Susan McPherson: The Power of Community- Building Bold Connections

About This Episode

Join us as we welcome Susan McPherson, a serial connector, angel investor, and corporate responsibility expert, who shares her unique take on boldness. In this episode, she examines the courage and confidence needed to uplift others and how building genuine connections has changed over time, especially through the explosion of social media and the changing approaches to networking. Susan discusses her motivation for writing her book, The Lost Art of Connecting. Amid our digital distractions, she emphasizes the necessity of authentic, face-to-face interactions and the powerful outcomes these connections can bring, especially for women seeking to build lasting communities. She also describes her Gather, Ask, Do methodology- a strategy for meaningful communication and community building. We also delve into the challenges faced by introverts at social events and offer strategies for true engagement. Learn how to use social media wisely to amplify others' successes and foster genuine relationships. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on maintaining meaningful connections and building a supportive community.

About Susan McPherson

Susan McPherson is a serial connector, angel investor, and corporate responsibility expert. She is the founder and CEO of McPherson Strategies, a communications consultancy focused on the intersection of brands and social impact. She is the author of The Lost Art of Connecting (McGraw-Hill). Susan has 30+ years of experience in marketing, public relations, and sustainability communications, speaking regularly at industry events including Massachusetts Conference for Women, BSR, DLD, Worth Women and Techonomy, and contributing to the Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, and Forbes. She has appeared on NPR, CNN, USA Today, The New Yorker, New York Magazine and the Los Angeles Times. Susan is the recipient of Forbes magazine’s 50 over 50—Impact 2021 award and Worth Media’s Worthy100 award. Currently, Susan invests in and advises women-led start-ups, including: iFundWomen,Inc., The Meteor, Our Place, Spicewell, The June Group, Hint Water, The Helm, Apolitical, The Muse and has recently begun investing in women-led Broadway productions including Like Water for Elephants and SUFFS. She is on the advisory boards of the Apolitical Foundation, Lebec Consulting and Just Capital. Additionally, she is a member of the MIT Solve Women and Technology Leadership Group and serves as an adviser to several nonprofits including She’s The First and The OpEd Project. Susan is a Vital Voices global corporate ambassador and a member of the New York Women’s Forum and Extraordinary Women on Boards. She resides in Brooklyn.

Additional Resources

Website: www.mcpstrategies.com

Instagram: @susanmcp1

LinkedIn: @SusanMcPherson

Chapters

• 0:07 Embracing Boldness and Community Building
• 7:59 The Power of Connection and Gatherings
• 16:13 Staying Connected Through Meaningful Communication
• 25:48 Navigating Social Connections and Authenticity