ONLINE EXCLUSIVE
Susan Sobbott on Success

Even as the credit crisis deepens, Susan Sobbott and American Express are banking on the can-do optimism of small business. Read "Charging Ahead" in the May.June issue of PINK. Here Sobbott shares what success means to her.

By Donna Fenn

PINK: How do you define "success"?

Sobbott: "I'm sure this will evolve and change over time, but in this chapter of my life, the way I think about success is helping others realize their potential. Of course, my children are at the top of my list. I define success as how confident they are in who they are."

 

PINK: What keeps you awake at night?

Sobbott: "It's not about what keeps me awake at night; it's what gets me up in the morning. I'm just so blessed to have a life that's so rich. Our customers are so inspiring and stimulating. I have two great kids, a great partner in my life – what's not to be excited about?

 

"If I'm lying awake, it's typically because I forgot to call the pediatrician to refill the prescription, or I forgot the birthday gift for the party on Tuesday."

 

PINK: What's one secret to your success?

Sobbott: "What I've learned over time is that the collaborative approach is the best approach to getting to the end game. It's not always the prettiest. It's messy along the way because you have more debate, but you have diversity of thought and you get more innovation and ultimately a better outcome."