Forty years of entrepreneurship creates wisdom that can't be taught in business school. Susan opens up about the remarkable journey that took her from a one-person company to leading Circle S Studio, an experience agency specializing in brand strategy and employee experience design.
What begins as a candid conversation about entrepreneurial roots quickly evolves into a masterclass on sustainable business building. Susan reveals how she made the leap from corporate America after her daughter's birth, not with a detailed business plan, but with the conviction that she could create something meaningful while being present for her family. This bold move paid off when her former employer became her first client, launching a four-decade entrepreneurial adventure.
The discussion dives deep into what truly drives business longevity: purpose, vision, and unwavering core values. Susan shares how these guiding principles have anchored her company through multiple economic downturns, including the devastating 2008 financial crisis when she questioned her relevance as digital transformation swept through the industry. Rather than surrendering, she adapted by bringing in specialists and reinventing her approach.
Perhaps most valuable is Susan's perspective on building teams that last. She candidly admits her early mistakes trying to "do it all" before discovering the power of hiring professionals who excel where she doesn't. Her insights on culture-building, talent retention, and the delicate art of parting ways with employees provide a roadmap for leaders at any stage.
As the conversation turns to marketing's evolution and AI's emerging role, Susan demonstrates the adaptable mindset that's kept her relevant through four decades of industry transformation. Her balanced approach to embracing innovation while maintaining human connection offers wisdom for navigating today's rapidly changing business landscape.
Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, this episode delivers hard-earned insights about building something that stands the test of time. As Susan puts it: "It's not what happens to you, it's how you handle what happens to you." Listen now to glean wisdom that only forty years in the entrepreneurial trenches can provide.
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