Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Suzanne Broad. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Suzanne, you’ve got such an interesting story, but before we jump into that, let’s first talk about a topic near and dear to us – generosity. We think success, happiness and wellbeing depends on authentic generosity and empathy and so we’d love to hear about how you become such a generous person – where do you think your generosity comes from?
I find it so easy to be generous. To me, generosity means being helpful. Whether it is helping someone cross the street, sharing a smile to let someone know they are seen and appreciated, or giving your time, talent, and/or treasure, it just comes naturally to me. Is it too much of a cliché to say that it is better to give than receive?
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Right now, thousands of children are sleeping on the floor, couches, sharing small mattresses, or otherwise inappropriate conditions because their families cannot afford a large furniture purchase, like beds.
Without beds of their own, children cannot get a good night’s rest. Without good sleep, their behavior, their grades, and their ability to get along with others all suffer.
Without beds, caregivers suffer, too. I’m sure everyone reading knows how tough a day can feel when you haven’t slept well. For people sleeping on the floor, every day feels like that — making it harder to care for children, go to work, and meet daily challenges.
I founded Sweet Dream Makers in 2016 to get children and their families off of the floor and into a bed. Since that time, over 30,000 people have received new beds and bedding in my local south Florida area.
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?
Empathy, willingness, and curiosity. I care deeply about people, and my instinct is to say, “Yes, I can help. ” I am overwhelmingly curious about people’s lives, specifically people outside of my circle, and that person could be my neighbor or someone I see while traveling abroad.
My advice for people early in their journey would be to open their eyes, listen, and learn. I find it best not to pass judgment,
I have not walked in anyone’s shoes but my own, so how can I propose to know why people make their choices?
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?
I grew up middle-class on Long Island in New York. I wanted for nothing. I had lots of friends in the neighborhood, felt safe, had a dog, and had a loving family. In 6th grade, I had to write an essay about myself. I was stumped, so I asked my mother, “Who would be interested in reading about me? I am so ordinary.”
She said without hesitation that there was nothing ordinary about me. She suggested I look inward and write about what makes me happy; what makes me tick. She said I should not be afraid to be true to myself; to find my uniqueness, and express myself confidently. She opened my eyes to see that what may seem ordinary can be extraordinary. She helped me develop my curiosity, and although she left this earth before founding Sweet Dream Makers, I do not doubt that she lives in my heart and inspires me every day to be the best I can be, to do my part to make this world a better place.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sweetdreammakers.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweetdreammakers
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sweetdreammakers
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzanne-broad-b17585147/
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
