For Susan Sasu ’11, leadership means creating impact beyond oneself. Every achievement is measured by the difference she makes in the lives of others.
“My mom always taught me that life isn’t just about me,” she says. “When I think about pivotal moments in my life, I don’t just think about my own journey. I think about the ecosystem around me, because we all have a responsibility to make sure it works.”
This international Women’s Day, with the theme “Give to Gain,” Sasu’s story reminds us that leadership is most powerful when it lifts others. By giving her time, expertise, and resources, she has not only built her own career but has created opportunities for others to grow.
From the early days of her career at Unilever Ghana to her current role as Senior Communications and Marketing Manager at Amazon, she has consistently prioritised work that makes a difference.
At Unilever Ghana, Sasu launched a side project called Asentenpa in a town near Aburi in the Eastern Region to help about 15 women gain practical business skills, from bookkeeping to store management. With Unilever’s support these women were able to start their own shops creating tangible improvements in their families’ livelihoods.
“By helping them start working, their families’ livelihoods improved. Investing in women strengthens entire communities,” she says.
Her commitment to mentorship continued during her Master’s in Business Administration at Duke University where she served on the board of the Fuqua Women in Business Association and worked as an Admissions Ambassador. In this role, she interviewed prospective students and gained insights into what admissions teams look for when recruiting students and now uses that experience to coach young professionals seeking to build meaningful careers.
Sasu is also the co-founder of Gärden, a wellness brand that produces herbal teas and caffeine-free coffee alternatives. The company has supported the nonprofit Susan G. Komen through annual product donations toward breast cancer awareness and support.
Through these experiences, Sasu offers advice for young women starting their careers. She encourages them to work hard in their careers, being intentional about giving back, while cultivating meaningful relationships.
“You won’t just be handed opportunities,” she says. “You have to be deliberate about putting in the work, but at the same time, find ways to help others along the way. When you help other people grow, the entire ecosystem benefits.”
