Shannon Lima shows how curiosity, resilience, and reinvention can drive lasting impact across industries.

NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / September 17, 2025 / From covering the New York Knicks as a sideline reporter to guiding Fortune 500 companies through mergers and acquisitions, Shannon Lima's career is proof that adaptability is the ultimate leadership skill.

Raised in Pittsburgh, Lima began her professional journey in sports media before breaking into fashion, launching her own retail startup, and ultimately becoming a Consulting Manager in M&A and Organizational Change Management at Cognizant, a global consulting firm.

"I've always been drawn to opportunities where I could learn quickly and make an impact," says Lima. "Every chapter - from fashion to finance - gave me new tools to help people and businesses navigate change."

From Madison Square Garden to Boardrooms Worldwide

Lima first sharpened her skills as a sideline reporter for ESPN Magazine, covering the Knicks. The fast-paced environment taught her to think on her feet and connect stories to audiences - skills she carried into her next chapter in New York's fashion industry.

She later helped a luxury outerwear brand land placements in Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, and Macy's, before launching her own retail line, Pickles & Roses, which was carried in Bed Bath & Beyond, BuyBuy Baby, Nordstrom, and TJ Maxx.

"When you're building something yourself, you wear every hat," Lima recalls. "That resilience and entrepreneurial grit still guide how I lead today."

Returning to School and Scaling Global Business

To deepen her expertise, Lima pursued her MBA at the University of Pittsburgh, where she focused on growth and transformation. Today, at Cognizant, she helps Fortune 500 leaders align strategy with people during complex transitions.

Her multi-industry background - from media to fashion to startups - now gives her clients a fresh perspective on leadership, adaptability, and organizational change.

Mentorship and Giving Back

Beyond consulting, Lima invests her time in mentorship. As a member of the Career Committee for the Women's Bond Club, she supports college women as they navigate early career decisions.

"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."

Lessons for a Changing World

Lima's journey illustrates a broader truth: in an unpredictable economy, the ability to pivot is just as valuable as traditional credentials.

"You can't always predict where your path will lead, but you can stay open and ready to learn," says Lima.

Her story - spanning media, fashion, entrepreneurship, and global consulting - is a case study in how curiosity and adaptability can shape both careers and companies.

About Shannon Lima

Shannon Lima is a Consulting Manager in M&A and Organizational Change Management at Cognizant. A Pittsburgh native and University of Pittsburgh MBA graduate, she has worked across sports media, fashion, entrepreneurship, and consulting. She also serves on the Career Committee for the Women's Bond Club.

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Email: shannonlima@emaildn.com

SOURCE: Shannon Lima