About Susan Eckstein

I know first-hand the power of dismantling armor.

For years, I believed that I didn’t deserve a seat at the table. Whenever I sat with senior leaders – whether in a virtual room or a conference room – my heart would race, my palms would sweat, and my inner voice would tell me that I had nothing valuable to contribute. I chalked it up to imposter syndrome and tried to manage it quietly.

But when I became an executive and leadership coach, finding myself at even bigger tables with C-suite executives, I realized I could no longer ignore these feelings. I had to address the root of the issue.

During a session with my own coach, I traced that belief back to my very first job after college. I recalled the day my boss told me to sit against the wall instead of joining the management team at the conference table. In that moment, I unknowingly picked up armor. His words became a shield that kept me small: sitting against the wall felt safe because I wasn't seen, but it also prevented me from fully stepping into my full potential, sharing my voice, and building authentic relationships.

While armor might protect us, it also limits us. It disconnects us from others and from ourselves.

When I finally let go of that armor, everything shifted. I experienced a freedom I had never known before. I stopped questioning whether I belonged in certain rooms and began to trust that my presence and voice mattered. I became grounded, confident, and connected – not by pretending to be someone I wasn’t, but by embracing who I truly am.

Now, I recognize armor in the leaders I coach every day. I help them release it so they can show up with authenticity, clarity, and courage. This is the essence of Unarmored Leadership – leading not from fear or performance, but from presence, trust, and deep alignment with who you are. Now, I recognize armor in the leaders I coach every day. And I help them release it so they can show up with authenticity, clarity, and courage. This is the essence of Unarmored Leadership – leading not from fear or performance, but from presence, trust, and deep alignment with who you are.

Susan Eckstein is an executive and leadership coach, group coaching facilitator, and speaker.

She is the creator of Unarmored Leadership, a coaching model that empowers leaders to show up with confidence, clarity, and connection while staying true to themselves. Her work is rooted in authentic, values-based leadership, helping leaders strengthen their communication and executive presence, navigate ambiguity with resilience, and cultivate grounded confidence.

Susan is a certified Group Coaching HQ Master Coach, Facilitator of LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® x Coaching, and Clear Beliefs Coach. She speaks on several topics, including Unarmored Leadership, authentic leadership, cultivating confidence, and effective communication.

With over a decade of public relations experience, Susan has worked with senior-level leaders and executives in the medical, pharmaceutical, utilities, professional, and financial services sectors. She is also a three-time Ironman competitor and a former USA Triathlon-certified coach who has coached hundreds of people to compete in their dream athletic events.

  • Email: susan@thesusaneckstein.com

  • LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/susaneckstein/

  • Website: www.unarmoredleadership.com