MEET THE 2019 LEADERSHIP TRAILBLAZER TOP 10 FINALISTS

Today’s Trailblazer: Susan Sherman, Assistant City Manager, Olathe, KS

The League caught up with Top 10 Finalist Susan Sherman, Assistant City Manager for the City of Olathe, KS to talk about being named a Leadership Trailblazer and having a career in public service:

Q: Congratulations on being named a finalist for the Leadership Trailblazer Award. What does it mean to you to be nominated? 

SUSAN: This nomination means that I have, in some small way, made difference in our profession.  I am truly humbled and honored by the nomination. This nomination also means that women are supporting women in our profession and that is exciting and inspiring.   I know that these types of recognitions help us all see a path forward and know that others have experienced a similar journey in order to gain ground in our profession.  All of these women have made a difference and are role models who continue to make their mark in their own way.  I am truly honored to be among them this year.

Q: What led you to a career in public service?

SUSAN: My parents were very involved in my hometown community through several civic organizations, and they taught my siblings and I the importance of giving back to your community in any way that you can.   When I started getting involved myself I completely understood and felt the rewards of helping others.  I experienced that small actions could make positive difference.  After completing several summer internships at various levels of government, I walked into the City Manager’s Office in Delaware Ohio and found my dream job.  My unpaid local government internship turned out to be where I found my true passion.

Q: Who were your mentor(s) or advocate(s) in your career?

SUSAN: I have many mentors and advocates that have helped me along the way in my career.   First, my parents, then my academic advisor at Ohio Wesleyan University.  They gave me the support and encouragement to do what I love.  My first internship in Delaware Ohio started me on my path and then my supervisors, classmates, interns and coworkers have all impacted by career in different ways.   I wouldn’t be the person and professional I am today without them.

Q: What is the most important lesson you learned while coming up in your career?

SUSAN: I have learned that the power of relationships and seeking to understand situations and perspectives helps in bringing challenges and opportunities together.   Everyone has a talent, and everyone has something to share, if you can find those talents you will have found a gem for your organization and a very happy and fulfilled colleagues as well.  My lessons are work hard on things that feed your passion.  Build relationships to last a lifetime and always do the right thing—even when it is not easy.

Q: What advice do you have for women just beginning their careers who would like to be an executive in local government some day?

SUSAN: Be curious, ask questions, find ways to showcase what you love to do and always be willing to try something new and step out of your comfort zone.  Find people who make you better and who support and encourage you in your career goals. Be a life-long learner and try to bring a positive perspective even on those days when things seem bleak. People want leaders who can inspire and help them see a brighter path. Be that person when you can.

Q: What do you hope to leave as your legacy in local government when your career comes to an end?

SUSAN: The legacy I hope to leave is of someone who cared deeply about making communities better through connecting people, resources, talents and ideas.  I hope I am remembered for the way I worked and how people felt when they worked with me, rather than just a list of projects that were completed.  That I was governed by doing the right thing and that I looked at challenges as opportunities to re-imagine and rethink our approach and do things differently.