Age: 39
Birthplace: Utrecht, Netherlands
Company: Full-service law firm
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uOttawa’s Paula Branco was a math teacher in Portugal for more than a decade before deciding to boost her career by going back to school. “I’m one of those people
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Education: Bachelor of laws, University of Ottawa (2009); bachelor of arts with distinction in sociology, Carleton University (2002)
Charitable involvement: Youville Centre
Biggest biz achievement: I am the most proud of having built strong relationships with my clients – I feel very lucky to work with people who feel they can rely on me and to be able to support them in the work they are doing.
Biggest obstacle: Becoming a parent at a young age was certainly not easy. That being said, it was an incredible source of motivation and has been a key factor in me becoming the person that I am today.
Biggest influence: I think my children have been the biggest influence on me. I have been parenting my entire adult life, so my decisions in going to school and starting my career have been made with them in mind.
Biggest lesson learned: Be direct with people and have the hard conversations early. People tend to avoid difficult topics, but approaching a contentious issue head-on as opposed to making assumptions can save you a lot of trouble.
First job: Counter staff and food preparation employee at a French gourmet food store.
Advice I’d give the younger me: Be less afraid to take risks and speak your mind. I think women are taught to play it safe and discouraged from being frank – and I think the more quickly we can shake off those lessons and find our voices, the better off we are.
Favourite pastime: Trying to convince my very old dog that he wants to go on a longer walk.
I’m currently reading: Disease and History by Frederick Fox Cartwright
Favourite local pro sports team: Ottawa Senators
Favourite local summer event: Canada Day
Preferred social media platforms: Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram
