Susan Censoni is Chief Financial Officer at Fortis Energy Services, Inc., a leading oil and gas service company headquartered in Troy. Her primary responsibility is to provide leadership and coordination of company financial planning, debt financing, and budget management functions. “In order to lead, I believe you have to keep working on yourself. Continual education is extremely important to develop and grow. When things get tough, your character is revealed (not made), therefore it is wise to build your character before crisis strikes.”
What does leadership mean to you?
Simply put, leadership means serving. Serving with an awareness of living according to principles and values that are at the center of everything you do. That center gives you the ability to make hard decisions. It is not only doing the right thing but understanding why it is the right thing.
Who has influenced your idea of leadership?
Several authors have influenced my idea of leadership including John Maxwell and Stephen Covey. I also admire the leadership of well-known leaders including Winston Churchill, Viktor Frankl, Abraham Lincoln, and Mary Teresa Bojaxhiu. Closer to home, I have been influenced by Elizabeth Meter (KPMG -Michigan Managing Partner) who has been a role model and mentor to me for many years.
Why do we need more women in leadership roles? What do they add to the table?
We need more leaders period. There are many roles that need to be filled by men or women in business, families, and communities. Leaders bring vision and the ability to course correct. They have a willingness to listen and understand issues. Leaders not only make progress, but they move people/projects in a positive direction. Leaders have the ability to reframe situations to bring clarity and creativity. Leaders understand the importance of high emotional intelligence and a good attitude.
How are you leading in your career/community?
My most important leadership roles are as CFO for Fortis Energy Services and as a mother of four children. In both roles, I work hard to develop a culture of trust and respect. At work and home, a sense of morality and expectation are part of the vision. I’m also involved in my church and will fill a leadership role on the Parish Council in September 2019. My work family and home family have contributed time and talent to many local organizations including SOS, Grace Centers of Hope, and St. Leo’s Soup Kitchen.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
In order to lead, I believe you have to keep working on yourself. Continual education is extremely important to develop and grow. When things get tough your character is revealed (not made), therefore it is wise to build your character before crisis strikes.
What is the best way for someone to contact you?
My work email is scensoni@fortisenergyservices.com or my cell is 248.709.0391.