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From preparing months before the crowds arrive to making decisions in the middle of high-volume operations, Shannon shares her perspective on the systems, staffing strategies, communication habits, and leadership practices that help recreation teams perform when expectations are at their highest.

The conversation explores how leaders can continue creating memorable guest experiences while serving hundreds of guests, how leadership styles evolve under pressure, and what teams can learn from the moments when things don’t go according to plan.

Justin and Shannon also dive into one of the most important parts of peak-season leadership: protecting the people behind the experience. They discuss recognizing burnout before it becomes a bigger problem, keeping morale high during demanding weeks, celebrating wins, supporting exhausted team members, and finding ways to recharge as a leader.

The episode closes with leadership lessons Shannon has learned throughout her career, advice for recreation professionals entering their first busy season, a fast-paced lightning round, and one final question that brings the conversation back to the heart of the profession:

What does recreation mean to you? 

Whether you work in resorts, aquatics, parks and recreation, hospitality, attractions, activities, or guest experience, this episode is packed with stories and practical takeaways you can bring back to your own team.

In this episode:

- Preparing your operation before peak season arrives

- Hiring and developing the right seasonal team

- Leading effectively during high-volume operations

- Maintaining memorable guest experiences under pressure

- Communication habits that keep teams aligned

- Recognizing and preventing team burnout

- Keeping morale and recognition meaningful

- Leadership lessons for new recreation professionals

- The qualities that make a great recreation team

Subscribe to the REC Network channel for more conversations with recreation leaders, industry professionals, and innovators shaping the future of recreation and guest experience.

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