Susan Carson, Ph.D. is the founder of “SMART Leadership Coaching.” Her firm specializes in the development of individual leadership and communication skills for scientists and technology professionals toward achieving the results they want. With her extensive experience as a scientist, as the owner of a successful executive recruiting firm, and as an ICF-trained coach, Dr. Carson is eminently qualified to provide her clients with the assistance needed in their job or life search journey. In the process of coaching her clients, she focuses on leading them through the transformation which results in the life changes they seek – be it a search for life balance, career guidance, or any other area in which they need assistance. To this end, Dr. Carson developed the CATALYST© platform, which is designed to assist them in becoming the CATALYST© for the results they want using their own DNA!

Susan was born and raised in New York City. She received her undergraduate degree from NYU and then went on to complete her Ph.D. in Biochemistry at Hahnemann Medical College after which she obtained advanced training in clinical chemistry and toxicology. As a teacher at Michigan State University, she has developed curriculums and lectured at both the graduate and undergraduate levels to students in Medicine and Medical Technology. She has extensive experience in the pharmaceutical industry, having worked in business development, product marketing, clinical research, and medical affairs. Susan has also served as a consultant to pharmaceutical and diagnostic companies. Susan’s positive experience working in executive recruitment and career development led her to establish Strategic Placements, an executive recruiting firm. In Strategic Placements, Susan focuses on a personalized, human-centered approach to rapidly deliver harmonious partnerships between skilled executives and results-oriented enterprises. Currently, she serves on the Clinical Advisory Board of a small pharmaceutical company located in Texas where she brings both her clinical and management knowledge. In addition, she serves as a mentor and a member of the curriculum committee of the Professional Leadership Program at the University of North Texas.