Leadership and strategy to inspire action.

Passionate about social change, I lead teams, build programs, set strategy, and coach leaders for nonprofit, public health, and mission-driven organizations.

Services

  • Strategy

    Strategy

    Change management
    Organizational development
    Strategic planning
    Stakeholder engagement
    High Performing Teams

  • Project Management

    Program Development

    Launching programs
    Leading teams
    Designing workflows
    Creating infrastructure
    Workforce development

  • Coaching & Training

    Executive coaching
    High Performing Teams
    Presentation skills
    Storytelling
    Workshops & webinars

  • Communications

    Communications

    Messaging
    Branding
    Communications plans
    Storytelling
    Employee & patient engagement

  • Fields of Expertise

    Fields of Expertise

    Public health
    Nonprofits
    Philanthropy
    COVID response
    Community clinics

Read stories about recent projects
Suzanne Samuel photo

With over 25 years’ experience in community and public health, nonprofits, philanthropy,  and education, I blend strategic thinking with a practical approach. I partner with social change organizations to lead teams, launch programs, navigate change, build capacity, and inspire action.

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Clients

Clients and employers include:

Had 4 great managers and Suzanne is one of them…

In my many years in the workforce I have had around 4 great managers and Suzanne is one of them. In the time I have worked under her she has enhanced my skills and abilities. Suzanne has impeccable communication skills which have created positive relationships and accountability with staff and leadership. Suzanne doesn’t just direct, she takes the time to explain and get our input. We know she has our back. The team appreciates how she makes sure they feel valued as people and the individual time she takes to talk about their career paths and ambition. Suzanne is highly professional and has an innate ability to serve others and her community without question. I wholeheartedly recommend Suzanne for whatever endeavor she chooses, as she is an asset wherever she goes.

Nicole Farrar
LifeLong Medical Care

Do not need to change who I am to be an effective leader…

Suzanne’s coaching has enabled me to understand, and accept, that I do not need to change who I am to be an effective leader. Every adjustment we’ve discussed has been reasonable and achievable, allowing me to see change happen quickly. Suzanne’s toolbox is impressive! For any question I have or barrier I face, she has a tool readily available to support me. Her organizational development consulting on staff and patient engagement has helped our clinic tremendously. Through Suzanne’s partnership I have become a more effective leader. Thank you Suzanne!

Muriel Nouwezem, CEO
Saban Community Clinic

I’m struck most by how she listens…

I’m struck most by how Suzanne listens. Her ability to fuse salient ideas after lengthy conversations is remarkable. She consistently simplifies discussions and translates all those words into relevant, real-world action. To work with Suzanne is to work with someone who understands the joy and trials of organizations with a mission to serve. More importantly, she shares a kinship with the people who bring those organizations to life. This keeps her away from theoretical advice and instead grounds her guidance in our everyday work. If you have the chance, work with her. You will be better for having done so.

Lisa Davies, CEO
Chapa-De Indian Health

Envious of the team that works with her next…

As Suzanne’s manager at College Track, I’m envious of the team that has the opportunity to work with her next! Suzanne left a lasting impression on every piece of work she touched. She led our COVID-19 communications strategy, which earned her praise org-wide for transparency and sensitivity. Suzanne’s dedication to continuous improvement, data-driven decision-making, and taking a personalized (yet efficient) approach made a tremendous difference.

Heather Berkley, VP Strategic Initiatives
College Track

More honest communication, and more fun…

Would I work with Suzanne again? In a heartbeat. As Coach to the Alameda County Community Food Bank’s 14-person Directors’ Team, Suzanne’s work has enabled us to have more honest and transparent communication, improved decision-making processes, and more fun as a team. Our meetings are more productive, with new procedures she helped us build, a larger diversity of people participating, and better ability to have healthy conflict. Suzanne’s sensitivity to group dynamics, commitment to letting all voices shine, and wealth of expertise enabled us to become stronger leaders—both as a team and individually.

Erick Lovdahl, Director of Operations
Alameda County Community Food Bank

Balances structure and flexibility…

The amazing thing about Suzanne is the balance she holds between structure and flexibility. She has great interpersonal and relationship-building skills. With other people, I’d feel uncomfortable, but Suzanne’s style allows me to be transparent. It’s a testament to how she shows up and what she brings. Coaching offers me a space to continue my own development and grow as a leader. Because of Suzanne, I put my learnings into action much more quickly—to the benefit of not just my career but also my organization and community.

Arnali Ray, Chief of Strategy and Programs
Saban Community Clinic
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