Episode 258: The Art of Connecting With Susan McPherson, Founder & CEO of McPherson Strategies

Susan McPherson has an early memory that shaped her perspective on how to
build relationships. Growing up, she would watch her parents sit at the breakfast
table every morning, cutting out newspaper articles that they found interesting.
Every day, they wrote notes to their friends and sent it in the mail along with the
newspaper cuttings. It was their way of saying “I’m thinking of you” and nurturing
relationships with friends and family.

In this episode, Susan shares the keys to connecting with people and what you
can do to nurture relationships. As a successful entrepreneur, she credits her
people skills to building a thriving business.
She encourages us to always look for ways to be helpful to others. Learn practical
tips and proven principles in Susan’s book, “The Lost Art of Connecting: The
Gather, Ask, Do Method for Building Meaningful Relationships.”

Visit https://www.gobeyondbarriers.com where you will find show notes and
links to all the resources in this episode, including the best way to get in touch
with Susan.

Highlights:
[03:14] Susan’s journey and her most important lesson learned
[05:28] Finding her career path
[08:08] Fostering relationships
[11:02] Susan’s book, “The Lost Art oF Connecting”
[15:18] Starting her business
[18:07] Navigating tough times
[21:02] Leading with your values
[22:58] Addressing social initiatives
[24:34] What keeps Susan grounded
[26:23] Finding the right mentor
[28:42] The future of work and technology
[30:51] Lightning round questions

Quotes:

“Every person, no matter who they are, where they came from, the role they play
in society, their religion, the color of their skin, is deserving of our attention, our
compassion, our kindness, and our curiosity.” – Susan McPherson

“For me, it’s alway been leading with how we can be helpful to others.” – Susan
McPherson

“No matter how small our circle is, we still have a circle, so start with the people
that you know.” – Susan McPherson

Lightning Round Questions:

What book has greatly influenced you?
- Writing my own book (“The Lost Art oF Connecting”)

What is your favorite inspiring quote or saying?
- “How can I be helpful?”

What is one word or moniker you would use to describe yourself?
- Genuine

What is one change you've implanted that made your life better?
- Limiting my alcohol intake

What power song would you want playing as you walk out onto a stage?
- “Central Reservation” by Beth Orton

About Susan McPherson:
Susan McPherson is a serial connector, angel investor, and corporate
responsibility expert. She is the founder and CEO of McPherson Strategies, a B-
corp certified communications consultancy focused on social impact. She is the
author of The Lost Art of Connecting: The Gather, Ask, Do Method for Building
Meaningful Relationships (McGraw-Hill). Susan has 30+ years of experience in
marketing, public relations, and sustainability communications, speaking regularly
at industry events including Massachusetts Conference for Women, Worth
Women and Techonomy, and contributing to the Harvard Business Review, Fast
Company, and Forbes. She has appeared on NPR, CNN, USA Today, The New
Yorker, New York Magazine and the Los Angeles Times.

Susan is the recipient of Forbes magazine’s 50 over 50—Impact 2021 award and
Worth Media’s Worthy100 award. She has also won numerous accolades for her voice on social media platforms from Fortune Magazine, Fast Company and Elle Magazine. Currently, Susan invests in and advises women-led start-ups, including:

iFundWomen,Inc., Messy.fm, Our Place, The Riveter, Park Place Payments, Hint
Water, Apolitical and The Muse. She serves on the boards of USA for UNHCR, The
19th News, and serves on the advisory boards of The List, Apolitical Foundation,
Just Capital and Alltruists. Additionally, she is a member of the MIT Solve Women
and Technology Leadership Group and serves as an adviser to several nonprofits
including She’s The First and The OpEd Project. Susan is a Vital Voices global
corporate ambassador and a member of the New York Women’s Forum and
Extraordinary Women on Boards. She resides in Brooklyn.

Links:
Website: https://www.mcpstrategies.com/
Book: https://www.thelostartofconnecting.com/
LinkedIn URL: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanmcpherson/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/susanmcp1