From Unix to Private Equity: Susan Scutt on Grit, Growth, and Letting Go of Guilt

Published on Hirewell Talent Insights | The Balancing Act Podcast

What happens when a private equity powerhouse takes six years off to raise her daughters and then builds an even bolder career? In this episode of The Balancing Act, host Sarah Sheridan sits down with Susan Scutt, PE Operating Partner and mom of two, for an unfiltered conversation about motherhood, leadership, and the messy middle of trying to do both well.

From Code to the Boardroom: A Nonlinear Career

Susan’s story doesn’t fit neatly in a box. She started in coding on Unix systems, pivoted to business consulting, and hit pause on her career for six years to raise her daughters. When she re-entered the workforce, it wasn’t easy but it was worth it. Dell gave her the shot she needed, and from there, it was game on. Today, Susan’s a respected operator in the world of private equity, known for fixing what’s broken and building what’s next.

Motherhood Isn’t a Detour. It’s a Superpower

Taking time off was a conscious choice. So I was not chasing every promotion. Why? Because being a single mom meant flexibility wasn’t optional, it was survival. Susan gets candid about skipping roles that didn’t fit her life season, navigating re-entry after a long break, and hiring a live-in nanny so she could thrive in the high-stakes world of PE.

“Some days I was a better mom. Other days a better exec. Rarely both. That’s not failure. it’s life.”

No More Guilt, No More Myths

Susan doesn’t sugarcoat the emotional tug-of-war that comes with being an ambitious parent. But her advice to other moms? Ditch the guilt. Let go of the myth that balance means 50/50. Instead, think rhythm. Think integration. Think doing your best, then letting the rest go.

What Great Leadership Really Looks Like

Turns out, being a “suck it up” mom translates surprisingly well to executive leadership. Susan leads with a mix of tough love and deep care. She challenges her teams the way she challenges her kids because she believes in their potential.

And that moment when her daughter just wanted a hug? It reminded her that even as leaders, sometimes the best thing we can do is pause, connect, and just be human.

Key Takeaways:

• Leadership isn’t about perfection. It’s about presence, grit, and knowing what matters most that day.
  
• Flexibility at work isn’t a perk. It’s a prerequisite for real inclusion.
  
• Career gaps don’t kill ambition. They can fuel the next chapter.
  
• Let your kids see you show up fully, even if it’s not always pretty.
  

Listen to the full episode of The Balancing Act for more insights from Susan on building a powerful career without checking your humanity at the door. https://talentinsights.hirewell.com/

Sarah Sheridan