Today we’d like to introduce you to Paula Shepherd.
Hi Paula, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Growing up, I did everything in my power not to make waves. I was the epitome of a good girl, going out of my way to please others to gain recognition, whether as a straight-A student, graduated number 4 in my class, National Honors Society, or captain of the varsity cheer team. I was not the popular kid in school, but I couldn’t be placed into any category either. Music was essential to me, and I loved being on a stage, whether singing, dancing, acting, or musical theatre. Being on stage felt like a way to express myself creatively and fill others with possibility, joy, and empowerment.
It was no surprise to others I auditioned and was selected for the music program at my first choice college. My dad struggled with the idea of music as a career, even if the fallback was as an educator. It seemed like it needed to be more lucrative as a career. So, after a year of hearing the doubts, I began to doubt my ability to be one of the few who could make it and, with his consistent suggestion, modified my major. Four years later, I graduated with a communications degree emphasizing public relations. Not quite the stage I was hoping for, but it would have to do. The job market in 2001 could have been better, and I could not find a job close to what I’d prepared for. I attempted to find whatever I could get.
Although working as a special events manager for non-profits and private companies and an event consultant was so much fun, the concept of doing more, being more, and making more that had been drilled into me took hold. Through my sister, I found a position with a global government contractor, aligning my event planning and relationship skills with the position. Nearly 2 decades later, I found myself unfulfilled and wondering how I got here. Despite my desire and attempts to improve the culture, I continued to hit dead ends.
I started my company at the pandemic’s beginning while still working full-time. When most were uncertain about what was next, I was creating goals for myself to escape from what I knew I could not continue to do anymore. By the end of July 2020, I had left my full-time position and was coaching private clients and group coaching programs from folks across the globe, facilitating workshops I’d created, and hosting a highly-rated podcast. While I’d accomplished success on my terms, being at home behind the screen felt isolating, and I yearned for the energy of in-person events. That excitement of being on a stage and interacting with others in a way that shifted their thinking so they could take what they’ve learned and share it with others could not be ignored. So, in August 2022, I began my formal career as a keynote speaker, focused on bold communication, self-leadership, and helping teams learn to create psychological safety and trust. Today, I speak primarily to those in traditionally male-dominated industries, such as technology, sharing new ways to think about old structures and providing the tools that give them the space to innovate their solutions without rigid how-to’s.
Alright, let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
It could have been a smoother road. I’d spent so many years having others direct my work that autonomy was liberating and strange. My business increased and was thriving until our family endured a very traumatic event. Working was difficult, and I could barely think straight. I started to realize that working from home all of the time, even though I was constantly in communication with people on Zoom, phone, or text chats, physical isolation was not healthy for me. During this time, I had to make the difficult decision to burn my business to the ground and start over. It was terrifying, but I knew I needed to make a change, although I wasn’t sure what that looked like then, which made the decision even scarier. Ultimately, it was risky, but it allowed me to stay true to myself and my values. My focus was always on doing the right thing for me and for my clients. This turned out to be the best move, and despite the rocky road, I planted a seed for the next right thing to grow – and it did.
Let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I empower high achievers to become rebel leaders. While most leadership experts focus on traditional hierarchal structures, I prefer to flatten that where people feel the autonomy of being self-aware and self-led. This requires psychological safety, trust, and the risk of bold communication. I’m known for encouraging people to embrace conflict with this paradigm shift. Silence creates a false relationship built on mistrust, disrespect, and dishonesty. Nothing sustainable is built on a lie. My ability to establish trust, go deep quickly with clients, and see them realize how powerful their ideas and voice are almost right away is one of my proudest achievements. I genuinely care more about the experience of those I support and interact with and put that first vs. a financial goal. I’ve also built, grown, and created an impact without social media marketing since 2022.
We love surprises, fun facts, and unexpected stories. Can you share something that might surprise us?
This is a hard one because I’m pretty much an open book. But I think most people don’t know that I had a bilateral prophylactic mastectomy when I was 37 years old and went back to work a week later. I share that because it’s now crazy to believe that was okay. Unfortunately, I convinced myself that if I didn’t get back to work quickly, they might realize they didn’t need me. I never want anyone to put anything above their health and well-being. Ever.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thecourageblueprint.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/be_fearless_with_paula
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/befearlesswithPaula
- Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/befearlesswithpaula
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCt24TSE2gs8skl-uSpba2TA
- Other: https://pod.link/1551635449
