Stacie Paulson

I attribute so much of my success to my parents. We are a small, close-knit family and they have showed up for me in every way possible from day one. I am lucky enough to say that I can’t think of a time when they weren’t fully in my corner. Even during times that may not have been easy, I never felt we were lacking. They created such a sense of stability and that positivity shaped how I see the world. That foundation gave me the confidence to do great things, make them proud, and believe in myself. It’s something I carry with me in everything I do.

The best advice I’ve received isn’t a polished quote, but it’s a moment that still makes me smile and has stayed with me for years. "In [our] work, the stakes aren’t life-or-death. It’s okay to make mistakes and learn from them."

It sounds extreme, but it’s grounding. Early in my career I was beating myself up over a task I forgot to do. My dear coworker turned to me and asked, “Did anyone die?” I was shocked and confidently (yet confusingly,) said no. That is when she replied, “Exactly.”

In high-pressure moments, it helps me step back and remember that while my work matters, it doesn’t have to be perfect to be impactful. We’re human, we make mistakes, we learn, and most things can be fixed. That moment continues to remind me that I need to give myself grace, especially as someone who struggles with anxiety, and focus on moving forward.

Don’t spread yourself thin trying to meet everyone else’s expectations. Take a step back and recognize the value of what you’re already doing. Be intentional about where you invest your time and energy. You only get one life and it’s important to build something you’re genuinely proud of! When you focus on what truly matters to you, you’ll naturally find yourself in the right opportunities and environments where you are genuinely fulfilled.

One of the biggest challenges right now is navigating the complexity of the world we’re living in. It’s not just one issue, but handfuls of everything, everywhere, all at once - THAT can feel overwhelming. Especially as a mom, a spouse, a daughter, a friend, and someone who is navigating their own life!

At the same time, this complexity creates opportunity. It pushes us to ask: What role can I play in making a positive impact? Where can I make a difference? When I get overwhelmed, I try to focus on being one small part of positive change. Instead of focusing on the things I can't do, I enjoy knowing that even small, consistent actions can contribute to something bigger.

Authenticity is a core value of mine - both personally and professionally. This is mainly because I show up as 'Stacie' everywhere I go because that’s honest and sustainable. I’ve never been someone who goes along with things that doesn’t feel right or clash with my morals. In every area of my life, I believe in treating people with respect, speaking up when it matters, and staying aligned with my values - even when it’s uncomfortable as those are the times when it usually means the most.

This approach isn’t always the easiest path, but it’s one I’m proud of. At the end of the day, I want to know that I stayed true to myself. If that ever costs me an opportunity, it’s not one I was meant to have.