Paula Morand is an award-winning keynote speaker, author, and visionary whose work has inspired individuals, organizations, and communities to embrace growth, innovation, and impact. For more than two decades, she has combined practical strategies with contagious energy, helping leaders unlock their potential and businesses chart bold new paths to success.
As a serial entrepreneur, Morand understands the challenges and opportunities of scaling a vision from the ground up. Her book, Bold Vision: A Leader’s Playbook for Managing Growth, is more than a guide—it’s a mindset shift and a call to action for those ready to think bigger and lead bolder. Previously featured in The Edge, A Leader’s Magazine, Morand sat down with us again to share deeper insights on leadership, innovation, and sustaining growth in an ever-changing world.
What is Bold Vision: A Leader’s Playbook for Managing Growth about?
It’s about change and growth on both personal and business levels. We’ve had our lives conditioned to believe that change is difficult and something to resist, but I believe none of us should stay stuck in the status quo. We should adapt, innovate, and see the world in new ways. The key to growth—whether in leadership or business—is learning to see yourself and your environment in a different light. The book offers tools and perspectives to help leaders make that shift. It’s not a strict step-by-step manual but rather an immersive reading experience designed to create a lasting mindset change.
This book focuses on both business growth and leadership. How do you see the two as related?
They’re inseparable. Every entrepreneur must step into the role of a leader if they want their company to scale. And every leader, before they can inspire others, must know how to lead themselves. Growth requires clarity—knowing why and how you want to grow—along with the ability to identify and seize opportunities. That takes curiosity, courage, and the willingness to look beyond the obvious. When you understand that connection, you stop thinking of leadership as a title and start thinking of it as a responsibility to yourself, your team, and your vision.
You’ve had an extraordinary career as a multi-award-winning entrepreneur, author, and speaker. How do you keep your message fresh and innovative?
Innovation requires persistence. Great ideas rarely follow a straight path; they take you down long, winding roads filled with obstacles. The key is not giving up when you hit those bumps. I also spend a lot of time listening—listening to my clients, my peers, and even people outside my industry. Sometimes the most innovative ideas come from unexpected places. For example, one of my best leadership workshops was inspired by a conversation with a community volunteer. Staying curious keeps me fresh, and staying committed keeps the work meaningful.
Authentic leadership means keeping your eyes forward, anchoring your decisions in the present and the possibilities ahead, rather than the limitations behind you. Leaders who embrace that mindset are the ones who consistently find ways to innovate and inspire.
In your experience, what distinguishes today’s most effective leaders?
Effective leaders anchor themselves to the present, not the past. Many businesses, when planning for growth, start by analyzing last year’s numbers. While it’s essential to understand your history, relying on the past as the foundation for future growth can keep you trapped in the status quo. Authentic leadership means keeping your eyes forward—anchoring decisions in the present and the possibilities ahead, rather than the limitations behind you. Leaders who embrace that mindset are the ones who consistently find ways to innovate and inspire.
How do you define business growth?
Growth is about creating opportunities. It’s about finding ways to serve more people, expand your offerings, and build new revenue streams. It’s also about surrounding yourself with the right people to help you achieve your vision. The reality is that businesses that stop growing start shrinking. Staying still isn’t sustainable because the market is constantly evolving. Growth keeps you relevant, resilient, and ready.
What is the one question leaders and entrepreneurs should keep asking to maintain a growth mindset?
The question is simple: “What else is possible?” When you open yourself to possibility, you break free from limiting beliefs. This mindset not only reframes your perspective but also positions you to identify opportunities that others might overlook. It’s the spark that fuels authentic growth.
Why is the growth phase more critical than the start-up phase?
The growth phase is where we build sustainability. Start-ups often get a lot of attention, but the real challenge—and reward—lies in scaling. Statistics show that eight out of 10 businesses fail within three years, often because they plateau after a strong start. The businesses that succeed are those that remain agile, embrace innovation, and continually strive toward new milestones. The growth phase is where leaders either cement their legacy or risk losing everything they’ve built.
Does leadership style matter when it comes to growth?
Any leadership style can drive growth. Whether you’re bold and outspoken or quiet and strategic, the key is to align your growth mindset with your unique style. What matters most is courage—the willingness to switch lanes, take calculated risks, and lead with intention. Growth is less about mimicking someone else’s leadership style and more about being authentic while staying open to change.
Many leaders face setbacks along their journey. What role has resilience played in your own growth?
Resilience has been everything for me. There were times in my entrepreneurial journey when it would have been easier to walk away—when challenges felt insurmountable. But those moments taught me that resilience isn’t about being unshaken; it’s about finding the strength to move forward even when you feel uncertain. Every setback offers a lesson. I’ve learned to ask myself, “What can I take from this experience that will make me stronger?” That mindset shift turns adversity into opportunity, and that’s where actual growth begins.
During your career, you’ve mentored countless entrepreneurs. What advice would you offer to those just starting out?
I always tell new entrepreneurs that clarity is your best friend. Be clear about what you want to achieve and why it matters to you. Without that clarity, it’s easy to get distracted by trends or overwhelmed by challenges. I also stress the importance of building relationships. Success doesn’t happen in isolation. Surround yourself with people who challenge you, support you, and believe in your vision. Those connections often make the difference between giving up and pushing through.
For the next generation of leaders to thrive, what will they need to do differently?
Adaptability and empathy. The world is changing faster than ever, and leaders who can adapt quickly without losing their humanity will set the standard. Future leaders need to understand technology, yes, but they also need to understand people—how to motivate, inspire, and create environments where everyone can thrive. Leadership isn’t just about making decisions; it’s about fostering trust and cultivating a shared sense of purpose.
Where do you draw your inspiration to keep pursuing this work?
The people I meet continually inspire me. Every time I see someone take a bold step—whether it’s starting a new business, taking on a leadership role, or reinventing themselves—it reminds me why I do this work. I believe everyone has the capacity for greatness. Being part of someone’s journey, even in a small way, is both humbling and motivating. That sense of purpose is what keeps me moving forward.
Jennifer M. Williams | Editor-in-Chief
