We often think that people are born to be leaders. We think that certain people have this innate set of qualities that distinguishes them from the rest. We may have a desire to be a great leader but feel that we don’t have the right competencies.

What if I told you that anyone who has the desire can become a leader by taking a step by step approach? Yes, if you be willing to invest the time it takes to go through eight simple steps you can grow into the leader you want to become.

How do I know this? I am like you. I wanted to make a real difference in people’s lives, I wanted to inspire others. And I wanted to be successful. But I didn’t want to sacrifice my personal life. I wanted to feel fulfilled both at work and at home.

To meet these goals, I developed my own personal leadership development plan and I want to share it with you. In just eight sessions, I will share with you this same proven system and show you, step-by-step in my home study guide. Not only do you receive these proven steps with a $100 Holiday discount, you also receive my book, The Advantage of Leadership and access to Late Night with Susan coaching program for free.

Step One is about making a commitment and answering some fundamental questions. Are you ready to change your life? Click here to get started or call me personally at 1-800-809-2721.

Henry Juszkiewicz, a 1976 graduate of GMI/Kettering University gave the commencement speech at my son’s graduation this month. Although having a quirky speaking style, I enjoyed the simple message he gave. Dr. Juszkiewicz spoke about three words: Goals, Passions and Decisions.

“Life is about a handful of critical decisions that will define you. How do you make those decisions?” He spoke of his own experience after graduating from GMI and beginning his career at GM. He spoke of setting goals as he left GMI to be the Top Leader, CEO and making a difference in a company. He spoke of… “wanting to be an entrepreneur. I want to buy a company. I walked toward entrepreneurial opportunities.” He spoke of being in a band since he was 10 and loving instruments and music.

“What decisions could I make to mix the two – Goals and Passions? Know yourself,” he told the graduates. “Most people when they are comfortable, they don’t look; They let it ride. They just ignore their passions and goals.” So when the opportunity for purchasing the faltering Gibson Guitar Corporation was presented, Henry Juszkiewicz knew he would take action and acquire the company. He was clear about his goals and knew his passions. The Critical Decision to buy Gibson Guitar was a way to mix the two – Goals and Passions.

Read more about the Chairman and CEO of Gibson Guitar Corporation…

My son, Mark graduated Magna Cum Laude from Kettering University with a Bachelor of Science Mechanical Engineering degree this weekend. Am I proud Mom? You bet!

Mark has worked hard for this degree establishing a plan in 9th grade when he declared he wanted to attend the GM Technical Academy in High School; attend Kettering University and be a Co-op student with General Motors (which he has been for the last 4 years). And now he has achieved his goal; his leadership vision became reality.

So what’s next Mark? Well, to begin he starts work with General Motors in January. He was delighted to receive a great offer from the troubled automaker and looks forward to contributing to GM’s comeback in his area of expertise. As a GM family for years (my grandfather worked for GM Truck and Bus; I started with Fisher Body right out of college and owning a Cadillac CTS, Pontiac G8 and GTO), we are all cheering for Mark’s success with his new employer!

Good luck to Mark and his college buddies, Cory, Adam, Tyler and Mike! Great job guys!

Tiger Woods has been referred to as the CEO of Golf. He has been on “Leader Boards” countless times demonstrating his ability, skill and knowledge in the game of golf. He is a household name with children and adults alike in awe of his achievements. Now what…

Tiger’s public stature is being ridiculed by the exposure of his private life transgressions… from the first billionaire sports champion with multimillion dollar sponsorships to an embarrassed, humiliated, laughing stock and the brunt of thousands of jokes. We have heard of Tiger’s professional coaches. Did he have a Leadership Coach? An individual that assisted him with integrating both his professional and personal life so he could balance it all and lead in all areas of his life… doesn’t look like it.

So what can we learn from Tiger Woods now? Here’s what Warren Bennis, University Professor and Distinguished Professor of Business at the University of Southern California, and Founding chair of The Leadership Institute has to say in his article titled Four Leadership Lessons.