Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Shanna Machi. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Shanna, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
It might sound strange, but I always had a sense that planning events was in my future. Growing up in rural British Columbia, Canada, where there wasn’t much to do, I naturally gravitated towards creating entertainment. I was that kid—choreographing plays and dance routines with friends, and then convincing our parents to be the audience.
At just 15, I became the youth liaison between my high school and the local theatre company. I produced cabarets, mini-music festivals, and concerts, making sure that the youth in our community had something exciting to look forward to on the weekends—not to mention keeping us out of trouble.
Then, at 19, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity came my way: I was offered a position as a nanny for a count and countess in Rome. Without hesitation, I jumped on a plane for the first time and moved to Italy, soaking up the culture and experiences. After three years of traveling abroad, I found myself in London, feeling a pull to discover my true passion and figure out ‘what I wanted to be when I grew up.’ That’s when it hit me—I should pursue what I’ve always been naturally drawn to. I enrolled in Arts and Entertainment Management, and from there, everything clicked into place.
Looking back, it’s clear that the path I’ve taken has always been leading me here, even if I didn’t realize it at the time. Each step, from organizing childhood performances to managing real events, has helped me find my purpose.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
At Yellow Fox Experiential, we specialize in creating unforgettable experiences that resonate deeply with audiences. Our work is all about crafting bespoke, immersive environments that bring brands to life in unique and memorable ways.
Whether it’s a high-profile event like Monterey Car Week or an intimate product launch, we take pride in ensuring that every detail aligns with the client’s vision and objectives.
What excites me most about our work is the opportunity to blend creativity with strategy. We don’t just produce events; we tell stories, create connections, and build communities. Each project is an opportunity to push the boundaries of what’s possible, combining innovative ideas with meticulous planning to deliver experiences that leave a lasting impact.
If you’re looking for an experience that goes beyond the ordinary, Yellow Fox is here to help you create something truly exceptional. We’re passionate about what we do, and we’re always eager to explore new ideas and partnerships.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are:
Taking Risks: Getting out of your comfort zone is crucial. I moved from Vancouver, BC to Los Angeles, CA for a potential job with Warner Brothers Discovery. The job wasn’t guaranteed, but I knew I couldn’t stay in the same career for 15 years and expect growth. This leap of faith opened up new opportunities that I wouldn’t have found otherwise.
Willingness to Learn: Just because you don’t know something doesn’t mean you can’t do it. When I got the job at Warner Brothers Discovery’s automotive division, MotorTrend, I didn’t know much about automotive marketing. But I embraced the challenge, learned on the job, and it paid off with nearly eight years as the Lead Event Producer.
Relationship Building: Finding good people who share your standards and vision is essential. Building strong relationships with trusted partners has been key to bringing both my vision and my clients’ visions to life.
For those early in their journey, my advice is to embrace challenges, never stop learning, and prioritize building strong, trustworthy relationships. These are the foundations that will support you through your career and help you grow
How would you spend the next decade if you somehow knew that it was your last?
One challenge I often face is reminding myself that Yellow Fox is still in its early stages, having launched only in February 2024. We’ve been fortunate to build an incredible client base and receive overwhelming support from friends, family, industry connections, and potential clients. However, there’s also a personal expectation that we should have even more business by now, which can be a bit daunting but is also incredibly motivating.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.helloyellowfox.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/helloyellowfox
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/helloyellowfox
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/yellowfoxexperiential
Image Credits
Elaine Nguyen
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