Business Echo - Pauline Stevenson

In partnership with WeBC, Okanagan Echo is proud to spotlight women entrepreneurs who are building, rebuilding, and redefining business in British Columbia. 

Through this collaboration, we are highlighting founders whose journeys reflect resilience, strategic growth, and community impact - women who are not only scaling companies, but creating spaces of belonging and economic opportunity. Welcome to Business Echo.

Long before digital transformation became a business buzzword, Pauline Stevenson was helping organizations navigate the emerging world of computer technology. What began as teaching practical computer skills evolved into Excel Career College, a leading career-training institution that prepared thousands of British Columbians for meaningful employment and helped address critical workforce shortages across the province.

As founder and president, Pauline led the organization through decades of growth, industry change, and economic uncertainty before successfully transitioning the college to new ownership—an achievement few entrepreneurs ever experience. Along the way, she earned provincial recognition for her leadership, mentored countless professionals, and became a respected voice in British Columbia's business community.

Today, her focus has shifted from building businesses to building people.

As the inaugural Queen Bee of WeBC's Pollinator Program, Pauline is helping women entrepreneurs across British Columbia find something every founder needs but few can build alone: connection. Through mentorship, collaboration, and community, she is helping cultivate an ecosystem where women can grow thriving businesses without carrying the weight of entrepreneurship in isolation.

In this Business Echo feature, presented in partnership with WeBC, Pauline reflects on the lessons learned from a lifetime of entrepreneurship, the importance of community, and why supporting women in business remains one of her greatest passions.

OE: Thank you for granting this interview. Please tell us a little about yourself.

PS: I live on Vancouver Island with my husband Ron, and we share a blended family of 5 children and 1 Grandchild, with two more arriving later in 2026! 

I care very deeply about my family and love being able to spend time together. My husband and I travel and now that we are retired - spend more time away in the winter, enjoying escaping the cold damp months as much as possible. Having been an entrepreneur most of my adult life - I have fostered many strong relationships and am passionate about supporting female entrepreneurs along their journey. I have been a mentor, leader, facilitator and promoter which is why my role at WeBC as the Queen Bee of the Pollinator program is so fulfilling! 

OE: You founded Excel Career College in 1989 after identifying a gap in practical, career-focused education. What did you see at the time that others were missing?

PS: At that time, small businesses were investing in their own in-house computer systems for the first time, with the invention of the microcomputers. My specialty was customized computer systems and making the systems more user friendly. My expertise was in very high demand and it became clear that one-one-one would not suffice the demand. I started a side-hustle of providing computer skills training in a classroom setting and in short order, my side-hustle became my full-time business. Later becoming a diverse, fully accredited college.

OE: Before launching the college, you were helping businesses transition into computerized accounting systems in the late 1980s. How did that early experience shape your approach to leadership and education?

PS: At that time, I, myself was highly skilled, but very inexperienced in business - which made for some significant challenges. Although it was out of my realm of experience, training teams to accomplish their goals was a fast-track into building confidence and professionalism. My model was to find out the end-goal first. To understand the WHY and what they were hoping to achieve. When it came to career focused training, we focused on the duties the graduates would be required to perform as well as any pre-requisite certifications. I believe that as a leader, you may have the privilege of seeing the future elevated version of the staff member/student and by really seeing them as though they had already accomplished their goal - allowed them to believe in themselves quicker and grow their confidence.

OE: Many entrepreneurs talk about growth, but fewer talk about sustainability and longevity. What do you believe allowed Excel Career College to remain relevant and impactful for decades?

PS: We focused on industries that were growing or expanding and where the skilled talent pool was not growing at an equitable pace. For example, when we launched the Aquaculture Technician program, the industry was short hundreds of individuals - so graduates were placed right after graduation. For us, being tied to the Business and Industries in British Columbia was absolutely critical.

OE: Can you share a moment in your career that you’re particularly proud of?

PS: I was incredibly proud when my key staff member was recognized as a Top 40 under 40 and having a chance to reflect on her personal and professional growth over the (likely 20 years) at that time. She started as a part-time receptionist and grew to a professional campus Director and leader in her own right.

Selling the college was the ultimate opportunity to feel proud. Having someone invest in an entity that I had poured so much of my life into, was the magnificent ending to a long entrepreneurial journey.

Every time that I made payroll after stressful, sleepless nights of cash-flow crisis - seemed like summiting the highest mountain.

Having a social friend, reach out and say that he learned that I had won BC Business Women of the Year (the Leadership Category) in the inaugural competition - while he was on WestJet! I felt like the “small-town” girl had made it. Every award is special and gives one an honour and feeling of accomplishment, but this one felt very special as I have been passionate about supporting women entrepreneurs for decades and then to win in the first ever awards - was overwhelming.

OE: After serving as President for 32 years, what was it like stepping away from the business you built from the ground up?

PS: It was surprisingly easy! I would not have predicted it but I served as President for an additional 3 years - so 35 in total and during that 3 year period, the new owner grew into her role and the business actually simply became hers. So it wasn’t sad nor difficult, it just didn’t belong to me any longer. I was able to jump on a plane and travel for two months right away, which was so different and filled me with adventure and opened my mind to a brand new chapter of possibilities.

OE: You are now leading WeBC’s Pollinator Program as its first “queen bee.” What excited you most about this next chapter after retiring from day-to-day business operations?

PS: This opportunity flowed from conversations around the WeBC table. I love brainstorming and bringing ideas into action. The relationship was already so strong and trusted that it felt like a gift. We knew “WHY" we wanted to do this and to be part of the grass-roots era of developing the “HOW” and “WHAT” we were going to do is my happy place.

OE: The Pollinator Program focuses heavily on connection and mentorship. Why do you think community is such an important part of entrepreneurship, especially for women?

PS: I have been hearing that women entrepreneurs are feeling isolated and lonely. They feel like they are having to carry a huge burden on their own. They want to let their brave face fade and show up authentically and make real connections with like-minded women.

OE: Looking back on your own entrepreneurial journey, what’s a piece of advice you’d give to women looking to start their own business?

PS: Hmm - so many things!!! But I would ask questions first and try and learn their dreams and goals. I would be curious about their business acumen as well as their “trade” or product. I feel better when that person asks me questions so that I can get a sense of their openness and appetite for input.

OE: What’s your favourite spot to relax or find inspiration?

PS: I am pretty eclectic, so very often, where I am at any given point - is the place I want to be. My home brings a kind of safety and sanctuary that is hard to replicate - but I also love traveling. I love camping and watching the sun set over the ocean.

OE: What’s one thing about you that people might not know?

PS: That I was very shy and really did not speak much during my childhood. My Sister who was only 10 months older than I loved to talk for me and I was quite content to smile and nod. 

OE: How can we reach you? We-bc.ca/Pauline

(250) 897-6606

LinkedIn is Pauline Stevenson

About WeBC

WeBC is a not‑for‑profit that exists to make entrepreneurship more accessible for women across BC. Through business loans, free and low-cost programs, one‑to‑one support, and community, we help women turn ideas into resilient businesses. Learn more about WeBC and the support available at www..we-bc.ca