#22: Encouragement can change everything with Sue Sommer

In this episode, Dr. Eric Bean invites Sue Sommer, President and CEO of Cordant Health Solutions. Here, she shares how important it is to have someone that believes in you and what you can do in pursuing the things you want to do in life.

Though the cliche’ statement goes like this: “You need to believe in yourself first so others will believe in you,” Sue believes the other way. For her, the accomplishment is different if you have someone behind your back, cheering you on to take that leap of faith and challenge yourself.

Back in the old days, Sue worked at a hospital as a nurse and from there, she recognized the challenges in the healthcare system. Now, almost ten years later, Sue has still been leading one of the best companies in the world. This is despite the fact that the business started as a private equity backed company.

Her success is not pure luck. It is a mix of determination, hard work, patience, and the confidence to dominate as a female CEO.

Highlights

[4:19] Getting to know more Sue Sommer

[7:26] Sue’s experience and the significant phone call

[12:28] Overcoming fears and recognizing your potential

[15:55] The importance of confidence

[17:29] Finding answers to one’s own “why”

[18:11] The role of her nursing experience

[23:13] Why passion and teamwork matter?

[29:04] Challenges in the role

[34:44] Having “thick skin” and how it helped Sue

[54:55] The Bikram yoga

Resources Mentioned

Good to Great by Jim Collins

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Belle Curve Podcast is sponsored by HigherEchelon, Inc. and produced and co-hosted by HigherEchelon Director of Marketing & Communications Rachel Bryars.