Shannon Lima: From Sidelines to Strategy

A Career Built on Change and Opportunity

Shannon Lima grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with a natural curiosity about people and business. She studied Communications, Media, and Technology at La Roche College, then later earned her MBA from the University of Pittsburgh.

Looking back, she describes her journey in one simple way: “I’ve always been drawn to opportunities where I could learn quickly and make an impact.” That curiosity has carried her through a unique career spanning sports media, fashion, entrepreneurship, and consulting.

Covering the Knicks with ESPN Magazine

Her first stop was in sports media. Lima worked as a sideline reporter for ESPN Magazine, covering the New York Knicks. It was a front-row seat to one of basketball’s biggest stages.

“It taught me how to think on my feet,” she says. “You have to listen, process fast, and communicate clearly. That skill has never left me.”

The role gave her confidence but also showed her how media and business connect. That curiosity opened the door to her next chapter.

Breaking into New York Fashion

After sports, Lima entered the fashion district in New York City. She joined a luxury outerwear company, helping grow its retail footprint.

Her work was hands-on. She helped the brand land spots in Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Macy’s. It was here that she learned how deals are made.

“Fashion taught me the power of positioning,” she explains. “It’s about knowing your customer and putting the product in the right place at the right time.”

The experience sharpened her skills in brand strategy and retail partnerships. It also gave her the confidence to try something bold on her own.

Launching Pickles & Roses

Lima decided to create her own startup, a brand called Pickles & Roses. She worked to get it into retailers across the U.S., including Bed Bath & Beyond, BuyBuy Baby, Nordstrom and TJ Maxx.

Building a business from the ground up came with its challenges, but also its rewards. “When you’re building something yourself, you wear every hat,” she says. “I handled everything from product design to sales. It taught me resilience and gave me a love for the business side of launching a brand.”

This was the turning point. She realized her passion was not just in branding but in building businesses from the inside out.

Returning to School for an MBA

Wanting to go deeper, Lima returned to Pittsburgh to pursue her MBA at the University of Pittsburgh. She focused on business growth and transformation.

“Going back to school was about investing in myself,” she recalls. “I wanted to understand the financial, operational, and leadership aspects that make businesses succeed.”

Her studies gave her the foundation she needed to step into consulting at the global level.

Consulting at Cognizant

Today, Shannon Lima works as a Consulting Manager in M&A and Organizational Change Management at Cognizant. She helps fortune 500 companies navigate mergers, acquisitions, and major transitions.

Her role is about guiding clients and organizations through complexity. “Change is hard for organizations and people,” she says. “My job is to make it smoother, to help leadership connect strategy with people so the business can move forward.”

Her path has given her an edge. Having seen business from the lens of media, fashion, startups, and now global consulting, she brings a wide diverse perspective.

Mentorship and Giving Back

Outside of work, Lima invests her time in mentoring. She serves on the Career Committee for the Women’s Bond Club, where she helps young women in college explore careers in finance.

“I know how confusing those first steps can be,” she says. “If I can connect someone to the right opportunity or just share what I’ve learned, that makes a difference.”

Life Beyond Work

While her career has been full of fast changes, Lima finds balance through movement and new experiences. She enjoys hiking, SoulCycle, running, yoga, and pilates, as well as trying new restaurants.

“I love exploring, whether it’s a new trail or a new meal,” she shares. “It keeps me grounded.”

Lessons from the Journey

When asked what ties her journey together, Lima points to adaptability. “You can’t always predict where your path will lead, but you can stay open and ready to learn,” she says.

Her story shows how skills transfer across industries, and how curiosity can shape a career. From the sidelines of Madison Square Garden to boardrooms at Cognizant, Shannon Lima (link website when done) has built a career by following opportunities and helping others do the same.

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