Today we’d like to introduce you to Susan Gleissner.
Hi Susan, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
Adventure has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. The world, people, and how things work have always fascinated me. I am naturally creative, curious, defiant, and independent – trust me, ask my mom.
As an adoptee, I’ve often said that I see parts of me in everyone I meet. This part of my identity, or maybe lack of identity, fuels my curiosity and drive to connect with and learn about people. As I’ve traveled the world, a privilege I am grateful for, I am every culture and no culture.
My first career was as an engineer. For most of 13 years, I wore a hard hat, hairnet, steel toe boots, and a uniform to work in food manufacturing. This career allowed me to travel and live around the world. I had the opportunity to meet and work alongside fascinating people while troubleshooting equipment and occasionally getting sprayed in the face with yogurt. I loved it until I didn’t.
One day it dawned on me that what I loved about my work was learning about people and the thrill of the fast-paced environment. I wasn’t interested in fixing or designing equipment and didn’t even eat the food we produced anymore. My values had changed. I had changed – or maybe I just knew myself more completely. And so I made a plan.
Today, I am on the other side of that plan, thriving as an organization development consultant, career and leadership coach, and adventure travel content creator. Each day, I get to do what I love – helping others have breakthrough moments in their careers, creating space for small teams to talk about big topics, and inspiring others to connect with their sense of adventure.
I believe:
– Our career can be our life’s greatest adventure;
– There’s a sense of adventure inside of everyone, waiting to be discovered;
– Adventure means something different for each of us;
– In approaching places, people, and experiences with curiosity;
– Kindness breeds kindness;
– All bodies, voices, and perspectives should feel safe and welcome in the outdoors.
Why does this matter to me? Because life is better with adventure.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Not! But, the struggles are part of the adventure. To me, that’s part of the mindset of adventure. Here are a few things I’ve learned.
First, it’s not easy being a woman in engineering. I’m incredibly thankful for the women before me that advocated for us to have a place in that field of work. But there were days when I felt undervalued, disrespected, and downright frustrated. What I learned, though, was how to set boundaries better and advocate for myself.
Second, walking away from a great paying career at a Fortune 500 company to return to school full time is one of the scariest and most exhilarating things I’ve ever done. I worked for 2 years with a wealth manager to ensure I was financially positioned to make it through school. It was tough to go from an above-average salary to no income. I had to make sacrifices and choices. For the first time in my life, I had to ask others for help or accept help from others who offered it, another privilege I’m grateful for. It was humbling and rewarding. I learned a ton about my values with money, which has simplified my life significantly.
Lastly, imposter syndrome is real. I’m relatively confident, but starting your own business and putting yourself out there is scary. It’s tough when you’re in your second career, with different experiences than others in your new field. As it turns out, there are not a lot of engineers who move into the world of Human Resources! I’m still learning how to value my own experiences and skills in this new work.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I have two businesses and a full-time job. I’ll share a bit about my two businesses.
1. This Big Wild World Adventure Travel Blog – “Life is better with adventure.”
This Big Wild World is a space to inspire your sense of adventure, whatever that means to you. There’s no “one right way” to be adventurous – it’s a mindset. I create content that meets budding adventurers where they’re at, and challenges experienced adventurers to stretch themselves. From trekking for four days along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and dog sledding through the Arctic countryside in Norway to hiking trails closer to my home in Minnesota, find it all on This Big Wild World.
When I left my first career to go to graduate school, I followed through on a promise I had made to friends for many years. That promise was that if I ever found myself with idle time, I would share my travel photos and stories with the world. So, I was back in school at age 36 with free time on my hands for the first time in my adult life. One day I sat down at my laptop and decided, “I’m going to create a website today.” That’s how I created This Big Wild World. I had zero experience designing websites, developing a brand, or building a presence on social media. I am incredibly proud of the brand that I’ve built. It’s authentically me. It grew from a silly hobby to a profitable business. I’ve fumbled around a lot and learned along the way. I’m proud of the journey and excited for the future.
2. Unearth Coaching & Consulting – “Let’s unearth your possibilities together!”
Unearth Coaching & Consulting had a soft launch in 2021. My coaching clients are (mostly but not exclusively women) in the middle of their careers and are looking to make a significant life or career change. For some, this is advancing their career within the same organization, and for others, they are considering a completely different path. My career change allows me to walk alongside them as they grapple with these consequential decisions. My consulting clients are primarily small businesses and entrepreneurs looking to strengthen and advance their human capital plans. This includes designing workshops, development programs, and practical resources to support employee, team, and organization development. I have earned credentials as a coach by Gallup and the International Coaching Federation (ICF) and am qualified to administer the CliftonStrengths and Hogan assessments.
I dreamed of this combination of businesses when I decided to change careers. I’m so proud to be at a point today where I can see that dream be my reality. It feels like I am doing what I was meant to do in my time on this planet!
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
Several!
It’s hard to fathom how much has changed since March 2020. When our office closed abruptly, I thought I would be working from home for just a few weeks. Now, years later, my full-time job remains remote. Through this, I have learned to love and embrace virtual collaboration. Yes, I know “Zoom fatigue” is a real thing, but I also know that virtual collaboration can be a powerful, fun, and engaging experience when done well.
Additionally, I learned that my preferred lifestyle is pretty pandemic friendly. Many people don’t believe me when I say I am deeply introverted – it’s not obvious when you meet me in person. The pandemic has given me time and space to honor that need to be with my thoughts and recharge myself, something I rarely did pre-pandemic. It’s also taught me to prioritize relationships that give me energy.
Lastly, this period has illuminated that most people try to do their best at any given time. I have much more empathy for the different circumstances that people are dealing with as we have navigated all of the challenges and changes over the last 2+ years. I’ve learned to let go of the frustration I held in the past for things that are outside of my control.
While this isn’t exactly what you asked, it’s important to name that within the Covid-19 crisis, the city I live in (Minneapolis) has experienced the tragic murder of George Floyd and the still-present ripple effects of the uprising and aftermath. Being a member of this community during that time, particularly after months of being mostly socially isolated, illuminated for me the beauty and value of community and the incredible injustice within our criminal “justice” system. The work of allyship is lifelong, and this experience has deepened my commitment to doing that work.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thisbigwildworld.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisbigwildworld/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thisbigwildwrld
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/thisbigwildwrld
- Other: hello@unearthcoachingandconsulting.com
Image Credits
Sunset in the Badlands (pink sky with me in the lower right corner) – Credit: Yee Jensen
