Marietta College today announced that acclaimed leadership expert, author, and advocate for the advancement of women, Susan MacKenty Brady ’94, will receive the Marietta College Honorary Degree, Doctor of Laws, at the College’s 2024 Commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 4, at the Dyson Baudo Recreation Center.
Brady is the Deloitte Ellen Gabriel Chair for Women and Leadership at Simmons University and the first Chief Executive Officer of The Simmons University Institute for Inclusive Leadership. She is widely recognized for her prolific work focused on strategies for women’s leadership development and self-empowerment.
“Susan MacKenty Brady embodies the pioneering spirit that we strive to unlock in each Marietta College graduate,” said Dr. Margaret L. Drugovich, Marietta College President. “With this award, the College’s highest honor, the Trustees recognize Dr. Brady’s accomplishments and the ever-greater contributions she has made in the area of leadership studies and leadership development. Marietta College is proud of her groundbreaking work and we look forward to celebrating her many achievements.”
Brady’s most recent book, the highly-acclaimed Arrive & Thrive: 7 Impactful Practices for Women Navigating Leadership, co-authored with Janet Foutty and Dr. Lynn Perry Wooten, has been hailed as a game-changer since its 2022 release. Her influential earlier works include Mastering Your Inner Critic and 7 Other High Hurdles to Advancement and The 30-Second Guide to Coaching Your Inner Critic.
Brady was the driving force behind establishing the renowned Women in Leadership Institute as Executive Vice President at Linkage, Inc. Her groundbreaking field research identified the 7 Leadership Hurdles Women Leaders Face in the Workforce, significantly shaping the global dialogue around women’s career advancement.
A sought-after voice, Brady has delivered over 500 presentations worldwide and hosts the popular “Better Understanding” podcast. She has appeared as an expert across major media outlets like ABC’s Good Morning America and The Gallup Podcast.
“It is a true privilege to be recognized by an institution that has played such an important role in my life and career, helping me further my mission to foster truly inclusive leadership,” said Brady, who earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business Communications from Marietta in 1994. “It remains an honor to be affiliated with Marietta to make the world a better place for this and future generations. I want to especially thank President Drugovich and the Board of Trustees for believing in my work and leadership impact. I am deeply honored and humbled.”
Brady, who has a Master of Education from Ohio University, resides in Boston.