“Leadership is about serving others who can benefit from your knowledge and share theirs with you… being willing to learn from those whom you lead is a gift!” — Paula Krause
With these words proudly displayed on her LinkedIn profile, Paula Krause lives her philosophy every day. A leader in the truest sense, Paula has been with DSV for 29 years, and currently serves as General Manager of Human Resources for Solutions. Her story, marked by courage, collaboration, and deep self-awareness, is a powerful example of how adult education can reshape not just careers, but lives.
Taking the Leap: From Experience to Qualification
Paula’s journey to The DaVinci Institute began with a nudge from her HR Director. “I had the knowledge and experience, but I lacked a formal qualification,” she says. That moment of encouragement set her on a path that would change everything.
What tipped the scale? A conversation with a friend. “She told me about DaVinci, no exams, just assignments, it seemed much easier… famous last words!” Paula laughs. At the time, she was juggling a demanding job and a three-year-old. “Still, I knew I needed to take action.”
With only a week before applications closed, Paula acted fast. “I had to submit a motivation letter explaining why DaVinci was preferable to UNISA, especially because of the cost difference. I got the green light.” She even convinced her best friend to apply, giving her just two days to decide. “I honestly don’t know what I would have done without her. Having someone by your side, pushing you when you’re exhausted and feel like giving up, is crucial.”
The DaVinci Experience: Applied, Not Abstract
What set DaVinci apart was its application-based model. “Each subject included three parts, class learnings, research, and application. We had to use what we learned immediately.” Paula embraced the challenge.
“I literally breathed, ate, and slept what I was studying, because it was so connected to my work.” The Work-Based Challenge was particularly transformative: “It forced us to synthesise everything and apply it in real life. That made it stick.”
Leadership That Listens and Coaches
As General Manager HR, Paula describes her typical day as a balance of strategy and people development. “I solve problems, coach leaders, and encourage critical thinking. I don’t give direct answers, I help people find them.”
This coaching approach is a direct reflection of her DaVinci training: “How does one effectively apply what has been learned? The ability to translate knowledge into practice is essential. If you can’t apply it, it has no value.”
Staying Grounded in a Fast-Paced World
The logistics sector doesn’t stop for anyone. “This industry is fast-paced and complex—you are constantly brought to your knees. It reminds you of how much you still need to learn, both professionally and personally.”
Paula finds grounding in impact. “What keeps me going is seeing how others grow. That’s how I measure my own success.” She credits her MD for pushing her to grow and her team for inspiring her daily. “And personally? I’m a mother to a 14-year-old, if that doesn’t keep you grounded, nothing will!”
She actively seeks out learning: “I listen to podcasts, I train, I talk to other leaders—because my goal is to take my team to the next level.”
On Passion, Purpose, and Pushing Through
For young professionals and aspiring HR leaders, Paula’s advice is clear: “Whatever you do, do it with passion! If you’re not passionate about it, don’t do it. You don’t do this work because it’s easy, you do it because it’s right and because it makes a difference.”
She continues, “There will be tough times. But if you believe in your purpose, you can get through anything.”
Challenges Faced and Lessons Learned
Paula has never shied away from hard truths. “As a woman, it would be a lie to say that my career hasn’t been full of challenges.” She speaks candidly about being overlooked, disrespected, or marginalised because of her gender, heritage, or her field—HR.
But her education was her armour: “My studies gave me the confidence to say, ‘I know what I’m doing. I am the expert here.’ I’m not irreplaceable, but my passion? That’s hard to find.”
“When I fight for something, it’s because it’s the right thing to do—even when it’s the hardest. That’s how I sleep at night.”
A Proud DaVinci Alumna
“It’s still hard to believe I’m a DaVinci graduate,” Paula admits. “I completed my degree at 40, with a toddler in tow. It wasn’t easy, but it was worth it.”
She now mentors DSV’s own Da Vinci students. “We manage our talent pool through DaVinci, and I coach some of the delegates. I was one of the first to enrol, and now we send others there to grow.”
“Studying at Da Vinci gives you a competitive edge. It equips you with real tools for the real world. That knowledge stays with you forever.”
Final Reflection
Paula Krause’s journey is a testament to what can happen when experience meets opportunity, when learning is applied, and when leadership is lived through service. Her voice, rooted in experience and driven by empathy, offers a roadmap for anyone daring to grow, personally and professionally.