An Evening with Susan Packard

A few months ago I blogged about a fantastic book I read titled “New Rules of the Game: 10 Strategies for Women in the Workplace” by Susan Packard. I liked the book so much I bought a few extra copies and gave them to some of my friends. I also did something else. I sent Susan Packard an e-mail to thank her for writing such a great book.

Imagine my surprise when she wrote back! Yes, that’s right. A woman who has won accolades for her professional success as well as her involvement and leadership with the community, personally replied to my email! It would be an understatement to say I was beside myself!

Within a few exchanges we somehow figured out a way to get Susan to speak for an event via Women in Capital Markets; a non-profit organization I am actively involved with. The planning began sometime in July and we had the event this past Tuesday, Novembr 17^th. I know I have an unusual number of exclamation points in this post but it’s only because I still can’t believe all this has happened in the way that it has!!

The night was electric. The beautiful venue was offered by a very generous sponsor (Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt, LLP) and the room, food and drink were perfect. The people present were excited and happy to be there and there was a ton of energy and positive vibes floating around.

Ms. Packard was an inspiration. She is so grounded, modest, positive and …a whole person. She is a successful professional and a wife and a mom and a genuinely good person. She shared some of the insights from her book and the feedback after the event was tremendous.

The reason this experience was so astonishing and wonderful all at the same time is because we are constantly told that to move up the professional ladder one has to compromise values and integrity and heck, if you’re a psychopath, all the better!

I can’t say how refreshing (and jaw-dropping) it was to meet someone who has risen in her ranks and kept her values and family and friends intact. She is a real role model.  I encourage all of you to check out her book.  It applies to those who work for corporations and even if you are an entrepreneur because her take-aways are concrete and universally applicable.

Thank you Susan.