Education
Fill in your Bio how should I introduce you? Susan Cross is a master storyteller, speaker, and public relations expert. She helps people and organizations navigate disruption to see themselves, their work, and the world in new, positive ways. Susan is also a passionate advocate of connecting with nature to reduce stress and anxiety and improve mood. What was the biggest turning point in your life? My showstopping moment came on January 30, 2017. That’s the day my appendix ruptured while on vacation on the remote Caribbean island of Dominica. It was dramatic and traumatic, but I was lucky. Despite conditions that didn’t look anything like what I was used in an American hospital (I was bed #3 in the women’s ward), I had an excellent medical team. It took five days for me to recover enough to get on a plane and return to the US and then several months at home to regain my balance. It was the biggest disruption of my life and the beginning of a major life reset for me. Suddenly, doing it all, all the time wasn’t as fun anymore. I still wanted to do well, but my motivation shifted. I became more present in all parts of my life beyond my profession. I became a better woman, wife, sister, mother, daughter, and friend. I also removed myself from situations that weren’t supportive of my newfound sense of self. Best of all? I haven’t stopped smiling since. Imagine you woke up tomorrow and you had to start all over what would you do different? Generally speaking, I’d laugh more, take life less seriously and love even more ferociously. From an experience standpoint, however, I wouldn’t change a thing. Every single thing I’ve ever done has prepared me for each moment I’m living in right now. I came close to dying and as hard as that was on me, it was also the beginning of my rediscovery of myself and I don't take that for granted. I’ve worked as a public relations expert for nearly 30 years. I have extensive experience in crisis and change-oriented communication, but the truth is that we’ve all experienced catastrophes. I’m convinced that my purpose is to help others navigate disruption and see themselves and the world in new, more positive ways. I want us to stop defining ourselves and each other by our worst moments and see them as points in time that move us forward. I wouldn't have this perspective if I hadn't gone through my life's experiences to date. Linkedin Profile https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-cross/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SusanCrossWriter/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/susan_cross_writer/ Youtube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpnpiCrDccEz9hCKM0VRaGw/?guided_help_flow=5 Do you have anything you would like to promote? Book, Podcast, workshop... My book, The Power of Disruption: A Memoir of Discovery, is my candid memoir about my survival story in Dominica and afterward, including the five habits that anyone can use to tap into their best self in the midst of life chaos. I’ve also co-authored Chapter 11 in The Ultimate Guide to Self-Healing Techniques Volume 2, edited by Laura Di Franco. It's called Finding Your Zen: A Recipe for Natural Restoration No Matter Where You Live. In this chapter, my husband, Jon, and I share our story about restoring 20 acres of rare habitat in Ohio (where we live) and how to use nature to find peace. I love speaking about these topics! I also speak on business communications best practices. Learn more at www.susan-cross.com.