
Q & A with paula
Can you share a personal struggle that impacted your life?
​The most devastating personal blow came with the loss of my sister, who was not just my sibling but my twin soul. She battled pancreatic cancer for five courageous years before passing away in 2021. At the same time, my husband and I separated, leading to a divorce that took three years to finalize. These combined events threw me into a period of deep reflection and soul-searching. Through this journey, I leaned heavily on my faith, family, friends, and professional counseling. It was a time of profound personal growth, and it taught me the invaluable lesson that life can be incredibly challenging and confusing. But the key to overcoming these hurdles lies in seeking support and guidance from those who have the tools to help you. I learned that no one is truly alone, and there are people who care and are willing to support you through even the darkest times.
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Can you share the biggest career challenge you faced?
I’ve faced several profound career challenges that have shaped who I am today. The loss of my father to renal cell cancer and the collapse of my mortgage company of 10 years, during the banking crisis in 2008, were both emotionally and financially taxing. Rebuilding my finances and sense of stability took several years. In 2018, I lost my mother to Alzheimer’s after seven years of caregiving while pursuing a medical degree in Ultrasound. After completing my degree in 2016, her condition worsened, like a cliff jump, and I had to manage her care through six different facilities over two years, which made it impossible to maintain a full-time position in my new field.
Her passing in 2018 led me to focus on rebuilding my own health and wellness as I had neglected myself for years taking care of my parents. I rediscovered my passion for nutrition and fitness. During this time, my ex-husband and I launched a financial services firm of our own, leveraging our experience in the insurance and investment industry since 1993. This role reaffirmed my commitment to service and highlighted the importance of supporting families through emotional and financial hardships. As VP of a successful firm, I’ve realized the value of guiding others through their challenges. In addition to my firm, this led me to pursue life and executive coaching, aiming to help others navigate their personal and professional journeys with the support and resources they need to overcome their unique challenges.
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​What are your top career accomplishments and why?
I have built two successful multimillion dollar companies from the ground up while navigating a heavy schedule of personal commitments. With 2 daughters in high school and heavily involved in sports and music and college selection, I obtained my Diagnostic Medical Ultrasound Degree in 2016. My eldest daughter and I graduated at the same time. My degree was an extremely competitive and challenging program, during a time in my life where I had many personal challenges. With a lot of support from my family, I was able to graduate and pass 3 board certifications.​​​​​
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What are your biggest takeaways from your experience as a manager?
I've learned several key lessons from my experience as a manager. First, it's crucial for your team to trust in your leadership. Aligning the organization's goals with the personal advancement goals of your team members is essential for mutual success. Building trust and leading by example are fundamental to achieving collective goals. Handling inevitable challenges with care and confidence is important, and maintaining flexibility and adaptability helps create a stable and supportive work environment.
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What consulting expertise do you provide outside of coaching?
​Outside of coaching, I offer consulting expertise in establishing and scaling small businesses. My experience with multiple startups has given me valuable insights into building the foundational structures necessary for growth. I find it both enjoyable and rewarding to help businesses develop these crucial elements and witness their success.
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