211. Susan McPherson - The Lost Art of Connecting

“...if you listen carefully when people tell you these things, which is so hard because we have so many distractions, but if you listen carefully, you can find ways to be helpful, to be responsible, to be reliable, to be trustworthy, all the things that make us fully functioning and valuable humans.”

Chapters:

• 00:00 Introduction to Susan McPherson
• 05:43 The Lost Art of Connecting
• 12:25 The Importance of Quality Questions
• 21:29 Pros and Cons of Social Media
• 30:08 Rapid Fire Questions and Reflections

Episode Summary:

In this conversation, Shannon Cassidy interviews Susan McPherson, a social impact expert and author of 'The Lost Art of Connecting.' They discuss Susan's journey, the importance of meaningful connections, and her methodology for building relationships. Susan emphasizes the need for quality questions, active listening, and the role of social media in fostering connections. The conversation also touches on the significance of generosity in business and leadership, as well as practical tips for making impactful connections.

R.O.G. Takeaway Tips:

• Susan McPherson emphasizes the importance of human connections in a digital world.
• The Gather, Ask, Do methodology flips traditional networking on its head.
• Quality questions lead to deeper understanding and connections.
• Listening is a crucial skill that requires practice and intention.
• Generosity in business can lead to greater success and fulfillment.
• Social media can be a powerful tool for showcasing others and building connections.
• Intentionality in networking can create meaningful relationships.
• Self-reflection helps identify personal superpowers for better connections.
• Building diverse networks enriches personal and professional growth.
• Don't give up; persistence is key to success.

Guest Bio:

Susan McPherson is a serial connector, angel investor, and social impact expert. She is the founder and CEO of McPherson Strategies, a communications consultancy focused on the intersection of brands and social impact. She is the author of The Lost Art of Connecting (McGraw-Hill). Susan has 30+ years of experience in marketing, public relations, and sustainability communications, speaking regularly at industry events including Massachusetts Conference for Women, DLD, Worth Women and Techonomy, and contributing to the Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, and Forbes. She has appeared on NPR, CNN, USA Today, The New Yorker, New York Magazine and the Los Angeles Times.

Susan is the recipient of Forbes magazine’s 50 over 50—Impact 2021 award and Worth Media’s Worthy100 award. She has also won numerous accolades for her voice on social media platforms from Fortune Magazine, Fast Company and Elle Magazine. Currently, Susan invests in and advises women-led start-ups, including: iFundWomen,Inc., The Meteor, Our Place, Spicewell, The June Group, Hint Water, The Helm, Apolitical, The Muse and has recently begun investing in women-led Broadway productions including Water for Elephants and SUFFS. She previously served on the boards of USA for UNHCR, Bpeace, The Lower Eastside Girls Club and presently serves on the 19th News board. She is on the advisory boards of the Apolitical Foundation, Lebec Consulting and Just Capital. Additionally, she is a member of the MIT Solve Women and Technology Leadership Group and serves as an adviser to several nonprofits including She’s The First and The OpEd Project. Susan is a Vital Voices global corporate a