Paula Marshall, CEO of The Bama Companies: Transforming Leadership Through Care and Accountability

Real Leadership

Reducing Fear in the Workplace
How do you take a family business from survival mode to thriving on the global stage? Paula Marshall, CEO of The Bama Companies, did just that by focusing on reducing fear in the workplace. In this episode, Paula shares how she transformed Bama’s culture by fostering open communication and collaboration. She emphasizes the power of making employees feel valued and secure, which in turn led to better performance and innovation across the board. If you're looking for leadership insights that go beyond the usual playbook, Paula's approach will inspire you to rethink how you lead.
Why You Should Listen
Paula Marshall didn’t just inherit a business—she transformed it. After taking over The Bama Companies during a family health crisis, Paula navigated the pressures from major clients like McDonald’s and turned a regional pie company into an international powerhouse. In this episode, Paula delves into the lessons she learned from Dr. W. Edwards Deming, particularly the Red Bead Experiment, and how it reshaped her management style. She also discusses the challenges of expanding into China and how maintaining a win-win relationship between the U.S. and China is crucial for future success. If you’re interested in leadership that balances performance with compassion, this conversation is for you.
Show Notes and Time Stamps

• 00:00:00 - Introduction and Background: Paula Marshall’s journey to becoming CEO of The Bama Companies.
• 00:02:13 - Becoming CEO of the Family Business: The challenges of taking over after a family health crisis.
• 00:09:49 - Growth and Success under Paula’s Leadership: How Bama grew from $30 million to $350 million in revenue.
• 00:13:09 - Reducing Fear and Fostering Communication: Paula’s focus on creating a safe and open work environment.
• 00:17:05 - The Influence of the Deming System: Lessons from Dr. W. Edwards Deming that shaped Paula’s leadership.
• 00:21:28 - The Red Bead Experiment and Faulty Systems: Understanding the impact of systems on employee performance.
• 00:24:17 - Taking Responsibility and Involving Employees: The importance of leadership accountability and employee involvement.
• 00:29:15 - From Handheld Pies to International Expansion: The story of Bama’s growth from Tulsa to the global market.
• 00:32:50 - Challenges and Opportunities in Operating in China: Navigating the complexities of international business.
• 00:38:36 - Building a Win-Win Relationship between the U.S. and China: Paula’s insights on maintaining positive international relations.
• 00:43:17 - Loving and Honoring Every Soul Every Second: Paula’s personal mission statement and how it guides her leadership.
• 00:45:05 - Continuous Improvement and Engagement: Keys to achieving excellence in business.

Connect with Paula Marshall

• Personal Website: Paula Marshall Official
• LinkedIn: Paula Marshall on LinkedIn
• Instagram: Paula Marshall on Instagram