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Susan S. Mahaffee is the President and Founder of People Rise LLC, a certified woman-owned HR consulting and leadership advisory firm that partners with small to mid-size businesses, entrepreneurs, and family-owned organizations. With more than two decades of experience in HR leadership, executive coaching, and organizational strategy, Susan helps leaders navigate the people moments that shape culture, trust, and long-term success. Susan is a proud graduate of Johnson & Wales University, long known as America's Career University for its emphasis on learning that extends beyond the classroom-preparing students for real work, real decisions, and real responsibility. That focus deepened her love for the workplace and gave her the confidence to take the leap at a time when affording college was hard, but the investment felt purposeful. Susan often credits her leadership philosophy to lessons learned early in life-especially from her father, affectionately known as ""Chef Bank,"" whose kitchen became her first classroom for leadership, accountability, and care. Those lessons continue to shape her work today and the legacy she is building for her son. In addition to her consulting work, Susan is a Certified Executive Leadership Coach, speaker, and host of The Employee Help Desk podcast. She is also a member of the Leadership Anne Arundel (LAA) Flagship Class of 2026 and serves as Vice Chair of Governance for the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay. She is a contributing author in We Lead, Volume 3, where she wrote Chapter 20, Building an Authentic, People-Centered Business-Own Your Style, Voice, and Impact. Susan was proud to be part of the book's achievement of Amazon Bestseller status in six categories. That experience reinforced for her what's possible when trusted voices come together around shared values and purpose. Susan believes people choose to work with her because they align with her approach to doing business-clear, principled, and relationship-driven. She lives in Severna Park, Maryland, with her son, Peter, and their lovable Shih Tzu, Rocket, who-true to form-never misses a chance to make her feel chosen.
Filled with great storytelling and a bevy of unique perspectives, When People Rise is the people-centered handbook all leaders and HR professionals need to read."" Andrew Biernat, Author of The Team That Loves Mondays, Team Transformation Expert, Curator of the HR.Salon Community and Host of the HR.Salon Podcast ""As the founder of a business and employment law firm, I see firsthand how often companies underestimate the impact of their people strategy-until it becomes a legal or operational issue. Susan's book, When People Rise, is a refreshing and much-needed shift from reactive thinking to intentional leadership."" Francisco Mundaca, Founding Partner, The Mundaca Law Firm ""I truly appreciate how When People Rise highlights practical, intentional, and straightforward actions that help shape stronger, more impactful leaders. By focusing on easy-to-apply strategies, the book encourages genuine growth and makes leadership accessible to all. It's an inspiring guide for anyone who wants to make a difference and rise together with their teams."" Lauren Gaul, Senior Vice President, People and Culture, Dancker ""Susan and her coauthors remind us of the imperative of the ""human"" in Human Resources. This book teaches us how to invest in our people relationships and navigate the complex yet beautiful way humans drive our businesses and are the real key to success. As a CEO of a nonprofit organization, I found this book extremely powerful, with both the heartfelt stories that I can connect with and the tools I am already putting into practice."" Julie Campbell, CEO, Severn Leadership Group ""As a new leader and CEO, When People Rise has inspired a new confidence in me - empowering me to turn uncertainty and self-doubt into opportunity. The practical insights and heartfelt stories are a powerful reminder of the impact genuine community connection and that we never have to lead alone."" Amy Berry, CEO, Anne Arundel County Chamber of Commerce (Maryland) ""An enjoyable collection of stories from HR experts and business owners who present challenging situations that they resolve through practical wisdom and human warmth, where everybody ""wins."" A great read for anyone who works with people, which is everyone!"" Liz League, CEO, Greater Severna Park and Arnold Chamber of Commerce ""A must-read for any HR leader who has ever felt the weight of a difficult conversation. The book's true superpower is its ability to make the tough conversations more meaningful and less menacing."" Lance Young, Ed.D., pHCLE, Chief Human Resources Officer, Walton County School District, Georgia
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