Meet Paula Nissen: Strategic Business Development Manager
Meet Paula Nissen: Strategic Business Development Manager
Meet Paula Nissen, Catalyst's passionate and strategic Business Development Manager.
Paula helps us grow by fostering key relationships and identifying new opportunities. We sat down with Paula for a quick Q&A to learn more about her journey and role
Q: How would you describe your work approach?
A: Building strong, trust-based relationships is at the heart of how I work. I believe that honesty, integrity, and open communication are essential for creating meaningful connections; whether with clients, colleagues, or partners. I follow through on commitments and always strive to be transparent, ensuring that trust is not just established but continuously reinforced. By prioritising authenticity and mutual respect, I create relationships that are not only productive but also genuinely rewarding for everyone involved.
Q: What experiences have or influenced shaped your perspective on your working style?
A: My perspective has been shaped by working in environments where collaboration and open communication were key. I’ve seen firsthand how harnessing a team’s diverse strengths leads to smarter problem-solving and better outcomes. Leading projects that required balancing strategic goals with client needs also taught me how to prioritise effectively, ensuring that every decision creates value for both the business and the people we serve. Additionally, working in high-pressure, fast-moving situations has sharpened my adaptability and solution-focused mindset, which I now bring to every challenge.
Q: What aspect/phase of your work is the most exciting for you?
A: I love identifying opportunities and turning them into growth — whether for a project, a client, or the business as a whole. The process of building relationships, uncovering new possibilities, and developing strategies that drive long-term success is incredibly fulfilling. Understanding a client’s needs, addressing their challenges, and delivering meaningful solutions is what keeps me motivated every day.
Q: What are some ways you approach a problem/challenge
A: I strongly believe in leveraging the incredible talent and management around me, as we are all constantly learning and growing. When faced with a challenge, I lean on the expertise of those around me, collaborating to find the best solution; one that makes commercial sense while always keeping the client’s best interests in focus. By drawing on different perspectives and skill sets, we can approach problems from multiple angles, ensuring a well-rounded, effective resolution that benefits both the business and the client.
Q: Do you have any personal interests that influence or feed into your practice?
A: Absolutely! Outside of work, you’ll find me on the sidelines cheering on my two kids at their sports games, off on a family adventure, or playing hockey. Maintaining a strong work-life balance is really important to me to ensure that I bring my best self to both my personal and professional life.
Contact Paula:
Paula Nissen - Business Development Manager
paulan@catalyst-group.co.nz | + 64 27 534 6485
