Atlanta's Trusted Partner in

Leadership & Team Development

We are proud to be a recognized Atlanta-based, go-to leadership and team development partner for organizations that truly makes a difference.

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About Atlanta Challenge Team Building and Leadership Development

Since 1999, we’ve helped purpose-driven leaders and teams strengthen the way they work together so they can make a more meaningful impact on the people and communities they serve. Our programs and events blend practical tools, experiential learning, and science-backed frameworks to create lasting improvements in performance, culture, and well-being.

Trusted by agencies like the CDC, HHS, DECAL, and DBHDD, and med-tech innovators such as Intuitive Surgical, PlusOptix, and Oxos Medical, we support teams that operate in high-stakes, mission-critical environments where the work feels personal and the pressure is real.

What We Do

Leadership Development

We help leaders develop clarity, confidence, and the mindset needed to navigate complex, emotionally demanding environments. Through coaching, courses, and practical tools, leaders learn how to communicate with purpose, build resilient teams, manage stress, and create environments where people can do their best work.

Team Building

We design and deliver engaging team-building experiences, collaboration workshops, facilitation sessions, and culture-strengthening programs. Every experience is structured to help teams communicate more effectively, build trust, reduce burnout, and align around shared goals.

Who We Serve

We partner with teams that are deeply committed to their mission

Government agencies focused on health, well-being, public service, and education
Medical technology companies improving access, outcomes, and patient care
Non-profit and community-focused organizations
Cross-functional and project teams navigating complex initiatives
Leaders at every level stepping into new responsibilities or leading teams through change

These organizations often work under intense pressure. Their people care deeply about the mission, which means the stakes feel personal—so emotions can run high. Our work helps leaders and teams stay grounded, connected, and effective, even amid high workload, constant change, and competing priorities.

Common Challenges We Help Teams Navigate

Communication breakdowns
Burnout and emotional fatigue
Rapid growth or organizational change
Siloed teams and misalignment
Conflicts or interpersonal tension
Low morale or disengagement
High expectations with limited resources

If your team is committed to meaningful work but struggling with the demands that come with it, you’re in the right place.

Our Approach

Purpose-driven work requires a different kind of support. That’s why our approach integrates elements that traditional corporate training often overlooks.

Human-Friendly + Science-Backed

We bring together thinking styles, behavioral psychology, neuroscience, resilience research, and experiential learning. This gives leaders and teams the tools they need AND how to apply them under stress.

Practical Tools, Not Theory

Our programs include frameworks teams can use immediately:

The Teamwork Compass®®
Thinking-style tools
Mental fitness and resilience tools
Planning and accountability systems

People leave with tools they actually use, not binders that get shelved.

The average adult learner has an attention span of about 15 minutes. To ensure maximum impact of our programs, we use a variety of learning modalities, including presentation, small group conversations, case studies, action planning, hands-on challenges, and individual reflections. This combination keeps participants engaged while also deepening understanding, retention, and application.

Designed for Purpose-Driven Work

Government, public health, and med-tech teams operate differently than traditional businesses. Their work carries emotional weight and public impact. We design experiences with this reality in mind, helping teams balance performance with well-being.

Engaging & Experiential

Our style is interactive, conversational, and grounded in real-world scenarios. Sessions feel energizing, supportive, and practical—not corporate, canned, or cheesy.

Our Story

Purpose-driven work requires a different kind of support. That’s why our approach integrates elements that traditional corporate training often overlooks.

Through this work, I’ve seen one truth repeat itself: teams accomplish amazing things when leaders help people feel grounded, supported, and connected to their purpose.

That belief inspires everything we do.

I’m Shawn Clark, the founder of Atlanta Challenge and the creator of the Teamwork Compass®® and other team and leadership tools. For more than 30 years, I’ve been helping leaders and teams strengthen the way they communicate, collaborate, and show up for one another.

Over the past three decades, I’ve had the privilege of working with thousands of companies—including med-tech innovators, national non-profits, school systems, and government agencies such as the CDC, HHS, U.S. Army, and American Cancer Society.

My Certifications Include

Our Philosophy

Purpose-driven teams carry an emotional load most organizations never experience. When people care deeply about the mission, stress hits harder, conflicts feel more personal, and burnout becomes a real risk.

We believe:

Leaders must manage themselves before they can lead others.

Teams thrive when communication is clear and compassion is present.

Culture is built through intention and reinforcement—not slogans.

Growth happens when tools are simple, practical, and used consistently.

Every team can become more resilient, more connected, and more effective.

Our goal is to help purpose-driven leaders and teams do work that matter

without losing themselves in the process.

How We Help

Every service is designed to create practical, measurable improvements in how people show up and work together.

For Leaders

Leadership coaching
Leadership development courses
Resilience, mindset, and mental fitness programs
Communication and influence training
Strengths and thinking-style assessments
Facilitation of leadership retreats and planning meetings

For Teams

Team-building events (indoors, outdoors, service projects, problem-solving, and more)
Collaboration and communication workshops
Culture and morale-building programs
Conflict resolution and trust-building
Strategic planning and goal alignment
Experiential team learning programs like Teamwork Quest

What Makes Us Different

Mission-Aligned

We specialize in organizations that improve people’s lives and communities.

Tools That Stick

Frameworks are simple, visual, and easy to use.

Whole-Brain Integration

Teams learn to understand differences and communicate more effectively.

Real-World Experience

25+ years of facilitating in government, health, med-tech, education, and corporate environments.

High Engagement

Programs are interactive, energizing, and conversational.

Understanding the Emotional Load

We know what it’s like to lead in environments where the stakes are high and the work is personal.

Trusted By

Government & Public Sector

CDC, HHS, DECAL, DBHDD, U.S. Army, City governments, school districts

Medical Technology

Intuitive Surgical, PlusOptix, Oxos Medical, and others improving healthcare access and outcomes

Corporate & Non-Profit

Coca-Cola, Home Depot, Cox Media, American Cancer Society, and more

Ready to Learn More?

Whether you’re strengthening your leadership bench, building a healthier team culture, or looking for a partner to facilitate your next retreat or strategy session, we’re here to help.

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Let's build a team that works with purpose, clarity, and connection—so you can multiply the impact of the work you're already doing.