Today we’d like to introduce you to Susan Frew.
Hi Susan, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My journey has been one of resilience, innovation, and transformation. I began my career in the fast-paced tech industry in New York City, where I honed my skills at a Fortune 20 company. That experience led me to serve as the General Manager for AT&T Wireless in two Caribbean countries, where I oversaw international operations and drove growth strategies in highly competitive markets.
Eventually, I transitioned from corporate leadership to entrepreneurship and co-founded Sunshine Home Services, a plumbing and heating company in Colorado. Under my leadership, we achieved 535% growth, earned a spot on the Inc. 5000 list, and were recognized as one of Inc.’s Best Places to Work. Much of our success came from implementing innovative strategies like my “12 Points of Love” customer service model and the “Pufferfish Effect,” which helps businesses stand out through exceptional service rather than competing on price.
Of course, the road wasn’t always smooth. At one point, we faced significant debt, and I had to completely rethink how we operated. That’s when I turned to artificial intelligence. By integrating AI-driven strategies, I streamlined operations and saved over $150,000 annually. That hands-on experience not only transformed my business—it sparked a passion for helping other companies harness the power of AI.
Today, I’m a keynote speaker and AI innovator who helps businesses grow by demystifying AI and showing them how to use it in practical, actionable ways. I also host the podcast Compete on Awesome with AI, where I share insights on leveraging technology for greater efficiency and impact. I’m especially focused on the ethical use of AI, including issues like privacy, bias, and transparency.
From corporate executive to entrepreneur to AI advocate, I’ve learned that adaptability and a willingness to embrace change are the keys to lasting success. I love helping others do the same.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road—but every bump has taught me something valuable. One of the biggest challenges I faced was nearly losing my company after trusting the wrong people. We ended up in significant debt, and I had to fight tooth and nail to rebuild. It was humbling, stressful, and at times, heartbreaking.
But that low point also became a turning point. It pushed me to think differently, to innovate, and ultimately to explore how artificial intelligence could help us recover and thrive. By embracing AI, we streamlined our operations, saved over $150,000 annually, and came back stronger than ever.
I’ve also faced the same challenges many entrepreneurs do—balancing growth with burnout, staying ahead of industry changes, and learning how to lead through uncertainty. But those struggles shaped who I am today and made me even more passionate about helping others navigate their own roadblocks.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Susan Frew Speaks?
My business is built around helping people and organizations “Compete on Awesome with AI.” I specialize in making artificial intelligence approachable, practical, and profitable—especially for small to mid-sized businesses that don’t have a dedicated tech team. Whether I’m delivering a keynote, leading a workshop, or consulting behind the scenes, I focus on real-world applications that save time, cut costs, and reduce burnout.
What sets me apart is that I’m not just talking about AI from a theoretical perspective—I’ve lived it. I used AI to pull my own company out of financial crisis and saved over $150,000 annually by streamlining our operations. That hands-on experience allows me to connect with audiences in a way that’s relatable and actionable. I don’t overcomplicate things or speak in tech jargon. Instead, I show people how AI can fit into the work they’re already doing—and make it better.
In addition to speaking and consulting, I’ve also developed a series of custom GPTs (Generative AI tools) that are tailored specifically to small business operations. These tools are designed to help companies automate repetitive tasks, improve customer communication, and uncover hidden efficiencies—without needing to be tech experts. It’s like having a virtual assistant trained just for your industry.
I’m most proud of the fact that my brand stands for empowerment and innovation. I’m known for delivering high-energy, high-value presentations that leave people inspired—and ready to take action. I also offer customized demos, micro-learning sessions, and team trainings that go beyond the stage to create lasting impact.
What I want your readers to know is this: AI isn’t just for tech giants. It’s for anyone who wants to work smarter, serve better, and grow faster. I’m here to help make that happen—ethically, practically, and with a whole lot of enthusiasm.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I’ve definitely taken some big risks in my career—some that paid off, and others that came with hard lessons. But I believe risk is a necessary part of growth. You can’t innovate, pivot, or lead without stepping into the unknown from time to time.
One of the biggest risks I took was walking away from a successful corporate career to co-found a plumbing and heating company—something completely outside my industry experience. I went from managing international operations to figuring out how to price a water heater. It was a huge leap, but it taught me that the right systems, strategy, and mindset can be applied to any business.
Another major risk came when I trusted the wrong people and almost lost the company entirely. That experience was painful and expensive, but it also pushed me to explore solutions I might never have considered—like artificial intelligence. Leaning into AI and completely restructuring how we worked was a big risk at the time, but it ended up saving us over $150,000 a year and setting us up for long-term success.
I am also a daredevil ski racing and mountain bike racing, breaking 19 bones in the process! Now my definition of being a daredevil is watching Netflix.
I don’t see myself as someone who chases risk for the thrill of it—but I’m not afraid of it, either. I think about risk as an investment: What’s the potential return? What’s the cost of not taking this step? And how can I reduce the downside through preparation, smart decision-making, and trusted support? I’ve learned that taking calculated risks—especially when they’re aligned with your values and vision—is often the fastest path to breakthroughs.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.susanfrewspeaks.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susanfrewspeaks/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/susanfrewspeaks
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanfrewspeaks/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Susanfrewspeaks
