Paula Shugart steps down as president of Miss Universe
It's the end of an era. Paula Shugart has announced her resignation from the Miss Universe Organization as president.
Shugart, who has served as the organization's president since 2001, broke the news to the audience at the preliminary competition of the 72nd Miss Universe pageant held in El Salvador on Nov. 17.
"Saturday will be a celebration and a culmination of this partnership and it does not get any better than this. And I can't think of no better place than in this beautiful country, on this magnificent stage to announce the end of my tenure as the president of Miss Universe," she said.
"I have decided that this Saturday would be my last show. And to be clear, this decision has been months in the making and is not a response to recent events," she said alluding to the news about Miss Universe owner JKN Global Group filing for bankruptcy in Thailand.
"I stayed because of my belief in El Salvador and my love for the Miss Universe brand. I have always passionately believed Miss Universe is not about any one woman. It's about community, our community. It's about the passionate fans, the titleholders, the national directors who have remained dedicated to this brand through thick and thin," she added.
Transformational changes in MUO
Looking back at her years in the organization, Shugart said she was able to get through the challenges with the help of the community and everyone around her.
“I am so proud of all that we have accomplished. We taught women that true beauty is based in confidence and using your voice. We expanded our global reach and focused on telling the stories of all of these incredible women,” she said.
The executive noted that the organization "worked hard" to make the rules more inclusive, opening doors to transgender women, mothers, and wives.
Shugart also shared her learnings from her 25-year experience, emphasizing that transformational leadership requires putting the team first and motivating others.
"If I can leave you with anything, what I have learned as president, is there is a critical difference between declaring the words transformational leadership and being a real transformational leader," she started.
"Transformational leadership is not about one person. It can, and it must be, about putting the needs of the team above all else in creating a vision for the future. It can and it must be empathetic beyond self-interest. It can and it must be committed to building confidence through inspiration and teamwork, not insecurity and chaos. It can and it must be about motivation, not denigration.
"And above all, it must be about honesty, respect, integrity, and living by your word. One cannot just talk the talk, one must walk the walk," she said.
A message for the supporters
Shugart said that everyone must look for the "best of each other" in these challenging times—both in the organization and the world.
“I know with all the talent that I see in this room, you will make that dream of true transformational leadership a reality, starting with the leadership that I have found here in El Salvador,” she said.
The executive said it was an honor to have worked with Miss Universe, "a very, very special brand, deserving of love, proper leadership, support, and investment.”
Through this brand, Shugart said she has met her soulmate, and her life was made "richer" by the women who "continue to inspire me each and every day."
Shugart also took the time to acknowledge her Miss Universe family and CEO Amy Emmerich.
"It has been my honor to work beside all of you. Miss Universe is a very very important brand deserving of love, proper leadership, support and investment," she said, adding that the fans are “the best in the world.”
Addressing her speech to the fans and women, she said, “To all of you, thank you for this incredible adventure. I have been truly blessed.”
“And to all of the women claiming their place in the world: never, ever be afraid to use your voice. Use this platform we've been given and you can truly change the world.”
Shugart noted that she is not retiring, as she has an "unbelievable story to tell."
"I look forward to telling it,” Shugart said.
Shugart joined MUO in 1998 as the vice president of production and was appointed president three years later. She has handled the entire business operations and spearheaded the production of the annual live global telecast.
