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    4. Purpose-driven leadership: A conversation with Susan Barrett

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    Purpose-driven leadership: A conversation with Susan Barrett

    Sep 2, 2025

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    By Amy O'Keefe

    A conversation with Susan Barrett

    A Conversation with Susan Barrett

    Amy O’Keefe sits down with Susan Barrett to discuss her career journey, purpose-driven leadership, navigating regulatory challenges, and empowering women in healthcare law.

    As a M&A attorney and co-leader of our Women in Dealmaking network, I’ve had the privilege of working with some truly inspiring women. One of them is Susan Barrett, general counsel and chief compliance officer at Monte Nido, which offers inpatient, residential, day, and virtual eating disorder programs across the US.

    I recently sat down with Susan to talk about her career journey, the challenges of working in a highly regulated healthcare environment, and the importance of women supporting women in leadership.

    A career shaped by healthcare and purpose

    Susan began her career at a law firm before moving in-house, a transition that gave her a deeper appreciation for the business side of healthcare. With a background in healthcare transactions, she developed into a generalist who could spot red flags across different legal areas.

    What ultimately drew her to Monte Nido was the organization’s commitment to outcomes research. “Our clients get well and stay well. That kind of impact is powerful,” she shared.

    Balancing business goals and risk

    In her role as general counsel, Susan operates in a high-stakes, highly regulated environment. She describes her approach as being a true business partner—finding innovative solutions that balance risk with organizational goals.

    “Legal and compliance shouldn’t be seen as roadblocks,” she explained. “I try to internalize challenges and help teams move forward.”

    For Susan, the rewards are deeply personal. She recalled a recent moment when a parent shared how their child, after being rejected by multiple treatment centers, found healing at Monte Nido. “Stories like that make the work incredibly fulfilling,” she said.

    Staying grounded in high-stakes work

    Dealing with emotionally intense situations comes with the territory. For Susan, resilience means embracing challenges rather than avoiding them.

    “I believe that if you’re not facing tough moments, you’re probably not being challenged. It’s okay to have a bad day, to ask for help, and to lean on outside resources,” she reflected. “Continuous learning and navigating high-stakes decisions are what make the job meaningful.”

    Women leading women

    With over 90% of Monte Nido’s workforce comprised of women, its leadership structure is equally reflective. For Susan, working on an executive team that is largely female has been both empowering and inspiring.

    “The culture is incredibly supportive and positive. My team feels empowered to speak up, and I’ve seen firsthand how diverse voices lead to better outcomes,” she noted.

    Advice for the next generation

    When it comes to advice for women in the field, Susan is clear-eyed. “People often say I’m lucky to be where I am, but luck is when preparation meets opportunity,” she said.

    Her guidance: Gain as much experience as possible early on, work hard, and seek out mentors. “The best mentors not only help you build skills but also give you access to higher-level opportunities. Say yes to challenges—that’s how you build a strong reputation and earn your seat at the table.”

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