Her Story
About Susan
Susan Mazza is the Founder of Random Acts of Leadership, a leadership development organization dedicated to helping individuals and organizations elevate their leadership impact through intentional, everyday actions. She began her professional journey studying finance and international business at Penn State University before spending 14 years at Prudential Financial as an IT project manager, where she served as a bridge between end users and technical teams to drive successful outcomes. In 1996, Mazza transitioned into organizational transformation, and after gaining valuable experience with a boutique consulting firm, she launched her own business in 1999 focused on leadership development, coaching, and helping people unlock their full potential.
Throughout her career, Mazza has developed innovative leadership frameworks, including the Leading Made Simple Method and the Leadership in Action System™, which focuses on practical approaches such as Strategy in Action™, Leading in Action™, and Accountability in Action™. Her philosophy centers on the belief that leadership is built through everyday choices, meaningful interactions, and the ability to influence others regardless of title or position. She has worked with leaders and organizations worldwide, delivering coaching, workshops, and keynote presentations that help individuals strengthen their leadership presence, build trust, and create lasting impact.
Mazza’s work is guided by values of integrity, service, and a deep commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of others. She has contributed to organizations including WeVenture, the Women’s Business Center at Florida Tech, and the Association of Women's Business Centers, supporting the advancement and empowerment of women leaders. She believes in staying true to one’s mission, embracing challenges with resilience, and using emerging technologies such as AI to amplify creativity and strategic thinking. Through her continued work, Mazza remains committed to making leadership more accessible and demonstrating that meaningful leadership can begin with something as simple as an act of kindness.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Susan
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to caring deeply about the work I do and the positive impact it has on people’s lives. I believe that passion, purpose, and a genuine commitment to making a difference have guided me throughout my career. I have learned that challenges are an inevitable part of growth, and I remain dedicated, resilient, and determined to overcome obstacles while continuing to learn and move forward.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to avoid settling too early on a single career path and to remain open to growth, change, and new opportunities. In times of uncertainty and rapid transformation, such as the rise of AI and evolving industries, it is important to continue learning, adapting, and exploring new possibilities. I’ve learned that it is perfectly okay to be a work in progress, and that personal and professional growth comes from embracing challenges, gaining new experiences, and allowing yourself the flexibility to evolve.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to clearly define your mission, values, and the impact you want to make, and then remain committed to them throughout your journey. Stay true to what you believe in, use your voice, and have the confidence to lead with authenticity. I believe that when you understand your purpose and stand firmly behind your values, you can create meaningful change. My own focus has always been on making leadership more accessible and empowering women to recognize and embrace their own inner strength, and I encourage others to do the same.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges and opportunities in my field right now is the continued evolution of artificial intelligence and its impact on the way we work. While AI can create disruption and uncertainty, I believe it also has the potential to amplify human thinking, elevate diverse voices, and unlock new levels of creativity when used thoughtfully. I approach AI as a valuable tool that can streamline routine tasks, improve efficiency, and allow professionals to dedicate more time to strategic thinking, innovation, and meaningful work. By embracing new technologies while staying grounded in human connection and purpose, we can use these advancements to create greater opportunities for growth and impact.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are integrity, authenticity, and service to others. I believe in staying true to who I am, making decisions that align with my principles, and treating people with honesty, respect, and compassion. Being of service and using my skills to support and empower others is at the heart of how I approach leadership and relationships. By leading with integrity and purpose, I strive to create a positive impact and build trust with those around me.
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.