Sue has been a true pioneer in professional development and resource innovation in the sales and business development industry. Her overarching philosophy has been ethical sales and selling better …sadly not something that is very common these days! Her commitment, passion, energy, honesty and values based business methodology has stood the test of time.

As an aside, in addition to managing her own business, Sue has worked ‘pro bono’ since 1991 with some of Australia’s best Olympic and Paralympic athletes supporting them in personal brand and image improvement at the Victorian Institute of Sport.

In summary, Sue has been an “elite performer” all of her life. I absolutely loved this gratitude memoir.  Ignis Aurum Probat  “for fire tests gold” Sue has been tested and come out pure gold!

Bernadette Sierakowski | Performance Excellence Coordinator, Victorian Institute of Sport & Yoga Teacher

Sue has made the art of incorporating gratitude into one’s daily life accessible and real in her journey through 142 days of being grateful for three things daily. Her account of this journey shows her dedication to the ethics of her business practice, her love for humanity and belief in more sustainable, holistic methodologies for our future. Being grateful is now part of my life.

Victoria Edgar – Awarded jeweller, silversmith and maker of wearable art & school friend

There are not many people in this world like Sue Barrett. Sue is one of those people whose energy changes a room – this was the case during our first session at the Victorian Institute of Sport Barrett Business Program. Sue combines evidence and practice in a way that relates directly to you, and helps spark meaningful change. This is extremely powerful when combined with a delightful sense of humour and ability to form sincere connections.  As such, I was excited to discover that Sue has managed to capture these key ingredients in her book “142 Days of Gratitude – that changed my life forever”. A mix of science, neuroplasticity, vulnerability, and desire to help others, all shine through strongly, and provide for an enjoyable read that I can highly recommend. It’s a legs up from me!

Hannah Macdougall, PhD, Dual Paralympian and Medallist, Motivational Speaker, Athlete Well-being Expert, Community Engagement & Development @ Victoria State Emergency Service

Having developed and delivered leadership advancement programs around the world for almost three decades, I know all too well how brilliant careers can be derailed.  I’ve seen gifted leaders become disillusioned and let go of their aspirations, or worse, carry on while letting go of their ideals.  Sue Barrett’s clear and positive take on being grateful is a fundamental practice among those who weather their storms, continue their climb, and have the impact they seek. 

Sue provides a poignant and very personal story of how gratitude changed her life.  When knocked down and too tired to get back up, focus on what’s still working. When experiencing self doubt, even depression, focus on what still makes you smile.  Sue’s journey through 142 days of gratitude reveals a myriad of acknowledgments, each one a small step toward health and prosperity, each one a defiant symbol of resilience.  Sue’s story highlights how showing gratitude is an act of humility, a positive statement about what helps us get through a tough day.  Ultimately, the practice of being grateful hones a leader’s ‘true north’, strengthens a leaders resolve to strive toward it, and prepares a leader to rise again following the inevitable set-backs that punctuate everyone’s life. 

I am grateful to Sue Barrett for sharing her experience and writing this book about being grateful.

Jonathan Matheny, PhD, Director of Program Development, Leadership and Executive Education, Monash Business School, Monash University

Media enquiries – Sue is available for media interviews, commentary and public speaking engagements – contact Sue here.