An Inspiring Journey: Interview with Celina Shands, CEO of Full Capacity Marketing

An Inspiring Journey: Interview with Celina Shands, CEO of Full Capacity Marketing

CEO Celina Shands shared her inspiring journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a successful entrepreneur in a podcast interview with Famous Interviews with Joe Domino. With over 20 years of experience in brand storytelling and strategic communications, Shands has built a national consultancy specializing in helping workforce and education organizations develop relevant brands.

Born and raised in North Carolina, Shands credits her sister as her primary motivator and role model. Growing up in an alcoholic household, sports became her escape, eventually earning her a basketball scholarship for college. This experience taught her the value of perseverance and dreaming big.

Shands’ company, Full Capacity Marketing, has been virtual for 21 years, which positioned them well to handle the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. While many businesses struggled, Shands’ team was able to pivot quickly, assisting clients with crisis communication and other pressing needs.

One of the most inspiring aspects of Shands’ work is her commitment to helping underserved populations. She shared a touching story about an adult education school that helped a woman living in a storage unit obtain her high school equivalency and eventually secure a job paying $60,000 a year. These success stories fuel Shands’ passion for her work.

When asked about her proudest accomplishment, Shands spoke about her personal growth. She emphasized the importance of moving from feeling like a victim of circumstances to becoming a whole, empowered individual. At 63, she says she’s the happiest she’s ever been, attributing this to the hard work she’s put into personal development.

Shands offered valuable advice for young professionals, stressing the importance of finding mentors early in one’s career. She encourages creating a supportive network, even if it means building a “chosen family” outside of one’s core family unit.

Looking to the future, Shands and her team are working on exciting projects, including a national campaign called #MoveAheadWithAdultEd, which aims to connect adult learners with educational resources wherever they reside. They’re also preparing to launch an online course for entrepreneurs in the workforce and education sectors, focusing on building relevant brands.

Throughout the interview, Shands’ passion for empowering others shone through. Her story inspires anyone facing challenges, proving that with determination and the right support, it’s possible to overcome obstacles and achieve success.