You ever have one of those conversations where you just think, “Man, I’ve been doing this wrong for years?” That was me during my interview with Suzanne Lucas, aka the “Evil HR Lady.” Now, if you haven’t heard of her, she’s a no-nonsense HR pro who’s built a massive following by cutting through the usual corporate B.S. and telling it like it is. Talking to her was like getting a front-row seat to the reality of entrepreneurship, with a lot of laughs in between.
Suzanne’s story isn’t just about HR though—it’s about how to roll with the punches, laugh through the tough spots, and how to make sure you’re getting paid what you’re worth (seriously, stop underselling yourself). Whether you’re an entrepreneur or just trying to survive in your career, there’s a lot to learn from her journey. So, let’s dive into two big takeaways that stood out for me.
Say “Yes, And…” (Even When Life Throws You a Curveball)
When Suzanne started talking about how she incorporates improv comedy principles into her life and business, I have to admit—I was hooked. I mean, how many HR professionals talk about improv? But her “yes, and…” approach isn’t just for the stage. It’s about accepting what’s happening (good or bad) and then figuring out how to move forward.
She didn’t plan to move to Switzerland or stay there for 15 years, but when life handed her a new reality, she embraced it. “Yes, I’m here,” she told me, “and now what?” That’s when she started writing for CBS, giving keynote speeches, and making a name for herself. She didn’t fight what she couldn’t control—she built on it.
Key Takeaways from Our Discussion:
- Adapt or get left behind: Life is gonna mess with your plans. Don’t sit around whining about it—figure out what you can do with the new reality.
- Every challenge is an opportunity (even if it doesn’t feel like it at the time): Suzanne didn’t let a move to Switzerland derail her career. Instead, it pushed her to build something new.
- Stop waiting for things to be “just right”: The perfect moment is never coming. Say yes to what’s in front of you and figure out the next step.
Stop Underselling Yourself—Know What You’re Worth
Now, if you’ve ever been in the freelance game, this next point is going to hit home. Suzanne admitted she was seriously undercharging for her work at first. She was writing for fun, making a little extra money on the side, and didn’t really think too much about it. But when her marriage fell apart, and she needed to support herself and her kids, things got real.
She needed to turn her side hustle into a full-time gig—and fast. That meant raising her rates. “Nobody tells you what you should charge,” she said, “and there’s no salary.com for freelance HR experts.” So, she had to figure it out the hard way. But the lesson here is clear—don’t wait until you’re in crisis mode to start valuing yourself.
What I Learned from Her Experience:
- Don’t let others set your price: If you’re good at something, charge for it. Don’t be afraid to ask for what you’re worth.
- Waiting for a wake-up call? Don’t. Raise your prices before life forces your hand.
- Know your niche and own it: Suzanne had a deep understanding of U.S. employment law, even while living in Switzerland. She used that expertise to carve out her own lane. What’s your niche?
Reflections from the Interview
There’s something about talking to someone who’s been through it that makes you reflect on your own journey. Suzanne didn’t sugarcoat her experience. She didn’t make it sound easy either. And that’s why her story stuck with me—it’s real, relatable, and full of lessons for anyone trying to figure out their next move.
Here’s What I’m Taking Away:
- Saying “yes” opens doors you didn’t even know were there.
- Failure is inevitable, but it’s not fatal: In improv, they say “fail with joy.” Same goes for business. Laugh it off and keep moving.
- Leadership is about service: Whether you’re leading a company or a small team, your job is to make life easier for the people around you.
- Creativity thrives within structure: Improv isn’t about winging it. It’s about working within rules and still finding space to innovate. Same goes for business.
- Be ready to pivot: Life rarely goes the way you planned. Be ready to change direction and make the most of whatever comes your way.
Final Thoughts:
If there’s one thing I’m walking away from this conversation with, it’s that flexibility and knowing your worth are the keys to surviving (and thriving) in both business and life. Suzanne didn’t start out with a perfect plan, and she sure didn’t expect to become the “Evil HR Lady” people turn to for advice. But she leaned into what life handed her, said “yes, and,” and figured out the rest along the way.
So, take a page out of Suzanne’s book: stop fighting the reality in front of you, adapt, and know you’re worth every penny (and then some).
CONNECT WITH SUZANNE LUCAS:
Website: https://www.hrlearns.com/ or https://www.evilhrlady.org/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzannemlucas/
Twitter: https://x.com/RealEvilHRLady