I’m definitely dating myself with this blog title — it refers to a 1985 film which was Madonna’s first film and also starred Roseanna Arquette.
But if you are seeking someone to help you navigate your career or small business challenges, you should meet Susan Elford, Business and Leadership Coach, Community Builder and President of Lean in Calgary.
Susan is one of my favourite people in the world. I think many others would agree with me. We met several years ago and reconnected in the fall of 2019 on LinkedIn, got together for coffee and our business relationship and friendship have been a precious gift since.
How Susan adapted her offering and how her clients have been thriving throughout the pandemic
The best coach I’ve had, bar none
Susan is one of those people you can’t help but like. I’ve come to realize whatever she does, she’s all in. I’ve observed her as my business coach where we work together privately and in group sessions with other business owners. She’s astute and a visionary as well as being down to earth and fun to be around.
My communications consulting and business storytelling practice has seriously benefited from her counsel. I’ve engaged other coaches previously. Her efforts to support me and her coaching skills are far beyond anything I’ve come across.
Passionate about everything she does, Susan has gone way above and beyond in coaching me. I don’t think I could live without her now! Entrepreneurship comes with many challenges and these have been greatly exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Not only does she help me to remain positive, she continually provides strategic and practical advice that has helped me to weather this storm.
Supporting small business owners through COVID-19
I had the pleasure of interviewing Susan for the COVID Chronicles #YYC. If you are someone who is looking to build a business or navigate a transition from being an employee to self-employed or want to further your career, connecting with Susan would be a wonderful asset to your career or business journey.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Susan’s heart went out to those small business owners who were struggling. She wanted to help them and created a customized coaching program particularly for those people who needed support through that time.
Having run her own business for the last 18 years, Susan has seen many market swings. With the natural resource industry going through a shift again – in Alberta’s case, particularly the energy industry, Susan brings her perspective of being a business owner who’s been through this before.
“I think going forward technology is really going to be critical for our economic recovery,” shares Susan. “We’re going to see how technology can be used in healthcare, in working from home, in building community and in remote work like never before.”.
What advice does Susan have for Calgarians right now?
“If you feel called to serve in a certain way, do it. Wear your heart on your sleeve. If you can support our local economy in these trying times, just do it. It will help not only your neighbour, but spread good will that we all need right now.
We need more people like Susan who are willing to step up and help others in her community. If you are looking for a coach, you can’t go wrong with Susan.
You can find Susan Elford at susanelford.com or on social channels at SusanElfordBiz.
Interested in watching the full interview? It can be found here.
