Who is Susan Luke & what’s her Story?

I believe that values, both individual and ‘corporate’, come alive through sharing experiences that allow your organization to develop and use your corporate history to pursue your vision. Equally important, I am passionate about encouraging others to share their life experiences to help explain the ‘why’ of your daily operations.

I’ve come by my passion for using stories through an interesting journey.

Growing Up

I grew up with a love for stories and books. My dad often used stories to illustrate his sermons (that’s right, I’m a preacher’s daughter). My mother told stories on the radio before I was born. Together they gave me the gift of their talent and ability to share experiences through narrative – I learned from the best, and the love affair with stories and books continues.

Early Career

I began my professional career as an educator. I indulged a passion to make a difference, teaching school in remote villages throughout Alaska.

Career Transition

Moving from Alaska to Hawaii (because I ‘deserved’ it) allowed me to pursue new directions and goals. It was there that I worked in the credit union movement for several years. As the CEO of a technical services support organization within the industry, I oversaw the execution of an original 5 year plan in 3 years, exceeded growth targets by 300%, paid dividends ahead of schedule, and completed a successful merger into a larger entity. Once that had been accomplished, I began my own business some 20+ years ago.

Certifications & Writing

Along the way I became one of the first certified International Credit Union Development Educators under the Biden-Pell Amendment, working in conjunction with the World Council of Credit Unions, and I became the first to hold both North American and Australian certification.

I am also a Certified Strategic Planner, and one of less than 10% of the 7,500-member International Federation for Professional Speakers to earn the Certified Speaking Professional designation. I am the author of Log Cabin Logic, a contributing author of Grand Stories, an anthology, a contributing author to various trade publications, and the publisher of the periodic ezine Myths R Us.

Professional Associations

My involvement in professional groups includes the National Speakers Association and various professional and financial services organizations. As the founding Chair of the Global Speakers Network, a professional speaker’s network of the International Federation for Professional Speakers, I helped to facilitate bringing speakers from across the planet together to share stories and ideas. An active supporter Laura’s Hope, I have also served on the boards of several non-profit community based organizations.