About Susan
Susan believes that values, both individual and ‘corporate’, come alive through sharing experiences that allow your organization to develop and use your corporate history to pursue your vision. Equally important, she is passionate about encouraging leaders to share their life experiences to help explain the ‘why’ of your daily operations and to assist them in leaving a lasting legacy through the lives they touch.
Susan comes by her passion for using stories with leaders at all levels through an interesting journey.
Growing Up
Susan grew up with a love for stories and books. Her dad often used stories to illustrate his sermons (that’s right, she’s a preacher’s daughter). Her mother told stories on the radio before Susan was born. Together they gave her the gift of their talent and ability to share experiences through narrative – She learned from the best, and the love affair with stories and books continues.
Early Career
She began her professional career as an educator. Indulging a passion to make a difference, Susan taught school in small remote Native American villages throughout Alaska . . . lived in a log cabin, no TV, no telephone, (often) no running water or indoor plumbing! It all added to the adventure of learning.
Career Transition
Moving from Alaska to Hawaii (because she ‘deserved’ it) allowed Susan to pursue new directions and goals. It was there she worked in the credit union movement for several years. As the CEO of a technical services support organization within the industry, she oversaw the execution of an original 5 year plan in 3 years, exceeded growth targets by 300%, paid dividends ahead of schedule, and completed a successful merger into a larger entity. Once that had been accomplished, Susan began her own business some 30+ years ago.
Certifications & Writing
Along the way Susan became one of the first certified Credit Union Development Educators through funding from the Biden-Pell Amendment (USA), working in conjunction with the World Council of Credit Unions. She became the first to hold both North American (CUDE) and Australian certification (DUDE). In 2011 she received the International designation (I-CUDE) and in 2012 received the European Union certification (DEEU).
Susan is also a Certified Strategic Planner, and one of less than 12% of approximately 7500 members of the Global Speakers Federation to earn the Certified Speaking Professional designation (CSP). In 2015 she earned and became one of less than 50 people worldwide to receive the Global Speaker Fellow designation. Susan is the author of Log Cabin Logic, a contributing author of Grand Stories, an anthology, and a contributing author to various trade publications.
Susan’s latest book, Return On Influence: The new Currency for Leaders will be available in November, 2020.
Professional Associations
Susan’s involvement in professional groups includes the Canadian Association for Professional Speakers (CAPS), the National Speakers Association (NSAUS) and various professional and financial services organizations. As the founding Chair of the Global Speakers Network, a professional speaker’s network within the Global Speakers Federation (GSF), Susan facilitated bringing speakers from across the planet together to share stories and ideas. An active supporter Laura’s Hope (Global charity supporting the finding of a cure for Huntington’s Disease), and she has also served on the boards of several other non-profit, community based organizations.