Meet Pearl Esau of Shàn Strategies in North Central Phoenix

Today we’d like to introduce you to Pearl Esau.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Even as a child, I was attuned to the suffering in our world – suffering that comes from lack of economic or educational opportunity, suffering that comes from living in a country with a corrupt government or that lacks basic rights for its people. Perhaps it is because of my own background, coming from a family that immigrated to the United States for a better life, right before I was born. I was fortunate to grow up with access to so many opportunities. Most importantly, through my family’s experiences, I came to believe that access to an excellent education was one of the biggest factors that could change life prospects for people. So after college, I joined Teach For America, an organization dedicated to ending educational inequity by recruiting leaders into teaching in America’s most underserved neighborhoods.

After teaching 5th grade in East LA, I went on to join the non-profit organization’s staff, which landed my husband and me in Phoenix, Arizona where I served as the Executive Director of Teach For America Phoenix. After several years in that role, I became the inaugural president/CEO of Expect More Arizona, which is today a statewide non-partisan advocacy organization that is dedicated to ensuring a world-class education for all Arizona students. In 2017, I left the role and have now founded my own consultancy, called Shàn Strategies. Shàn is the Mandarin word that means “to do good” in the world. My work is focused on growing the impact of organizations and collaborations that are improving economic and educational opportunity for Arizonans and beyond. I love my job. I work with exceptional leaders every day who care about the direction of our state and the people who live here. That’s why while there is still a lot of work to do, I have a lot of hope for our future.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I have always had the privilege of working with extremely talented, bright, and dedicated people. I’ve truly enjoyed my journey. It hasn’t always been a smooth road. In 2015, my second child was diagnosed with special needs right before his second birthday. In 2016, I had a third child who also has some health challenges. While I would not have chosen the path to be the mother of children with special needs (because it’s hard!), I have come to believe that it’s one of the most important callings on this earth. I thank God for each of my children, and for giving me the special assignment to make sure that I am their biggest advocate and that they never have any doors shut on them because of their differences. Then when they experience successes, which all of them have, I am overwhelmed by the joy and pride of seeing them overcome their obstacles. I can truly say these have been the best moments of my life!

My experiences as a mother have only further fueled my passion for ensuring that every child reaches their full potential in life. In addition to being an education advocate, I am now also a health advocate. Although I have a demanding schedule between family and work needs, I continue to serve on the boards of the organizations that have impacted my life, including Teach For America and Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center. While I’ve always thought of myself as being a compassionate person, through these past few years, I have gained such a greater understanding of what many families in our state go through to get their kids what they need, whether that is education or healthcare. I want to do whatever I can to support these families and create the systemic changes they need for generational progress.

Shàn Strategies – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Shàn Strategies is celebrating its one year anniversary at the beginning of 2019! I have had the great fortune of working with exceptional leaders and organizations, including Helios Education Foundation, Valley Leadership, First Place, and the Desert Botanical Garden.

Addressing community challenges like increasing educational and economic opportunity, alleviating poverty, advancing the arts, or deepening civic engagement requires adept leadership, strategic thinking, and the collaboration of the public, private, and not-for-profit sectors. Whether it’s scaling up a non-profit organization’s impact, helping a business or philanthropy strengthen its partnerships, or facilitating a collaborative effort that will improve lives, Shàn Strategies serves as a valuable strategic partner to boost purpose-driven work so that our communities flourish.

I particularly enjoy working with efforts that are in the startup or early growth stages, or mature organizations who are taking on a new strategic direction or want to strengthen their community engagement. I love giving strategy and shape to these efforts to ensure that they are sustainable and effective.

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I have always loved this quote from a famous Chinese philosopher, Lao Tzu. He says, “When the best leaders leave, the people will say we have done it ourselves.” If we want our work to take root and flourish, it’s critical to have people and partners invested along the way who can lead the work into the future, long after we are gone. That is why I love being involved in leadership development, and take every opportunity I get to support young leaders who are making a difference.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.shanstrategies.com
• Phone: 602-492-8890
• Email: pearl@shanstrategies.com
• Other: www.shanstrategies.com/news/ (BLOG)

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