Susan Shons on embracing balance and purpose-driven leadership in energy has been saved
Life at Deloitte
Susan Shons on embracing balance and purpose-driven leadership in energy
Deloitte is proud to introduce the next profile in a series featuring women in the energy industry in conjunction with the Women’s Energy Network (WEN). By highlighting the stories of women in energy, we hope to help facilitate meaningful conversations, create connections, and showcase the myriad of opportunities for women to enter and thrive in the energy industry.
Susan Shons is a senior manager at Deloitte Services LP and Client Account Management for the Energy & Chemicals sector. With 28 years at Deloitte, she has built her career around empowering energy clients and fostering talent development. Based in Oklahoma, Susan actively contributes to the Women’s Energy Network and is dedicated to helping advance diversity, equity, and inclusion within the energy industry. Her commitment extends beyond professional achievements, emphasizing mentorship and community engagement to inspire the next generation of leaders.
Discovering her path
Susan Shons, senior manager, Deloitte Services LP and Client Account Management (CAM) and CAM Business talent leader, embarked on her career journey at Deloitte 28 years ago, initially based out of the city of Houston. With the energy industry deeply ingrained in the fabric of her surroundings, Susan’s path naturally gravitated toward supporting energy clients. As she puts it, “I was fortunate to have the opportunity to work in the energy industry because of where I lived, and I embraced it, making a successful career out of serving energy clients, initially as a client services professional in Deloitte Consulting LLP’s [“Consulting”] business and currently as lead client account manager serving an Energy & Chemicals high-growth account.
It was a natural fit because of my location in Houston, and then mid-career I moved back to Oklahoma where I continued my focus on serving energy clients.
Empowering through community engagement
Driven by a blend of geographic proximity and professional alignment, Susan found herself immersed in the dynamic realm of the energy industry. Her tenure in the Consulting business provided fertile ground for cultivating relationships and honing her specialization across diverse industries, with energy always at the forefront.

Senior Manager
Deloitte Services LP
Susan also has had a broader impact beyond client work. She strongly supports promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the energy sector, and participates actively in initiatives such as the Women’s Energy Network, driving positive change and empowerment in the energy community.
Susan’s passion for mentorship and development shines through as she shares her experiences of coaching and nurturing talent within and outside of Deloitte. She was actively engaged with the Women’s Energy Network, serving on the board of the Oklahoma chapter for four consecutive years. Through initiatives like developing and delivering STEM curriculum focused on the energy industry for youth, Susan helped to bridge a gap between industry and community, making an impact on young women’s lives.
One of my passions in life is coaching and developing others. I love to spend time investing in others and watching them grow and develop along their own unique career path.
Setting boundaries, finding harmony
Susan Shons’ remarkable journey in the energy industry is not just a tale of professional accomplishments, but also a narrative of personal growth and self-discovery. As she navigates the complexities of her career, Susan’s journey is marked by a pivotal realization for her: the importance of setting boundaries and prioritizing family.
In her own words, Susan reflects on the transformational shift that occurred in her approach to striving for the elusive balance between work and life. “It can be challenging, and I’m much better at that now than I used to be,” she acknowledges. Before starting a family, Susan confesses to being consumed by work, allowing her life to become highly work-centric. However, the birth of her children and subsequently raising them as a single mother while employed full-time at Deloitte, prompted a profound realization for her—the necessity of boundaries.
Susan’s commitment to intentional boundary-setting shows up in her daily routines. Whether it’s reserving precious evening hours to spend quality time with her daughter, cherishing moments before she embarks on her college journey, or prioritizing self-care through walks with her dogs, Susan focuses on honoring personal priorities alongside professional obligations.
By integrating these values into her life, Susan has a comprehensive approach to success—one that acknowledges the significance of both professional achievements and personal fulfillment. She hopes that her journey serves as a testament to the power of balance and intentionality, inspiring others to navigate their own paths with purpose and authenticity.
Susan Shons: The lightning round
Susan in 3 words: Empathetic, honest, authentic
Favorite food or drink: An Italian meal and a glass of wine
One thing on her bucket list: Spending a month traveling Europe with her kids
One way she practices well-being: Listening to her body and doing what it needs, such as stepping away from her laptop for some quiet time to recharge
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