Susan McPherson ✨

Serial Connector Helping Organizations Build Relationships That Drive Impact | CEO, McPherson Strategies | Author, The Lost Art of Connecting | Forbes 50 Over 50 | Keynote Speaker

Brooklyn, New York, United States

About

Brands with a social impact story to tell need communications strategies that resonate with stakeholders and drive business results. As founder and CEO of McPherson Strategies, a certified B Corp and women-owned consultancy, I have spent the past decade helping Fortune 500 companies including Dell, Nike, Ford Motor Co., TIAA, and Zoetis communicate their sustainability and social impact initiatives in ways that generate earned media coverage and build lasting stakeholder trust. Our work transforms complex narratives into compelling stories that move audiences to action. My approach combines 30+ years of communications expertise with genuine relationship-building methodology. I wrote The Lost Art of Connecting (McGraw- Hill) to share the framework that has driven my career: authentic connections create sustainable business value. The book provides practical guidance for building powerful relationships that stand the test of time and drive professional development. Forbes recognized this work with their 50 Over 50 Impact honor, Worth Media included me in their Worthy100 for contributions to purpose-driven business, and Fortune Magazine, Fast Company, and Elle Magazine have recognized my voice on social platforms. McPherson Strategies works with organizations at the intersection of brands and social impact. We provide storytelling, partnership creation, and visibility strategies for corporations, NGOs, and social enterprises. Our clients include New Profit, Leadership Now Project and The Women's Philanthropy Institute. We help leaders articulate their purpose, build strategic relationships, and create communications that move stakeholders to action through ESG communications, corporate responsibility strategy, and sustainability messaging. I share insights on corporate responsibility and stakeholder engagement through contributions to HBR, Fast Company, and Forbes. Conference organizers at Massachusetts Conference for Women, DLD, Worth Women, and Techonomy bring me in to speak on building meaningful business relationships. Putting my money where my mouth is, I invest in and advise women-led startups including Our Place, Hint Water, The Helm, Apolitical, and Edify. If your organization needs help communicating its social impact story, I welcome the conversation. I serve on the board of The 19th News and advisory boards including Just Capital, LEBEC, The Conduit, and Better Politics Foundation. I'm also a founding board member with the US Chamber of Connection, building a movement to reverse the decline in connection and trust.

Experience