Paula Broadwell
Paula Broadwell
Paula Dean Broadwellis an American writer, academic and former military officer. In 2012, she co-authored, with Vernon Loeb, All In: The Education of General David Petraeus, a biography of then International Security Assistance Force commander David Petraeus. She is the co-founder and co-director of the Think Broader Foundation, a media consulting firm that focuses on addressing gender bias in the media and society...
NationalityAmerican
ProfessionWriter
Date of Birth9 November 1972
CountryUnited States of America
I was driven when I was younger. Driven at West Point where it was much more competitive in that women were competing with men on many levels, and I was driven in the military and at Harvard, both competitive environments.
I introduced myself to then-Lieutenant General Petraeus and told him about my research interests; he gave me his card and offered to put me in touch with other researchers and service members working on the same issues.
I think it is important for working moms to recognize that family is the most important.
A few months into my research, General Petraeus, who was then leading Central Command, invited me to go for a run with him and his team along the Potomac River during one of his visits to Washington. I figured I could interview him while we ran.
Even when you've made mistakes in life, you can still contribute and pick up the stuff and move on.
Yes, I wear a number of hats. But my most important title is mom and wife.
I grew up in a strong faith-based family. I think I have selected to return to those roots for strength, for my family, for myself and to protect our children and to forgive others and move on and face forward.
Having a bunch of medals and badges doesn’t necessarily mean you’ve achieved anything, you’ve got to do something beyond yourself to make a difference in life. Seek to be consequential in whatever you do.
I'm not in love with David Petraeus. But I think he does present a terrific role model.