Paula Bowie, Solutions Principal, Business Transformation Advisory at Pigment, shares her thoughts on women leading authentically and her understanding of leadership.

She reflects on finding her voice in male-dominated spaces, learning that effort alone isn’t enough, and why real relationships matter more than ever.

Her mantra? Be present. Communicate your impact. Give before you get.

To drive gender equity, she calls on male allies to move from intention to action, because women shouldn’t be expected to do it alone. Read more from Paula here…

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What has been your career-defining moment as a woman in business?

Working under the leadership of Heidi Miller during her tenure leading Treasury & Securities Services at JPMorgan Chase. For the first time, I experienced a leadership team with a female CFO, CIO, and head of FP&A.

It was eye-opening to work alongside senior women who could comfortably engage in deep technical discussions while also enjoying a casual chat about a favourite outfit or pair of shoes. Heidi also gave us access to a broader network of senior women, several of whom I remain connected to today.

Were there any obstacles you had to overcome as a woman in business?

“That didn’t work. What am I going to try next?”

I’ve never seen obstacles as roadblocks, just signals to try a different approach. My mindset has always been, “That didn’t work. What am I going to try next?”

That said, I often felt different, unsure where I fit in. There simply weren’t many women in the roles I aspired to, which led me to model workplace behaviours that didn’t reflect who I really was. Early on, that likely sent mixed signals to people who could have influenced my career progression.

What advice would you give to a younger woman looking to join your industry?

1. Know the difference between effort and impact.

I assumed that following the rules and working hard would lead to recognition. I was wrong. Progress only came when I learned to clearly communicate and demonstrate the impact I was having.

2. Invest in authentic, trust-based relationships.

The relationships you build before you need them will be the ones that sustain you when challenges arise. “Give before you get” is a powerful motto to live by.

If you could do one thing to accelerate gender equality, what would it be?

"Gender equity isn’t something women can, will, or should tackle alone."

We need to do more to mobilize male allies, not just in words, but in action. Gender equity isn’t something women can, will, or should tackle alone.

We need our brothers, fathers, and grandfathers, those who care about the women in their lives, to step up with specific, visible actions that drive change.

What compelled you to attend a Panelle event?

Panelle has a strong reputation for bringing together senior executives, primarily women, for candid, strategic dialogue in a truly supportive environment. At the last event I attended, the combination of shared insight, experience, and positive energy was transformative.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

"Life is a marathon, not a sprint."

Life is a marathon, not a sprint. For too long, I believed I had to “arrive” somewhere before I could start truly living. It took an MBA counsellor to challenge that mindset by asking, “What if you never reach that destination?” That moment helped me see that the journey itself is where life happens, and it’s worth living fully, now.

Also, don’t compare your path to others. We each move at our own pace, toward different destinations. What matters is whether your journey feels meaningful and fulfilling.

What’s your go-to advice for preventing burnout?

Sleep is non-negotiable, and my brain thanks me daily.

I also prioritize mindfulness. I meditate daily, set intentions for how I use my time, and aim to be fully present, whether I’m at work or with my family. I’ve significantly reduced phone use and stepped away from most social media. I’ve been “social media sober” since 2017, and the clarity it brings is worth it.

Why is it important for women to help other women win?

If we’re not lifting each other up, why would we expect anyone else to?

"Representation isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s a business imperative."

On a more strategic note, diverse teams, with varied approaches to problem-solving and risk, consistently deliver stronger results. Women often bring a collaborative mindset and thoughtful risk tolerance that are essential for long-term success. Representation isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s a business imperative.

Spotlight a woman who has inspired you or made space for you.

I’m going to break the “choose one” rule and share my top five. These women have inspired me, supported me, and shown what’s possible:

Heidi Miller

Melissa Moore

Rachelle Keller

Nina Knezevic

Sandie O’Connor

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