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Shanice Harrison

Freelance Facilitator

Everfi

Shanice Harrison, Freelance Facilitator with Everfi, brings a uniquely entrepreneurial background shaped by years of teaching, tutoring, and running her own business. From launching a jewellery brand at 17 to leading workshops on careers and sustainability in schools across the UK, she’s built a career defined by curiosity, independence, and impact. In this interview, Shanice shares how her early challenges fuelled her drive, what she values most in leadership, and the mindset that keeps her growing - both professionally and personally.

• LinkedIn

1. How would you describe your professional background in a few sentences?

   I have a very varied background, but my main experience comes from running a business for 8 years, teaching and tutoring for around 6 years, and facilitating sessions in schools and training professionals for 2 years. Thinking about my current role, I have more flexibility than ever as a freelancer, and I’m loving it! I am excited for what comes next though.

2. What was one defining moment early in your career?

   Taking it right back to the beginning, I struggled to get a job when I was a teenager, so I created my own. I started my jewellery business at 17 years old, then started tutoring a few months later at 18 years old. That truly set off my entrepreneurial spirit and opened up my mind to all kinds of possibilities. No longer did I have to wait for things to come to me - I could make them happen. I’m trying my best not to say any clichés haha, but I’m so glad I couldn’t get a job back then as I would be a very different person now.

3. What does a typical day look like in your role?

   The best thing about my role is I get to travel all over the UK, but most schools only differ so much. Therefore, a typical day would be to arrive at a school in the morning and set up my workshop with a teacher or staff member, which is usually just connecting my laptop to the screen with a HDMI cable. The first class will come in, I’ll dazzle them with the workshop (which could be anything from careers to sustainability), then do the same with the next class. Sometimes I’m in a school all day doing back-to-back sessions, sometimes it’s only two sessions. Then I begin my journey home and do a small amount of admin.

4. How do you continue to grow and stay current in your field?

   I’m currently studying for an MSc in Behaviour Change at university in order to develop a new expertise. Right now, I know a lot about a lot of different things, and that’s really helpful for my current job, but I’m always thinking about what’s next. Understanding psychology on a deeper level is always going to be beneficial for me because I enjoy working with and understanding people so I can help them.

5. How would you describe your leadership style?

   My priorities are always happiness, health, and wellbeing. There are targets, goals, KPIs, and grades - all of that - but if you’re not happy and I’m your leader, I want to know what will make you feel better. Not everything is enjoyable, but there are several other ways of increasing productivity and motivation, so it’s the leader’s job to figure out what way is the best way in that instance.

6. Who or what played a key role in your success story?

   My family, friends, and partner have always been such an amazing support system for me. They are irreplaceable and have definitely been a big reason for my success as they’ve helped pick me up when I’ve fallen and have kept me motivated when I’ve struggled to motivate myself. I wouldn’t have had the gumption to try as many things as I have if it weren’t for them.

7. What advice would you give to someone just starting out?

   Like Billy Ocean says, “when the going gets tough, the tough get going.” When things get challenging or you feel like you’re getting too many no’s, keep your head up, picture the goal, and do what it takes to push forward. If one thing isn’t working, don’t be afraid to try a different route to get you to where you want to be. Life is hard work and we all have bumps, but you’ll be so proud and happy when you’ve made it through the hard times!