Pamela Pearson

Saying Yes: The Power of Showing Up, Taking Initiative, and Trusting the Long Game

By Pamela Pearson

Seventeen years ago, I walked into Kelowna Mercedes-Benz with no background in the automotive industry and no clear plan. I was newly out of teaching, feeling unsure of what came next. But what I did have was a willingness to say yes. That single decision changed the entire course of my career.

What started as an uncertain leap led me to become the first female sales consultant at the dealership. I lasted six weeks before nearly walking away, but a leader saw something in me and encouraged me to stay. That conversation changed everything. I moved into a new role, started from scratch, and committed to figuring things out, even when I didn’t know where to begin.

Since then, I’ve held several leadership roles within Sentes Automotive and now serve as the Director of Operations. Over the years, I’ve learned how to grow through the things that challenge me, lead teams by example, and create a culture of collaboration and accountability. Whether it was weed-whacking a lot to impress a visiting executive, commuting between dealerships, or doing the unglamorous work that others might avoid, I’ve always believed that how you do anything is how you do everything.

Leadership, to me, is not about titles. It’s about how we show up for our teams, our goals, and our communities. I believe in doing excellent work, even when no one is watching. I believe in taking initiative, supporting others, and finding ways to lift as you climb.

That mindset opened doors far beyond the dealership. I was invited to join the committee for the BC Cancer Discovery Luncheon, where I started feeling completely out of my depth. Over time, I found my voice and eventually became Chair of the event. I also joined the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce, took on various volunteer positions, and was named President in 2022. The following year, I was honored to be recognized as Kelowna’s Woman of the Year.

All of these experiences led me to create Ladies Happy Hour, a monthly community event that now includes nearly 500 women. I wanted to replace the stiff, transactional feel of traditional networking with something that felt real. These events are about conversation, support, and connection. No business cards. Just community.

Everything I’ve built has been guided by a few core beliefs:

• Say yes, especially when it feels uncomfortable. Growth never happens inside your comfort zone.

• Be the person who shows up when others don’t. That alone will set you apart.

• You don’t have to wait for a title to lead. Every moment is an opportunity to lead by example.

• Do the little things with care and excellence. They matter more than people think.

• When looking for a job, interview companies as much as they interview you. Your values need to align with theirs.

• Accountability and feedback are powerful tools for growth. Ask for both.

• Motivation is created by taking action, not the other way around. Show up first, and the energy will follow.

My career path hasn’t been traditional. But it has been intentional. Every step I’ve taken has been built on relationships, a strong work ethic, and an openness to opportunity. I don’t always know what’s next, but I trust that doing good work, leading with heart, and showing up fully will continue to open doors.

Whether you're just starting out or leading your own business, I hope my story reminds you that you don’t need to have it all figured out. What matters is that you’re willing to begin, to try, and to grow.

Start where you are. Lead with what you have. And trust the long game.