SUSAN GAMBARDELLA PORTRAITS // ATLANTA

Steph: oh hey Susan! let’s get into it shall we? If you had to explain to a 10 year old what you do for work…what would you say? 

SG: Kimberly-Clark Professional makes trusted safety and hygiene brands and sells through distributors to business buyers in workplace segments such as healthcare, industrial, offices, education and high-traffic facilities. We are a $1.9B business.

What was your first job? If you could take 17 year old Susan out for coffee... what would you tell her about who she is today?

My first job was when I was 10 years old, and I began babysitting but my first “real job” was working behind the soda fountain bar at Howard Johnson’s off I-84 in Connecticut. Ironic since I spent 27 years at The Coca-Cola Company!  I was responsible for serving the truck drivers as they came off the highway and I learned how to make a variety of fantastic ice cream sundaes! But I also learned the lesson of really hard work, dealing with difficult people, and the importance of understanding and prioritizing customers’ needs and providing great customer experience.  If I had a chance to talk to 17-year-old Susan, I would say be intentional thru out your life about your personal brand and your legacy.  I would tell her that today I am a very proud mother of two fantastic young adults, that I prioritized my work and family life to do the very best I could for them while also being the primary breadwinner for our family.  That I feel so lucky and incredibly grateful for the unbelievable mentors, advocates and sponsors who saw something in me that I didn’t realize in myself and helped bring that out to help me grow and advance and I am also appreciative for the companies I chose to work for that provided access to exciting experiences and travel to over 150 countries.  Who you partner with in life is so critical and that I am grateful for my husband of 35 years who has been on this journey with me and always makes me laugh when I am taking myself too seriously. Today what is important to me is to help new leaders grow and develop for the future, determine how I can have an even bigger social impact in the areas I am passionate about, and lead Kimberly Clark Professional into the future.

What’s one song that defines you?

These are the days by 10,000 maniacs. It is the sound track that runs in my head during the best parts of my life. It is also a great reminder to be grateful and be in the moment.

How would you like to see the world differently in your lifetime?

I’d like to see a world where equality, sustainability, and compassion are prioritized, where everyone has access to education, healthcare, and opportunities regardless of their background or circumstances.

i brought up imposter syndrome during our session. Any tips for getting through the thick of it?

In elementary school I depleted the library book shelves and read all of the biographies of great female leaders. I had a mother whose mantra was you can be whatever you want to be so I was naive to think there would be barriers. It really wasn’t until I entered my first corporate job and all the women were asked to attend a forum on female diversity in the workplace that I realized there were issues or barriers to consider! At the same time I found myself being the only woman in the room, on the account or on the team with less access to informal networks and common outside interests to help foster relationships. I think what has helped me thru out my career is that I have a growth mindset, a belief that skills and intellect are the result of effort, not pre-determined talent. When you believe that you can grow, each day is a chance to work hard, gain new knowledge and make your mark.

What do you spend your time & energy on outside of work?

My happy place is being in Martha’s Vineyard at our home with family and friends. We cook, play tennis, take the truck out on the beach and just enjoy being together. Otherwise you can find me playing league tennis, on the peloton or planning our next trip as a family, we all share a love of travel. For many years I have focused my efforts on creating great cultures where people can thrive - I enjoy my board of directors position on the national board of Girls Inc where we help girls be smart, strong and bold.

What are some fun aspects of your job?

I play to win. Helping people be the best that they can and achieve something they never thought they could is what inspires me everyday. For me fun, is watching and supporting people grow and develop and as a result deliver outstanding results in a culture that enables them to thrive.

I first met you back in 2014! I distinctly remember seeing a group of badass, powerful women onstage at WFF [my first corporate client] & thinking oh lordy i’m in over my head. I had recently started my business so my gut reaction was to be intimidated. after a quick pep talk w/ myself in the corner, i set out on a curious quest to try to get to know these women. you all made speaking in front of thousands of people appear so effortless. I get heart palps just imagining it. What helps you cope w/ nerves?

It is sort of funny as I am introvert that has learned to live in an extroverted world but I actually really enjoy public speaking. I have found that I am less nervous when I am super prepared - I prefer to talk without a script but prepare with bullet points. I think certainly I have had lot of practice over the years and speaking to 3k people for the first time for me was at WFF.

THIS YEAR WE lost someone who made such a lasting impact on so many women in the industry. Is there any piece of advice that Debi gave that you can share? there’s no doubt She impacted each person she came in contact with. I’ve been reflecting on legacies a good amount lately & the stories we choose to share with the world. What legacy do you hope to leave behind? 

We had a little get together recently where we all went around and shared stories about Debi. It was amazing how consistent the themes of the stories were - that is when you know you have a true legacy. One that emerged was that she would just show up and say I am going to help you. That is what she did for me when I entered into the chair position for the board of directors for WFF. And that theme of I am going to help you was consistent as we recapped our memories of Debi. Debi always said that you are living YOUR STORY, not someone else’s so be authentic and tell YOUR story. I’d like to think my legacy is one of resiliency, having a growth mindset, and helping people leverage their strengths.

Connect with Susan on instagram & linkedin. 🖤

Why did you CHOOSE STEPH grant studios? what was the experience like?

I had been wanting to do this with Steph ever since I saw Wendy’s photos back in 2015 - you captured a corporate leader but showed their personality. I think the moments that stood out for me were how comfortable you and Frank made me feel, and just having some fun. My favorite shot is probably under the Strong Women sign - I know so many strong women and am so thankful to have them in my life and work hard every day to be a strong role model for my daughter and son.