Pfizer's trailblazing communications leader, Sally Susman, reveals how we can break through the noise to get our message across and make positive change.
A global pandemic. A roller-coaster economy. Political tensions ready to ignite, and common civility at an all-time low. For leaders, the pressures and the stakes could not be higher. And in such a stormy, often dangerous world, communications can no longer be considered a soft skill. The ability to reach people and drive public conversation is a rock-hard competency.
In this wise and inspiring book, Sally Susman, the renowned head of corporate affairs at global biopharmaceutical giant Pfizer, tells the fascinating story of how the company managed the massive communications challenge that came with Covid-19 and the race to produce an effective vaccine. Just as crucial as creating the vaccine itself was the task of winning people's hearts and minds, and Susman highlights the principles that enabled her to break through, connect, and help move people forward, not only at Pfizer but over a long and stellar career. She shows how clarifying and channelling your intention is an essential first step: What are you trying to say? She illustrates how leaders need to muster the courage to be candid in order to be effective and how, in order to connect, they must both disarm with humility and delight with humour. As a gay, married woman, she talks forthrightly about the challenges and opportunities of embracing who you are, both at home and in the workplace.
Susman's stories will draw you in with their warmth and humanity, and enlighten and motivate you with their insight and passion. Breaking Through is essential reading for any leader who faces the daunting challenge of communicating in our noisy, turbulent world.
About the Author :
Sally Susman is Executive Vice President and Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at Pfizer. She is also Vice Chair of the Pfizer Foundation. She leads engagement with all of Pfizer's external stakeholders, overseeing communications, corporate responsibility, global policy, government relations, investor relations, and patient advocacy. Before joining Pfizer in 2007, she held several senior communications and government relations roles at The Estee Lauder Companies and American Express. Earlier in her career, she spent eight years in government service, focused on international trade issues.
Connect with Sally Susman at www.sallysusman.com.
Review :
Named one of the Top 50 Business Books of 2023 by The Next Big Idea Club
"Susman's stories will draw you in with their warmth and humanity, and enlighten and motivate you with their insight and passion." — Midwest Book Review
"[Breaking Through] is in part memoir, in part an account of how the new vaccine was introduced to the public, and in part a manual for chief executives and public relations managers. It is this blending of themes and the author's narrative skills that make this an interesting read." — The East Hampton Star
"For those who want to improve their communication skills… [Breaking Through] is a worthy read." — CMSWire
"Breaking Through is a highly readable book, with a surprising amount of current political and cultural insight woven into the business and communications aspect of the content. For those working in corporate communications it might feel familiar in an affirming way; for others, this book can provide helpful guidance in becoming more professional in everyday communication." — Pioneer Press
"Breaking Through: Communicating to Open Minds, Move Hearts, and Change the World avoids the pitfalls of leadership books that can at times be dry and self-serving. Susman offers practical advice from someone who has earned her place as a trusted adviser during crises." — Axios
Advance Praise for Breaking Through:
"Sally Susman knows a great deal about the importance of clear communication to living an authentic life. Her deeply touching and often humorous stories will stay with you and help you navigate and advance in your own professional life." — Indra Nooyi, former CEO and Chairperson, PepsiCo; New York Times bestselling author, My Life in Full
"Breaking Through is a beautifully written, essential work on the importance of communication, full of humor and heart. Sally Susman delivers a commanding master class and a must-read." — Mika Brzezinski, cohost, MSNBC's Morning Joe; founder, Know Your Value
"Sally Susman has devoted her career to bringing clarity to complexity, change, and crisis, and in this book she shares memorable stories and practical insights to help you get heard." — Adam Grant, #1 New York Times bestselling author, Think Again; host,TED podcast ReThinking
"A brave trailblazer in her field, Sally Susman has helped hundreds of careers flourish—and this book will ensure the success of hundreds of thousands more." — Reshma Saujani, founder and CEO, Girls Who Code and Marshall Plan for Moms
"People like Sally Susman have always known that communication isn't a soft skill—it's the bedrock of business and an absolute requirement for success. Putting her principles to work will help you clarify and reach your goals and be a better leader." — Arianna Huffington, founder and CEO, Thrive Global
"The world's best handbook for how to build and maintain trust at work—and why it's essential for any communications you do. No one could write this book but Sally Susman." — Daniel Roth, Editor in Chief and Vice President, LinkedIn
