Meet Kelowna's Top 40 Over 40: Pamela Pearson

The Top 40 Over 40 honourees are aged 40-plus and are entrepreneurs and leaders who are well-established in their careers in Kelowna.

From the over 100 nominations, the Top 40 were chosen by a panel of judges as ideal examples of the program's criteria.

Meet Pamela Pearson, Director of Internal Operations of Sentes Automotive and past president of the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce.

Pearson was named one of Kelowna's Top 40 Over 40 for 2025. Here's a bit about her and her journey!

What does being named to the Top 40 Over 40 list mean to you personally and professionally?

It’s incredibly meaningful—because it’s not just about what I’ve done, but about who I’ve become. Life has taught me to be resilient, to lead with intention, and to be authentic and genuine no matter the room I'm in.

Success looks different at every stage, but to me it's really all about impact. It’s about the connections I’ve made, the communities I’ve been lucky to be part of, and the effort I put into showing up in a real and meaningful way.

I am proud and incredibly grateful to be recognized along with so many other incredible Top 40's this year as well as everyone from the past decade this program has existed.

In what ways do you feel you've made a lasting impact on our community or industry?

I think the most lasting impact comes from creating spaces where people feel seen, supported, and inspired to show up as their full selves. Through Ladies Happy Hour, I’ve helped build a community rooted in authenticity—where women can connect beyond titles and talk about real life.

At Sentes Automotive, fostering a great work culture has always been a priority. I believe when people feel valued and cared for, they do their best work, and that ripples out into the customer experience and beyond. And at the core of everything I do is a belief in service—whether it’s mentoring, volunteering, or simply showing up for someone who needs a hand. Giving back isn’t something extra; it’s part of how I lead and live.

What advice do you give to those just starting out who hope to make a difference one day? or What’s one piece of wisdom you wish you could share with your younger self?

Just start. Don’t wait until you feel 100% ready or have it all figured out—because honestly, you never will. Every meaningful journey begins with a single step, and then another, and another. You might not know exactly where you’re headed, but movement creates momentum, and clarity comes from doing.

And if I could offer one piece of advice to those starting out—or to my younger self—it would be this: get enthusiastic about being uncomfortable. That uneasy feeling in your stomach? It usually means you’re stretching, growing, becoming. The most beautiful breakthroughs live just past that moment of doubt. So be brave. Be curious. And keep showing up, even when it’s hard. That’s how you make a difference.

Who mentored or inspired you earlier in your career, and what lasting impact did they have on you?

One of the most pivotal mentors in my early career was Nikki Csek. She saw something in me before I saw it in myself. Her belief gave me the confidence to lean into opportunities I might have otherwise passed up. Nikki had this incredible way of giving a gentle push just when I needed it—and when I found myself unsure or a bit lost, she was there with steady guidance and a kind word to help me find my way.

That said, I truly believe mentorship doesn’t always have to be formal. With the right mindset, you can learn something from almost everyone you meet. Whether it’s a lesson in leadership, resilience, or even how not to do something—those everyday interactions can shape you just as much. I’m grateful for all the people who’ve poured into me along the way, knowingly or not.

How have you navigated change and innovation in your field, especially over the past decade?

At Sentes Automotive, one of our core values is being progressive—and that mindset has shaped how we navigate change and embrace innovation. We’re intentional about not doing things a certain way just because “that’s how it’s always been done.” Over the past decade, especially, I’ve learned that change is less about reacting and more about staying curious and open.

We’ve cultivated a continuous growth mindset—always asking, “How can we do this better?”—whether it’s improving the team experience, elevating customer service, or leaning into new technologies. It’s not always easy, but we’ve found that when you welcome change with intention and a willingness to evolve, it becomes a powerful tool for impact.

What legacy do you hope to leave behind through your work or community involvement? or What’s next for you? Any exciting projects, goals, or new chapters on the horizon?

I hope my legacy is one of connection, authenticity, and lifting others up. Whether it’s through creating safe, empowering spaces like Ladies Happy Hour, building a strong, people-first culture at Sentes Automotive, or simply showing up with kindness—I want people to feel seen, valued, and inspired to do the same for others.

As for what’s next, I’m excited to keep growing and giving. I’m exploring new ways to mentor, collaborate, and bring more purpose-driven community events to life. I don’t have it all mapped out, but I’ve learned that clarity comes through action. I’m saying yes to new chapters, trusting the process, and staying open to wherever the journey leads.