The World Trade Association successfully hosted Lesley Paterson, a multifaceted personality known for her courage and resilience, as the keynote speaker at its Women in International Business Conference on March 8th. Paterson's address, titled "Be Brave," encapsulated her remarkable journey from being a 5-time World Champion professional triathlete to a pioneering figure in the film industry.

Originally from Scotland, Paterson moved to California after semi-retiring from sports, diving headfirst into a new venture by acting, writing, and producing. Despite facing significant challenges in Hollywood, especially with her project to remake the 1930 silent movie "All Quiet on the Western Front," she never gave up. Hollywood's initial disinterest in a German language film about World War I did not deter her. Instead, she funded her dream by winning a triathlon with a broken shoulder, securing the $10,000 needed to maintain the film rights just as they were about to expire.

Her persistence paid off when Netflix funded the movie, leading to its colossal success, bagging 7 Baftas and 4 Oscars. Paterson's story is a powerful testament to bravery and resilience, serving as a beacon of inspiration for women in international business and beyond. Her successful transition from sports to the film industry, culminating in the cinematic achievement of "All Quiet on the Western Front," now available on Netflix, underscores the limitless potential of steadfast determination and the courage to be brave.