Susi started her working life as an ad agency copywriter in 1986 before moving into radio. After doing the rounds of the regions, she joined Blackie’s breakfast radio team on Radio Hauraki, and went on to become newsreader and co-host of the award winning Morning Pirates. In 1990, she moved to Christchurch to form a new breakfast radio team with Phil Gifford and Simon Barnett. She began the next chapter of her communications career in 1995 doing freelance promotions, PR, and events management. As the client list grew, so did the need for staff, and within three years Glass Tower had been formed, and grown into one of New Zealand’s largest public relations companies, launching a Casino, an airline, and a town, and working with organisations of all sizes to deliver targeted and effective public relations services and crisis management.
Susi and Douglas married in 1995, and found themselves working together often on the same clients and, as new digital channels emerged, began to see the huge benefits that a truly integrated marketing service could bring. In 2000, Douglas joined the company as Creative Director, enabling Glass Tower to offer truly holistic solutions, based on what was best for the client, rather than being driven by the narrow focus of a consultancy or agency with a narrow and limited skill set.
Over the years, Susi returned to radio for stints as a morning talkback host for Newstalk ZB, and today explores the world of podcasting.
Susi works with clients to help them set strategy, plan campaigns and projects, navigate difficult communications situations, develop values and engagement programmes, and become better communicators. She is in demand as a speaker and coach, has been an evaluator for the international IABC Gold Quill Awards for a number of years, and is an engaging and skilled group trainer.