Susan Klein is an executive coach, a mother, partner, friend, mentor, instructor. Her mission has always been to bring joy and humanity to business.
What were your initial years of growing up like? Tell us about your life before starting your corporate journey/venture/initiative.
Growing up, I wanted to be in the theatre. I was trained as a director and my first career was teaching and directing children’s theatre professionally. I couldn’t support myself and my kids working in the local theater when I became a single mother. So, my next career was in radio advertising sales and advertising. I did well, but I didn’t enjoy it. When I experienced being coached by a coach when I participated in a Landmark Education course, I knew that was my destiny.
Every industry that is now a large-scale, top-notch business once started as a small idea in the minds of entrepreneurs. What was that idea or motivation that made you start your business /initiative? What motivated you within to say YES, go for it!”
I wanted to find a way to help end the suffering of people, particularly women, who were under-valued, under-paid and had fewer opportunities.
Would you like to share with our young budding women entrepreneurs the change you would like to see in the world if given an opportunity?
We must have women earning equal pay with their counterparts, equal representatives in the boardroom, CEO’s, on the bench, owning businesses and in charge of their own bodies!
Women are a growing force in the workplaces worldwide, standing shoulder to shoulder with their male counterparts. There are cracks in glass ceilings everywhere, with many women breaking through to carve out a space right at the top of the pyramid. What are your thoughts about women leadership today?
Women will not succeed if all they know about leadership is acting on what they see in men. We must lean into our natural empathy, listening, handling controversy, and finding harmony. It doesn’t mean we are not tough. Also, Hire a coach.
What’s the most important thing you have learned in your personal life and professional journey? What is your personal motto in life?
Be curious, listen and be kind.
With your grit and determination, you are making a considerable impact, breaking through, and serving as role models for many budding entrepreneurs. What would you want to say to our young women leaders/audience reading this?
Everyone must have a mentor and an accountability partner- someone to whom you will be accountable for your promises. Also, have a coach.
