Susan Packard

Susan Packard has been instrumental in building powerful media brands such as HBO, CNBC, and HGTV. She was the second employee at HGTV, its co-founder, and its former chief operating officer. Under her leadership, HGTV expanded into Scripps Networks Interactive, developing new brands and platforms, collectively reaching a market valuation of over $15 billion.

Packard transitioned from her corporate roles to pursue writing, mentoring, and speaking engagements focused on leadership. Currently, she is a recognized author with notable works including "New Rules of the Game: 10 Strategies for Women in the Workplace," published in 2015, and "Fully Human: Three Steps to Grow Your Emotional Fitness in Work, Leadership and Life," released in 2019. Both books emphasize the importance of emotional health in achieving professional and personal success. In "Fully Human," she delves into emotional fitness, a concept she actively teaches to leaders. Her insights on this topic were also shared in a TEDx talk at UCLA. Recognized for her speaking prowess, she was named one of the top 40 women keynote speakers by RealLeaders in 2020. Packard continues to engage audiences at esteemed institutions including Stanford Business School, Carnegie Mellon, and the University of Alabama.

In addition to her professional achievements, Packard broke new ground as the first woman elected to the board of directors of Churchill Downs, Inc., the organization behind the Kentucky Derby. Addressing personal challenges, she publicly shared her journey with substance use disorder and recovery during a 2019 Commencement address at Michigan State University, where she was also honored with an Honorary Degree of Doctor in Humanities. This experience inspired her to author her third book, "The Little Book of College Sobriety: Living Happy, Healthy, and Free," focusing on emotional health for those in recovery and their families.

Packard has practiced Centering Prayer for over a decade, teaching this meditative practice across various platforms, incorporating it into leadership and mindfulness retreats. Her commitment to sharing this and other wellness practices extends into her participation in podcasts, where she guides the audience through meditation exercises.