Life Lessons from a CEO: Susan Eichor on Family, Work, and Community
In a world where the lines between personal and professional life often blur, Susan Eichor, CEO of aio, embodies the perfect blend of leadership, resilience, and compassion. Susan shares her journey of balancing a demanding career with her deep commitments to family and community. Through her stories, Susan inspires us to navigate life’s challenges with grace and determination.
Finding Strength in Family
One of the most moving parts of Susan’s story is her caregiving journey. For nearly a decade, she and her sister cared for their parents, both of whom had dementia. Susan reflects on how this experience brought moments of joy amidst challenges. From quiet afternoons at the park enjoying ice cream to navigating difficult decisions about long-term care, Susan found strength in the simple, heartfelt moments with her family.
Her advice for others in similar situations is clear: “Don’t be afraid to ask for help.” She emphasizes the importance of leaning on family, friends, and professional resources while making time for self-care. These precious experiences shaped her understanding of what truly matters, reinforcing the value of presence and connection.
Lessons in Leadership
Susan’s career path wasn’t always clear-cut. After starting at Hawaiian Tel, she took a leap of faith during a voluntary retirement package, unsure of what would come next. That decision ultimately led her to aio, where she now leads a diverse portfolio of businesses spanning media, food, and community-focused initiatives.
Throughout her career, Susan has prioritized building teams and fostering collaboration. Reflecting on her leadership style, she notes the importance of surrounding yourself with talented individuals who complement your skills:
“You can’t be the expert at everything, but together, we can achieve something greater than ourselves.”
This perspective resonates in aio’s company culture, where family values and community impact remain at the forefront. Susan’s leadership reflects a commitment to doing business with purpose, rooted in love and support for the Hawaii community.
The Power of Community and Giving Back
Susan shared a profound example of community impact through aio’s involvement in the aftermath of the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami in Japan. Inspired to help, aio organized a fundraiser called “With Aloha,” which provided immediate relief to affected families. The effort extended further when aio played a pivotal role in bringing modular homes from Japan to create Kahauiki Village, a housing community for families in Hawaii transitioning out of homelessness.
For Susan, these initiatives illustrate the interconnectedness of humanity. She believes in the serendipity of life, explaining, “It’s not luck or chance. It’s part of something bigger and something really beautiful.” Her leadership goes beyond business; it’s about creating lasting change for the greater good.
Balancing Work and Life
Despite her demanding role, Susan has learned to prioritize what truly matters. She candidly admits that she hasn’t always found this balance easily. However, her experiences—both as a leader and a caregiver—have taught her to embrace imperfection and take life’s challenges as they come.
Her secret? Letting go of the pressure to do everything perfectly and focusing instead on being present: “Sometimes, doing your best is the best you can do, and that’s okay.”
Whether it’s early morning jogs, moments of quiet reflection, or simply taking time for her family, Susan ensures that her life aligns with her values.
Final Takeaways
Susan Eichor’s story is a testament to resilience, leadership, and the power of community. Her journey underscores the importance of being present for the people you care about, embracing challenges, and finding purpose in service to others.
Through her role at aio and her personal experiences, Susan continues to lead with heart, showing that the most impactful leaders are those who stay rooted in their values. Her story inspires us to reflect on our own lives and consider how we, too, can create a meaningful legacy.
Whether you’re a professional navigating career transitions, a caregiver looking for support, or someone seeking purpose in community involvement, Susan’s lessons are universal. Watch the full podcast episode for a deeper dive into her remarkable journey and insights.
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