3 steps to achieve anything | Susan Whitehead | TEDxTAMU

Susan shares how she changed the trajectory of her life to defy statistics and achieve success. By outlining three essential steps-building a strategic plan, focusing on what truly matters, and refusing to self-reject-Susan inspires others to shift from feeling marginalized, to seizing their rightful place as achievers.
Empowering change is a dominant theme running throughout Susan’s 20 plus years as a leader within the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device sectors. Recognized for her goal-oriented approach and commitment to inclusion, Susan earned recognition as one of the top LGBTQ+ BioPharma Leaders in 2023 in EndPoints News. Known for swiftly translating complex strategies into actionable steps, Susan founded BioSavvy Advisors, specializes in building people-centric organizations that achieve business objectives. Previously, she served as president and chief operating officer at PACT Pharma.
Passionate about improving healthcare equity as well as creating an equitable workplace, Susan leads with intention, inspiring others and fostering inclusion. Currently, she serves as board chair and vice president of Bay Area Young Survivors (BAYS), a support community for young adults with breast cancer in the San Francisco Bay Area, and is an active impact investor in women's health, femtech, and oncology. Susan holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Michigan State University. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@raeflores-cb6nk]

Amazing talk!! Inspiring and actionable, everything a TEDx talk should be!!

[@charlotte-may9193]

Her journey from the foster care system to such a successful career is nothing short of inspiring. It shows that with enough grit and determination, anything is possible.

[@lostnlonely669]

Sharing our vision with friends and family for support is something I hadn't considered before. her talk made me realize how important a support system is.

[@regina-reda]

the story about running away when things got tough was so raw and real. It really shows how resilient she is to have turned her life around.

[@justinjjtaylor]

The way she overcame her mixed feelings about her cultural identity was so empowering. It’s a reminder that our differences can be our strengths if we learn to embrace them.

[@janegeegeehogge]

It's really cool to hear someone share their story so openly, definitely makes me reflect on my own life choices. Thank you.

[@caligsimpson]

Her story about being judged as a foster kid really opened my eyes to the harsh realities some people face and the way they’re stereotyped because of it. It’s incredible that she didn’t let that hold her back though. Some people really buy in to narratives like that and let it stop them from really achieving anything

[@odysseasmallios1570]

Dealing with her inner critic was so relatable. We all have that voice in our heads, and it's inspiring to hear about how she overcame hers

[@Me-lolahernandez]

I feel like her journey is proof that we can always change our path, no matter where we start! It's all about perseverance and determination 💪🏼💪🏼

[@horsesensenorth]

Loved this talk so much. YES to moving mountains ❤

[@ihavecoolthings]

This talk gave me the push I needed to start working on my own business ideas. Feeling super inspired right now, thank you!

[@iamdadubdab]

I never realized how powerful it could be to just sit down and write out your dreams and goals. That 42% statistic blew my mind! Definitely going to start doing this.

[@lorissarinehart5933]

As a woman who has walked her own rather long and winding road to success, this was such an incredibly inspiring message. I wish I had known this as a young woman and I am so grateful that this message is out there so young people can embrace their own unique path to achieving their goals and fulfilling their dreams. Grateful for your message.

[@BrainLoon]

Her passion for healthcare equity and supporting young cancer survivors is truly inspiring. It's so important to have leaders who genuinely care about these issues.

[@saturnsrings3608]

I think the emphasis on writing goals and creating a plan is spot on. It gives you a roadmap to follow and makes the dreams seem more achievable!

[@the1onlyisme]

her story really shows the power of perseverance and a growth mindset. It's so inspiring to see what she's achieved.

[@lizzaleleflame9967]

her story about becoming a single mom at 19 and still pushing through to get her degree is just amazing. She’s proof that you can beat the odds if you stay focused on your goals 💪🏼

[@naomiveritas]

When she talked about training for an Iron Man with zero experience, I was blown away. It just shows that with the right mindset, you can tackle anything, no matter how impossible it seems.

[@thisisarchiegraves]

The Iron Man training story was wild! It shows what we can achieve when we push ourselves beyond our perceived limits.

[@asherPreynolds]

Not fitting society's mold for success is something I can totally relate to. It's refreshing to hear someone talk about finding their own path

[@whereproofisproven]

Needed to see this - thank you Susan🥰🥰🥰

[@susanwhitehead1585]

I’m so glad you came across my message… you got this! 👊🏽

[@robertjoinersr]

It's interesting how different backgrounds can create such unique challenges and strengths! I think her story really speaks to the power of resilience though, the way that adversity can shape you and force you to grow is pretty amazing.

[@mickeyrat-da-rat]

The foster care part really struck a chord with me. It's heartbreaking how society often labels and judges foster kids without understanding their true potential

[@susanwhitehead1585]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Ironically, my first line was initially “Have you ever felt judged or underestimated?” I wish I had left this in. Society is quick to try to put folks in boxes on what they are capable of.

[@gilliandunn5087]

The mix of her cultural background and experiences made her story so rich and engaging. I couldn't stop listening.

[@rebeccadcarl]

💜💜💜💜

[@lefthandcharlie]

love this! I'll give them a go :)

[@lorrainegracelacson]

Not sure I could do an Iron Man lol but her story makes me want to try something challenging and push my limits!

[@audreylstamford]

Honestly, I don't think writing down goals is that impactful. In my experience it's more about turning up daily and having perseverance than just jotting down dreams.

[@susanwhitehead1585]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Writing down is just one part of the equation. It can help to bring clarity and commitment to the vision. This is then followed through with resilience and focus. I think we both agree on this.

[@milesprimrose5990]

Her emphasis on creating a strategic plan made me think about how much time I waste when I don’t have clear direction.... Definitely inspired to start planning more intentionally.

[@kashaiq]

I never thought about how much we hold ourselves back with self-doubt until she mentioned it. Her advice to take small, uncomfortable actions is something I’m definitely going to try.

[@BagofSwag]

Writing down her goals like a blueprint for her future is such a great strategy. I’m definitely going to start doing that to get more clarity on my own life path.

[@theauthenticiamnow]

I loved how she described tuning out the doubters and focusing on your own path. Sometimes you just have to block out the noise and keep moving forward.

[@KForKun]

Love this mentality. Achieving thing is easy when you know the way and have the determination!

[@KittyFest]

The way she talked about stepping out of her comfort zone and tackling big challenges was awesome to hear about... It made me think about what I could be doing to push my limits too

[@cappikarlson]

Sometimes the right thing appears, seems to happen more when I watch TED talks... thank you

[@thejohntitor]

I'm a little confused by her story like... how do just a couple of bad decisions end with you being put in foster care? That seems like a pretty rough go

[@BungyBronze]

I can't believe just writing down your goals can make such a huge difference. I'm definitely going to give that a try

[@fonzellevon]

Hearing about her success makes me hopeful, like maybe I can achieve my own goals too if I can find that same determination

[@vivianacorinacabarcaherrera]

I could totally relate to the chaotic yet enriching experience of growing up in a multicultural household. It definitely shapes you in unique and wonderful ways!

[@suehawke]

Taking small steps outside our comfort zones is so important. It's hard, but her story shows it's totally worth it.

[@randompi9492]

her point about not self-rejecting is something I think a lot of us struggle with. It’s so easy to let our inner critic take over, but we’ve got to push past that if we want to achieve anything

[@LifeSculptors]

Great talk. Refuse to self reject is so good. We often talk to ourselves in ways we would not tolerate from anyone else. Talk yourself into something good!!!

[@susanwhitehead1585]

Thank you and yes what we often tell ourselves becomes self fulfilling prophecies.