Talent Champion – Susette Brooks

Talent Champion Spotlight

2025 Talent Champion - Susette Brooks

Susette-Brooks
Director of Inclusive Marketing
Penguin Random House

Susette Brooks is an award-winning writer, educator, and marketing strategist. She is the Director of Inclusive Marketing at Penguin Random House where she helps drive multicultural audience growth by developing inspiring campaigns, creating tools and resources for marketers, identifying strategies that reinforce DEI values, and providing thought leadership on tactics to reach underserved audiences. Susette is also commander of a public affairs unit in the New Jersey Army National Guard and a visiting lecturer at the Massachusetts College of Art & Design. Having earned a Master of Fine Arts in Nonfiction from Goucher College, Susette believes in the power of storytelling to connect us all. She lives in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

What makes you passionate about the future of the marketing industry?

The marketing industry is exciting because, like storytelling, it stands the test of time. We are facing new technologies and the constriction of some industries, but marketers will always be needed because there will always be people who need your product or service. The exciting part is, because there will be new customers, new stories angles, new and evolving approaches, the opportunities for learning and growth are endless.

What is the most impactful career advice you've ever received?

“Stay scrappy” is the best advice I’ve ever received because it was a reminder to focus on the work. No matter what you endeavor to do, you will experience challenges, roadblocks, and haters. Recognize those things, but don’t get bogged down in the negativity. If you focus on the work and remain resourceful, that will always help you stand apart from your peers. Companies don’t need just big ideas; they need people like you who can make those ideas a reality. Focus on what you can achieve.

What is the most valuable skill students should have before they begin their career?

Curiosity, confidence, and a can-do attitude. This will help you ride any market shift.

What advice would you give to students who hope to make a meaningful impact as they enter the industry?

Remain focused on the individual consumer and how you can help change their life with your product or service. If you’re always thinking about that single person and how to reach them, you will always see the value in your work.

2025 Talent Champions

"Our future marketing and advertising leaders are not just looking for a job, they are looking for a meaningful career that will make a positive impact on society."
— Gord McLean, President and CEO at ANA Educational Foundation