How This Basketball Coach Changed Shantel Wilkins’ Life Forever
Sometimes all it takes is one person to see your potential and say it out loud. For Shantel Wilkins, that person was Coach Tina Powers. Her belief in Shantel not only changed her basketball career—it changed the course of her entire life.
Key Takeaways
One voice of belief can change everything. Coach Powers saw something in Shantel—and told her. That made all the difference.
Purpose matters more than a paycheck. Leaving corporate life, she sought out a mission-driven role that aligned with her values.
Real leadership includes self-care. Shantel emphasizes that especially for women of color, rest and honesty with yourself aren’t luxuries—they're essentials.
Notable Quotes
“If people don’t give you a seat at the table, sometimes you have to bring a folding chair.”
“Every coach has their favorites—but that favoritism shook my confidence.”
“You have two ears and one mouth—use them in that ratio.”
Real-World Applications
Believe in someone—and tell them.
Example: If you see leadership potential in a young teammate, don’t assume they know. Say it out loud.Use adversity as fuel, not a wall.
Example: Lost a job recently? List what it taught you instead of what it took from you.Don’t chase titles—chase alignment.
Example: When job-hunting, skip filters like “nonprofit vs. corporate” and instead write down six things your ideal role must have.
Coach Powers didn’t just shape Shantel’s game—she shaped her life. Today, Shantel’s paying that forward as a Chief of Staff, building inclusive spaces, speaking up, and showing others what’s possible when someone believes in you—and when you start believing in yourself too.
01:21 Background and Early Life
02:36 The Power of Sport and Mentorship
05:08 Overcoming Adversity and Challenging Narratives
07:41 Transitioning to Corporate America
09:24 Finding Purpose and Passion in Work
13:51 The Role of a Chief of Staff
17:34 The Importance of Member Focus in Philanthropy
25:41 The Role of a Chief of Staff in Navigating Cultural Fit Issues
27:48 Transitioning from Corporate to Non-Profit
33:22 The Importance of Self-Care and Humanity in Leadership
36:32 Closing Thoughts
Shantel Wilkins on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/shantel-wilkins-a1141815
About The Author
Emily Sander is an ICF-certified leadership coach with more than 15 years of experience in the business world and the author of Hacking Executive Leadership. She’s been featured in several print publications, online articles, and podcasts, including CEO Today Magazine, Leading to Fulfillment, and Leadership Powered by Common Sense.
Emily has a passion for helping business leaders reach their full potential. Go here to read her story from seasoned executive to knowledgeable coach. If you want to send Emily a quick message, then visit her contact page here.