Our CEO

Paula is passionate about empowering others; it’s in her DNA.

Winding the clock back, Paula’s mission to help others take life by the reigns, likely stemmed from her own eager start on the corporate ladder. Leaving school at 16, she was determined to start her adult life as early as possible and leave behind the tough lessons she’d learned in the school yard. Little did she know that standing up to young bullies in the classroom would be a valuable skill to conjure later in boardrooms the world over.

Her corporate career has seen Paula navigate award-winning success through seizing chance, working damn hard and, of course, the invaluable support of her initial mentors. A veteran CFO, Paula has donned a suit for 25+ years holding senior executive positions across large multinationals and smaller ASX listed businesses. The result? Witnessing the same challenges across every business no matter the size, sector, or perceived complexity – she quickly realised that although the problems could be diverse, solutions were often similar.

Aside from the commonalities, her experience at executive and board level allows Paula to see – and communicate – the importance of big picture strategy. A skill she discovered is not limited to finance, for it has laid the foundation of all her endeavours. Her super-powers are being decisive, simplifying the complex and unleashing the extraordinary in others. Her boundless energy and inspiring motivation is contagious with those whom she connects and works with.

The lightbulb moment came when she realised that the value amongst all this was in fact her and not in the company she worked for. And she has been helping people realise this ever since. From penning whitepapers to giving keynotes and developing mentoring programs; Paula harnesses her extensive experience to help others to become more, see more and do more.

It is perhaps the lack of female role models in her formative years that prompted her to seek and surround herself with inspiring women and later, culminated in her becoming a role model herself.

From founding PK Advisory and CFO Conversations in 2018 to becoming the CEO of the LBD Group not long after in 2019, it doesn’t take a detective to spot the pattern. The traits which seep through all of Paula’s business ventures are the same, connecting and empowering others. It is her contagious enthusiasm and passionate belief in people that inspires them to become spirited, determined, and more valuable contributors to their organisations and towards personal goals – whatever they may be.

Practicing what she preaches, she’s never quite finished… Engrained in her is the importance of 360 degree views across business, self, and the need to evolve and adapt with the worlds ever mutating landscape. This drew her to step up as CEO at LBD with great excitement as she plans to take it, and its members, to the next level.

So, what’s in store for LBD, and you as members?

Support, growth, adaptation and a little fun. Because when women are supported, empowered and encouraged to always be bigger, better and stronger – everyone succeeds. Globally.