Hi, I’m Paula. Optimistic Realist and Extroverted Introvert. I specialize in helping leaders Cultivate Insight and Influence Change in their lives and organizations so they can transform their relationships and results through courageous conversation and reach their highest potential.
A little bit of grace and grit, I blend “book smarts” with “street smarts” offering a practical, down-to-earth, and non-judgmental space to explore your thoughts. I view our connection as a partnership. I will walk alongside you as you gain clarity and confidence around what matters most. Above all, I enjoy co-creating brave new beginnings, and extraordinary results, with courage and curiosity.
Experience
With decades of leadership experience, I’ve had the privilege of working with leaders at every level—from the front line to the C-Suite—across a range of industries and organizations, and from small businesses to large, global companies. My expertise includes leadership development, facilitation and training, human resources management, and partnering with business executives to drive organizational evolution.
I’ve had the opportunity to build departments and teams from the ground-up, lead and contribute to large-scale projects, and develop systems and structures that created clarity and “organized chaos”. Whether working within established frameworks or creating new ones, I’m passionate about helping organizations and leaders grow, thrive and achieve sustainable success through thoughtful, strategic leadership.
Education and Certifications
With a deep commitment to continuous growth, I leverage my education in all areas of my life. I’m a certified executive and organizational development coach (ICF-ACC), earned my M.A. in Organizational Leadership from Bethel University, and am a certified trainer for: Dare to Lead™, InsideOut Coaching™, Insights Discovery™, #IamRemarkable®, Myers Briggs Type Indicator™ (MBTI), Crucial Conversations for Mastering Dialogue™ and Franklin Covey’s The 6 Critical Practices of Leading a Team™. I am currently working towards my PCC-level accreditation through the International Coaching Federation (ICF) and enjoy speaking at conferences when opportunities arise.
What Matters Most
I make my home in Minneapolis by Lake Nokomis with my two furry roommates, Vivian and Josephine. I love lake life, slow mornings with hot coffee, sunshine, and tacos. I believe any day is a good day when it involves reading, singing, gardening, hiking, and helping other people learn.
Values
Integrity
“Integrity is choosing courage over comfort; choosing what is right over what is fun, fast, or easy; and choosing to practice our values rather than simply professing them.” ~ Brené Brown, Rising Strong
This definition of Integrity is my North Star. I’m not afraid to do hard things or speak up. I am fiercely committed to living and working with integrity, even if it is hard. Especially if it is hard.
Learning
I am insatiably curious and I love learning – about people, places, culture and things that make this world diversely rich and beautiful. An academic at heart, I love all things educational: Ted Talks, RSA Shorts, trainings and conferences etc. Most of all, I love listening to, and learning from, people’s stories.
Home
I moved a lot as a kid. A lot. 3 states, 5 cities, 7 houses, and 9 schools before I was 18 years old. The only Home I knew was my grandparent’s home in Minot, N.D. They had a little green house on the corner of 11th Ave SE with a baby’s breath bush outside the steps, a clothesline in the yard, and rhubarb growing in the garden. Their home was as humble as they were: a faith-centric, farming family full of love, community, and homemade iced gingerbread men with red hots for buttons.
My Home is sacred ground for me. I don’t take for granted the importance of being firmly rooted to friends, family and community. It is everything.
Paula Grace, Executive Coach and Consultant 