Paula Toledo, is an innovative well-being consultant, singer-songwriter and advisor for psychological health and safety in the workplace. As Founder of Ode to Wonder, she is dedicated to fostering social connection and building places of belonging in workplaces, education, and art institutions, such as the Vancouver Art Gallery where she is the lead consultant for the Art of Well-being Lab and social prescription initiatives.

She combines cutting-edge research on awe and wonder with actionable strategies to help people and organizations flourish.

With a Master’s degree in Applied Positive Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania, Paula brings extensive expertise in the science of well-being. Her work has earned her positions as a judge for the Canadian Workplace Well-Being Awards and as an advisor to the Canadian Mental Health Association on psychological health and safety in the workplace. She collaborates with organizations to design well-being strategies to help both employees and organizations thrive.

Paula founded and designed Wonder Gatherings to provide environments where people can feel psychologically safe to connect in deeper and more meaningful ways, fostering creativity and collaboration. Inspired by the connections formed through art and awe, her unique approach combines her experiences as both an artist and a recipient of a social prescription. Her evidence-based well-being practices promote belonging, engagement, and resilience.

As an artist, her lost song, ‘How Long Will It Take,’ became a global phenomenon and was featured in Rolling Stone magazine as one of the internet's most sought-after songs in history after a 16-year search to find her. Her research and song exemplify how art, as a source of wonder and awe, is an important tool for well-being that can promote social connection and unite communities. 

An accomplished speaker, Paula has presented at global events such as TEDx, WE Day, Collision Conference, The Game Awards, The International Positive Psychology World Congress, and Movember Canada. Her workshops provide actionable insights for leaders seeking to cultivate resilient teams, drive organizational success, and build positive workplace cultures.