Overcoming Barriers, Leading with Purpose: Susan Frew’s Story

Welcome to this episode of Becoming Unshakeable! If you’ve been a follower and fan of Leadership with Heart, you’re in exactly the right place. From here on out, Becoming Unshakeable will be the new name of my show—and I can’t wait to bring you invaluable insights on what it means to lead with clarity, compassion and courage.

In this conversation, I sat down with my friend and powerhouse leader, Susan Frew. Susan’s path runs from corporate leadership at AT&T Wireless across the Caribbean to small business ownership, reinvention, and now her work as a top AI speaker. She embodies what Becoming Unshakeable is all about. We talk about the moments that tested her, the choices that reshaped her, and the practices that keep her steady when life speeds up. 

Susan shares how being a young international VP in Grenada and St. Vincent taught her to build from scratch, lead across cultures, and become her own IT department. She opens up about the seasons that didn’t fit, what she unlearned about “being everything to everyone,” and why finding work you truly love changes your energy, confidence, and results. We get honest about ADHD as a superpower, the discipline of protecting your circle from gossip, and the surprising role sleep hypnosis and mindset work have played in her growth.

If you are barely holding it together, this one will meet you right where you are. You will hear practical self-leadership tools, a fresh take on career reinvention, and a grounded vision for using AI to serve people with integrity and kindness. Listen in for fuel, clarity, and a reminder that you can move forward, even on the hard days.


About Susan

Susan Frew is America’s go-to AI expert for small businesses, turning challenges into extraordinary growth stories. Under her leadership, her company achieved an incredible 535% growth, earned a place on the prestigious Inc5000 list, and won 43 industry awards. Known for her hands-on approach, Susan teaches audiences exactly how to leverage AI to save money, streamline operations, and achieve efficiency in their businesses.

With a rich career as an International GM for AT&T Wireless and an SBA’s national Emerging Leaders program instructor, Susan blends corporate savvy with entrepreneurial grit. A TEDx speaker, sought-after emcee, and celebrated business coach, she captivates audiences by demystifying AI and making it accessible, practical, and profitable.

Dubbed “The Thriftinista,” Susan’s innovative mindset extends beyond tech, offering creative solutions for business growth. Her philosophy is simple: take bold risks, explore new frontiers, and always aim for awesome.

Susan’s book, Compete on Awesome with AI, is a game-changer, equipping entrepreneurs with actionable insights to build sustainable, thriving businesses. Whether on stage or on the page, Susan’s energy inspires others to confidently embrace the future and take their businesses to unprecedented heights.


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About Heather R Younger, J.D., CSP

Heather R Younger, J.D., CSP is a highly sought-after speaker, 2x-TEDx speaker, diversity, equity and inclusion strategist, and contributor to leading news outlets. She is also the Founder and CEO of Employee Fanatix, a leading employee engagement and consulting firm. After over 25,000 employee engagement surveys and years of working with organizations to transform employee engagement, here’s what Heather has seen over and over: When you know how to listen, employees will tell you exactly what they need to bring their full selves to work. Book Heather to speak at your event or organization.

Visit heatheryounger.com or https://www.cmispeakers.com/heather-r-younger for more details.

Becoming Unshakeable Podcast

With Heather R. Younger

Becoming Unshakable is the podcast for leaders, creators, and changemakers who know TRUE LEADERSHIP starts from within.

Each episode explores what it takes to lead with resilience, compassion, and purpose while staying human through it all.

Through candid conversations with executives, frontline leaders, coaches, and everyday heroes, Heather uncovers the real stories behind growth, compassion, setbacks, and transformation.

From navigating change to creating emotionally safe cultures, Becoming Unshakable reveals what it really takes to create leaders—and organizations—that can’t be shaken.

Hi, I'm Heather

I've been through every type of
ORGANIZATIONAL CHANGE
you can think of.

Layoffs, reorgs, mergers, acquisitions and major technology shifts. More than 20 years leading teams through high-stakes situations where results mattered, people depended on me, and decisions couldn't wait.

Those years taught me how to lead. But they also showed me the hidden cost of always being the one who holds it all together.

During our second reorg in less than a year, I walked out of a meeting with no say in what was happening, just marching orders. When my team asked how the meeting went, I should have said, “Give me 15 minutes to process this.” But I didn't. Instead, I let them absorb every ounce of my frustration.

Then I saw their faces.

The people who looked to me for stability had just watched me unravel. What was that teaching them about their ability to handle the pressure?

That moment changed how I saw my role as a leader. Leading teams isn't only about grit or resilience. It's about how your presence builds the trust your team needs to function when things get hard.

Today, I help organizations build unshakable leaders, teams, and cultures. Because when leaders become the calm teams can count on, organizations don't just survive change, they come out strong enough to handle what’s next.

Heather Sitting
Heather_Younger_The_Cycle_of_Active_Listening_Guide

The Cycle of Active Listening

Create a listening culture that elevates the workplace experience for everyone.

Through this guide, uncover how to ensure those in your care at work feel heard and valued, resulting in increased loyalty and satisfaction.

  • Understand why listening is the key to improved engagement
  • Learn how the Cycle of Active Listening contributes to strong workplace relationships
  • Get a practical framework for creating a listening culture that is bidirectional, responsive, and supportive

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Contact Heather Today!
+1 403-398-8488

Contact
Contact

I'm really interested in...

(select all that apply)*

I can be reached at...

Additional Comments