Book
Pfizer’s ground-breaking communications leader, Sally Susman, reveals how we can break through all the noise and conventional thinking to get our message across and make positive change.
A global pandemic. A roller-coaster economy. Political tensions ready to ignite, and common civility at an all-time low. For leaders, the pressures and the stakes could not be higher. And in such a stormy, often dangerous world, communications can no longer be considered a soft skill. The ability to lead and drive the public conversation is a rock-hard competency.
In this wise and inspiring book, Sally Susman, the renowned head of corporate affairs at global biopharmaceutical giant Pfizer, tells the fascinating story of how the multinational managed the massive communications challenge that came with Covid and the race to produce an effective vaccine.
Just as crucial as creating the vaccine itself was the task of winning people’s hearts and minds, and Susman highlights the principles that enabled her to break through, connect, and help move people forward, not only at Pfizer but over a stellar career.
She shows how clarifying and channeling your intention is an essential first step: What are you trying to say? She illustrates how, in order to be effective, leaders need to muster the courage for candor; and how, in order to connect, they must both disarm with humility and delight with humor. As a gay, married woman, she talks forthrightly about the challenges and opportunities of embracing who you are, both at home and in the workplace.
Susman’s stories will draw you in with their warmth, humor, and humanity and will enlighten and motivate you with their insight and passion. Breaking Through is essential reading for any leader as they face the daunting challenge of communicating in our noisy, turbulent world.
Make conversations of all kinds more empathetic, dynamic, and productive
Introduce bold new ideas or transformational products
Persuade others to join a movement or back a cause
Reverse course when caught in the glare of negative public opinion
Purchase Breaking Through wherever books and ebooks are sold.
“Breaking Through is a beautifully written, essential work on the importance of communication, full of humor and heart. This book will make you think deeply about expression and how we convey our thoughts, intentions, and needs. Sally delivers a commanding masterclass and a must-read.”
Mika Brzezinski
Co-host of MSNBC’s Morning Joe, Founder of Know Your Value
“Sally Susman knows a great deal about the importance of clear communication to live an authentic life. Her deeply touching and often humorous stories will stay with you and help you navigate and advance in your own professional life.”
Indra Nooyi
Former CEO and Chairperson, PepsiCo, New York Times bestselling author of My Life in Full
“Breaking Through: Communicating to Open Minds, Move Hearts, and Change the World avoids the pitfalls of leadership books that can at times be dry and self-serving. Susman offers practical advice from someone who has earned her place as a trusted adviser during crises.”
Axios
“[Breaking Through] is in part memoir, in part an account of how the new vaccine was introduced to the public, and in part a manual for chief executives and public relations managers. It is this blending of themes and the author’s narrative skills that make this an interesting read.”
East Hampton Star
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“A brave trailblazer in her field, Sally Susman has helped hundreds of careers flourish – and this book will ensure the success of hundreds of thousands more.”
Reshma Saujani
Founder, Girls Who Code and Moms First