Meet Susan Shier

We were lucky to catch up with Susan Shier recently and have shared our conversation below.

Susan, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

Finding my purpose has been a lifelong journey. As someone who has struggled with depression and anxiety for over 30 years, personal development has become essential to my daily life. I’m constantly aware of my mood and actively work to understand what life is trying to teach me, drawing inspiration from psychologists, thought leaders, motivational speakers, preachers, and my favorite podcasters.

Two pivotal moments helped shape my path: job losses in 2012 and 2023. In 2012, after being laid off from a great remote role at Hewlett-Packard, I felt devastated. A huge setback forced me to reimagine my life and think creatively about using my skills. A friend’s suggestion to work part-time for several clients sparked an idea: why not leverage my corporate skills to support small business owners? That’s when I stepped into solopreneurship, joined Business Networking International (BNI), and eventually grew into leadership roles that gave me confidence and direction.

When I faced job loss again in 2023, I felt something new—clarity instead of fear. I had learned that my passion wasn’t just business strategy or task management but genuinely helping people. I knew the stress and isolation professionals face, and I wanted to be a partner who could offer business support and emotional relief. That’s when Go Simple was born, created from my own experiences of uncertainty and transition. I found my purpose in helping others regain control, reduce stress, and focus on what matters most in their work and personal lives.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

Currently, I’m focused on running *Go Simple*, a business born out of my desire to help professionals manage the complexities of their work and support their mental and emotional well-being. One of the most exciting things we’re working on right now is our *Email Archetypes* project. This system categorizes email communication styles into archetypes, helping business owners and teams communicate more effectively and efficiently. By understanding their communication tendencies—and those of their clients and colleagues—they can tailor their messages to foster stronger relationships, reduce miscommunications, and save time. It’s a simple but powerful tool that transforms how our clients interact.

In addition, I’ve developed an Email Mindset Blueprint Course, which focuses on helping solo business owners manage their inboxes with less stress and overwhelm. It teaches a new way of looking at your inbox and how you can leverage control of this daily tool.

Over the years, I’ve seen firsthand how critical mental well-being is in the fast-paced world of business, especially for solopreneurs. This course draws from my experiences and personal development journey, blending practical tools with mindfulness techniques to help others stay grounded and mentally strong as they pursue their goals.

What I love most about this work is that it’s not just about business strategy—it’s about genuinely supporting people. The approach is unique because it combines mental wellness with business efficiency.

My mission is to help people regain control over their time, reduce stress, and stay focused on what matters to them professionally and personally.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

The three qualities and skills that have had the greatest impact on my journey are resilience, empathy, and adaptability.

Resilience has been crucial. Facing job losses in 2012 and again in 2023 forced me to find creative solutions and keep moving forward, even when the future seemed uncertain. Resilience means being able to bounce back from setbacks, and for anyone early in their journey, I’d advise cultivating this through self-care and a support network. Don’t hesitate to lean on others when needed, and permit yourself to rest when challenges arise—it’s about persistence, not perfection.

*Empathy* has also enormously impacted my personal and professional growth. Understanding what others are going through—whether clients, team members, or even myself—helps build stronger relationships and more effective solutions. For anyone just starting, I’d recommend becoming a better listener. Take time to honestly hear what others are saying. The more you can put yourself in their shoes, the more impactful your work will become.

Finally, *adaptability* has been vital. My journey took unexpected turns, from corporate roles to solopreneurship, and now, I am evolving into mindset coaching and developing communication tools like email archetypes. The ability to pivot, learn new skills, and stay flexible has made all the difference. For those early in their journey, I encourage embracing change. Your path may not look exactly as planned, and that’s okay. The more willing you are to learn and adapt, the more opportunities you’ll create for yourself.

In the early stages, focus on cultivating resilience, honing empathy, and staying adaptable—those qualities will carry you through the ups and downs of any entrepreneurial or professional journey.

Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?

Hard work was expected in my family. I learned early on that success isn’t handed to you—it’s earned through dedication, effort, and persistence. Whether I watched them navigate their challenges or heard them encourage me to keep going when things got tough, they reinforced the idea that setbacks are part of the process and not the end of the road.

Beyond that, they also gave me the space to discover my unique path. They never pushed me into a particular career or direction but encouraged me to follow what felt right, even if that meant taking risks or changing course. Their balance of strong work ethic and allowing me the freedom to explore has stayed with me throughout my journey, helping me to be resilient, adaptable, and open to growth.

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Images are all my own.

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