Her Story
About Paula
Paula Thompson has built an exceptional career spanning more than 40 years as a trusted executive professional, supporting senior leaders across multiple industries and earning a reputation for excellence, discretion, and unwavering reliability. She began her career in February 1985 with Alliance Capital as an administrative assistant, just six months after welcoming her first son. At only 21 years old, newly married, and without a college degree, Paula was determined to create opportunities through hard work, perseverance, and a commitment to continuous growth.
As she balanced raising three children while advancing professionally, Paula developed the resilience, adaptability, and organizational expertise that would define her career. Following the merger of her longtime employer in 2007, she embraced change as an opportunity rather than a setback, successfully launching a new chapter that broadened her professional reach and influence. The relationships she built over decades proved invaluable, with several executives continuing to seek her support long after their retirement—a testament to the trust, confidence, and respect she earned throughout her career.
Paula's career has been defined not only by professional achievement but also by personal resilience. Along the way, she overcame two battles with cancer while remaining dedicated to her family, her work, and the people who depended on her. These experiences strengthened her appreciation for faith, family, and the importance of making a positive impact on others.
Today, Paula is recognized not only for what she accomplishes, but for how she accomplishes it—with integrity, compassion, and a genuine commitment to helping others succeed. Her story is a powerful reminder that influence is not always found in titles or recognition, but in the trust we earn, the relationships we build, and the lives we touch along the way.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Paula
01What do you attribute your success to?
My success is rooted in resilience, strong relationships, and a commitment to continuous growth. I began my career in 1985 as an administrative assistant at Alliance Capital at 21 years old. Newly married, a young mother, and without a college degree, I was determined to build a meaningful career through hard work, dedication, and perseverance.
Over the years, while raising my children and advancing professionally, I learned the importance of adaptability, consistency, and maintaining a positive outlook. Those qualities guided me through both opportunities and challenges, including a company merger that resulted in a layoff after more than two decades of service. What could have been a setback instead became a turning point. The executives I supported valued my work so highly that many continued their professional relationships with me for years afterward—relationships built on trust, reliability, and mutual respect.
Even through significant personal challenges, including two battles with cancer, I remained committed to my work, my family, and the people who depended on me. Those experiences deepened my appreciation for faith, resilience, and the importance of meaningful relationships.
Today, I take great pride in the trust I have earned throughout my career while supporting senior leaders and helping them successfully manage their business and personal priorities. Looking back, I believe my greatest accomplishment is not simply the longevity of my career, but the lasting relationships and confidence I have built along the way.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Take care of your reputation. The way you treat people and the trust you earn will follow you throughout your career and often create opportunities you never expected.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Believe in yourself and don't be afraid to take on new challenges, even when they push you outside your comfort zone. Some of the greatest opportunities in my career came from being willing to step into the unknown and learn something new. Never stop learning, because every experience—both good and bad—helps you grow.
Build strong relationships and protect your reputation. The way you treat people, the trust you earn, and the integrity you demonstrate will often create opportunities that no job title ever could. There will be setbacks along the way, but resilience and perseverance are just as important as talent.
Most importantly, be your own advocate and recognize the value you bring. Work hard, trust yourself, and never underestimate the impact you can have through dedication, professionalism, and a genuine commitment to helping others succeed.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge is keeping pace with constant change. The workplace today looks very different than it did when I started my career in 1985. The biggest opportunity is that technology allows us to be more productive and connected than ever before. The key is embracing change rather than being intimidated by it.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I realize that many of my answers come back to the same themes—relationships, trust, resilience, and perseverance—but that's because those values have truly shaped both my career and my life. Over more than 40 years, I've learned that while industries, technology, and workplaces change, the qualities that matter most remain the same. The trust you earn, the way you treat people, and your ability to persevere through challenges are what create lasting success and meaningful impact.
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