Sue Liden

For More Information Call: 651-735-2080

“Sometimes you just need to pick up your canoe!”

“Sometimes you just need to pick up your canoe and carry it!”  That became Sue’s motto after an unbelievable series of events took her life on an unexpected course. Spending her childhood beside the calm waters of Minnesota lakes, Sue seemed destined to have a happy and ordinary life.  She married her high school sweetheart, became a French teacher and started a family.  Then disaster struck not once, but five times, as she experienced the loss of her husband in a car accident, endured a flood, then a tornado, next a fire and finally life-threatening illness.  Through it all she has kept her sense of humor and demonstrated the strength of the human spirit.

A successful high school French teacher, Sue was awarded the Ashland Oil Teacher Achievement Award, and was repeatedly honored by her school district as a teacher of excellence.  During her teaching career, she led 18 student groups to France, totaling over 1000 students.  Through these travels, she was able to teach students about language, culture and their role as world citizens.  

In her career as a speaker, Sue combines a talent for storytelling with humor and a powerful message of personal strength. Whether speaking to audiences in education, medicine, the justice system or business, Sue’s inspiring message touches anyone who has had to face challenge.

Areas of Expertise:
Education
Change
Motivation
Women

Fee:
Keynote fee up to 90 minutes:  $2,000

Same day breakout session: $500

Sue's Most Requested Programs:

Paddle Your Own Canoe  

Just when you think you have your life all mapped out, unexpected events change your plan!  While everyone faces difficult events in life, you can overcome these challenges and look to the future with strength and optimism.  This program offers strategies to help people of all ages go beyond the obstacles that are part of life, and look ahead with confidence. 

Celebrate Your Teaching Success  

Each teacher connects with students in a unique way to create the wonderful art of teaching.   Using their unique talents and insights, teachers can use their individual gifts to create their own personal template for successful teaching. What an opportunity it is to be the spark that ignites a student’s interest in learning!  

Wow! Whew! and What Next? 

Who would think that a girl who once competed in the Miss Minnesota pageant would later work for equal pay for women and sports opportunities for girls?  Who would expect that a woman would go from wife to widow?  From mother, to grandmother, to fiancée?  Like many women, Sue’s life has been one of change and challenge.  Her story is one that inspires and encourages women for all they are and can be. 

Testimonial:
“Sue Liden is able to speak to the heart of educators in a very powerful message.  I knew Sue Liden was a great teacher but she is also an outstanding speaker with a very strong message.  Sue does a great job of reminding us that we have chosen the best job there is, working with students.  I would recommend her for any audience.” Dr. Chuck Briscoe, Principal, Rochester Century High School, Rochester, MN. 

“Sue did a fantastic job and her story was amazing!  The audience was engaged throughout the presentation.  She was really captivating and it was a great way to start our day”.  Lisa Engdahl, Minnesota Chamber of Commerce 

“Sue was the highlight of our banquet.  Her message truly inspired all participants, ages 11-89.  They left being truly grateful for overcoming the challenging moments they have had, and inspired to get through those obstacles that are awaiting them.  We are so grateful to have had such a personable and motivating speaker!  Teresa Small, Winona County Justice  

“Sue is an excellent presenter with a compelling message. She was personal, yet delivered a timeless message about loss, flexibility and the strength of the human spirit”.Doug Kveene, Investment Representative 

“Sue is an engaging speaker whose warmth, intelligence and humor make her presentations insightful and entertaining.  An excellent storyteller, Sue draws from her own life experiences and years as an educator to share stories and insights in a compelling and entertaining way that captivates her audience.” Shannon Becker, Bank Marketing Coordinator