Our Story

Intensely Real was founded by Ann Shannon, who recognised the need to empower women in
leadership roles within male-dominated organisations.

Witnessing countless talented women leaving their positions as the system struggled to change, Ann decided to use her decades of experience to create a space for women in leadership positions to reconnect, redefine their leadership, and contribute meaningfully to their organisations without compromising their authentic selves. 

Intensely Real was born out of Ann's passion to empower these incredible women find their place,
connect their cleverness with purpose and vision, and make a lasting impact in their professional and personal lives.

Our values

Authenticity

We believe in embracing our true selves
and fostering genuine connections, enabling women in leadership positions to thrive in their unique ways.

Empowerment

We are committed to providing the tools, support, and encouragement that women in leadership need to unlock their full potential and make a difference.

Community

We value the power of connection, creating a nurturing and inclusive environment for women in leadership to share their experiences, learn from one another, and grow together.

Our Mission

Creating an inclusive and nurturing community where women in leadership can redefine their purpose, harness their potential, and thrive both professionally and personally.

Meet your facilitators

Ann Shannon

Ann Shannon is a passionate advocate for women in leadership, dedicating her career to empowering and developing leaders through her extensive experience as a corporate facilitator, coach, and pioneer in personal leadership, change, and wellbeing. Working internationally across various industries, Ann is committed to helping women in leadership positions unlock their full potential and shine across all aspects of their lives.

Drawing on her background in leadership and organisational development, Ann designs and facilitates innovative, meaningful, and tailored initiatives that address the unique needs of each individual. Her focus on fostering a supportive and inspiring environment enables women to discover and embrace their true potential, allowing them to flourish both personally and professionally.

Jo Porter

Jo Porter is a seasoned organisational and leadership development professional with over 20 years of experience in creating strengths-based, positively energising solutions for leaders and organisations. With a Master of Applied Positive Psychology from the University of Melbourne, Jo's work is grounded in evidence-based practices that integrate psychology, optimal functioning, behavioural neuroscience, and wellbeing science.

As part of the Intensely Real facilitation team, Jo is dedicated to fostering collaborative, inclusive, and psychologically safe environments that enable high performance and thriving. Through brain-friendly learning experiences and emotionally intelligent methods, Jo empowers participants to unlock their true potential and drive meaningful change in both their personal and professional lives.

Chris Rubick

Chris Rubick is a highly experienced facilitator, strategist, and transformational change expert, dedicated to helping individuals and organisations build high-performing, human-centred cultures. With a strong focus on understanding the science of motivation and innate human needs, Chris is skilled in creating environments that foster not only outstanding performance but also personal wellbeing.

As part of the Intensely Real facilitation team, Chris utilises his deep knowledge of psychological needs and transformational change to help participants design practical systems that support their best selves. Through his “Be At Your Best” program, Chris guides individuals to understand and address their most essential needs, empowering them to create new habits and make sustainable progress towards personal and professional success.

Sally Rundle

Sally Rundle is a seasoned corporate coach, facilitator, and energy intuitive with over thirty years of experience across various industries. Focused on accelerating personal transformation and functional leadership, she aligns and activates individual strengths for greater leadership impact. With a degree in psychology, a master's in education, and a PhD in international management, Sally's lifelong learning journey adds depth to her expertise.

As part of the Intensely Real facilitation team, Sally employs a whole-person development approach that encompasses neuroscience, psychology, and adult learning. Her expertise in leadership processes and wellbeing techniques helps participants build dynamic cultures, enhance personal awareness, and foster emotional intelligence. Sally's unique blend of methods empowers participants to connect their hearts, minds, and energy, paving the way for more meaningful, balanced, and fulfilling lives.

We have worked with

  • "Intensely Real is a fantastic programme for women in leadership roles to come together and take time out for self-reflection. The programme with its base in psychological frameworks and methodologies, allows you time to think of your purpose as a leader. By reflecting on my strengths and gifts, values and life goals I feel I will return to the outside world as a better more rounded leader. Connecting with a diverse group of powerful women provides the spine of support and holds us all accountable for our committed milestones that matter. I loved and will cherish every minute of the experience."

    Marian

  • "The timing of Intensely Real was perfect as I was really looking for an opportunity to reset and refocus and have some clear goals after two years of COVID related disruptions. What impressed me most about the programme was that we tackled the big issues head on, but within a framework so that the process was very streamlined, logical and efficient and I guess standing back from it, the highlights for me were firstly coming away with some clear outcomes that I can start to apply straightaway. Secondly, Ann and the other fabulous women at the retreat was just so incredibly knowledgeable and supportive and really made the three days so enjoyable."

    Angela

  • "Intensely Real, was a wonderful experience that really lived up to its promise of women empowering women. All aspects of it were just so thoughtful and deliberate and beautiful, the stunning location, the considered gifts that made me and others on the course feel really special and treasured. The pace of the course was really measured and I felt like Ann held my hand along every step of the way. I have left feeling much more confident in my convictions and with a clearer sense of knowing what I want to go after. I absolutely highly recommend the course for any woman who wants to think more deeply about the impact that they want to have in the world."

    Kate

  • "Intensely Real was extraordinary in every way. The opportunity to spend three days with a group of inspiring women leaders in beautiful surroundings was so special, it felt like a real investment in my wellbeing and future success. The inner work we did together has given me so much clarity about the contribution I want to make through my work, a pathway to get there, and a supportive network of women to share my successes and help me overcome challenges. "

    Jo

  • "Intensely Real has been a transformative process. It has been a wonderful experience to work with Ann, who creates such a safe space to truly reflect, to deep dive, and to peel back the layers to identify a new and refocused you. The ability to meet inspirational women who are on the same journey allows for greater learning and connection. The shifted this experience has created for me is clarity and a re-energised purpose. “You'll never go professionally where you are afraid to go personally.” - this quote perfectly sums up intensity real. An increase in self-awareness equates to building stronger relationships and making better decisions as a leader. Intensely real - It's intimate, inspirational, and realigning."

    Jackie

  • "Intensely Real does exactly what it says on the tin! It is both intense and real, but so worthwhile. An immersive and educational program in a stunning location, with not a single detail left to chance 😊"

    Marian

  • "Intimate group of accomplished, capable, like minded women coming together to learn and cheer each other on, starting from where you are. Stunning location, with every detail considered: beautiful bag, notebook, pens and water bottle. Nurturing gifts in the room including aromatherapy blends (FYI Ann, I’ve used the sleep spray every night since and use the roll on all the time). Expertly guided sessions to help discover what is really important to you and how to go and get it. I could do an intensely real annually."

    Kate

Align

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Awaken

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Activate

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Align • Awaken • Activate •