Shelby Tomanovich
Shelby Tomanovich is a Career and Leadership Development Coach and Founder of Shelby Tomanovich Consulting, where she helps overlooked professionals get the recognition, promotions, and leadership opportunities they’ve earned.
With a decade of experience in the hospitality and entertainment industry, Shelby’s journey from bartender to Managing Partner gave her a firsthand understanding of what it takes to lead, grow, and be seen in the workplace. By 30, she had earned five internal promotions, led more than 50 managers and 800 employees, and managed multi-million-dollar operations by turning struggling teams into thriving, high-performing ones.
Working her way up in a male-dominated industry, Shelby faced her share of being underestimated. Instead of letting it hold her back, she used it as motivation. She learned how to position herself for success, negotiate her worth, and lead with confidence. Her leadership philosophy is built on empowerment: using your influence to lift others, not just to climb higher yourself.
Now, Shelby helps ambitious professionals do the same. She teaches them how to position themselves for promotion, lead with confidence, and build careers that reflect their values and potential. Her signature coaching framework blends mindset, visibility, and communication strategies to help clients get noticed, respected, and rewarded.
Shelby believes success isn’t about waiting for opportunity, but to create it for yourself.
Her motto, “Lead like a woman, grow your career like a man,” reflects her mission to help others rise with authenticity, courage, and impact.
• Southern Illinois University Edwardsville - BS
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to resilience and self-belief. There were so many times I was overlooked or underestimated, but I refused to let that define me. Instead, I learned how to advocate for myself, communicate my value, and turn every challenge into an opportunity to grow. That mindset changed everything.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I ever received was, “Stop waiting to be chosen.” For years, I thought hard work alone would speak for itself. But the truth is, visibility matters just as much as performance. Once I learned to advocate for myself, communicate my value, and take up space unapologetically, everything changed.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is simple: own your voice early. The hospitality world can test your confidence, but you can’t let it shrink you. Learn to advocate for yourself, build real relationships, and never apologize for your ambition. You belong in every room you walk into, and your perspective is your power.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
A major challenge in this industry is breaking through traditional hierarchies and biases that can hold people back, especially women and other overlooked professionals. But with every challenge comes opportunity, those who learn to advocate for themselves, build influence, and lead with confidence can rise faster than ever before. The industry rewards visibility and initiative so now is the perfect time to own your career.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me in both work and life are integrity, growth, and empowerment. I believe in showing up fully, owning my decisions, and helping others rise along the way. Staying true to your values creates trust, builds meaningful relationships, and drives long-term success. Both professionally and personally.
Locations
Shelby Tomanovich Consulting
Ofallon, IL 62269
Company Location
St. Louis, MO