Podcast Summary: Suze Orman's Women & Money (And Everyone Smart Enough To Listen) Episode: Suze School: The Six Secrets to Suze’s Success
Release Date: January 26, 2025
Host/Author: Suze Orman Media

In this enlightening episode of Women & Money, Suze Orman delves into the heart of her personal and professional success by unveiling the "Six Secrets to Suze’s Success." Joined by her co-host Katie (KT), Suze shares decades of wisdom encapsulated in six powerful principles designed to guide listeners toward financial freedom and personal fulfillment. This episode is a treasure trove for anyone seeking to transform their relationship with money and themselves.

1. Putting Your Needs First

[04:58] Katie: "Number one, the day you put your needs in front of others' wants is the day you will have really started on your road to financial freedom."

Suze emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between needs and wants. She asserts that prioritizing personal financial needs lays the foundational stone for lasting financial security. Suze advises listeners to clearly identify their needs—such as building an emergency savings account—and consistently allocate resources to meet these needs before succumbing to others' desires.

[05:13] Susie Orman: "You need to know what your needs are. What do you need to be happy? What do you need to be secure? What do you need to feel powerful?"

By understanding and prioritizing their financial needs, individuals can embark on a sustainable path to financial independence.

2. Fulfillment Leads to Success

[06:45] Katie: "Number two, success alone will never, ever lead you to fulfillment. Fulfillment will always lead you to success. It's one of my favorites."

Suze challenges the conventional notion that success, often measured by material achievements, inherently brings happiness. She contends that true success is rooted in personal fulfillment. Without inner satisfaction, external success remains hollow.

[07:02] Susie Orman: "If you can do something that truly fulfills you, it will always lead you to success. Financially, spiritually, emotionally, on all levels."

Suze shares anecdotes illustrating how inner fulfillment can manifest as tangible success across various aspects of life, urging listeners to seek fulfillment as a precursor to true success.

3. The Elephant Keeps Walking as the Dogs Keep Barking

[09:45] Katie: "Number three... the elephant keeps walking as the dogs keep barking."

This metaphor serves as Suze’s affirmation to remain steadfast amidst criticism and negativity. As Suze climbed the ladder of success, she encountered jealousy and disparaging remarks. The "elephant" symbolizes her unwavering progress despite the "dogs" that bark or attempt to undermine her efforts.

[10:16] Susie Orman: "I was going to keep walking and going forward and helping people and create goodness in other people's lives, regardless of what all the dogs, the reporters, the articles were saying about me."

This principle encourages resilience and focus, reminding listeners to continue their journey despite external noise or opposition.

4. If You Think You Can't, You Never Will

[12:50] Katie: "Number four... If you think you can't, you never, ever, ever, ever will."

Suze highlights the profound impact of self-belief on personal success. Negative self-talk and doubt can sabotage one’s potential, while positive affirmations and confidence can unlock doors to achievement.

[12:57] Susie Orman: "Your words, your thoughts and your actions are more powerful than you have any idea... your words have the power to create or the power to destroy."

She encourages listeners to cultivate empowering thoughts and eliminate self-doubt to realize their full potential.

5. No Shame or Blame Big Enough to Keep You from Being Who You Are Meant to Be

[15:56] Susie Orman: "The shame of your credit card debt. Do you think that should keep you from being who you are meant to be?"

Suze addresses the crippling effects of shame and blame on personal growth and financial health. Whether it's debt or past mistakes, holding onto shame can prevent individuals from pursuing their true selves and achieving financial freedom.

[16:10] Katie: "No shame or blame big enough to keep you from being who you are meant to be."

By letting go of shame and taking responsibility for their circumstances, listeners can move forward and create the lives they aspire to lead.

6. The Three Gatekeepers: Kindness, Necessity, Truth

[20:38] Katie: "Is it kind? Is it necessary? Is it true?"

The final secret revolves around the "Three Gatekeepers" that Suze advocates for every word, thought, and action. Before expressing or acting on any idea, individuals should assess whether it is kind, necessary, and true.

[20:42] Susie Orman: "May every word that you say, every thought that you think, and every action that you take... pass through the three gatekeepers."

This practice promotes mindful communication and actions, ensuring that interactions are constructive, purposeful, and honest.

Conclusion

Throughout the episode, Suze Orman and Katie reinforce the idea that financial success is intrinsically linked to personal growth, self-awareness, and intentional living. By adhering to these six secrets, listeners are equipped with a holistic approach to managing their finances and nurturing their personal well-being.

Notable Quotes:

• Suze Orman [05:13]: "You need to know what your needs are. What do you need to be happy? What do you need to be secure? What do you need to feel powerful?"
• Suze Orman [07:02]: "If you can do something that truly fulfills you, it will always lead you to success."
• Suze Orman [12:57]: "Your words, your thoughts and your actions are more powerful than you have any idea."
• Suze Orman [20:42]: "May every word that you say, every thought that you think, and every action that you take... pass through the three gatekeepers."

This episode serves as a comprehensive guide for listeners aiming to align their financial strategies with their personal values and aspirations, embodying Suze Orman's legacy as a transformative personal finance expert.