Susan Bash Van Vleet Empowering Women and Inspiring Change Through an Impactful Journey

In the fast-paced corporate world, where change is constant and leadership is paramount, few individuals possess the expertise and experience to truly make a difference. Susan Bash Van Vleet , the Founder and CEO of Susan Van Vleet Consultants Inc.®, stands tall among these remarkable individuals. With an impressive career spanning over 44 years, Susan has left an indelible mark on the industry, revolutionizing how Fortune 500 companies address critical HR issues worldwide. From Change Management to Diversity, Leadership Development to Customer Service, Susan's unparalleled knowledge and innovative training programs have shaped the success of companies like Pepsi, McDonald's Corporation, P&G, and many more.    

Transitioning from a traditional social work career, Susan embarked on a remarkable journey that defied expectations. As she reflects on her path, Susan acknowledges her role as a "nontraditional social worker," using her expertise to bring about transformative change in unconventional ways. Her journey led her to establish her own companies and work with major corporations, including Kite Pharmaceuticals.    

At 76 years old, Susan's unwavering commitment to purpose and physical fitness regimen enable her to continue leading her companies and delivering impactful workshops. With a passion for empowering women, Susan pioneered the Women Moving Forward® training course, which has reached women across the globe, from China and Singapore to Europe and the Americas. By challenging societal norms and focusing on women's unique strengths, Susan has transformed the landscape for women in the corporate world.   

Consulting Impact and Global Reach   

Feeling dissatisfied with solely generating profits for others, Susan decided to align her work with her values. In 1979, she courageously founded Susan Van Vleet Consulting Inc., a company that would enable her to manifest her vision of a purpose-driven organization.   

Susan Van Vleet Consultants, Inc.® has solidified its position as a leading international consulting company based in Thousand Oaks, California. With a diverse portfolio of services, including training and consulting, SVVCI® has become the go-to choice for organizations seeking expertise in women in the workplace, change management, leadership development, diversity, communication, and conflict resolution. Notable clients such as Procter & Gamble, Johnson & Johnson, and Hewlett Packard have benefited from the innovative programs and tailored solutions provided by SVVCI®. Founded in 1979 by Susan Van Vleet, the company has since expanded its reach, serving multinational corporations as well as small nonprofits.   

At the core of Susan Van Vleet Consultants, Inc .® is a profound dedication to improving individuals' well-being, enabling them to make valuable contributions to their organizations, families, and cultures. The company's mission extends beyond profit-making, focusing on positively impacting people's lives. Susan and John Van Vleet, the principals of SVVCI®, possess a remarkable ability to create cutting-edge programs that address the evolving needs of their clients.   

Building upon the success of the renowned Women Moving Forward ® course, SVVCI® has expanded its offerings to include courses like Productive Relationships©, tailored specifically for managers, and Managing Corporate Change®, which has gained significant popularity in a time of organizational restructuring. SVVCI® prides itself on customizing programs to meet each client's unique needs, creating hybrid courses, or developing new programs upon request. The company also offers three progressive stages for women, ranging from Women Moving Forward® to Advanced Women Moving Forward® and the exclusive Women's Leadership Retreat®, providing a safe and transformative space for high-level female professionals.   

In 2000, Susan established her second company, V Squared Consulting Inc. This innovative venture focuses on recruiting and training distributors who are authorized to market, sell, and lead SVVCI® training programs on a global scale. Through this distributor network, Susan Van Vleet Consultants, Inc.® has significantly expanded its reach, leaving a lasting impact in diverse locations, including Geneva, Belgium, South America, and Europe. The distributorship approach has been instrumental in spreading the company's expertise and empowering individuals around the world.   

With Susan's husband, John Van Vleet, by her side as an integral part of the team, Susan Van Vleet Consultants, Inc.® continues to thrive and innovate in the industry. Their shared commitment to excellence and the empowerment of individuals has propelled the company's growth and impact, solidifying their position as trailblazers in the field of consulting and training.   

Empowering Women Through the Written Word   

Susan's literary contributions have furthered her mission to empower women and provide them with valuable resources for personal and professional growth. In her book, "Women Moving Forward® Over the Years," Susan compiles a collection of articles from her renowned Women Moving Forward® newsletter. Drawing from decades of experience and insights, these articles offer timeless advice, personal anecdotes, objective perspectives, and up-to-date research, making it a compelling read for women from all walks of life.   

Another significant publication by Susan is "Women Moving Forward® 12 Years of the Women's Leadership Retreat® Concepts." This guidebook presents twenty-seven innovative concepts derived from Susan's groundbreaking workshops. It aims to help women live purposefully, guiding them toward identifying their true calling and creating a more fulfilling life. With thought-provoking assignments and transformative theories, this book serves as a valuable resource for women seeking to make positive changes and achieve personal and professional success.   

While "Managing Corporate Change®" is still in progress and slated for release in 2024, Susan's commitment to reaching a wider audience remains unwavering. As with her previous books, Susan aims to provide accessible resources to her extensive mailing list and client companies, ensuring that even those unable to attend workshops can benefit from her expertise. Whether self-published or through a traditional publisher, Susan's ultimate goal is to share her knowledge and model of managing corporate change with as many individuals and organizations as possible.   

Advice for Aspiring Professionals    

Susan offers valuable advice to individuals aspiring to pursue a career in training, consulting, or HR management. She emphasizes the importance of taking advantage of every available workshop and training program within their own company and beyond. By actively participating in diverse programs, individuals gain a broader perspective and stay updated on the latest industry trends and practices.    

Susan encourages HR managers to personally attend workshops and training sessions, or send representatives from their team to assess various offerings and bring valuable insights back to their organization. She suggests joining professional organizations like PIHRA (Professional Association for Human Resources) to expand one's network and knowledge base. By engaging with professionals from different industries, HR managers can gain a broader view of the field and access valuable resources that can enhance their effectiveness.