Influential Woman · Database consulting and AI development
Susan Kennedy
Owner, SparkleDB
Tallahassee, FL
Her Story
About Susan
Susan Kennedy owns a database consulting firm that she established in 1993 alongside a business partner. Initially focused on training legal secretaries and other professionals in computer skills across multiple classrooms in Florida, the business shifted after 2001 toward database development for clients including a subdivision of the Florida Department of Education, where she helped create an online system for licensing applications. She has since moved more into AI development while maintaining some database work and runs a second company, Suncoast Milestone Ventures LLC, which offers education and social media services aimed at entrepreneurs over 50 via Entrepreneurs50+. Kennedy is extensively self-taught with some college experience and is currently working toward a Bachelor's in Theology. She attributes her success to empathy gained from working with diverse companies, her extensive experience, and a willingness to listen and collaborate. A strong Christian woman who values honesty, Kennedy also volunteers with the group Phalanx to develop robotics that assist bed-bound individuals in moving independently.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Susan
01What do you attribute your success to?
Mostly I have a lot of empathy because I have worked with a lot of different companies from a worldwide manufacturer to a welding course software. I can talk to people and understand their business faster than a lot of other people. It really comes down to my experience and my willingness to listen and work with people.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Many years ago one woman said it would really help if I would keep everyone informed of what was going on. Over the years I have worked to get better at doing weekly updates or daily updates depending on the situation so that everyone was happy all the time or at least knew what was going on. I think that one of the best things I ever added to my skills.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Learn as much as they can. It used to be that you needed to learn one new thing every day and now you need to learn at least 10 new things every day.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Many people are not ready to look at AI or they go too deep into AI too quickly. There are so many opportunities to help people that could use AI to grow their business. People sometimes jump in the wrong direction like spending way more to see if AI is possible than they currently pay. There is a lot of opportunity for especially small business owners to use AI to help them.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I am a strong Christian woman and I believe in honesty.
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