<p><span class="p-body">The&nbsp;<a href="/content/sps-nyu/explore/degrees-and-programs/bs-in-leadership-and-management.html" title="BS in Leadership and Management Studies">BS in Leadership and Management Studies</a>&nbsp;program at NYU SPS offers students a rigorous academic environment to develop essential skills in economics, managerial accounting, business finance, market efficiency, human resources, business law, leadership, and more. This is where the doors of multiple industries open, and graduates like Suzanne Simpson-Bryant can take the next step in their careers.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">We recently touched base with Simpson-Bryant to learn more about her background, her experience at NYU SPS, and her advice to prospective students.</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">Born and raised here in New York, Simpson-Bryant's roots in the city are deep as they are diverse with heritage spanning Jamaica, Cuba, North Carolina, and Hungary. Growing up in such a rich cultural environment instilled in her a love for nature, nurtured by her grandmother's gardening in Bushwick, and a passion for the performing arts.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">Her childhood dream of becoming an astronaut or a ballerina evolved when she was accepted to study drama at Circle In the Square Theatre School at Tisch. There, she immersed herself in the world of theater, but her adventurous spirit soon led her to drop out after her freshman year to pursue a career in the performing arts. Over the next decade, Simpson-Bryant's artistic lifestyle took her across Europe on tour with the musical <i>Hair! </i>and into the recording studios of Atlantic Records with her girl group, The IDOLLS. Yet, despite the creative fulfillment she found in the arts, Suzanne yearned for a deeper understanding of business, inspired by her experiences working alongside her mother in the fashion jewelry industry.</span></p>

<p>Determined to gain the knowledge she needed to succeed in business,&nbsp;Simpson-Bryant returned to NYU, this time enrolling in the BS in Leadership and Management Studies program at the School of Professional Studies.</p> <p>Balancing a full-time job at Spencer Stuart, a global executive recruiting and leadership advisory firm, with her studies was challenging, but Suzanne found the experience deeply rewarding. The new knowledge she acquired fueled her determination and provided her with the confidence to transition from a career in the arts to the corporate world. Courses in accounting and finance, areas she had once found intimidating, became sources of empowerment as her business acumen grew.</p> <p>Simpson-Bryant's career has been marked by both challenges and successes, navigating the complexities of being a woman of color in industries where recognition can be slow to come by.</p>

<p><span class="p-body">Her resilience and commitment have led to significant achievements, including celebrating her 20th anniversary with Spencer Stuart. As a mentor and trainer within the company, Simpson-Bryant finds joy in helping her colleagues grow, a role that she hopes to formalize as she looks to the future.</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">For Simpson-Bryant, the key to success lies in staying curious and open to new learning experiences. She advises incoming NYU SPS students to take risks in their studies, explore new topics, and engage with their peers, as these connections and experiences can lead to unexpected opportunities. &quot;You can learn so much from people who are sitting right beside you; like how to navigate this large university to get the most out of it,&quot; she adds.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">Her passion for continuous learning extends beyond the classroom, as she regularly engages with platforms like Harvard Mentor Manager and Coursera to broaden her skills.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">Looking ahead, Simpson-Bryant is excited about the possibility of pivoting into a formal training and development role, where she can continue to share her knowledge and experiences with others. Her transition from center stage&nbsp; to the corporate boardroom speaks to her commitment to her own growth and flexibility to try new things along the way.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">Ready to take your place on the business leadership stage? Join the next cohort of inspiring students like Simpson-Bryant when you pursue a&nbsp;<a href="/content/sps-nyu/explore/degrees-and-programs/bs-in-leadership-and-management.html" title="BS in Leadership and Management Studies">BS in Leadership and Management Studies</a>&nbsp;at NYU SPS.</span></p>