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Imagine building a life you never thought was possible—defying the odds, rising to leadership, and using your voice to create change. 

That’s exactly what Dr. Susan E. Borrego did. A former university president and lifelong advocate for equity and inclusion, Sue is one of the most courageous, grounded, genuine leaders I’ve had the pleasure of meeting. 

Sue’s story is one of grit, resilience, and reinvention. Raised in a working-class family near Detroit and emancipated at 16, college wasn’t on Sue’s radar—until a community of teachers saw her potential and changed her path. 

She went on to lead a university through some of the most turbulent times in recent history.

Key Takeaways From Today’s Episode

In her chapter “Letting Go of Being Let Go” from Brave Women at Work: Lessons in Letting Go, Sue shares the raw truth behind being pushed out of a successful leadership role—not due to performance, but power plays—revealing the shame, silence, and betrayal that followed, and how she ultimately found her way back to herself.

In this conversation, we talk about:
+ How Sue released the shame that often comes with being let go
+ What it took to reclaim her narrative and rebuild her sense of self
+ Leadership lessons on trust, transparency, and courage during crisis
+ The unconscious narratives that shape our sense of worth
+ What it looks like to lead with presence

And our conversation ends where all great leadership should begin—rooted in love. 💛

Sue’s story is a beautiful reminder that our jobs don’t define us—and sometimes, what feels like an ending is an invitation to step into something more aligned. I’m so grateful to call Sue a friend and to share her wisdom, her grace, and her courage with you.

Connect with Sue:
🤝 Sue on the web: LinkedIn | Website | Ted Talk

📗 Buy the book! Brave Women at Work: Lessons in Letting Go

More to explore:
+ Listen: Letting Go Summer playlist
+ Related Episodes: Special Edition: Brave Women, Bold Stories, A Celebration of Letting Go
+ Behind the Scenes: Meet the courageous women rewriting the rules of success

🌟 The Flourish Careers Podcast is proudly highlighted in the Top Career Podcast Guide

Ways to work with me:
+ Join Fried to Flourishing, the self-paced career change course or virtual coaching experience.
+ You’re invited to the Gathering Ground, an insider circle where careers take root, grow, and flourish.
+ Browse around the shop and check out the playbooks: Make The Leap, Ultimate Playbook for Heart-Based Career Change | The Complete Interview Prep Playbook | Jumpstart Your Job Search, Gift for Grads

Brave Women at Work: Lessons in Letting Go

Find Freedom in Letting Go of What Holds You Back

Get Your Copy Today!

FIND MORE INFORMATION HERE

Want more career wisdom? Check out these podcast episodes/blog posts!

+ Bold Career Pivots: Vasu Tolia’s Creative Transition from Doctor to Artist
+ Spring into Heart-Based Leadership
+ Special Edition: Brave Women, Bold Stories, A Celebration of Letting Go

For more insider stories, quick tips, and #CareerTalk, I invite you to connect with me on Instagram @flourish.careers.

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