Personalization

Sue has a quiet gift for noticing what makes people different and adjusting the way she connects based on what she sees. Whether she’s chatting with someone in line, coaching on a ski slope, or handing out groceries at the food bank, she picks up on the details that matter. A subtle cue, a shift in tone, a hesitation … these are the things that guide her.

As a ski instructor, Sue quickly learns what motivates each student. Are they there to learn? To please a parent? A few gentle questions about siblings, sports, or what they like to do at home tell her volumes. If someone’s reluctant or unsure, she makes it playful and low-pressure. If they’re eager, she gets right to work. What she’s really doing is personalizing the experience with calm attentiveness and care.

That same strength served her well during her many years as an elementary school teacher. Every student had their own way of learning, and their own way of being. Sue made it a point to understand each child’s rhythms and needs, so she could teach in a way that made sense to them.

She brings that same awareness to her volunteer work at the food bank. Over time, she’s learned what different people appreciate, what they need, and how to offer it in a way that feels respectful. When unique items come in, like a flavorful sauce or a box of fresh fruit, she often sets them aside for someone she knows will truly enjoy them. She pays attention to who waits quietly, who steps forward quickly, and who might need a little extra care.

In her personal life, Personalization shows up in how she asks even the most straightforward question: How are you? It isn’t a throwaway line. If someone doesn’t open up easily, she adjusts. She rephrases. Not to press for information, but to create comfort. She wants people to feel seen for who they are.

Sue says her Personalization strength has deepened over time. As her relationships grow, so does her ability to see what makes each person tick. “I’m not interested in surface-level,” she says. “I want to connect in a way that feels real.”

Her advice to others? Don’t rush. Don’t plan your next question. Just pay attention to the person in front of you, and then you can really connect with them.

“People aren’t all the same. When you notice what’s different, you can show up in a way that actually fits who they are.”

- Sue