Paula started coaching and developing leaders in 2005 as an organizational leader in a missional nonprofit organization.
With 30+ years of leadership experience in corporate and nonprofit settings, including a C-Suite role as Chief Culture Officer, Paula has a proven record in leadership development, organizational change, strategy, diversity and inclusion, and communication. Her career pivot to coaching was a natural fit and an opportunity to continue her commitment to human flourishing.
As an Executive Coach, Paula helps individuals leverage their strengths and the unique, personal difference each one brings to the table. This approach increases fulfillment in life, work, and leadership contribution to the organization’s mission. Her greatest joy is supporting leaders who are desiring transformational change and ready to take the necessary steps to achieve their dreams.
Paula divides her time between the San Francisco Bay Area and Trinidad & Tobago, the birthplace of her husband, Philip. Their marriage is a melding of her African American West Coast and his Afro-Caribbean heritage and experiences. Paula recharges by spending time in nature, cooking and sharing meals with family and friends, and serving others.
Education & Credentials
- MBA, Stanford Graduate School of Business
- BS, University of California, Berkeley
- Master of Divinity, Fuller Theological Seminary)
Clients that have benefited from Paula’s support include Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board, World Relief, Oxford Centre for Mission Studies, InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, Sunrise Therapy Center, Living Connected MBS, Inc., and Truth’s Table Foundation.
Client Testimonials
“I have known Paula for five years. The past three years we have collaborated to deliver a year-long leadership development experience for executives working in global non-profit organizations. Paula is an excellent coach in both formal and informal interactions. She is relentlessly encouraging, bringing a powerful presence of hope and possibility. She is intuitive and discerning, helping leaders move quickly to the heart of challenges they are working on. She is a player-coach, with deep empathy born from years of being refined in the crucible of her own organizational leadership experiences. She understands first-hand the pressures of executive leadership. With all her experience and wisdom, she still shows up in a way that makes her clients know she is on their side. I highly recommend her as an Executive Coach.”
Josiah Watters, Program Dean, Integrated Mission Leadership (IML) Program
“As a new executive, working with Paula over the past 16 months has been transformative. She has made me a more effective and strategic leader, coaching me to bring my full range of gifts and talents to benefit the entire organization. Paula is a wise and perceptive sounding board, able to untangle the jumbled stressors and inefficiencies I share with her and pinpoint the key levers I can pull to create meaningful changes, especially in moments where I have felt stuck or unclear.
What I value most is Paula’s deep understanding of human nature and organizational systems. Her coaching has helped me engage more thoughtfully with fellow executives and lead my team in healthier, more productive, and less anxious ways. After every session with Paula, I leave with clarity and renewed focus, which has been instrumental in driving relational wins that, in turn, strengthen strategic and business outcomes. I manage myself and my leadership energy better because I work with Paula.
I also appreciate Paula’s ability to celebrate progress. Her thoughtful notes and observations often make her the first to recognize and call out major accomplishments, encouraging me to celebrate my own wins and highlight my team’s successes.
It is no exaggeration to say that I would not have lasted this long in my role without Paula’s support. Her guidance has been a lifeline, and I am incredibly grateful for her insight, encouragement, and partnership.”
Lanre Willams-Ayedun, Senior Vice President
“I came to Paula seeking support and accountability to help me improve my leadership skills and reduce the overwhelming stress I had been experiencing. My coaching experience with Paula Fuller has been transformative! I appreciate Paula’s supportive, kind, but direct approach. Paula is an excellent listener and helps me hear myself. I am impressed by her knowledge, creativity, and wisdom. I leave our meetings feeling empowered and with obtainable goals and specific strategies. Finally, I chose to work with Paula because I wanted to work with a coach who was familiar with my cultural background. I look forward to continuing to strengthen my confidence as the leader of my business.”
Akiah T. R. Selwa, LMFT, CEO