Sometimes, just when you’re at your highest, life throws a curveball at you. That’s exactly what happened to Suzanne Spencer. But, she didn’t let the challenges she endured stop her. Instead, she rallied around the idea that the hardships you are given can serve a greater purpose, not only for yourself, but for others, too.
We talked with Suzanne to learn more about her pivot from a career in tv news to becoming an inspirational speaker following two major brain surgeries. Her story is one of perseverance and hope, shining a light on the good that can come out of the most unexpected situations.
Let’s dive in.
What is your background?
Transplant from Indiana!
I grew up in Lafayette, went to DePauw, worked my first job in South Bend, and moved in 2017 for the job at FOX6.
I thought I’d be here a few years but ended up loving it. Bought a house in Tosa, and love Milwaukee so much my husband and I are staying here with our daughter, Jane, and pup, Wally.
Any stories that define your path? Early inspirations, challenges, etc?
The most defining life moment was an 18-month period while I was working in tv news, when I endured two brain surgeries and had my first child.
I was 29, healthy, and at the pinnacle of my career when I started having headaches. I was diagnosed with a brain tumor shortly after that and would go on to have two surgeries at Froedtert.
My first surgery was in July 2021, and complications from that led to a second surgery in January 2023– two weeks after the birth of my daughter.
The whole experience led to this realization: what’s the point of surviving it all if I don’t do something with the experience? That started a series of decisions in which I left tv news to start my own business knowing my message could reach far more audiences through keynote speaking.
What does your career look like now?
After pivoting from tv news, I am now an inspirational speaker and started my own business called Suzanne Speaks.
My keynote “When the Script Changes” combines my experience in journalism with the lessons I’ve learned through two brain surgeries– to guide audiences through resilient decision-making in moments of adversity.
I teach a framework called “MIC” that encompasses takeaways surrounding mindset, inner voice, and community. I’ve spoken to groups of 10 and audiences of 500+, most recently for Baker Tilly at the Baird Center, Milwaukee Athletic Club, and ALTAR Community in Chicago.
Can you talk a little bit about your career journey? How’d you get to where you are now?
I worked as a tv news reporter and anchor for ten years; most recently as a morning show anchor at FOX6.
I covered presidential campaigns, I’ve been on a warship with the US Navy, covered the Packers attempt at the NFC Championship, created a cold case series, and told hundreds and hundreds of stories in Milwaukee.
It was the job I had always dreamed of until the dream changed.
After my two brain surgeries, I knew I wanted to make an impact with my own story in a more focused way. I left tv news in August 2024 and started Suzanne Speaks that year.
Being an entrepreneur (with a toddler) tests you in all sorts of ways but it’s been so fulfilling to create a new dream and be more present for my family (now that I’m not waking up at 2am).
Can you talk more about your community involvement or volunteer experience?
Right now, I am a member of Bader Philanthropies’ newest cohort for the “Bader Leadership Institute.” It’s a small group of people in Milwaukee working to solve complex problems in the city.
I was fortunate that some of my tv news stories made a difference in the community, but there were many days that I never felt like I was doing enough just reporting on the problems.
It’s amazing to be part of Bader’s group, where we not only work to understand the problems but also find solutions.
What are some ways you have impacted the community in your line of work?
Being an anchor on the morning show was truly so fun- you got to be part of the best part of people’s days.
It was equally a huge responsibility knowing every word and every story had repercussions for people, neighborhoods, and the overall story of Milwaukee.
Shifting to keynote speaking has allowed me to impact people in a broader way beyond Milwaukee.
What do you like about living in Milwaukee?
Someone once told me that Milwaukee is a city that if you want to do something – you can do it. I believe that wholeheartedly. You are generally one degree of separation from someone who could help you make it happen – and most people want to help!
What do you want to see for Milwaukee’s future?
I’ll never forget visiting Milwaukee for the first time and falling in love with Lake Michigan. That said, I think there’s room for improvement in getting transportation to the lakefront, parking, and truly allowing all neighborhoods access points to take advantage of it.
Anything else we should know about you, your job, community involvement, or life in general?
Working in tv news, I was constantly in people’s toughest moments. A mentor once told me that every story should end with “the silver lining,” the universal truth you want people to remember and feel.
When I was diagnosed with my own tough news, it felt only right to apply the same idea. Finding the silver lining has become a theme throughout my life and unexpected health challenges and it’s been so fulfilling to share this perspective through keynote speaking in a way that can improve the lives of other people personally and professionally.
Follow Suzanne on:
Instagram: @suzannespencer
TikTok: @suzanne_spencer
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzannespeaks/
Online: https://www.suzannespeaks.com/