Suzanne Bates is the CEO of Bates, a firm founded with a mission to help leaders influence the world. Suzanne and her team assist global companies by bringing differentiated experience to leadership development and providing groundbreaking strategies to help leaders make an impact. She is a five-time best-selling author with works that include Speak Like a CEO, Motivate Like a CEO, Discover Your CEO Brand, and All the Leader You Can Be. Prior to launching her consulting firm, Suzanne led a successful career as a television journalist. Her years as an on-air personality with major market television stations put her at the center of major news stories and afforded her the opportunity to interview thousands of political leaders, CEOs, businesspeople, authors and celebrities. As an expert in business and leadership, Suzanne has grown her entrepreneurial portfolio to include consulting, writing, coaching and public speaking. She is insightful, witty, and possesses a practical approach in all of her business ventures.

In this episode, Suzanne and Aviv talk about Suzanne's background in journalism, business, and leadership. As a journalist for twenty years prior to branching out as an entrepreneur, Suzanne identifies the key transferable skills that aided in her business success. As a leadership consultant, Suzanne shares how she works with clients to help them develop executive presence. She defines executive presence as the behaviors and qualities of leaders that engage, align, inspire and move people to act. When you engage others and provide them the opportunity and the reason to give more of themselves, you fortify them with meaning and purpose. Suzanne and Aviv also talk about the importance of maintaining focus in order to be a truly impactful leader. It is vital for leaders to know when to effectively delegate, when to delete, and when to delay. Finally, Suzanne discusses the value she places on cultivating and practicing gratitude. By celebrating and appreciating the small victories, Suzanne is better able to accomplish the bigger moments of success. These include overcoming challenge and exploring for new learnings beyond what you already know.