Stephanie Gillis-Paulgaard, Founder and Chief Strategist, Take Roots Consulting
As a Founder and Chief Strategist, I bring over 20 years of experience in the communications industry. In addition, I hold a public relations diploma from MacEwan University in 2005 and a bachelor's degree in psychology from Cape Breton University, formerly University College of Cape Breton, in 1994.
A lifelong learner, I successfully completed my Canadian Securities Course and attended the intensive 5-day Richard Ivey School of Business for strategic management of investor relations program at Western University.
My background comprises roles as strategic communications counsel, corporate reputation management, public affairs, media relations strategy, and as an instructor.
Since incorporating Take Roots Consulting in 2015, I have led projects that have received international attention, including coverage in Sports Illustrated, The Washington Post, The National Post, The New York Times, and The Globe and Mail, to name a few. My clients are from diverse industries, including life sciences, health, post-secondary, technology, and economic development.
What is your favourite social media platform, and why?
I've been leaning into Instagram for the last year or so. Thoroughly enjoy engaging and building my community. There is so much value exchange on the platform. Some people are meant to do things alone. Other people are meant to do things together. I'm lucky I get to do both.
Tell us about you and your current role or area of interest.
As a strategist, I get to be at the table and take part in fundamental conversations about growing a business and a brand. Then, whether pitching story ideas to media outlets or managing a crisis, I can adapt those experiences to new scenarios.
I get to be curious and ask hard questions. You know what they say: you don't become a better strategist by studying strategy. You become a better strategist by doing it.
What do you like about your career or area of focus?
You can't fix what you don't measure. So, before I provide my clients with the solution, I want to help them understand the problem they need to solve. Building capacity and adding value is at the heart of my work, whether that capacity is for a learning organization, a learning individual, or a learning community. And boy, do we need the capacity to think differently about almost everything. I find my capacity to do good work is directly related to the value I feel in my professional life.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
Honestly, it will sound silly, but one of my past managers told me to get my work to 80% and stop trying to get it to my version of 100%. He reminded me that I would always want to edit it, to improve it because I care so much. It was liberating.
What inspires you, motivates you, or helps you to move forward?
My family, hands down, are my daily inspiration. My need to push myself to be uncomfortable motivates me; if it scares me, then I have to do it.
What are you proud of in your life so far?
Coming from a small town, I can say that seeing my name appear in The New York Times was certainly a bucket list item. Being a parent has pushed me to grow in so many ways; those lessons have come in handy in the business world. Who knew!
What is your preferred way to meet new people/network?
I've never been a big fan of in-person networking events where it felt more about how many business cards you could give out instead of how many 'real' connections or possible collaborations could be formed. So... apps like Clubhouse and TikTok have been a welcomed addition to networking.
What skills or qualities do you feel have helped you?
Perseverance and stubbornness, the ability to work through a problem, knowing that there is always a solution. It may not come to you right away. You may need to sit with it for a while, or, in my case, I may 'lace up' and hit a trail to work through an issue, but if you're willing to sit with the hard stuff, it gets easier.
What do you wish you had known when you started out?
When I look back, not just as an entrepreneur, but as far back as my teenage years, I wish someone had explained to me not to put so much value into what other people thought of me or my decisions.
That fear of judgement held me back for many, many years. And while I like to think I've got that all sorted out, there are still days that it creeps in, but I don't let it take up as much space as it once did. To me, that's progress.
Who do you most admire in business, academic or creative circles and why?
I appreciate individuals who truly show up to serve. Yes, there are big names on that list, including Simon Sinek and Brene Brown, for their wisdom and insights on leadership. Still, I also look at some of the people surrounding me on social media with small followings that give back to their communities every day in their own unique way.
To me, that's a meaningful impact. When there aren't any books to sell or courses to fill, they just show up and share knowledge that has taken them years, if not decades, to learn in hopes of making someone else's journey a little easier.
Outside of your professional/work area, what hobbies or interests do you have or what other areas of your life are of real importance to you?
I am an ultra-runner. In many ways, I consider it my therapy. It stretches me. I've completed multiple 50k (30mile) races and, just this past July, completed my furthest distance yet, 80k (50 miles).
Has the pandemic had a positive or a negative effect on you and/or your business, and how have you managed it?
Overnight, I lost a significant amount of my business. 2020 was very much the year of the pivot. I found myself with a lot of my 'free time' on my hands. It was time to look at the bucket list that I never had time for and start moving the needle on some of those potential projects.
I launched a podcast. I threw myself into TikTok. I created new service offerings. I spent time fuelling my soul. I'm still doing all of those things and more, new courses, new platforms (Clubhouse) and seeking out collaborators that also have a 'service first' mindset.
Do you have a mentor, or have you ever mentored anyone?
I have had several people who have referred to me as their mentor. It's always made me a bit uncomfortable if I'm being honest.
What advice would you have for someone looking to get into the same area of work or interests?
Don't be scared of the hard work. Embrace it.
What do you feel is the most common reason people fail or give up?
The notion that success happens quickly or that, in some way, they 'deserve' it. In my humble opinion, it all stems from the ego.
Is there a phrase, quote or a saying that you really like?
"Feel the fear and do it anyway."
What companies, brands, or institutions do you like or do you think are getting it right?
That's a tough one. But, generally, I would say those companies or brands that lead with the understanding that diversity, inclusion and equality should be the pillars of their core values.
How do you define success, and what lessons have you learned so far that you could share with our audience/readership?
Success is based on impact.
Show up consistently to serve.
Focus on creating value for someone else.