Building Confidence, Connections, and Personal Growth

Suzanne Mellen reflects on building her career by trusting her instincts, sharpening her skills, and stepping forward even when opportunities were uncertain. She describes navigating male-dominated environments, relying on intuition, and strengthening her credibility through hard work and expertise. Suzanne explains how she built a national practice by observing closely, staying curious, and committing to excellence in every assignment.

She also highlights how continual growth, through technical learning, personal development, and understanding people, shaped her leadership. Tools like the Enneagram and Stephen Covey’s principles helped her manage teams more effectively, communicate with intention, and adapt her style to support others. Her experience underscores how authenticity, resilience, and self-awareness create a meaningful and impactful career.

Notable Quotes/Highlights

• “I was always very intuitive about what was going on… trying to make inroads where I could.”
• “I realized… I’m as smart or even smarter than some of these people.”
• “Just try and be as confident as possible… get really clear on what you’re looking for and then go for it.”
• On having her credibility unfairly challenged: “I want respect and that’s what I demand… if they’re not going to respect me, I’m just not going to engage.”
• “Make time for your personal life . . . Life goes quickly, but it’s also a marathon.”

Closing Reflection

Suzanne’s insights encourage us to trust our abilities, seek meaningful connections, and stay open to continual growth. By working hard, advocating for ourselves, and making time for renewal, we create space for lasting success and impact.