In the latest episode of Tell Us Your Story, hosts Anthony and Natasha sat down with Shannon Conaway, CEO of Conaway Geomatics. Shannon’s life story is one of perseverance, emotional growth, and leadership rooted in authenticity. With candor and humor, he shared how life’s challenges shaped his path from a struggling student to a successful entrepreneur leading a thriving business.
Lessons From a Big Family: The Foundations of Leadership
Growing up as one of 11 siblings, Shannon’s childhood was marked by constant movement, financial strain, and the unique dynamics of a large family. While his early years were spent in relative comfort—skiing, taking family vacations, and living on a beautiful property in Sonoma County—his family’s resources became stretched as more children were born.
Shannon noted how his parents’ love and perseverance left a lasting impact on him. Despite challenges, they maintained a supportive home environment. However, Shannon’s large family also meant competing for attention, which instilled in him an early sense of resilience and adaptability.
Moving frequently across states—from North Carolina to Nevada and beyond—Shannon faced the difficulties of constantly having to start over, make new friends, and adapt to different cultural environments. He shared that, while he hated the experience at the time, it ultimately helped him develop the confidence and communication skills he relies on as a leader today.
Overcoming Struggles in School
Shannon’s academic journey was far from smooth. Diagnosed with learning disabilities early on, he spent years in special education, lagging behind his peers. He candidly admitted to coasting through some early grades and failing others, including algebra multiple times.
Despite these setbacks, he experienced a turning point when a dedicated teacher focused on providing him with structure and rigorous skill-building. Over time, Shannon caught up with his peers and began to believe in his ability to succeed academically.
As he entered high school, Shannon thrived in hands-on subjects like auto shop, woodshop, and welding, though traditional academic subjects continued to challenge him. His initial career aspirations leaned toward the trades or the military. He even joined the National Guard between his junior and senior years, completing basic training and gaining invaluable discipline and life experience.
A Life-Altering Moment: Becoming a Father at 20
Shannon’s directionless early twenties took a sharp turn when he learned he was going to be a father. Living with his girlfriend’s family and working construction jobs, he realized that he needed to make significant changes to provide for his growing family.
Reflecting on this pivotal moment, Shannon shared, “I looked at myself in the mirror and thought, ‘I’m a loser. I have to get it together.” This self-awareness became the fuel for his transformation.
Determined to create a better life, Shannon enrolled in college, relying on the GI Bill and welfare to support his young family. The journey was anything but easy—balancing school, part-time work, and family responsibilities was overwhelming. He recalled early failures, including flunking algebra again, but his persistence paid off.
Eventually, Shannon discovered a passion for surveying engineering, transferring to Fresno State and excelling in his coursework. The presence of a subsidized child care center and financial aid support made it possible for him to continue his studies while raising two children.
From Project Manager to Leader: The Rise of a Career
Graduating college at 27, Shannon entered the workforce with a clear focus—gain experience, earn his professional license, and build a career. He quickly distinguished himself as a project manager, overseeing teams and managing complex surveying projects.
Shannon’s natural ability to connect with people and foster trust set him apart in an industry often dominated by technical expertise. His leadership philosophy centered on humility, accountability, and humor.
“You have to be able to laugh, even in difficult situations,” Shannon explained. “Leadership is about taking responsibility when things go wrong and giving credit to the team when things go right.”
Taking the Leap: Founding Conaway Geomatics
Despite achieving success in corporate roles, Shannon felt unfulfilled. He realized he wanted to run a business on his own terms, focusing on developing talent and delivering exceptional service. With encouragement from Cosette, he launched Conaway Geomatics.
“I was scared to take the leap,” Shannon admitted. “But my wife pushed me. She said, ‘If not now, then when?’”
The company’s mission is to bridge the skills gap in the surveying industry by hiring individuals with potential and training them to succeed. Over the past four years, Conaway Geomatics has grown into a thriving business, thanks to Shannon’s vision and the dedication of his team.
Click here to visit Conaway Geomatics!
Leadership Insights Shannon
Shannon shared key principles that have guided him as a leader and entrepreneur:
- Gratitude: Recognize and appreciate your team’s efforts—it builds trust and morale.
- Humor: A smile and a good laugh can make even the hardest challenges more manageable.
- Authenticity: Be genuine and vulnerable—it creates stronger connections with your team.
He also emphasized the importance of creating an environment where failure is not feared but viewed as a learning opportunity.
Final Thoughts: Thriving in Your Own Arena
Shannon’s story is a testament to resilience, personal growth, and the power of showing up every day to face life’s challenges head-on. Whether navigating family dynamics, overcoming academic struggles, or building a business, his journey demonstrates that success is possible with persistence, humility, and a commitment to learning.
- Listen to Shannon’s episode: Click here to listen!
- Be a guest on our show: Click to submit your name and story!
