Writing/Speaking

In addition to her leadership work, Suzanna de Baca is an accomplished writer and sought-after speaker whose insights on leadership, governance, strategy, organizational culture and communications resonate with executives and boards across industries.

Suzanna is a frequent contributor of thought-provoking articles on leadership, strategy, organizational culture, and governance, and she has been published and featured in leading national and international media outlets including: Time Magazine, Huffington Post, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Forbes, The CEO Magazine, Directorship Magazine, Good Housekeeping, E-Financial Careers, Meeting Planners International, IPR, NPR, and others.

Her writing combines practical leadership and governance expertise with a compelling narrative voice.

Suzanna has served as a keynote speaker, emcee, moderator, and on-stage interviewer for a wide range of national and regional events, from intimate executive workshops of 10 participants to conferences of more than 1,000 attendees. Her experience includes presenting at organizations and institutions such as Harvard Business School, the National Association of Corporate Directors and the Greater Des Moines Partnership, serving as Executive in Residence at Morningside University, and leading live conversations and interviews with prominent business, civic, and community leaders.

To inquire about booking Suzanna for your next event, contact her here.

“I have had the privilege of working with Suzanna through Harvard Business School’s Women on Boards program and the global Women Executives on Boards community I founded. She is an exceptional leader with deep board expertise and a gift for developing senior executives. I was so impressed with her that I featured her in my best-selling book "The Courage to Advance," highlighting her authentic leadership, resilience, and ability to translate real-world experience into powerful guidance for CEOs and boards.”

Bonnie Hagman

CEO, Executive Development Associates; author, The Courage to Advance: Real Life Resilience from some of hte World’s Most Successful Women in Business

Miriam Erickson Brown, Chair and CEO, Anderson Erickson Dairy

“Suzanna has created and led some of the most engaging presentations, panel discussions, and leadership sessions in our region. She has a highly developed ability to bring together diverse ideas and forward-thinking leaders, delivering compelling insights. With a gift for guiding discussions, she leaves listeners inspired, with meaningful takeaways and a clearer sense of the deeper purpose and wisdom behind successful leadership. Suzanna is also a captivating and articulate speaker and writer, a strength that shines through in all that she does.”

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Tara Rinehart, Vice President of Industry Education, Master Builders of Iowa

“Suzanna de Baca delivered an outstanding MBI BuildHer virtual session on Leadership in Action: Building Resilience and Confidence Under Pressure. Her ability to translate research-backed concepts into practical tools, especially her clear and compelling Top 10 Strategies for Building Confidence and Resilience, left a lasting impression on our participants.

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Paula Kreuter, PhD, Assistant Professor & Director of the Larry and Joan Arnold Center for Entrepreneurship & Economic Development Morningside University School of Business

“Suzanna brings unparalleled leadership experience and a hands-on approach to every student group, undergraduate or MBA, with whom she engages. Drawing on her distinguished career as a CEO, board director, and advisor, she transforms classroom discussions into dynamic explorations of current topics and challenges facing business.

Recently, as the Executive in the Classroom at Morningside University, she led an immersive two-day program that connected students to real-world challenges centered on AI, risk management, business strategy, and the impact of tariffs on decision-making, spanning business basics for freshmen to providing counsel to upperclassmen on careers. Her ability to bridge academic theory with practical insights, combined with polished communication and an expansive knowledge base, inspires collaboration among undergraduate and graduate cohorts and prepares them to lead with confidence, integrity, and adaptability in today’s rapidly changing world.”

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