Pamela Benson Owens {Women: A Force for Change}

Founder & CEO of Edge of Your Seat Consulting

Female entrepreneurs are the fastest growing population in business, with recent data showing that 40 percent of U.S. businesses are women-owned. Within that group, the number of businesses started by women of color is even greater. “Yet, last year, I watched an entire panel talk about the woes of entrepreneurship, and it was all white women,” states Pamela Benson Owens, founder and CEO of Edge of Your Seat Consulting. “So even within the dynamics of women, there’s a lot of work to do.”

A seasoned entrepreneur herself, Pamela began her consulting firm nearly 20 years ago and lends her conflict resolution, leadership development, and culture building expertise to corporate teams, nonprofits, and business leaders. While her business coaching and leadership training has built her a client list that includes major companies like Coca-Cola, Pamela got her start by consulting pageant contestants, helping them form their answers to difficult questions. The business began as a necessity to jumpstart her career, but “it really hasn’t changed.” She adds, “I [still] help leaders answer difficult questions.” 

Over the past year, Pamela has had to put her leadership and organizational skills to direct use as she’s taken on the role of interim executive director at the local nonprofit, Six Square. Working internally with the organization on its infrastructure and core values and being “in the trenches” have not only given her a renewed perspective on leadership but have also made her a stronger consultant. 

“How effective are you as a leader and a consultant of leaders if you aren’t actually leading something yourself?” she questions. “When I speak as a consultant, I’m speaking from firsthand experience. It’s a powerful and humbling position to be in.”

If there’s one thing that has been a constant, no matter what type of organization or team Pamela is working with, it’s that she never shies away from conflict. “As a matter of fact,” she says, “people will often hear me say ‘have a nice conflict.’” Through experiences, she’s been able to “navigate the most difficult conversations and situations.”

Her fearless approach to consulting and her ability to face difficult topics head on derive from the truth that real change lies on the other side of discomfort. Whether that’s ensuring more women of color have a seat at the table or building a diverse and inclusive company culture, Pamela is energized and driven by meaningful work that moves people forward. She insists, “I want to get to the point where we can have a hard conversation, hug it out, and go to lunch.” 

Contact:
pamelabensonowens.com
@edgeofyourseatconsulting