Paula M. Van Cleve
Paula Van Cleve is a dynamic and inspirational leader with a 26-year career at Intel, where she delivered global business value through technology adoption, process improvement, and strategic change initiatives. Her professional focus has always centered on meeting organizational change as opportunity, preparing leaders for the risks of transformation, and combining analytical and creative approaches to land change successfully. She has extensive experience in agile program and project management, stakeholder engagement, and leading complex global transformations.
Since retiring from corporate life, Paula has continued to leverage her expertise through consulting and start-up engagements, helping organizations and teams navigate change and improve business outcomes. Passionate about health and wellness, she has transformed her own life by reversing osteoporosis through strength training and nutrition, and she is now pursuing certification as a NASM personal trainer, sharing her journey to inspire others to prioritize longevity and fitness.
Paula earned her Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Washington, specializing in organizational development and information systems. She is recognized for her leadership and influence, having received the Intel Quality Award for initiatives that accelerated skills adoption and transformation across IT. Her philosophy of blending science, art, and human engagement informs both her professional work and her personal mission to empower others to thrive through change.
• Certified SAFe® 5 Lean Portfolio Manager
• Certified SAFe® 4 Agilist
• Certified Usability Analyst
• ADKAR
• University of Washington - Bachelor of Business Administration (BA), Org Development and Information Systems
• Recipient, Intel Quality Award
• Volunteer leadership involvement at Intel (Quality Award-winning task force) Expanding presence in health and wellness communities and social media platforms
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the adaptability I developed growing up in a military family, which taught me how to embrace change and thrive in evolving environments. I have a strong ability to translate between technical teams and business leaders, ensuring alignment and clear communication across diverse stakeholders. I am deeply committed to continuous learning, reinvention, and resilience, and I credit the ongoing support of my family—along with my personal discipline around health and wellness—as essential foundations that allow me to perform at my best.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to focus on my strengths rather than my weaknesses and intentionally build a career around what I do best. I was also encouraged to be willing to experiment, continue learning, and evolve over time instead of staying static, which has helped me grow and adapt as opportunities change.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would encourage young women entering the industry to use tools such as Myers-Briggs or Working Genius to better understand their strengths and what truly energizes them. Focus on building those strengths, experiment with different roles, and give yourself grace as you learn and grow. Most importantly, speak up with confidence and tact—especially when you find yourself as the only woman in the room—because your perspective and voice are valuable.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in the field right now is the rapid pace of technology transformation and organizational change, which can outpace an organization’s ability to adapt. Another ongoing challenge is ensuring true adoption of new technologies—not just completing training or communications, but driving real behavioral change. There is also a continued need for greater gender equity and representation in technology leadership.
At the same time, there are significant opportunities. The growing demand for change management expertise is critical to the success of digital transformation initiatives. There is also increasing opportunity for professionals to reinvent their careers post-retirement, bringing deep experience into new roles. Additionally, the expanding focus on health, wellness, and longevity leadership presents meaningful opportunities to support and influence aging populations.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life include the courage to embrace change and pursue new opportunities, even when they feel uncertain. I place a high value on confidence and authenticity, particularly in male-dominated industries where it’s important to show up fully and genuinely. I am also deeply committed to lifelong learning, growth, and reinvention, and I prioritize health, vitality, and intentional living—especially as guiding principles in retirement.
Locations
Retired
Chandler, AZ 85248