Well here I am, finally stepping over the threshold and dusting off my world wide welcome mat. This entire process has been an extended metaphor for what I’m passionate about – living my truth and being authentic in the world. Arriving here has been a surprising journey, one filled with unexpected personal revelations.

Before shifting careers to Leadership Development, I lived in the world of technology. I’ve frequently been asked if I have a website. When I sheepishly replied ‘No,’ I was often met with surprise, given my technical background. I didn’t feel any urgency or need for me to have a web presence. I worked with a number of organizations that provided information about me and I was comfortable simply being found behind the scenes.

As the economy downspiraled, I responded and developed more consulting offers. With this evolution, I finally accepted the need to get myself on the web. I knew I required a designer who offered more than technical expertise, one that could truly create a site that reflected the essence of me and my work.

When I received his intake form, I was completely overwhelmed, nine pages?! I had to laugh as I know that overwhelm often plagues my clients when we first begin working together. The tables had turned on me, here I was sitting in the client’s seat. I noticed my resistance to having to define my work, I liked being all things to all people; don’t paint me into a corner!

Breathe… this is not what I’m committed to; I am committed to bridging world communities to establish collaboration and generate peace. So what does that look like? This was the fun part! I do love details, so deciding upon just right the colors, shading, fonts, and images were easy if time-consuming. The content only needed some minor updates, the site suddenly began to reveal itself and I was quite pleased.

Enter the final piece, this one, my first blog entry – paralysis!!! However, when I compassionately accepted my resistance, I realized that the fear was familiar. I felt like I was coming out again. I was about to reveal myself to the world! How would people respond? Would they find what I said meaningful or of value?

In the work that I do, I am my offer. I recognize that to forward truth and authenticity requires that I take risks, demonstrate my own vulnerability and speak my truth.

So here I am world! Through my blog it is my intent that you will be moved, inspired, educated, mobilized into action or into speaking your truth.

I welcome your feedback, comments, opinions and ideas.

Susan

• Strozzi Institute – Embody Your Leadership Potential –  www.strozziinstitute.com
• Hudson Institute – World Leaders in Renewal, Coaching and Leadership Training – www.hudsoninstitute.com

Spiritual

• Appropriate Response – awakening Wisdom in leadership and life – www.appropriateresponse.com
• Pema Chodron – www.pemachodron.org

• American Association of University Women – Breaking through Barriers for Women and Girls – www.aauw.org
• Business Council for Peace – more jobs mean less violence –  www.bpeace.org
• Dining for Women – Changing the world one dinner at a time – www.diningforwomen.org
• Girl Effect – www.girleffect.org
• Global Fund for Women – Promotes Women’s Economic Security, Health, Education and Leadership – www.globalfundforwomen.org
• Global Women’s Leadership Network – Whole Woman, Whole Leader, Whole World – www.gwln.org
• Women for Women International – Helping Women Survivors of War Rebuild Their Lives – www.womenforwomen.org

Global and Governmental

• Clinton Global Initiative – Turn good intentions into real action – www.clintonglobalinitiative.org
• United Nations Millennium Development Goals – 2015 Make it happen – www.un.org/millenniumgoals

Artistic

• Doug Ellis Photography – www.dougellisphotography.com
• International Museum of Women – exhibiting change –  www.imow.org
• Rodney Lough Jr Wilderness Collection – www.rodneyloughjr.com
• Travel Poet – www.travelpoet.com
• David Whyte Many Rivers – www.davidwhyte.com

“Susan articulated the values, processes and approach towards designing a vision for an unclear future.”  -  LV, Human Services Department, Cowlitz County, WA

“5 minutes with Debbie and Susan is a gift in self-growth… a day with them is exactly what I needed and deserved.  Their knowledge, depth and passion moved me to see the immediate, profound and attainable things I can do to achieve my personal and professional goals.  Months later I am still mining the gems of the You Can workshop and see the ripple effects throughout my life.  I can’t wait for my husband to attend!”  – Soraya Lowry, City Manager, City of Seatac, WA