Susan Marshall is impressive. She is the founder of Backbone Institute, an international author and renowned public speaker. I met with Susan and almost three hours flew by as we shared our experiences. Susan is easy to be with, she listens carefully and makes you feel validated. Susan is a class act who has spent her life genuinely looking for ways to help others. I hope you enjoy getting to know a little bit about her.
Meet Susan Marshall
The second of six children, Susan Marshall was raised in a middle class family in West Bend. She is a graduate of West Bend East. Susan wanted to be an attorney and attend Marquette University. Her dad laughed, and mom said, “Oh, Susie, we have no money for you.” Family money was dedicated to educating her three younger brothers. 13 years to undergrad, and 2.5 more to MBA. Her eclectic career led to independence in the late 90’s. Her passion is helping people discover competence and being confident in order to take intelligent, purposeful risk. She is the author of four books, a mother of two, and grandmother of five.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I have two daughters, one lives in Appleton and the other in Minneapolis, and I have two sisters and three brothers. Both my parents are deceased and my journey with their end of life years is the basis for my book: Mom’s Gone Missing: When a Parent’s Changing Life Upends Yours.
Q: Please tell us about your life and what you do (whether working in our community, a business owner, volunteer, etc.). How did you choose that path?
I am an independent leadership facilitator, author, and a confidence advocate. A weeding out process and learning through mistakes brought me to this path. I have compassion for others and a passion to support individual growth and courage in making decisions both big and small. I love seeing people grow! My business at Backbone Institute offers products and classes for individuals and businesses alike. We focus on mastery of five fundamental skills: Critical Thinking, Decisiveness, Clarity of Communication, Integrity of Word and Act, and Consistency. I am also a facilitator for monthly Compassion Chats the 4th Tuesday of every month. These chats provide support and resources for caregivers and those looking for information about Alzheimer’s and Dementia. To join the chats and to learn more about our offerings please go to my website at www.susanamarshall.com.
Q: What was the most difficult challenge in getting to where you are now or in your life?
There have been many challenges. The process of learning that parents are not responsible for supporting my dreams has been a major growth area. Being independent and running my own businesses can be costly. Survival is an important skill, but not always necessary! People are good and bad and everyone is different. We all need help and asking for it is a sign of strength and not weakness. My own personal growth and that of my clients is the most rewarding aspect of my job/life.
Q: What are some of your future goals? Do you have anything exciting coming up that you would like to share?
I am itching to write another book, and we will be expanding the school leadership program which began in San Antonio, Texas. I will also be expanding the Compassion Chats to reach a broader audience. The four books I have written are: 1. How to Grow a Backbone: 10 Strategies for Gaining Power and Influence At Work; 2. Life. Be In It. Words and Wisdom, Humor and Encouragement; 3. Of Beauty and Substance: A Backbone Guide for Women; 4. Mom’s Gone Missing: When a Parent’s Changing Life Upends Yours.
Q: What advice would you give to someone interested in doing something similar to what you have done/are doing?
Take considered, purposeful risk. Limit your exposure to negative people. Trust that the next step will be filled with learning. Be aware that others have different aspirations, a different view of life, and different experiences that shaped their thinking.
Susan Marshall & Our Community
Q: What is your favorite thing about our community, favorite thing to do, or something unique about our community that you love? (Feel free to share as much as you’d like!)
We have so many smart, dedicated people who are about each other and this special place. The boardwalk is magnificent! Great restaurants both formal and relaxed.
Q: Who is an interesting person you’ve met here in our community, and how have they inspired you?
Sarah Williams-Berg, Director of Community Relations for Shorehaven in Oconomowoc, WI. Her energy, compassion and reach within the community is truly amazing. She is consistent in her dedication to helping everyone within her realm.
Q: Do you have a favorite coffee shop, cocktail shop, or restaurant?
Maxim’s. The BEST breakfast ever.
Q: What 3 words would you use to describe our community?
Caring. Warm. GROWING.
For Fun
Q: What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I swam competitively from the time I was 8 until I met “real” swimmers at the collegiate level and realized I was way out of my element.
Q: What is your favorite book, TV show, movie, poem, or song? Why?
There are too many good books to choose just one. I am a voracious reader, with over 1,000 books in my personal collection. Most are non-fiction. My favorite movie is “The Greatest Showman”.
I’ve seen it five times! It inspires me to persevere no matter what.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My three pastors at St. Matthew’s Church in Oconomowoc. Pastor Steven Hillmer, Pastor Philip Bigelow and Pastor Daniel Schmidt. I am also inspired by every teacher I meet and every kid who takes a risk.
Q: If you were a drink (can be a coffee drink, alcoholic, non-alcoholic, etc.), what would you be?
Chardonnay
Q: If you could have lunch with anyone, who would it be with? Why?
Trite as it is: Jesus. How in the world did he live a perfect life? How did He forgive His murderers? Why does He care about me?
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
No bucket list for me. I seek to lean into the adventure of every day and learn from everyone I meet – good, bad and ugly lessons.
Q: What makes you the happiest?
Feeling content despite the sh*tshow around me.
Q: Any general life advice you would like to share?
Be kind. Those are two short and easy words to say, but the practice can be extraordinarily difficult! Commit to it.
Where to Find Susan Marshall
Email: susan@backboneinstitute.com
Phone: (262) 689-7763
Website: www.backboneinstitute.com
Website: www.susanamarshall.com
