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Shonna Waters, PhD

Vice President of Executive Advisory
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Shonna is BetterUp’s Vice President of Executive Advisory. She leads the development of evidence-based solutions to address the top business challenges of our customers and drive optimal performance and well-being for our Members.

Shonna began her career as an internal and external consultant across sectors and industries on issues spanning every aspect of people systems in organizations including selection, development, leadership and succession, performance management, governance, and compensation. Prior to joining BetterUp, she served in executive leadership roles at the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and the National Security Agency. Shonna is a professor, author, leadership coach, and a Fellow of the Society for Industrial Organizational Psychology (SIOP) and the Center for Evidence-Based Management (CeBMA).

Shonna received her Ph.D. in Industrial-Organizational (I-O) Psychology and Statistics from the University of Minnesota. She completed her certificate in Leadership Coaching from Georgetown University's Leadership Coaching Program and is an ICF certified coach.

Latest posts by Shonna Waters, PhD
22 min read | September 13, 2023

19 ways to get motivated

A brief guide to ways to get and stay motivated over time. Read More
Well-being
18 min read | September 12, 2023

Workaholic versus working long hours: Which one are you?

Learn what it means to be a workaholic vs. working long hours for your job. Plus, learn why working fewer hours isn’t always the best solution. Read More
Productivity
20 min read | July 13, 2023

How motivation works in the brain: Exploring the science

Learn how motivation works in the brain and how you can dopamine to be more productive in life. Plus, learn what behavioral drivers influence our motivation. Read More
Well-being
16 min read | June 9, 2023

Learn how to stop overthinking with these 8 great tips

Find out why overthinking can be a problem and learn how to stop overthinking to clear your mind and concentrate on your priorities. Read More
Well-being
14 min read | June 2, 2023

15 ways to manage workplace anger

Interested in learning how to control anger at work? Read how to strengthen your emotional intelligence and learn how to accept your feelings for what they are. Read More
Consumer
14 min read | May 18, 2023

What’s a vocation? 8 tips for finding yours

Find out what a vocation is and how to find yours so you feel excited about and prepared for immense professional development. Read More
Well-being
17 min read | April 28, 2023

How does stress affect the body? A breakdown by system

How does stress affect your body? Read a breakdown of the ways stress can make an impact on your body and mind and learn how to manage those symptoms. Read More
Well-being
15 min read | March 29, 2023

The ups and downs of a Type A personality

Discover what it means to have a Type A personality and all of the pros and cons that come with it. Read More
Business
24 min read | March 23, 2023

What is productivity? Definition and ways to improve

What is productivity? Great question. In this article, we’ll explore what productivity is, how it works, and how to be more productive. Read More
Business
18 min read | February 23, 2023

Strategy vs. tactics: the difference is execution

Learn the difference between strategy vs. tactics and read the definitions of both. Plus, discover tips for how to successfully track strategy and tactics. Read More
Leadership & Management
15 min read | February 16, 2023

How to not be nervous for a presentation — 13 tips that work (really!)

Feeling anxious about a big presentation? Try these different techniques to handle your nerves before, during, and after a presentation. Read More
Professional Development
13 min read | February 9, 2023

How to give a good presentation: 8 tips

See how you can give a successful and memorable presentation at work. Plus, explore some of the challenges and worries that come up prior to presenting. Read More
Collaboration
18 min read | February 8, 2023

Why building great work relationships is more than just getting along

Building good work relationships is important for personal and professional growth. Here’s why it matters and 9 ways to get started. Read More
Well-being
16 min read | January 23, 2023

What 401(k) employer match is and how it works

Learn about the 401(k) employer match, how it works, what types are most common for employers to use, and how it can help you reach your retirement goals. Read More