Penn Road Advisors is a strategic consultancy and project management firm that works with mission-driven organizations on a retainer or project basis, providing senior-level insight and fractional leadership without the overhead. We plan projects, keep them moving, and get them done.
Most organizations already have what they need to grow, they just can’t see it clearly. We cut through the noise, hone in on what is underused, and unlock value hiding in plain sight. And if something’s not working quite right, we will get to the root of why and help you fix it.
That might mean turning existing relationships into real partnerships, surfacing revenue opportunities from overlooked corners, or using AI in ways that make sense for your mission (not just because it’s trendy).
We don’t deliver pretty decks with strategy you’ll never use. We will help you understand your strengths, stretch what you have, and get results that actually last.
How We Help
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We keep projects moving, on time and on target, handling the details so your team can stay focused on the big picture.
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Often, the easiest wins are already inside your organization. We uncover overlooked opportunities and show you how to turn them into sustainable revenue.
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Technology should work for you, not against you. We streamline your processes so tools like AI and digital platforms save time and reduce headaches instead of adding to them.
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Partnerships should create value on both sides. We help you identify, build, and manage collaborations that move your mission forward.
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We help you expand the reach of your “one-time” events, transforming them into ongoing campaigns that deepen engagement and deliver long-term results.
Beth Janson, Principal
I’m a native of Montreal, but my career started in New York, where I sought out interesting people and did what needed to be done to be in their orbit, whether it was handing out free tickets to Shakespeare in the Park, or working on the assistant desk at HBO Documentaries.
My path eventually led me to Tribeca, where I grew the nascent Tribeca Film Institute into a leading force for filmmakers and groundbreaking storytelling over the span of a decade.
Since then, I’ve led major cultural institutions on both sides of the border - as COO of the Toronto International Film Festival and CEO of the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television - while launching initiatives that opened doors for under-represented creators, women entrepreneurs, and emerging media.
Along the way, I’ve been recognized by the Ford Foundation with a fellowship to attend Harvard Business School’s Owner/President Management Program, received Women in Film & TV Toronto’s Crystal Award for Business Achievement, and earned an Emmy nomination. Today, through Penn Road Advisors, I bring that same entrepreneurial energy and clarity to mission-driven organizations across North America.
Much of what I’ve achieved comes from the support of the powerful women I’ve worked for and with, and I carry their lessons with me in every role.
Some Things I’ve Made Happen
Launched Project Entrepreneur - founding director of the Rent the Runway Foundation program (with UBS) that gave women the tools, training, and networks to scale their companies.
Produced the Canadian Screen Awards - the nationally televised awards honoring the Canadian film, television & digital media sectors.
Created the TFI New Media Fund - the first fund in the U.S. dedicated to mission-driven XR storytelling.
Built TFI Interactive - an innovation hub for interactive and immersive storytelling.
Started Tribeca Hacks - a pioneering program that brought filmmakers and technologists together to experiment and collaborate.
How We Work
We work with your leadership, not around them. Together we spot what’s in the way, solve it, and build the systems you need to keep moving forward. Our job is to lighten the load for your team so they can focus on the work at hand. The result is clarity, and a team aligned on purpose instead of stuck in process. Nous travaillons également en français !
Why Penn Road?
Because every journey starts with a first step — or a pen to paper. Penn Road is both the street I grew up on and a reminder that progress begins when ideas move from thought to action. That spirit of clarity and momentum drives how we work with clients today.
Why Advisors?
Because the best solutions don’t come from one person alone. I lead the work, but when the challenge calls for it, I bring in trusted experts from across the US and Canada. You get sharp advice, the right skills at the right time, and none of the overhead of a big consulting firm.
