In 1993, Susan Taylor found herself at a crossroads. While corporate offices buzzed with the sound of fax machines and landline phones, she envisioned a different future for work. Cradling her newborn daughter, she felt a strong desire to redefine not only her career but also the nature of administrative support.
Her broad experience across various industries revealed a significant gap in how businesses approached their administrative needs. From international advertising in Boston to architecture in Los Angeles and construction in Raleigh, she had gained valuable insights into corporate operations. Inspired by these experiences, she envisioned a company that would balance efficiency with humanity, where professional success and personal fulfillment could thrive together.
"I felt a profound call to contribute to a different kind of corporate future," Susan recalls, her voice carrying the quiet confidence of someone who has seen her early insights validated many times over. "I wanted to create something that valued not just productivity, but also humanity, connection, and meaning." At just 28 years old, she ventured into uncharted territory, launching one of the first Virtual Assistant (VA) businesses in the United States, long before remote work became a mainstream concept. Her mission was clear: to provide administrative services that weren’t just efficient but also deeply relational, grounded in trust, and infused with genuine care.
Building Trust in a New Frontier
Starting a Virtual Assistant (VA) business in 1993 presented unique challenges. The path wasn't smooth; "We had to be creative," Susan recalls, describing how she bridged the trust gap in those early days. The internet wasn't widespread, video conferencing didn't exist, and the concept of remote administrative support seemed foreign to most businesses. Susan approached these obstacles with creativity and determination.
To bridge the trust gap, she created a hybrid solution. Partnering with a colleague, she established a welcoming office hub in the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill area, offering meeting spaces and secretarial support. This physical presence helped clients envision how virtual support could enhance their businesses while maintaining personal connections. "Building trust wasn't just about what we did for clients—it was about how they felt in our relationship," Susan explains. "They needed to feel seen, heard, and valued." This commitment to building genuine connections while delivering exceptional service caught the attention of The Centre for Generative Leadership, now Generon International, who became her first long-term client.
The Path to Leadership
Starting as a transcriptionist and later serving as the Personal and Executive Assistant to the Co-Founder & CEO she developed a relationship that spanned decades. Over time, Susan grew alongside the organization, transitioning from VA to General Manager, and ultimately to Partner and CEO. Throughout this journey, she remained committed to personal service and relationship-building, reflecting her belief in the power of roots, as captured in her favorite quote: “Always remember your roots. They are the foundation of your life and the wings of your future.”
"My roots in virtual assistance laid the foundation for my career," Susan reflects. "This field taught me the importance of precision, care, and meaningful relationships—qualities that continue to shape my approach to leadership and service." At Generon, she found an organization that mirrors these values. For over 30 years, the company has helped individuals, teams, and organizations create environments where both people and businesses grow, developing strategies tailored to each client's needs, grounded in the belief that strong connections and a people-centered approach drive meaningful results.
"The alignment between my personal philosophy and Generon's approach feels natural," Susan notes. "We share a deep belief that meaningful progress comes from authentic connections." Under her leadership, Generon continues its commitment to fostering cultures built on authenticity, inclusion, and innovation—creating spaces where ideas can take root and flourish.
Nurturing Transformative Leadership
Drawing on these experiences, Susan now works with entrepreneurs and executives to shift limiting mindsets and create cultures of innovation. Her approach centers on Bohmian Dialogue, a practice that enhances team dynamics and nurtures creativity through deep listening and shared understanding. Through immersive experiences in nature, she helps leaders reconnect with their core values and vision. Her methods blend emotional intelligence with spiritual awareness, allowing them to navigate complexity while staying true to themselves.
"Leadership is about empowering others," she says. "Whether it's a client, colleague, or team member, my role is helping them unlock their potential and navigate complexities with curiosity and clarity." At Generon, she creates environments where diverse perspectives thrive and new solutions emerge naturally.
Susan's philosophy centers on harmony rather than balance. "Balance often feels rigid and unattainable," she explains. "Harmony is about alignment—finding ways for the different areas of your life to coexist in a way that feels fulfilling." This belief shapes her daily practices, from journaling and meditation to walks in nature, grounding her leadership in clarity and intention. She extends these values to her team and clients, fostering an environment where both results and relationships matter deeply.
Looking ahead, Susan envisions expanding Generon's global impact through transformational leadership programs. She aspires to create a Dialogue & Research Center, a space dedicated to exploring holistic leadership development and the interconnectedness of human systems. This vision, rooted in authenticity, connection, and purpose, will create meaningful progress for future generations.
Nurturing the Next Generation
For women starting their own businesses or stepping into leadership roles, Susan offers thoughtful guidance: "Fortune favors the bold. But boldness doesn't always mean charging forward at full speed. In a world that rewards constant action, it takes courage to slow down and discover who you truly are."
Susan believes in the power of staying true to one's unique vision, encouraging women to trust their instincts and create businesses that reflect their authentic selves. She understands the importance of community, urging aspiring leaders to surround themselves with supportive mentors and like-minded individuals who can offer guidance and inspiration along the way.
She advocates for personal rituals that help women stay connected to their purpose, whether through meditation, journaling, or moments of reflection. Above all, Susan reminds women to extend themselves grace through challenges, recognizing that the entrepreneurial journey comes with both triumphs and setbacks. Her message inspires women to approach their paths with intention and self-compassion, creating a foundation for meaningful and sustainable success.
Looking Forward While Honoring the Past
Today, Susan remains connected to her VA roots while leading Generon International into the future. Her story shows how staying grounded in one's foundations can create pathways for growth and innovation. Through her work, Susan continues to shape a legacy of authentic leadership, showing that success comes from creating paths that honor both professional excellence and personal truth. Her approach at Generon blends the precision and care she learned as a VA with transformative leadership practices.
Through her story, Susan hopes to inspire women to embrace their own roots and use them as a foundation for growth. Her message is clear: "You have the power to create a life and career that aligns with your values and aspirations. Trust yourself, stay connected to what matters most, and let your journey unfold with purpose."
Looking back on her journey from VA to CEO, Susan sees each step as part of a larger story about trust, connection, and growth. "What started as a way to balance work and family became something much more meaningful," she reflects. "Every day, I'm grateful for the chance to help others find their own path to authentic leadership and lasting impact." From those early days of building trust through a hybrid office to now guiding leaders toward authentic growth, her story continues to unfold with the same care and purpose that marked its beginning.
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