Resilience in Action.
Leadership in Practice.
Susan Otten is an inspirational speaker, consultant, mentor and business owner/investor who hiked the Appalachian Trail with her daughter to raise almost $100,000 for Parkinson’s Disease research. Blending her journey with 15+ years of corporate leadership experience at Apple, she delivers powerful lessons and examples for others to be equipped to achieve their God-given purpose while leading with courage, perseverance and purpose.
20+
20+
Years of Corporate Leadership Experience
$75,000
$75,000
Almost raised for Parkinson's Disease Research
2,000
2,000
Miles hiked on the Appalachian Trail
Award-winning speaker, marketer & consultant
Featured On
Inspiring Leadership
Inspiring Leadership Through Resilience
Susan Otten brings a rare blend of corporate leadership, entrepreneurial spirit and personal resilience to every stage she steps on or boardroom she steps into, whether in a corporate setting, a non-profit organization or a 6000’ mountain. After having an amazing leadership career working for a number of impactful global companies, plus coaching entrepreneurs and consulting with corporate leaders, Susan co-founded Indie Do Good to help businesses grow while making a positive social impact.
But her most transformative journey came when she and her daughter hiked the 2,194-mile Appalachian Trail, raising almost $100,000 for Parkinson’s Disease research for The Michael J. Fox Foundation.
Along the way, Susan discovered lessons about courage, perseverance, and the power of community to inspire others to climb their mountain to achieve their purpose and help others.
Susan now empowers leaders, teams and individuals to:
Reshape mindsets and embrace bold action
Build resilience through uncertainty and challenge
Strengthen collaboration and trust within teams
Connect passion with purpose for lasting impact
Featured
Featured on National Media
Susan’s story of resilience and leadership has been highlighted by CBS, WCCO, AARP, and more, sharing lessons from the Appalachian Trail and beyond with national audiences.
The AARP Mothers’ Day feature
The AARP Mothers’ Day feature in 2023 shared Susan and her daughter, Gretja's, story of completing the Appalachian Trail the prior year right before Christmas. AARP shared their story of support for family and the powerful love of a mother that knows no bounds to their almost 38 million members. This helped increase the awareness of Parkinson’s Disease to a population hit hard by the disease.
CBS National Morning New
Susan and her daughter share their Appalachian Trail journey, highlighting the resilience it took to hike 2,200 miles and the purpose behind raising awareness for Parkinson’s. This segment captures the heart of their mission and the lessons learned along the way.
CBS National Evening News
A national feature on the mother-daughter duo who turned a hike into a movement, raising almost $100,000 for Parkinson’s research. The interview showcases their determination, teamwork and the impact their story has had on countless families.
CBS National News (The Finish)
A follow-up feature after completing the Appalachian Trail, where Susan and her daughter discuss the physical and emotional endurance it took to finish. They also reflect on the generosity of strangers and the community built along the way.
WCCO (Before the Hike)
In this early interview, Susan and her daughter talk about their motivation before setting out on the Appalachian Trail. They share their vision, their preparation and the hope they carried into the challenge ahead
WCCO (During the Hike)
This segment revisits their journey during the hike, spotlighting the challenges they faced and how the experience deepened their commitment to raising awareness. Susan reflects on resilience not only on the trail but also in life’s unexpected detours.
WCCO (The Finish)
The powerful conclusion to their five-month journey, showing the moment Susan and her daughter completed the Appalachian Trail. This interview celebrates their achievement, the awareness they raised, and the inspiration they continue to share.
Resilience in Action.
Leadership in Practice.
Susan Otten is an inspirational speaker, consultant, mentor and business owner/investor who hiked the Appalachian Trail with her daughter to raise almost $100,000 for Parkinson’s Disease research. Blending her journey with 15+ years of corporate leadership experience at Apple, she delivers powerful lessons and examples for others to be equipped to achieve their God-given purpose while leading with courage, perseverance and purpose.
20+
20+
Years of Corporate Leadership Experience
$75,000
$75,000
Almost raised for Parkinson's Disease Research
2,000
2,000
Miles hiked on the Appalachian Trail
Award-winning speaker, marketer & consultant
Featured On
Inspiring Leadership
Inspiring Leadership Through Resilience
Susan Otten brings a rare blend of corporate leadership, entrepreneurial spirit and personal resilience to every stage she steps on or boardroom she steps into, whether in a corporate setting, a non-profit organization or a 6000’ mountain. After having an amazing leadership career working for a number of impactful global companies, plus coaching entrepreneurs and consulting with corporate leaders, Susan co-founded Indie Do Good to help businesses grow while making a positive social impact.
But her most transformative journey came when she and her daughter hiked the 2,194-mile Appalachian Trail, raising almost $100,000 for Parkinson’s Disease research for The Michael J. Fox Foundation.
Along the way, Susan discovered lessons about courage, perseverance, and the power of community to inspire others to climb their mountain to achieve their purpose and help others.
Susan now empowers leaders, teams and individuals to:
Reshape mindsets and embrace bold action
Build resilience through uncertainty and challenge
Strengthen collaboration and trust within teams
Connect passion with purpose for lasting impact
Featured
Featured on National Media
Susan’s story of resilience and leadership has been highlighted by CBS, WCCO, AARP, and more, sharing lessons from the Appalachian Trail and beyond with national audiences.
The AARP Mothers’ Day feature
The AARP Mothers’ Day feature in 2023 shared Susan and her daughter, Gretja's, story of completing the Appalachian Trail the prior year right before Christmas. AARP shared their story of support for family and the powerful love of a mother that knows no bounds to their almost 38 million members. This helped increase the awareness of Parkinson’s Disease to a population hit hard by the disease.
CBS National Morning New
Susan and her daughter share their Appalachian Trail journey, highlighting the resilience it took to hike 2,200 miles and the purpose behind raising awareness for Parkinson’s. This segment captures the heart of their mission and the lessons learned along the way.
CBS National Evening News
A national feature on the mother-daughter duo who turned a hike into a movement, raising almost $100,000 for Parkinson’s research. The interview showcases their determination, teamwork and the impact their story has had on countless families.
CBS National News (The Finish)
A follow-up feature after completing the Appalachian Trail, where Susan and her daughter discuss the physical and emotional endurance it took to finish. They also reflect on the generosity of strangers and the community built along the way.
WCCO (Before the Hike)
In this early interview, Susan and her daughter talk about their motivation before setting out on the Appalachian Trail. They share their vision, their preparation and the hope they carried into the challenge ahead
WCCO (During the Hike)
This segment revisits their journey during the hike, spotlighting the challenges they faced and how the experience deepened their commitment to raising awareness. Susan reflects on resilience not only on the trail but also in life’s unexpected detours.
WCCO (The Finish)
The powerful conclusion to their five-month journey, showing the moment Susan and her daughter completed the Appalachian Trail. This interview celebrates their achievement, the awareness they raised, and the inspiration they continue to share.
Resilience in Action.
Leadership in Practice.
Susan Otten is an inspirational speaker, consultant, mentor and business owner/investor who hiked the Appalachian Trail with her daughter to raise almost $100,000 for Parkinson’s Disease research. Blending her journey with 15+ years of corporate leadership experience at Apple, she delivers powerful lessons and examples for others to be equipped to achieve their God-given purpose while leading with courage, perseverance and purpose.
20+
20+
Years of Corporate Leadership Experience
$75,000
$75,000
Almost raised for Parkinson's Disease Research
2,000
2,000
Miles hiked on the Appalachian Trail
Award-winning speaker, marketer & consultant
Featured On
Inspiring Leadership
Inspiring Leadership Through Resilience
Susan Otten brings a rare blend of corporate leadership, entrepreneurial spirit and personal resilience to every stage she steps on or boardroom she steps into, whether in a corporate setting, a non-profit organization or a 6000’ mountain. After having an amazing leadership career working for a number of impactful global companies, plus coaching entrepreneurs and consulting with corporate leaders, Susan co-founded Indie Do Good to help businesses grow while making a positive social impact.
But her most transformative journey came when she and her daughter hiked the 2,194-mile Appalachian Trail, raising almost $100,000 for Parkinson’s Disease research for The Michael J. Fox Foundation.
Along the way, Susan discovered lessons about courage, perseverance, and the power of community to inspire others to climb their mountain to achieve their purpose and help others.
Susan now empowers leaders, teams and individuals to:
Reshape mindsets and embrace bold action
Build resilience through uncertainty and challenge
Strengthen collaboration and trust within teams
Connect passion with purpose for lasting impact
Featured
Featured on National Media
Susan’s story of resilience and leadership has been highlighted by CBS, WCCO, AARP, and more, sharing lessons from the Appalachian Trail and beyond with national audiences.
The AARP Mothers’ Day feature
The AARP Mothers’ Day feature in 2023 shared Susan and her daughter, Gretja's, story of completing the Appalachian Trail the prior year right before Christmas. AARP shared their story of support for family and the powerful love of a mother that knows no bounds to their almost 38 million members. This helped increase the awareness of Parkinson’s Disease to a population hit hard by the disease.
CBS National Morning New
Susan and her daughter share their Appalachian Trail journey, highlighting the resilience it took to hike 2,200 miles and the purpose behind raising awareness for Parkinson’s. This segment captures the heart of their mission and the lessons learned along the way.
CBS National Evening News
A national feature on the mother-daughter duo who turned a hike into a movement, raising almost $100,000 for Parkinson’s research. The interview showcases their determination, teamwork and the impact their story has had on countless families.
CBS National News (The Finish)
A follow-up feature after completing the Appalachian Trail, where Susan and her daughter discuss the physical and emotional endurance it took to finish. They also reflect on the generosity of strangers and the community built along the way.
WCCO (Before the Hike)
In this early interview, Susan and her daughter talk about their motivation before setting out on the Appalachian Trail. They share their vision, their preparation and the hope they carried into the challenge ahead
WCCO (During the Hike)
This segment revisits their journey during the hike, spotlighting the challenges they faced and how the experience deepened their commitment to raising awareness. Susan reflects on resilience not only on the trail but also in life’s unexpected detours.
WCCO (The Finish)
The powerful conclusion to their five-month journey, showing the moment Susan and her daughter completed the Appalachian Trail. This interview celebrates their achievement, the awareness they raised, and the inspiration they continue to share.