The moment I stopped chasing the identity I thought I was supposed to have, I discovered the one that fits me best. Purpose is measured by lives changed, not titles held.
Susan Shenberger, MAOD-HR · In Her Own Words
Her Story
About Susan
Susan Shenberger is a career coach, leadership development expert, and former Fortune 100 executive who is passionate about helping people turn career setbacks into comebacks. After leading teams and developing talent at Pfizer, she found her true calling in helping professionals gain clarity, build confidence, and create a strategy for landing meaningful work.
Today, Susan serves as a Career Transition Consultant with LHH and an Adjunct Professor of Business at the University of Valley Forge. She specializes in career strategy, resume and LinkedIn optimization, networking, interview preparation, and personal branding. She has coached more than 200 professionals through career transitions, achieving a 48% placement success rate, and founded the Sue Crew, a community of more than 150 job seekers focused on accountability, encouragement, and connection.
Known as one of Philadelphia's Top Career Coaches, Susan believes every job seeker has a unique story worth telling. Her coaching philosophy, Clarity. Confidence. Courage. helps clients recognize their value, own their edge, and pursue opportunities with purpose. Whether coaching individuals, teaching in the classroom, or leading workshops, Susan is committed to helping people build careers they are excited about.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Susan
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute much of my success to being willing to step outside my comfort zone and say "yes" to opportunities that challenged me. Some of my greatest growth has come from taking calculated risks, trusting the process, and having the courage to try something new. Every new experience has expanded my perspective, strengthened my confidence, and shaped the coach I am today.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've ever received was simple: find great mentors. Throughout my career, I've been fortunate to learn from people who challenged me, encouraged me, and gave me honest feedback when I needed it most. Their guidance has helped me see opportunities I might have missed, navigate difficult decisions, and continue growing both personally and professionally. It's one of the reasons I'm so passionate about paying that forward through my own coaching.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women starting their careers is to invest in relationships as much as you invest in your skills. Build trust, find mentors, ask questions, and don't be afraid to raise your hand for new opportunities. People may remember what you accomplished, but they'll always remember how you made them feel, and a reputation built on integrity and genuine relationships will open doors throughout your career.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
AI is changing the job search faster than anything I've seen in years. It's an incredible tool for helping job seekers work smarter, but it's not a substitute for knowing your value or building real connections. The candidates who stand out are the ones who use AI to sharpen their strategy while still telling an authentic story, networking with purpose, and showing employers the unique impact they can make. That's where I love helping people bridge the gap.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me every day are relationships, integrity, authenticity, community, and serving others. I believe people are at their best when they feel seen, supported, and encouraged. Whether I'm coaching a client, teaching a class, or leading the Sue Crew community, my goal is always the same, to build genuine connections, lead with honesty, and help others discover the confidence to take their next step.
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