Leaders Spotlight: How Embracing Opportunity Transformed My Journey from HR Executive to COO – Insights on Operational Thinking and AI Integration with Megan Paterson

In celebration of International Women’s Month 2026, Invest Ottawa collaborated with Naomi Haile from The Power of Why Podcast to spotlight five influential female leaders in Ottawa. These leaders exemplify the often-underrated efforts of building, connecting, and advocating for the community, showcasing the values of empowerment and support fundamental to the month’s celebration. They significantly contribute to the economy and societal well-being, embodying leadership in its many forms.

A central theme in the discussions is the idea of stepping into larger-than-life roles amidst the complexities of the modern business landscape. The narrative emphasizes that readiness frequently emerges from taking action rather than from an initial sense of preparedness. In this context, Naomi Haile interviews Megan Paterson, the Chief Operating Officer of Kinaxis, who has played a pivotal role in the firm’s transformation from $20 million to over $500 million in revenue over her 18-year tenure.

Megan’s transition from Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) to COO unfolded after considerable hesitation; she initially declined the offer for five months due to doubts about her qualifications. However, her eventual acceptance catalyzed her development and the company’s growth. Through the podcast, Megan shares insights on effective operational leadership, which hinges on understanding the business thoroughly, trusting capable leaders, making well-timed decisions, and aligning teams towards common objectives.

Her early days as COO were filled with trepidation, but they also provided crucial clarity about her role. Initially, she reorganized leadership, focusing on immediate business challenges which ultimately yielded significant financial benefits—over $13 million in EBITDA improvements during her first year. This success mirrored her strategy: implementing strong functional leadership and fostering team cohesion.

Megan discusses the necessity of enhancing skills like financial acumen and systems thinking as she navigated her new role. She also addresses the evolving impact of AI on business operations, asserting the need for leaders to discern where AI can genuinely add value while prioritizing governance and change management to enhance productivity.

Her experience holds valuable lessons for founders and early-stage companies, advising against the immediate need for a COO. Instead, she advocates for hiring individuals who complement existing strengths, learning from efficient operational models, and developing the overarching thinking required to drive company coherence.

Megan’s personal journey from HR to operational leadership illustrates that individuals often possess more preparation for advanced roles than they initially recognize, especially if they have cultivated trust, knowledge, and judgment over time. This resilience theme encourages others considering major career shifts or roles that seem overwhelming.

Overall, Megan Paterson’s leadership narrative serves as a mentor for those facing similar career transitions, encapsulating the message that growth, trust, and proactive engagement can lead to substantial personal and organizational success. The episode resonates strongly with aspiring leaders aiming to understand the dynamics of leadership transitions and operational excellence.