Hi, I’m Paula McKay.

I help professionals and leaders gain clarity, strengthen their leadership presence, and confidently navigate their next chapter.

Throughout my career, one theme has remained constant, I enjoy helping people think more clearly about their goals, leadership, and the decisions that shape their professional lives.

I bring more than 20 years of experience across sales, client success, marketing, and product strategy. I currently serve in a sales leadership role at the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), where I work with institutions across the Americas and Latin America. Earlier in my career at GMAC, I established and led the organization’s first Customer Care and Client Success departments, helping shape how the organization supports institutions worldwide.

Before transitioning into the education sector, I began my career in the airline industry working in risk management, helping travelers navigate complex situations after injuries during travel. These early experiences shaped my commitment to helping people move through challenging situations with clarity and confidence.

Over time, my work as a leader, advisor, mentor, and trusted thinking partner naturally evolved into professional coaching.

I am an ICF-certified coach through George Mason University’s Leadership Coaching for Organizational Well-Being program, an International Coaching Federation Accredited Coach Training Program. Through my coaching practice, Step It Up Coaching, I partner with professionals who want to strengthen their leadership, navigate career transitions, and approach important decisions with greater clarity.

My coaching style is warm, thoughtful, and structured. I create a supportive environment where clients explore new perspectives, build self-awareness, and develop practical strategies to move forward with confidence.

I hold a Bachelor of Science in Business and Leadership from George Mason University.

I typically work with:

• Professionals stepping into new leadership responsibilities

• Experienced leaders navigating career transitions

• Individuals seeking greater clarity about their next professional chapter