On Managing Complexity/ Guest: Shelley Frost, President and CEO, PNE

Shelley Frost, CEO of the Pacific National Exhibition (PNE), joins the show to talk about leading one of BC’s most iconic and complex organizations. From early roles in a psychiatric hospital and juvenile jail to leading in tech and the arts, Shelley’s path has shaped a unique approach to leadership. She shares how managing unpredictability and diverse stakeholders prepared her to run the PNE – home to major events, an amusement park, and key youth employment programs. They discuss balancing legacy with innovation, leading through ambiguity, and building operational excellence.

 

Tune in to this episode as we explore:

(03:15) From consulting to finding local purpose

(09:04) Aligning vision in complex teams

(11:48) Leading with adaptability

(15:41) Making decisions with clarity

(17:52) A collaborative planning approach

(21:29) Communicating with seasonal staff

(25:46) Unearthing hidden war relics

(27:29) Behind Vancouver’s FIFA fan fest

(30:23) Inside the concert and show lineup

 

Connect with Shelley Frost here:

LinkedIn

Pacific National Exhibition (PNE)

PNE Instagram

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