Paula R Jenkins, Founder & CEO
Let us get to know a successful entrepreneur Paula R Jenkins!
Notice: The positions, views and information contained published here are those of the interviewee and do not necessarily represent my views or opinions.
Paula R Jenkins is passionate about leadership development. She is a keynote speaker, and coach dedicated to helping individuals and organizations unlock their full potential. With over two decades of experience mentoring leaders, she thrives on empowering others to step into their greatness. As the founder of LFS Consulting LLC, she specializes in transformative leadership development, emotional intelligence, and effective communication. Known for her authenticity and servant leadership, she believes in creating environments where everyone feels valued, respected, and inspired to lead. An advocate for continuous growth, she is deeply committed to helping others find their voice and navigate leadership’s evolving seasons. When she is not mentoring or speaking, she enjoys old-school R&B music, meaningful conversations, reading a good book, and traveling. To know more: https://lfsconsult.com/
Why did you move from corporate America to entrepreneur?
I left corporate America after a wake-up call that changed my life—my blood pressure skyrocketed to 180/140 due to the stress of working in a toxic environment. That moment forced me to confront the impact of unhealthy work cultures on both physical and mental well-being. I realized I couldn’t continue down that path, and more importantly, I wanted to help others avoid similar experiences. Transitioning to entrepreneurship allowed me to prioritize my health and align my work with my passion for empowering leaders and teams to create thriving, supportive environments. Now, I focus on helping others lead with intention, build strong communication, and foster cultures where people can succeed without sacrificing their well-being by creating more leaders in the world.
What helped you in that career transition? Sometimes people are afraid of this step.
What helped me most in my career transition was having clarity about my purpose and the courage to prioritize my well-being. It wasn’t an easy step, and I won’t pretend I wasn’t afraid, but I knew I couldn’t thrive in an environment that was costing me my health. I was not going to die from a job! I took time to think about what I was passionate about and leaped. I also gave myself the grace to learn along the way—it’s okay not to have all the answers at first. For anyone considering this step, I’d say: trust your instincts, know your 'why,' and remember that fear is part of the process, but it doesn’t have to stop you.
What is your definition of a modern leader?
A modern leader is someone who leads with authenticity, empathy, and adaptability. They understand that leadership isn’t about power or authority but about empowering others to succeed. A modern leader prioritizes communication, builds trust, and creates spaces where everyone feels valued and included. They recognize that leadership evolves with the times, so they’re committed to continuous growth and self-awareness. Most importantly, a modern leader isn’t afraid to be vulnerable—to acknowledge their mistakes, ask for help, and show their humanity. In today’s world, leadership is less about having all the answers and more about fostering collaboration, inspiring innovation, and ensuring the well-being of the team while driving toward shared goals.
You are a speaker and trainer. From your experiences, what do leaders face the biggest challenges today?
Leaders today face the challenge of navigating an ever-evolving landscape—whether it’s adapting to hybrid work environments, fostering inclusivity in diverse teams, or managing through economic uncertainty.
One of the biggest hurdles is balancing results with relationships: driving performance while ensuring their teams feel seen, valued, and supported. Another critical challenge is recognizing that leadership growth isn’t a one-time effort; it requires ongoing investment in professional development. Life-long learning is essential for leaders and their teams to stay adaptable, innovative, and resilient in the face of constant change.
Emotional intelligence, effective communication, and trust must be continuously honed. Leaders who prioritize their growth and foster a culture of development empower their teams to thrive in today’s complex, fast-paced world.
What would you recommend to a new leader?
For a new leader, my biggest recommendation is to focus on building trust and relationships first. Leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about creating an environment where your team feels supported, valued, and empowered to succeed.
Start by setting clear expectations so your team understands the goals and how success will be measured. Lead with authenticity—be genuine, transparent, and consistent in your words and actions, so your team knows they can trust you.
Equally important is understanding how to give and receive feedback—it’s a cornerstone of growth, both for you and your team. Embrace lifelong learning because leadership is a journey, not a destination. Seek mentorship, invest in your development, and know when to raise your hand and ask for help.
Authentic leadership isn’t about perfection; it’s about showing up with intention, being true to who you are, and inspiring others to do the same as you grow together.
Do you have a final message?
