Martine Pierre-Paul

Our Q & A with Martine

Tell us a little about your professional journey.

What path brought you to your current role or business?

My professional journey has been shaped by a deep respect for leadership, service, and continuous evolution. Alongside my work in financial services, I am the co-founder of the Modern Etiquette and Leadership Academy, a family business rooted in the belief that leadership is learned and that it begins on the playground long before it reaches the boardroom. My academic path reflects a global and forward-thinking mindset. I completed my undergraduate studies at Queens College in New York and at the University of Paris, Nanterre, where I studied Legal Communications and International Relations. I see challenges as opportunities. As a traditional banker, I have embraced the disruption and opportunity that technology presents by pursuing a Master of Science degree in Financial Technology (FinTech) at Keiser University. My goal has always been to serve as a bridge, helping individuals and institutions navigate a rapidly evolving digital-first financial landscape with confidence and integrity.

What inspired you to join Executive Women of the Palm Beaches Foundation?

How has being a member impacted you personally or professionally?

The Executive Women of the Palm Beaches Foundation represents everything I value: collaboration, leadership, mentorship, and impact. I was inspired to join because of its commitment to empowering women leaders, while fostering meaningful connections. Being a member has reinforced the importance of lifting as we climb. Professionally, it has expanded my perspective and network. Personally, it has strengthened my belief that women thrive when we support one another, share knowledge, and lead boldly.

What’s one accomplishment you’re most proud of?

This could be in your career, community involvement, or personal life.

Giving back has always been paramount to me; one of my proudest accomplishments is my volunteer work as a daily radio financial contributor. During the pandemic, I was approached to volunteer my expertise to serve underbanked and underserved communities. What began as a response to crisis evolved into a daily, live 10-minute segment (delivered in English, French and Creole) focused on economic updates and how financial shifts directly impact everyday lives. To date, I have delivered over 1,000 live episodes, helping demystify financial topics and empowering listeners with practical knowledge. It’s a reminder that leadership is not just about titles; it’s about access, education, and service.

What advice would you give to other women leaders in Palm Beach County?

You belong in every room and at every table if such a “table” even truly exists. The key is to lead from a place of competence, integrity, and empathy. When you ground your leadership in those values, confidence follows naturally, and your presence becomes undeniable.

What’s something fun or surprising about you that most people don’t know?

Most people see a fierce leader or a poised and confident public speaker. The truth? I’m neither an extrovert nor an introvert, I am perhaps an ambivert. I thrive in both worlds, which allows me to connect deeply while also leading with clarity and intention.

Outside of work, I’m a proud mom of two and have been fully immersed in life as a dance and golf mom. I also have a lifelong love for etiquette and Savoir-Faire which inspired our launch of the Modern Etiquette and Leadership Academy in 2019, a modern consultancy coaching children, young adults and professionals on business etiquette, leadership presence, and social graces in a modern world.