President, American Express Open; New York, NY
Children: Jeremiah, 6; Leah, 4 ♦ Partner: Keith

Why We Love Her
Susan is dedicated to achieving success at home and at work—but what sets her apart is that she’s usually advocating on someone else’s behalf. Committed to helping others realize their full potential, she sponsors the Parents at American Express program, a volunteer network that connects moms and dads and features guest speakers on topics relevant to parents. She’s also involved with the women’s business initiative because it allows her to help American Express support business owners, some of whom start their own companies to better integrate work and family.

Q: What’s your best advice for a new mom returning to work?

A: You can’t leave a part of yourself at home. You need it all. Put your whole self into whatever you are doing, whether at home and at work. That doesn’t mean you have to do it all. Be clear on what only you can do and learn to delegate with confidence.

Q: What’s your biggest working mom confession?

A: I’m rarely at school and never get to the Parent’s Association, although I pay the dues — and yet I pretend to myself that I might show up at the PA one day. Until then, I have a broad parent network in place to help keep me connected and informed of all the critical after-school activities and birthday parties that should not be missed.

Q: What’s your best tip for keeping your home life running smoothly?

A: My time goes to the kids, despite my urge to run home and do laundry, cook dinner and go grocery shopping. When will I learn that being a mom isn’t about folding pajamas? Kids would rather have you reading a story with wrinkled pajamas. I try to resist the urge to boil the ocean. It’s not about doing it all, it’s about having focus.