2022 AMP Influencer: Susan Altrui, Director, Little Rock Zoo
Who or what has been a source of inspiration for you?
My parents and countless teachers have made me who I am today. I love our teachers. They have such an impact. I find inspiration from different people at different points in time. Most recently, I watched a video on Formula 1 race-car driver Lewis Hamilton and was quite inspired by his journey.
What’s your “go-to” first thing in the morning?
Check-in and chat with some of the folks in my office, and don’t talk about work. I want to know how people are doing, and I just want to know the people who work for me.
Do you have a favorite quote?
“Success is not final. Failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts.” — Winston Churchill.
What’s an alternate path you might have taken if things had played out differently?
I came very close to being an attorney. I was captain of the debate team in college and loved debating. Those skills still translate well now. Before going to graduate school, I spoke to lots of attorneys, and they all said if they could do it again, they would never be attorneys. So, I took that to heart. I probably would have enjoyed it, but I love what I’m doing now.
During which part of the day are you most productive?
I’m more productive in the early morning, but it honestly just depends. I might leave a late afternoon meeting and feel energized about something and get a second wind. Or, I might leave a meeting and want to bang my head against a wall. I think as leaders, we have to be real about the ups and downs we all experience, and that we have to work through problems and frustrations to stay on track and to stay productive. In my job, every day is different and presents new challenges. It’s why I love doing what I do.
