298 - From Insurance to Impact: How One Leader is Changing Lives Through Listening and Community Support
The Power of Listening and Understanding Your Value: Insights from Susan Combs on Listening with Leaders
In the latest episode of Listening with Leaders, host Doug Noll speaks with Susan Combs, the President and Founder of Pancakes for Roger, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting veterans. Susan shares her personal and professional journey, providing valuable insights into leadership, listening, and the importance of understanding your own worth. This episode offers actionable advice for leaders, entrepreneurs, and anyone passionate about making a positive impact through their work.
Leadership, Listening, and Giving Back
Susan Combs’ career path is a unique blend of personal experiences and professional expertise. Starting from a background in law, Susan transitioned into nonprofit work, where she now leads Pancakes for Roger. Through this journey, Susan has learned how valuable time, dedication, and empathy can be when creating change, particularly in the nonprofit sector.
One of the key themes of the conversation is the importance of recognizing the value of one’s contributions. Susan emphasizes that while monetary donations are important, offering your time and expertise can often have an even more profound impact. She encourages others to take stock of their skills and find ways to engage with causes that matter to them, as their time and knowledge can make a significant difference.
In her work, Susan has developed a strong belief in the art of listening—both in professional settings and personal interactions. She shares a lesson her father taught her: while it's essential to be understood, it’s equally important to avoid being misunderstood. This principle has guided her leadership style, particularly in sales and client management, where listening actively is essential to understanding clients' needs and fostering deeper connections.
About Susan Combs
Susan Combs is the President and Founder of Pancakes for Roger, a nonprofit dedicated to providing support and resources for veterans. With a deep commitment to giving back, Susan focuses on making a meaningful impact in her community through her work with veterans and her leadership at Pancakes for Roger.
About Pancakes for Roger
Pancakes for Roger is a nonprofit organization that supports veterans by providing resources, community outreach, and other vital services. The organization’s mission is rooted in honoring and uplifting those who have served, helping them reintegrate and find the support they need through programs and initiatives.
Links Mentioned in This Episode
Key Episode Highlights:
Recognizing the Value of Time: Susan emphasizes the importance of understanding that time can be just as valuable as money when it comes to giving back and making an impact.
The Art of Listening: Susan shares how listening with empathy and without judgment has shaped her leadership style and success in her nonprofit work.
Building Relationships Over Transactions: Focusing on authentic connections rather than transactional interactions is key to building trust and lasting relationships with clients and communities.
Emotional Intelligence in Leadership: Susan discusses the power of emotional intelligence in leadership, and how understanding the emotions of others can guide effective decision-making.
Empowering Others to Lead: Through her work at Pancakes for Roger, Susan highlights the importance of mentorship and creating opportunities for others to grow and lead.
Conclusion
Susan Combs' journey from law to nonprofit leadership provides valuable lessons for anyone looking to make a difference through their work. Whether it’s through listening more deeply, understanding the value of their own contributions, or fostering authentic relationships, the insights from this episode can help listeners strengthen their leadership skills and drive positive change in their communities.
Explore more about Doug Noll’s leadership and communication strategies at Doug Noll's website.
Interested in sharing your insights? Apply to be a guest on Listening with Leaders here.
