Susan Sobbott, President, American Express OPEN

The Pheonix

By Brittani Banks

Susan Sobbott has worked for American Express for 21 years. For five years, she has been the president of their OPEN division, which provides $30 billion in credit to small business customers each quarter. The biggest obstacle Sobbott has faced in her career is something most working women can relate to: the current state of the U.S. economy.

Sobbott says her most recent source of pride has been navigating the recession. In 2009, like other large companies, American Express earnings fell – 48 percent in a single quarter.

“[That] was one of the most challenging periods in my career,” Sobbott tells PINK. In the beginning of the crisis, she says workdays were “long and painful.” But after coming out the other side, she realized she’d gained valuable lessons along the way. “As in most of life’s trials, I’m a better leader for it.” She says, adding that the experience taught her how to make “quick yet thoughtful decisions.”

How’d she do it? “I relied heavily on the ability to remain focused yet detached,” says Sobbott. Her motivation to stay focused came from coworkers and customers, including women business owners she works closely with through the company’s “Make Mine a Million $ Business” program. “Have you ever had lunch with an entrepreneur?” Sobbott asks. “Their energy brims over and their optimism is contagious! I couldn’t have better inspiration.”

What’s Sobbott’s prediction for the future of the U.S. economy? “Small businesses allow our communities to thrive. They are the job creators that will ultimately lead our country back on the road economic prosperity. I’m excited about inspiring America to shop small again this year!”