Susan S. Mahaffee is the President and Founder of People Rise LLC, a certified woman-owned HR consulting and leadership advisory firm that partners with small to mid-size businesses, entrepreneurs, and family-owned organizations. With more than two decades of experience in HR leadership, executive coaching, and organizational strategy, Susan helps leaders navigate the people moments that shape culture, trust, and long-term success. Susan is a proud graduate of Johnson & Wales University, long known as America's Career University for its emphasis on learning that extends beyond the classroom-preparing students for real work, real decisions, and real responsibility. That focus deepened her love for the workplace and gave her the confidence to take the leap at a time when affording college was hard, but the investment felt purposeful. Susan often credits her leadership philosophy to lessons learned early in life-especially from her father, affectionately known as "Chef Bank," whose kitchen became her first classroom for leadership, accountability, and care. Those lessons continue to shape her work today and the legacy she is building for her son. In addition to her consulting work, Susan is a Certified Executive Leadership Coach, speaker, and host of The Employee Help Desk podcast. She is also a member of the Leadership Anne Arundel (LAA) Flagship Class of 2026 and serves as Vice Chair of Governance for the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay. She is a contributing author in We Lead, Volume 3, where she wrote Chapter 20, Building an Authentic, People-Centered Business-Own Your Style, Voice, and Impact. Susan was proud to be part of the book's achievement of Amazon Bestseller status in six categories. That experience reinforced for her what's possible when trusted voices come together around shared values and purpose. Susan believes people choose to work with her because they align with her approach to doing business-clear, principled, and relationship-driven. She lives in Severna Park, Maryland, with her son, Peter, and their lovable Shih Tzu, Rocket, who-true to form-never misses a chance to make her feel chosen.