Public policy may seem abstract to many, but for Susan Smith, it is deeply personal. Her career has been about giving shape to stories that matter, ensuring voices are heard, and helping organizations navigate the complex dance of politics and policy. As co-founder of Bluesky Strategy Group and Canada 2020, Susan has worked to amplify ideas, craft narratives, and create real impact.
I have known Susan for over 35 years, from our time at Queen’s University. We have shared countless conversations and mutual respect through the decades. While she modestly insists,
I encouraged her early leadership path, it’s clear that her tenacity and vision have been the driving forces behind her remarkable journey. When I sat down with her to discuss her career, I wanted to learn not just about her achievements but about the values and influences that have guided her along the way.
A Non-Linear Path to Leadership
Susan’s career trajectory is a testament to the power of adaptability and bold decision-making. Armed with a political science degree— “a credential that qualifies you for everything and nothing,” she jokes—she began her career on Parliament Hill. Her experience working for both opposition members and government ministers offered her a front-row seat to how power operates, and decisions are made.
At just 27, Susan took an entrepreneurial leap, founding a communications firm in Calgary. “I had to learn how to hustle,” she recalls, describing the challenges of breaking into Alberta’s energy-driven, conservative market as an outsider. Her ability to simplify complex ideas and translate them into compelling stories helped her find success, eventually bringing her back to Ottawa, where she co-founded Bluesky Strategy Group in 2003.
“We didn’t have a clear roadmap when we started Bluesky,” she admits. “But what we did have was a shared belief in solving complex problems and helping people tell their stories in impactful ways.”
Crafting Narratives That Resonate
Susan’s work at Bluesky is as much about listening as it is about speaking. “The first question we ask a client is, ‘What outcome are you trying to achieve?’” she explains. From there, the process becomes a strategic puzzle: identifying decision-makers, understanding their priorities, and crafting a message that will resonate.
Listening, she emphasizes, is the foundation of effective communication. “You learn more in ten minutes of listening than in hours of talking,” she says. This approach has allowed her to reshape narratives, making them more accessible and impactful without losing their essence.
Social media has added both complexity and opportunity to her work. Susan reflects on the early days of delivering press releases in person, contrasting it with today’s campaigns that mobilize thousands online. “Social media is a double-edged sword,” she notes. “The challenge is breaking through the noise while staying authentic.”
One of her recent and proudest moments involved a campaign that generated over 40,000 letters to the federal government, influencing a major policy shift. “It wasn’t about influencers or trends; it was about connecting with Canadians’ values and amplifying voices that might otherwise go unheard.”
Mentorship and Shaping the Next Generation
Susan’s impact extends beyond her clients to the next generation of communications and public relations professionals. Her advice to young people is refreshingly practical: “Be solutions oriented. Figure out how you can make someone else’s job easier—that’s how you prove your value.”
Recognizing that the pandemic has left many younger professionals struggling with confidence and in-person communication, Susan and her team at Bluesky have prioritized mentorship and collaboration. “You can’t learn everything on a Zoom call,” she explains. “Being in the room, hearing the nuances—that’s where real growth happens.”
Her own leadership style was shaped by early influences, including her time at Queen’s University, her work with Doug Young, a former cabinet minister, and her sister Fiona Smith-Bradley. “Doug set a high bar for fairness, ethics, and competence,” Susan recalls. “He taught me to not just meet expectations but exceed them, all while treating people with dignity.” Fiona, an entrepreneur who built one of the most successful occupational therapy practices in Ottawa, has been another key influence. As a community leader, Fiona demonstrated how to build both a thriving business and a supportive network by leveraging her skills and surrounding herself with like-minded people. Susan credits her sister for inspiring her own approach to leadership and for being a trusted source of business advice over the years. “I’ve always been awed by her accomplishments, especially her unwavering focus on people—her employees and clients—and how she prioritizes their well-being and success,” she says.
Building a Legacy of Empowerment
Susan’s reflections on her career highlight a recurring theme in this series: the power of influence. She doesn’t just solve problems or craft narratives; she empowers others to succeed. Whether mentoring young colleagues, guiding clients through challenges, or shaping policy conversations, her work creates ripples that extend far beyond her immediate impact.
When I asked Susan about her legacy, she focused not on her achievements but on the doors she’s opened for others. “You don’t always see the impact you’re having in the moment,” she says. “But if you can make a difference—whether it’s for a client, a colleague, or a cause—that’s what matters.”
The Future of Making an Impact
As Susan looks to the future, she remains committed to fostering meaningful connections and creating change. Her story serves as a powerful reminder that true influence is not about power or access; it’s about clarity, collaboration, and a deep commitment to helping others succeed.
In a world often dominated by noise, Susan exemplifies the value of thoughtful communication and purposeful action. Her legacy will not only be measured by what she’s achieved but by the countless others she has empowered to find their voices and make their mark.
The Influence is a series of articles about people that have made a difference in the careers and/or personal lives of people. It is a personal account of life’s lessons from which we can all learn. None of the people interviewed or participating have been paid for or are paying for this article. I am grateful for their support, honesty and advice over the years.
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