MNT2ACHIEVE with Suzanne Spencer
An Interview with Suzanne Spencer, CEO, Living Skills in the Schools
“Today, I understand that others recognized in me what I could not see in myself, and that I could contribute so much more to the world. ”
Were you always a leader? When did you know you had the capacity to lead?
I believe that the very qualities that made me not fit in as a young woman are the very ones that revealed I was MNT2LEAD. However, it took a couple of decades of searching, questioning, and experience to blossom into the leader I am today.
Who or what had a strong Influence on you growing up?
My father had a strong influence on my life, as he raised three children on his own after a divorce from my mother. During these impressionable years, I was fascinated by his work at an International Technology Company; the corporate setting, and training that I witnessed through him. To this day, I find any conversation surrounding business stimulating and an opportunity to create.
Can you summarize your career trajectory from the first job to present?
From the age of 18-40, my resume must have been no less than five pages. As a young woman, I was blessed to land every job I set my eye on, a difficult feat, given that at the time, I was a college drop out. I remember that for each fantastic opportunity and job I landed, I wondered… Do I know how to do this?
My first job was at the age of sixteen and was in the fast food industry. I then moved into retail. I was fired because I did not make the required sales quotas. I was timid, I detested small talk, and my insecurities deterred me from approaching others.
I went on to work for Hotels, an Airline, a Cruise ship, and Club Med. I moved from there into an ad agency, and the world of non-profit. My cup runneth over with opportunities as a young woman (LOL).
I re-entered school at the age of 45 (with a two-year-old and a hubby) starting from the beginning to complete my AA, to my undergraduate degree in organizational management, to a master’s in leadership and finally in May of 2020, Ed.D. in Education Leadership.
What role have mentors played in your life?
Looking back, there were always people in my life who believed I was capable of so much more in my life. While they did not have the ability themselves to help me get there, they identified that I had not yet reached my highest potential. I also remember throughout the first four decades of my life, and in many of my jobs, that while I excelled at each job, people often said that "I should be doing something else …" as if to say, they saw bigger things in my future. At the time, this left me with the impression that I did “not belong” anywhere. Today, I understand that others recognized in me what I could not see in myself and that I could contribute so much more to the world.
I remember a manager took me aside one day and said: "Suzanne, you have the unique ability to influence the way people feel and the day they have,” or another professor who said, " I do not know what kind of social worker you will make, but you have a career in leadership." While none of these encounters were in the capacity of an official mentor, they shared insight about me that helped reveal my purpose and passion.
What is the most difficult leadership lesson you’ve learned?
That leadership can be lonely. There will be times when others let you down, or you are disappointed, but you must look at each person that follows through the lens of hope, belief, and potential.
How do you maintain a work-life balance?
In today's day and age, I do not believe there is such a thing as work-life balance. ( I work when everyone else is asleep). But in the end, as a mom and wife, I believe in work-life priority. My work negotiations and employment contracts are centered around things like the flexibility of when I work, how I work and where I work so that my priority can be focused on the most critical leadership role I have ever held, that of mummy and wife.
What advice do you have for aspiring leaders?
The advice I would give to future women leaders is:
· Connect the dots (observe yourself)
· Own your weaknesses
· Use your voice effectively to get your needs met
· Listen to your internal barometer (and have faith in it)
· Before you expect from others, you must first contribute yourself
· Call people for no reason (relationships matter)
· It's not about learning to say "no" to others, it's about learning how to say "yes" to your needs
· Don't try to fit in. Find people who fit in with you
· Take credit for your work
· Create versus compete
· Take up more space in the world (not less) - own the room
· Ask questions (it could save a life)
What would your 21-year-old self think of you now?
I think my 21-year-old self would be very proud of the woman and person that has blossomed over the last three decades. It was not without challenge. She would be thankful for the experiences and for the learning that occurred because of them. She would also say, "Don't let others dim your light. Opportunity is abundant for every woman to shine in a way that only they can”.
What is a favorite leadership quote and why?
It is from Eckhart Tolle. “The question is not what do I want out of my life; but rather, what does life want out of me?”
What is next for you?
A few decades ago I stopped asking the question, what do I want out of my life?, and learned from the teachings of Eckardt Tolle that the better question to ask is, what does life want out of me? To this end, I will continue to use my voice for the well-being of others.
BIO
Civic Activist and Human & Organizational Development Consultant, Suzanne Spencer is the CEO of Living Skills in the Schools and brings a wealth of experience and expertise to non-profit leadership and for-profit organizations. Suzanne has pioneered innovative practices within the health and wellness terrain by mobilizing cross-sector leadership, organizations, community partners, and diverse stakeholders to inform and transform the workplace, workforce, and community. Recognized as an innovator in the field of mental health and addiction, Suzanne is an inspirational speaker and conference headliner. She’s addressed audiences such as Florida Atlantic University's' Phyllis and Harvey Sandler School of Social Work, ,and Women Empowering Women Forums, among others. She currently holds an undergraduate degree in organizational management, a graduate degree in leadership, and will complete her doctorate in education leadership in 2020.