Woman of the Week – Shawnae Mckown - Fortinet

In this week’s Woman of the Week, we meet Shawnae McKown, Director of Channel Marketing Nationals at Fortinet—a leader whose journey is anything but traditional and all about the power of relationships, resilience, and self-awareness. From starting her career in senior care to finding her way into the fast-paced world of channel marketing, Shawnae’s path is a testament to the idea that success isn’t linear—it’s built through trust, adaptability, and showing up consistently. 

In this candid and relatable conversation, Shawnae opens up about navigating imposter syndrome, redefining what leadership truly means, and learning—sometimes the hard way—how to protect her well-being. Her perspective on leadership is refreshingly human: it’s not about having all the answers, but about listening, supporting others, and growing through every experience (mistakes included). 

Perhaps most impactful is her reminder to slow down and appreciate the journey. In a world that often celebrates constant hustle, Shawnae shares a powerful lesson from a mentor: sometimes you have to pause on the ladder and enjoy where you are. It’s a message that resonates deeply for anyone striving to grow without losing sight of what matters most. 

This conversation is filled with honest insights, practical strategies, and a whole lot of heart—plus a fun love for karaoke that makes Shawnae even more relatable.