, Shannon walks us through the real, unfiltered version of building a career that doesn’t follow a traditional path.
We dive into Shannon’s transition to entrepreneurship, the moment she realized she wanted more and how she trusted her instincts to take the leap. She breaks down the parallels between sorority recruitment and corporate consulting, what most young professionals get wrong about networking and why your intuition is often your best strategy.
If you’re navigating your 20s, questioning your next move or building something of your own, this episode delivers real advice, mindset shifts and a unique perspective that may make you rethink how you approach your career.
Timestamps:
0:00 – Welcome and Introductions
2:05 – Shannon’s CDC career
3:40 – How serving Tri Delta prepared Shannon for her entrepreneurial journey
7:30 – Parallels between fraternity/sorority life and Shannon’s current career
10:10 – Deciding what came next after college and CDC
12:15 – Taking the leap into entrepreneurship
14:05 – Understanding and filling a gap in the market
16:10 – Building a brand
18:30 – Advice for those exploring career moves
22:30 – Where Shannon’s drive comes from
24:20 – Mantras and intentions as a leader
26:08 – Shannon’s definition of success
28:00 – Leadership skills for young professionals
30:10 – How Tri Delta is present in Shannon’s life today
31:30 – Philanthropic opportunities and priorities
32:50 – Top 100 Innovator & Entrepreneur
33:50 – What’s next?
36:40 – Final words of wisdom
Click here for a transcript of this episode.
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