Chief Revenue Officer Stacie Sussman’s Evolution of Exceptional Leadership

Stacie Sussman, the Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) of RevUp Advisory, has navigated an exceptional journey spanning media, sales, and executive leadership. 

The inception of RevUp Advisory stemmed from Stacie’s desire to professionally contribute to the world in more fluid and expansive ways. The culmination of years spent in client engagements across diverse organizations equated to a real-world MBA, increasing her ability to recognize nuanced patterns and leverage her CRO expertise. Her passion for guiding transformative leadership in the fractional space goes beyond conventional part-time roles, aiming to inject specialized talent precisely when companies need it most. Stacie’s vision extends far past temporary fixes; she advocates for strategies that come from a combination of corporate and startup environments, paving the way for a future marked by effective, adaptable leadership.

We asked Stacie about the ways RevUp Advisory is disrupting her industry, the most rewarding part of her current role, and the advice she would give someone starting on the journey she’s taking.

Q: Tell us about your career background. How has it led you to where you are today? 

A: I began my professional journey at Condé Nast media company right out of college. This experience, reminiscent of the trials depicted in the movie The Devil Wears Prada, was my crucible, shaping and refining my work ethic. While challenging, it taught me the value of persistence, resourcefulness, and the importance of building strong professional relationships. I discovered that with the right questions and a genuine thirst for knowledge, one can navigate even the most daunting challenges. At Condé Nast, I had the privilege of engaging with CEOs from prominent companies, going beyond mere transactional conversations to form genuine connections. This ability to relate authentically with clients and partners is invaluable in business. Though demanding, the lessons and mentorship I received during this phase were pivotal, laying a robust foundation for my subsequent career milestones.

Q: Tell us the story behind your company. When and why was RevUp Advisory started?

A: The genesis of my company traces back to an intrinsic desire to channel my distinct talents to a diverse set of individuals and businesses. While I derived immense value from my corporate experiences, I felt a calling to sculpt a space where my contributions could be more fluid, expansive, and unconstrained. This yearning was amplified by the past five years of client engagements across varied organizations, which endowed me with a vantage point that I often equate to a real-world MBA. 

Through this journey, I've developed a keen ability to recognize patterns and nuances, further elevating my CRO expertise. The zenith of my fulfillment? Steering leadership teams through tumultuous waters to unfathomable success. In the fractional space, I'm not just a strategist; I'm a force to be reckoned with.

Additionally, my father, a successful small business owner, has been a constant beacon of inspiration. Watching him nurture his enterprise, connect deeply with clients, and establish a name for himself solidified my drive.

Q: In what ways does RevUp Advisory think differently about your industry than others?

A: As a fractional CRO, I'm pushing the envelope on what executive leadership can be. Many companies are still waking up to the transformative power of fractional C-suite roles, and I'm here to accelerate that awakening. Why? Because this isn't about temporary or part-time leadership. It's about injecting your company with specialized, high-impact talent precisely when you need it most. 

Unlike traditional executives, who may take months to strategize in the boardroom, I come in with a playbook tailored to your challenges and opportunities. I've honed my strategies in both corporate and agile startup environments. I'm always fine-tuning my skills through ongoing education. With me, you get the roadmap to your revenue goals without the detours. This isn't just a new way to do business; it's the future of effective leadership.

Q: In what ways is RevUp Advisory disrupting your industry?

A: Our perspective on business growth goes beyond the typical. It's not just about peaks and valleys, but the stories and strategies behind each climb and descent. We go beyond temporary fixes or band-aid solutions. Instead, we bring to the table a wealth of “been there, done that” insights, marrying strategic wisdom with hands-on experience to truly transform early-stage ventures. Our ethos is about digging deep, understanding the true aspirations of the innovators and leaders we work with. Whether their dream is to scale, sell, or merge, our partnership ensures they don't just meet business targets but also craft a journey that aligns with their most ambitious visions.

Q: What is the most rewarding part about your current role?

A: The joy I derive from my role is immeasurable. There's an unparalleled fulfillment in witnessing executives and business owners thrive and succeed. Every time we can condense the complexities of their business journey into actionable insights, it's a win for all involved. Our collective passion is rooted in mentorship and the dissemination of the rich knowledge we've garnered over the years. There's an electric energy in collaboratively navigating challenges, devising strategies, and charting a clear course ahead. Whether we're impacting one business or several, witnessing them achieve their objectives, streamline their operations, and undergo transformative growth reaffirms our belief that when they succeed, we all celebrate a shared victory.

Q: How have you grown as a leader since you started this role?

A: When I first stepped into this role, it was about navigating the unknown and laying down the foundation of a successful enterprise. With time, I recognized the paramount importance of maintaining a crystal-clear vision. If that vision evolves or shifts, so should the business and revenue strategies—adaptability is key. Setting big, hairy, audacious goals isn't just motivational jargon; it's about setting the bar high and refusing to settle for mediocrity. Over the years, I've transitioned from being influenced by external noise to being steadfast in my convictions, carving out my business' path based on my own definitions of success.

Q: What’s the most impactful career experience you’ve ever had, and how does it impact your work to date?

A: One of the most transformative experiences in my career was my transition from a sales assistant role to actually selling at the prestigious iconic brand New York Media. I began in the humble realm of classified ads, and through dedication and passion, I ascended to manage comprehensive advertising packages for elite American and European fashion giants, as well as beauty industry leaders from the Fortune 500 list. 

During this career highlight, I worked closely with iconic brands such as LVMH and L’Oreal, often engaging in strategic discussions during sales and board meetings. What truly augmented this experience was the mentorship I received from an exceptional C-suite leadership team. It was a perfect confluence of my passions: advertising, fashion, and meaningful engagements, culminating in memories that remain integral to my professional identity. This chapter not only shaped my understanding of the industry, but it continues to inform my strategic and relational approach in my work today.

Q: What piece of advice has played the biggest role in your career so far?

A: The mantra that has profoundly influenced my career is "Always be learning." While I actively mentor emerging companies and provide invaluable insights to clients, I remain deeply committed to my own personal and professional growth. I continually invest in myself by enrolling in specialized courses, engaging in dynamic peer communities, seeking guidance from a business coach, and participating in mastermind cohorts. This dedication to learning and self-improvement ensures that I not only impart wisdom but also remain receptive to new perspectives and skills.

Q: What leadership skills are you most proud of having honed?

A: Active listening. In a world where many aspire to dominate conversations and command attention, it's those who truly listen, providing space for everyone's voice, that can extract the deepest insights. While the allure of being the loudest in the room is tempting for some, I've found that the power of attentive listening often brings forth more profound understanding and clarity. It's an art that's frequently undervalued, yet its impact in leadership is unparalleled.

Q: What’s the most interesting project you’ve worked on to date?

A: One of the most notable projects I’ve tackled was with a seasoned disruptor in the SaaS realm. Despite owning a proprietary IP, their modus operandi was anything but that of a nimble SaaS entity. Picture this: a lackluster sales pipeline, zero outbound marketing prowess, a disjointed tech ecosystem, and an overwhelming 80% of processes being manual.

Our collaboration was a game-changer. Within a year we supercharged their revenue, witnessing a 35% surge; we closed a landmark six-figure deal with a private firm–their single-largest client acquisition; their once-fragmented tech architecture was revamped, slashing tech debt by a whopping 30%; and we transformed their marketing machine, leading to a 150% increase in quality leads. This engagement wasn't just a consultancy project; it was a metamorphic journey, and the numbers speak volumes.

Q: What do you most look forward to every day?

A: The genuine interaction with our clients. In a world where challenges abound, we pride ourselves on being the catalysts for solutions. We understand that business leaders seek clarity, not added confusion. Through active listening, we grasp the core of the issue and leverage our collective expertise to present strategic solutions. For us, it's about transforming challenges into opportunities, ensuring every interaction leaves our clients feeling empowered and one step closer to their goals.

Q: What advice would you give someone starting out on the journey you’re on?

A: Entrepreneurship isn't for the faint-hearted; it's a relentless pursuit of a vision amidst chaos. My ace in the hole? My personal Board of Directors. It's not a stuffy room filled with suits but a fierce cadre of experts: from tech savants to financial heavyweights and industry disruptors. Their candor keeps me sharp, their insights keep me ahead, and their faith fuels my drive. In the ever-shifting terrain of business, they're my true north, grounding me when the winds are wild and propelling me when the skies are clear. Assemble your tribe wisely; it can make all the difference.

Stacie is a member of Dreamers & Doers, an award-winning community that amplifies extraordinary women entrepreneurs, investors, and leaders by securing PR, forging authentic connections, and curating high-impact resources. Learn more about Dreamers & Doers and get involved here.

The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

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