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Our mission is to accelerate Social Impact. We shape students to become leaders that solve world problems.
Paula Mills
CEO & Founder, Academy of Entrepreneurs


#BossYourFuture
Who is Paula Mills?

Paula Mills
CEO & Founder,
Academy of Entrepreneurs
Paula Mills is an entrepreneur, global educator, and advocate for entrepreneurial mindsets, bridging the gap between education and entrepreneurship. As the CEO and founder of the Academy of Entrepreneurs, she empowers individuals to build social impact businesses and inspires the next generation of changemakers.
Paula’s entrepreneurial journey began at just 9 years old, fueled by a passion to create meaningful change through education. Her ventures ranged from a book fundraising project in grade 3 and a skateboard business with friends in grade 7 to launching a PR firm in her first month of university, followed by a marketing agency, digital branding company, student agency, and more. Through these experiences, Paula identified a common challenge: 96% of talented and passionate individuals lacked the entrepreneurial skills needed to succeed in business.
This realization sparked the creation of the Academy of Entrepreneurs—the first school in the world with no teachers, no books, no tests, no classrooms, and no rules.
“Everyone always asks me, ‘How do we do it?’” Paula explains. “Every class is led by entrepreneurs who mentor and empower our students, equipping them with the skills and networks to transform their purpose into business ideas that make a positive impact on the world. It’s kinda common sense, no?!”
In 2016, Paula founded the Academy of Entrepreneurs in Sydney, Australia, under the Ministry of Education, as the country’s first international entrepreneurship school.
Her vision was to revolutionize traditional education by embedding entrepreneurial skills into the learning process. Just 10 months after its launch, the Academy won DFAT’s International ALABC Business of the Year, highlighting its transformative impact on education and entrepreneurship.
Under her visionary leadership, the Academy of Entrepreneurs has flourished into a globally renowned institution, attracting students from over 140 nationalities and 30+ million students by 2022.
They now offer over 4,000 programs designed to serve a diverse audience, including high school students, university scholars, NGO professionals, and government officials. Through immersive, 100% practical, hands-on project-based workshops—taught exclusively by successful global entrepreneurs—the Academy equips its students, whom she affectionately calls "Legends," with the essential skills, strategic insights, and expansive networks needed to thrive and create meaningful, positive change in the world.
Let me share an example of our classes.
How do we test the first 30 minutes of our Social Entrepreneurship subjects?
We give our Legends 17 minutes to come up with 17 business ideas that address the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in groups of 4.
Then, we challenge them individually: “If you had 24 hours and $1 billion, which problem would you solve, why, and what are 10 business solutions you’d implement?”
And that’s it. In just 30 minutes, we see shining eyes, passionate energy, and laser-focused minds working to create impactful business ideas.
Paula’s work has earned her numerous accolades for her commitment to innovation and impact. She collaborates with governments, Fortune 500 companies, venture capital firms, and nonprofit organizations, shaping entrepreneurship education across multiple continents. She is particularly passionate about empowering underrepresented communities, including women, youth, and individuals from developing nations, to build sustainable businesses that drive economic and social change.
As a dynamic speaker and mentor, Paula inspires audiences with her practical insights and infectious energy. She is a regular keynote speaker at global entrepreneurship events, a mentor to aspiring founders, and a thought leader in the fields of social innovation and business education.
Paula’s entrepreneurial philosophy is simple: “Do what you love, and make the world a better place every day—and success is guaranteed to follow.” Through her relentless passion and innovative programs, she has not only redefined the landscape of education and entrepreneurship but also inspired countless individuals to pursue their dreams with purpose. Her unwavering commitment to empowering others continues to create a lasting, transformative impact, leaving an indelible mark on the world.
At just 32 years old, Paula Mills was appointed as a diplomat and honorary consul—a role she embraces with immense pride and dedication. She volunteers her time and expertise in this capacity, leveraging her influence and passion to foster meaningful connections and drive positive change on a global scale. This prestigious position reflects not only her exceptional leadership but also her unwavering commitment to serving others and making a difference in the world.
These days, Paula travels to over 70 international destinations to present on stage, participate in panels, conduct media interviews, meet with top leaders to negotiate nation-scale contracts, collaborate with leading NGOs, and engage with more than 500 schools and universities.
Her secret to boundless energy? “Do what you love—and make sure you have strong Wi-Fi and coffee along the way!”
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The Academy of Entrepreneurs now has a community of over 30 million members, over 3,000 program participants in 130+ countries delivered in 20+ languages.

Presentations






Awards & Recognitions
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Honorary Consul of Guatemala for NSW, Australia - 2022
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CEO of the Year for International Cooperation in Education - Panama Embassy 2021
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Business Excellence Award – ALABC, 2019
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2nd place Business of the Year – AUBRBC, 2018
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Finalist on 100 Women of Influence, 2018
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Rotary Australian Award – 2011
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Winner of the International Local Knowledge Expertise, Marriott 2009
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Winner of the International Above & Beyond customer service recognition award, Marriott 2008
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Silver Award Best RoadShow - Easter Show, 2007