We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Suzy Siegle a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Suzy, thank you for being such a positive, uplifting person. We’ve noticed that so many of the successful folks we’ve had the good fortune of connecting with have high levels of optimism and so we’d love to hear about your optimism and where you think it comes from.
I’m a very optimistic person in general and see so much good in the world, others, and my own life. My optimism comes from my faith in God and belief there is a higher order to the world and it works for our good, especially during difficult times. In moments of challenge, uncertainty, or doubt, I have faith there is purpose unfolding I may not fully understand in the moment. My faith sustains me and reminds me that difficult seasons shape us, strengthen us, and prepare us for even bigger and more abundant opportunities in the future.
Napoleon Hill’s principle that within every adversity lies the seed of an equal or greater advantage strongly resonates with me. Even when situations are difficult, I want to learn: What can this teach me? What is this trying to show me? How can I grow through this? That perspective helps me stay grounded, hopeful, and open to learning. Remaining faithful, reflective, and resilient, allows setbacks to reveal greater success we may not have otherwise discovered.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I have the best job in the world! I have the privilege of serving as President and CEO of Walsh College, a premier business and technology college with a rich history of preparing students for successful careers and impactful lives. What excites me most about higher education is the profound impact it can have on the trajectory of a person’s life. Education opens doors of access and opportunity, helping individuals make even greater contributions in their communities, industries, and the world.
The higher education environment creates space for conversations around growth, transformation, learning, critical thinking, problem solving, innovation, and personal development.
One of the things I am most proud of is the strong return on investment our students experience. Walsh programs deliver, on average, an estimated 3x to 12x return on educational cost over a ten-year period, and we hear from alumni every day about the life-changing impact their time at Walsh College has had on their careers, families, and long-term success. That combination of career relevance, affordability, flexibility, and transformational impact is incredibly meaningful.
Professionally, I continue to champion our students and alumni as leading positive change in business, technology and the future of work We are actively expanding conversations and programming around AI, emerging technologies, leadership, business innovation, and workforce development while continuing to strengthen the student experience and deepen connections with industry and community partners.
At its core, the Walsh brand represents practical, career-focused education grounded in excellence, innovation, and career success. It is an honor to lead an institution that has helped generations of students transform their futures, and I remain incredibly optimistic about the role Walsh College will play in shaping what comes next.
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?
Looking back on my journey, three qualities have been especially important: adaptability, a commitment to continuous learning and growth, and energy.
First, adaptability and a willingness to change our thinking. Thoughts are things, yet they are not facts. Many times our thoughts are not accurate, even though we <i>think</i> they are. As humans, we are capable of changing our thought patterns. Our brains are highly neuroplastic. So we continually learn, adapt, and reshape how we think and respond to challenges. Embracing growth and being willing to evolve has helped me navigate uncertainty, evaluate situations from various perspectives, and develop deeper personal and professional resilience.
Second, a commitment to continuous learning and growth. Education doesn’t stop when we earn a degree, it’s a lifelong pursuit. We see it with new technologies, like artificial intelligence and machine learning, those who can adapt, learn and grow excel faster because they understand the dynamic nature of business and the world. We are never done learning.. I would encourage others to view growth as a lifelong process and to stay open to learning from every experience.
Third, energy and optimism have been foundational for me as a leader. I love what I do and feel fortunate to wake up every day connected to a larger purpose and mission. I believe the energy we bring into a room matters tremendously. In fact, I wrote a book called Chief Energy Officer because I believe one of the most important responsibilities of leadership is helping fuel and move organizations and teams forward through positive energy, belief, vision, and momentum. We have tremendous control over how we show up each day, the mindset we choose, and the attitude we bring into our work and relationships. That energy is contagious, and it has the power to shape culture, inspire others, and create meaningful impact.
Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?
At Walsh College, our ideal student is someone who carries both ambition and purpose. They are hardworking, driven not just to accomplish more, but to be more. There is a belief that they are meant for something greater, and that their work, their growth, and their leadership can create a meaningful and positive impact in the world around them.
Most of our students are working professionals who are actively balancing careers, families, responsibilities, and personal goals while still making the intentional choice to invest in themselves through education. They want a degree to integrate real-world experience and accelerate their trajectory forward. They need flexibility, accessibility, and relevance, because their lives are full and their aspirations are even bigger.
They are also deeply intentional about the kind of learning experience they choose. Our students value being taught by practitioner faculty, individuals who bring not only academic knowledge, but real-world experience from business, technology, and leadership. Our students value education grounded in practice because they are applying what they learn immediately in their workplaces and communities.
Most importantly, Walsh students understand that education is an investment, and one that delivers a real return in their lives and careers. They are committed to earning a high-ROI education that respects their time, builds their capability, and expands their opportunities. On average, Walsh graduates see an estimated 3x to 12x return on their educational investment over a ten-year period, and that outcome reflects what our students value most: tangible impact, career advancement, and long-term transformation.
What inspires me most is that our students are pursuing both degrees and possibility. They are building confidence, expanding their skills, and stepping into roles where they can lead, influence, and contribute at a higher level. In many ways, they represent the best of what higher education can be: practical, purpose-driven, and deeply connected to real-world impact.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.walshcollege.edu
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/walshcollege/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WalshCollegeOfficial/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/school/walsh-college/
- Twitter: https://x.com/walshcollege
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/WalshCollege
Image Credits
These were images I took on my own phone or that Walsh College took from commencement and are ours to use
