Leadership Profile - Paula Kohl
Meet my friend Paula - she's sure to impress you with her knowledge of wine.
Paula Kohl is an IABC Accredited Business Communicator with more than 20 years’ experience in professional communication. She currently holds the position of Director, Corporate Communication at Farm Credit Canada, where she oversees internal and stakeholder communication. Paula’s leadership philosophy is simple: hire talented people and foster an environment where team members are empowered to fulfill their true potential. In her previous position as Director, Marketing and Communication at Regina Exhibition Association Limited (operator of REAL District), Paula was part of the opening of Mosaic Stadium (home of the Saskatchewan Roughriders). Prior to this, Paula led an award-winning team of communicators at SaskPower.
Over the past few years, Paula pursued a different passion besides strategic communication. She completed the Level 3 Wine and Spirit Education Trust certification at Napa Valley Wine Academy and the Fine Vintage Canadian Wine Scholar designation. Paula combines her two passions – communication and wine – to deliver entertaining wine tastings that leave participants with anecdotes and facts that will impress their friends. Paula’s retirement goal is to be a wine educator in the Okanagan, while writing about wine either personally or professionally.
What’s your ideal start to a Sunday?
The ideal start to a Sunday for me is sleeping in. Waking up without an alarm is a real treat that never gets old. Once I wake up naturally, my husband and I enjoy breakfast in front of the TV. Game Show Network is our go-to Sunday morning TV fix.
Your current TV/Podcast/Blog or book obsession.
Don't judge me, but I love mindless TV. My latest obsession is The Ultimatum now that Bachelor in Paradise Canada ended. I also have about 50 episodes of Rick Steeves' Europe saved on our PVR (yes, people still have these devices!). It's a great way to see all the hidden gems overseas as we plan our next European adventure. I love seeing sights we've already explored and remembering all the fun times we've had on vacation. My book obsession is The Wine Bible by Karen MacNeil. I'm a certified wine professional, so I pick up my bible at least once a week to refresh my memory on wines of the world. This is a must-have book for anyone who's interested in wine.
What’s your morning drink of choice? Favourite local café?
I love Christmas in Paris tea. I bought almost every box in Regina one Christmas and I just ran out. I bought a dozen boxes on Amazon, so I'm officially a tea hoarder. My favourite local breakfast place is the weekend brunch at Bar Willow Eatery. The lamb sukkah eggs benny is to die for!
How do you take care of yourself during the weekend?
I sleep in, go for long walks and drink good wine with family and friends. I also deliver private wine tasting events, and I love it!
What are your plans for the summer?
Life has been a wee bit chaotic the past few years, so I'm looking forward to a staycation with my husband and fur baby this summer. I have closets to clean, friends to see and good wine to drink. Bring it on!
