On the last page of every issue of Industry West, we find a Saskatchewan business person or leader to answer our version of the Proust Questionnaire. Marcel Proust made the questionnaire famous, believing that 35 specific questions could reveal a person’s true nature. We grabbed this idea—you’ve probably seen it in Vanity Fair—and made our own version. The first five questions are ours, and then we ask our subject to pick their favourite Proust questions to answer.
Say hello to Shannon Friesen, co-CEO at the Saskatchewan Construction Association.
1. Where are you from?
Saskatoon, born and raised.
2. Where did you attend school and what did you study?
I attended Confederation Park Elementary, Mount Royal Collegiate and Kelsey SIAST (the name at the time) for the Rehabilitation Worker program.
3. What is your career history?
I have held senior leadership positions, primarily in the charitable sector, for Autism Services and YWCA Saskatoon prior to the Construction Associations.
4. What’s the best piece of business or career advice you have or have been given?
Don’t try to be someone you’re not. Strive to grow and develop and be the best, most authentic version of yourself that you can be.
5. What’s your favourite thing about Saskatchewan?
The stark beauty of the landscape, and the down-to-earth people.
6. What is your idea of perfect happiness?
A great cup of dark roast coffee and a quiet morning.
7. What is your greatest fear?
Letting people down.
8. What is your greatest extravagance?
Expensive bourbon.
9. Which talent would you most like to have?
To write music.
10. What do you most value in your friends?
Loyalty.
