Paulina Cameron could not have written the script where she would be today. She looks back at what she cared about deeply. In that case, it makes absolute sense through careers and entrepreneurial endeavors, striving to be open to opportunities that held the possibility for growth, learning, relationship building, and impact. Whether it be working at KPMG or publishing a bestselling book, or stepping into a CEO role while four months pregnant, she has considered how to lead with her strengths, surround herself with a community of support to succeed, and has remained in deep learning mode.
The most rewarding mentorship relationships for her are the ones that feel reciprocal, forward-oriented, and substantive. She always appreciates hearing conversations that are valuable and the impact they make.
Paulina generally doesn’t subscribe to any advice that tells women to be one way or another or only one leadership model. She most admires the women as leaders who have a deep level of self-awareness, a great understanding of their values and strengths, and lead from emotional intelligence, kindness, and vision while staying true to who they uniquely are.
“As I look around me, it feels clear that for all of us to hold lightly to our expectations while caring deeply about the impact we want to creates space for fortitude, responding to challenges, and leading bravely,” she relates with confidence. “I hope that the next generation of women feels like they have within them the permission and the fortitude to stand for their values, speak their voice, and stay in integrity to themselves.”
Paulina Cameron, CPA, CA, is a CEO, Board Director, Advisor, Investor, and visionary. As CEO of The Forum, Paulina leads a Canadian national organization that educates, mentors, and connects women entrepreneurs to thrive. She is the author of bestselling Canada 150 Women: conversations with champions, leaders, and luminaries; and was the co-founder and president of Young Women in Business. Paulina is the Chair of the Board of the Immigrant Employment Council of BC. It serves on the Board of Directors for the YWCA Metro Vancouver and the Government of British Columbia’s Small Business Roundtable. She has been recognized in the community by being selected as Business in Vancouver’s Top 40 Under 40 2019, and being awarded the BC Business 2019 Most Influential Women in Finance Award, the Vancouver Board of Trade’s inaugural Wendy McDonald Award, The International Alliance for Women Top 100 Award in Washington DC, the KPMG National Leadership Award, and the YWCA’s Women of Distinction Awards.
“My mum has shown me that strength is not loud, not always visible from the outside, but often demonstrated in seemingly invisible moments, often unnoticed,” she states with thoughtfulness. “I am so grateful for my mom, who continues to show me what putting family first looks like with deep love and outstanding commitment.”
