You’ve spent a lot of your life showing up for others — at work, at home, and in roles that asked a lot from you.
I’ve spent much of my life doing the same.
I'm Susie. A former HR leader turned life coach. I help capable people spot what they may not be seeing, understand what’s been shaping their choices, and move forward with more clarity and self-trust.
About Susie Schumacher, Life Coach
And here’s the part I didn’t expect—replaying conversations, second-guessing myself, and battling it all out long after it was over.
Then something started to shift. There wasn’t a big “aha.”
I just knew this wasn’t me, and I didn’t want to spend any more time in that space.
I started to see what I had been carrying, committed to doing the work, and slowly, I could see the good again.
Now when I look back, I think—wow… you did that.
And more importantly, I made a promise to myself: I wasn’t going to live from that place anymore.
This is why I do this work—because I know what it feels like to to lose yourself, and I also know you don’t have to do it alone.
Most people celebrate retirement… I went straight back into my head.
For 27 years, I worked in city government, most of that time as an HR Manager, often called into the most difficult situations.
I was the one people relied on—the one who handled the tough cases—and I took pride in that.
But over time, something shifted.
The work that once felt meaningful started to wear on me.
I found myself questioning things I normally wouldn’t—hearing that voice of “I’m not good enough” and “why is this happening to me?” even when I knew better.
I was exhausted and burned out. So I retired early.
I Was the Strong One Until I Wasn't
My Story: From HR to Life Coach
I was a caregiver once. And I can relate to what you are going through.
giving back
Caregivers often carry an enormous emotional load, and it can feel difficult to admit when you’re overwhelmed — especially when the person you’re caring for is the one most in need.
Each year, I volunteer a portion of my coaching hours to support caregivers. I offer these hours because giving back matters to me, and I’ve learned that being with people in these moments is healing for both of us.
If you're a caregiver and would like support, you're welcome to reach out. I'd be honored to connect.
City of West Hollywood (20 years in leadership, majority as HR Manager)
27 Years in Public Service
University of Redlands
BA in Business Administration & Management
Martha Beck Inc., Level 2, ICF-accredited (225+ hours based on ICF Core Competencies & Ethics)
Wayfinder Life Coach Certification
Twenty-seven years of sitting with people in their hardest moments taught me more about human nature than any textbook ever could. Add professional coach training to that, and you get someone who knows how to hold space for the truth, and help you move through it.
My years in HR weren’t about policies, they were about people. Every day, I was helping others navigate conflict, loss, and reinvention. That experience taught me how to listen for what’s underneath the story and guide people toward what’s next.