Another edition of Maria Pinto’s Spotlight Series, In Her Own Words, is here. Each month, we feature the dynamic, stylish, and powerful women who inspire us daily.
This month’s spotlight features Suzanne Martin, consultant leading a global Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) advisory practice on a mission to drive growth through leading strategies and technologies, particularly AI.
Suzanne is wearing the Leigh Dress, Cardinale Jacket, and Obi Belt in Magenta.
What was your path to getting where you are today?
I have been a marketing executive my entire career, having held several Chief Marketing Officer positions in the telecom and software industries. I was an executive in a large enterprise for 21 years, and then the C-suite for venture capital and PE-backed startups. I was also CMO of a digital agency. This unique combination of experiences evolved my leadership practice beyond the marketing function to a business-wide frame, and has served me well in the consulting industry.
How do you create a work-life balance for yourself?
I work best when I set a clear and reasonable set of outcomes for my day. It’s important to realize that there is ALWAYS something to be done, and if you aren’t careful you will never feel a sense of achievement or satisfaction. Prioritizing what’s most important will help keep the tactical gremlins from taking over the limited time you have in the day. Setting boundaries and saying no is so important, and something women (well I will speak for myself) find particularly challenging. It’s okay to set limits - you will actually achieve more this way.
What do you love and appreciate about being a woman?
While I have achieved much in my professional life, I love being a mother - and the cool thing now is that I am learning from my children as they grow into adults. What a powerful role we women play in the life journeys of our children. I appreciate the unique aspects of being a woman that guide my professional leadership practice. I think women are natural unifiers, collaborators and innovators.
How would you describe your personal style?
I don’t follow any particular rules of the season or setting however I do take into account what is best suited for the moment - for example, at work, dressing for the culture or meeting type. I wear what I want to wear in general, which may be code I guess for “I don’t dress my age.” I seek out a combination of style and comfort. I am very into vintage designer pieces to accent my core wardrobe. I like clean and simple lines (why Maria P is so great for me!). I am getting into hats these days - and anything that makes me look taller!
Suzanne is wearing the Lake Top and Hayworth Pant in Viterbo.
What’s important to you when you’re buying clothing?
I want to look “put together” in a classic, simple style while having comfort, quality and ease of care. I have found that clothing that works well across personal and professional (as Maria’s collection does) is the best as I can dress it up or down or mix it with other styles in a way that doesn’t clash - rather, it complements.
What are some of your style or fashion icons?
Of course, Maria. Her design style and language speaks to my soul and is the cornerstone of my wardrobe. I own more pieces from her collection than any other designer. A more close to home fashion icon for me is my daughter Iliana - her unique sense of style is built on nothing I have ever seen. She collects and combines pieces that result in an outfit that starts conversations wherever she goes. Iliana designed and made a jacket for me for my birthday this year that caused a sensation at the party where I received it!
Best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Best piece of advice… that tomorrow is a new day. It’s always a new day. Learn from every experience and take that insight into the next day smarter, wiser and more resilient. No matter what, your power and worth comes from within. Nobody can give it to you, and so they can’t take it away. This is what I would tell my younger self. Don’t let other people get in your way when you have the power, and the new day brings infinite possibilities to use it.
What are you watching, reading, and/or listening to right now?
I am reading “Red Comet: The Short Life and Blazing Art of Sylvia Plath.” It is an incredibly in depth account of the life and creative journey of America’s greatest woman poet of the 20th century. What I find fascinating, and also very sad, is how constraining life was for women back in the 1950’s and 60’s. As I read it, I am reflecting on how we have (and have not) advanced since then and what the world has in store for my three incredibly talented daughters.
How do you take care of yourself?
I really focus on my health as this is the foundation for everything. I’m not perfect by any means but I try to practice a healthy diet, regular exercise and socializing with my friends. I also am learning the tenets of Buddhism which provides a practice on how to live life that I find appealing. Beginner’s mind…
Suzanne is wearing the Callista Top in Rocca with the Costello Jacket and Millicent Pant in Black.
If you could live anywhere (and money is no object), where would you choose?
Ooh - well, that’s a tough one as I have had the good fortune to travel to many beautiful cities, regions and countries. I’d love a combination of breathtaking nature and vibrant city life within easy reach. So… how about a beautiful house in the mountains of Santa Fe, New Mexico?
Best gift you ever received?
For my birthday this October, a group of family and friends took the time and expense to travel with me to Jackson Hole, Wyoming to spend a long weekend hiking, horseback riding, searching for moose and wild horses and cooking incredible meals together. The gift of these experiences and the memories I now hold dear is truly the best gift I ever received in my entire life. Well, after my kids…if they are reading this. ;-)
What are some of your favorite features of the Maria Pinto collection?
I love the simplicity of the pieces and clean lines that accentuate my curves in a way that also makes me look taller. Not sure I know how that is possible! I love how I can travel with Maria’s collection - it arrives in great shape and also washes so well!
What are your favorite Maria Pinto pieces? Why?
I absolutely love my entire Maria Pinto collection and the versatility it has to apply to a wide expanse of environments and events. Whether it’s a client connect, or board meeting, or evening out at the theater…I have combined the right mix of Maria’s pants, jackets, shirts and dresses. I ALWAYS get comments…what are you wearing? Of course I am a walking, talking billboard (always flexing my marketing muscle!). What would Maria think about me combining her incredible smart black bolero jacket with a full length western dress and gorgeous Old Gringo cowboy boots this past weekend? It can be done. ;-)
Photo Credit: Special thanks to Ana Miyares for the stunning photography!