Episode Summary: Ep. 47: Susana Eshleman - Living Life with Purpose & On Purpose

Released on March 27, 2025, on the 🎙️ Interesting Humans Podcast hosted by Jeff Hopeck, Episode 47 features an inspiring conversation with Susana Eshleman. Susana shares her remarkable journey from a responsible child in Argentina to a leader advocating for disadvantaged youth worldwide.

1. Early Life and Responsibilities in Argentina

Susana Eshleman recounts her upbringing in Argentina as the oldest of six children in a bustling household. With a mother who was a family law attorney and a father serving in the Argentine Navy, Susana assumed significant responsibilities from a young age.

“I teased that I was an adult by three, but I'm not teasing a lot. I remember being 7 or 8 years old, walking my siblings to preschool or picking them up...” (00:10)

Susana highlights the frugal lifestyle her family maintained, emphasizing lessons in simplicity and self-reliance.

“I just learned to not have material things be a source of satisfaction and look for other things that fulfill the soul.” (04:47)

2. Becoming an Exchange Student in the United States

Driven by her grandfather's encouragement and her own academic excellence, Susana earned a scholarship through Youth for Understanding, allowing her to study in Fort Calhoun, Nebraska.

“I became an exchange student to the US and went to live in a very small town in Nebraska called Fort Calhoun.” (14:17)

Adjusting to a new culture and environment, Susana developed strong bonds with her host family and embraced the opportunities American education offered.

3. Educational Journey at University of Nebraska

At the University of Nebraska, Susana initially pursued a geology major, which later paved the way for a scholarship that allowed her to switch to a business major after her first year.

“The geology scholarship paid for my tuition and helped cover room and board.” (21:24)

Balancing academic responsibilities with part-time work, Susana exemplified dedication and resourcefulness.

4. Mentorship and Influence of Dr. Hayden

A pivotal moment in Susana's academic career was her relationship with Professor Greg Hayden, whose mentorship profoundly shaped her aspirations.

“He said, ‘I think you should consider getting your master's at Harvard Business School...’” (42:03)

Dr. Hayden's unwavering belief in Susana's potential inspired her to pursue graduate studies at Harvard, setting the stage for future leadership roles.

5. Admittance and Experience at Harvard Business School

Susana's acceptance into Harvard Business School, complete with deferred admission, marked a significant achievement. The rigorous environment taught her the importance of resilience and adaptability.

“It was very demanding. I thought I was going to fail, but I realized that everyone felt the same way.” (57:43)

The diverse and competitive atmosphere at Harvard underscored the value of collaboration over solitary excellence.

6. The Importance of Resilience and Passion

Reflecting on her experiences, Susana identifies resilience as the most crucial trait for success. She underscores how passion fuels perseverance through challenges.

“I think resilience is essential. And I would say courage is a sub-bullet... Your passion is your superpower.” (72:24)

Susana believes that passion drives individuals to overcome obstacles and achieve meaningful outcomes.

7. Leadership at Children International

Susana's career trajectory led her to Children International, where she currently serves as CEO. Her leadership focuses on transforming the organization to empower youth to break the cycle of poverty.

“We have evolved from alleviating symptoms to investing in the kids so they can be positive agents of change in their communities.” (65:57)

Under her guidance, Children International aligns its resources and strategies to maximize impact and sustainability.

8. Academic Performance vs. Professional Success

Susana observes that high academic achievers at institutions like Harvard do not always translate to professional excellence. She emphasizes that qualities such as humility, confidence, and people-oriented skills are more indicative of long-term success.

“Those who are most satisfied with their lives and are excelling professionally and personally managed balance, confidence, humility, and people.” (77:04)

This insight highlights the importance of interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence in leadership.

9. Conclusion and Key Takeaways

Susana Eshleman's story is a testament to the power of mentorship, resilience, and purposeful leadership. Her journey from a responsible child in Argentina to a global nonprofit leader illustrates how recognizing and nurturing one's passions can lead to profound societal impacts.

“Every time I meet one of these kids, I fall in love with them. My commitment to help all of them grows.” (74:11)

Jeff Hopeck concludes the episode by expressing admiration for Susana's vulnerability and inspirational narrative, emphasizing the valuable lessons listeners can draw from her experiences.

Key Insights:

• Resilience and Passion: Fundamental traits that drive individuals to overcome challenges and achieve long-term success.

• Mentorship's Impact: The profound influence mentors can have on shaping one's career and personal growth.

• Balanced Leadership: Effective leaders possess a balance of confidence, humility, and a focus on people, beyond mere academic excellence.

• Purpose-Driven Work: Aligning personal passions with professional roles can lead to meaningful and impactful contributions to society.

Susana Eshleman's episode serves as an inspiring blueprint for living a life with purpose, demonstrating how dedication, supported by strong mentorship and personal resilience, can lead to significant positive change in the world.