In this episode of Lonely At the Top, host Rachel Alexandria sits down with Susana Perczek, a corporate stylist and former advertising executive, whose mission is to armor women leaders with both strength and style. Susana shares how she rose through the ranks in a demanding industry, only to face the emotional and relational costs of leadership, especially after starting a family.
Through heartfelt stories and rich metaphors (including Dungeons & Dragons references!), this conversation unpacks how clothing can be more than just fabric—it can be a shield, a strategy, a ritual, and a revelation of identity. Together, Rachel and Susana explore what it means to bring your full, feminine self to powerful spaces, and how style can be a gateway to alignment with purpose, confidence, and joy.
This episode is a must-listen for any woman in leadership who’s tired of blending in and ready to stand out—unapologetically.
✨ Interview Highlights
- Susana shares how the birth of her daughter forced a reckoning—she chose to walk away from a powerful executive role to prioritize presence over productivity.
- She opens up about the emotional and relational cost of leadership, especially in a high-demand advertising culture where “5 PM was basically lunch.”
- We talk about feminine presence in masculine-dominated rooms—and how clothing can be used to express, protect, and empower.
- Susana describes how accessories can become modern-day amulets, helping women feel grounded and radiant during high-stakes moments.
- She reflects on dreaming bigger as an asset she didn’t fully realize she had—and how now she’s building a business, envisioning a book, and even eyeing a TED Talk.
🔗 Connect with Susana
- Website: https://www.susanaperczekstyling.com/
- Style as Strategy on Substack - https://susanaperczek.substack.com/
