From SAHM to CEO: How Susan De Marco Turned an 11-Year Resume Gap Into Her Superpower

From SAHM to CEO: How Susan De Marco Turned an 11-Year Resume Gap Into Her Superpower

From Mom To MORE® | Midlife Reinvention for Moms by Sharon Macey

May 11, 2026 · 30 min · Episode 62

About this episode

Susan DeMarco shares her journey from being a stay-at-home mom to becoming a CEO, highlighting the strengths gained during her career pause.

In this episode of Mom to MORE®, Sharon Macey welcomes CPA, CEO, and former stay-at-home mom Susan DeMarco. With an MBA, a background at major firms like Merck and PricewaterhouseCoopers, and now serving as CEO of Brand K Partners, Susan's journey is a powerful example of what's possible after a career pause. In this conversation, Susan shares how stepping away to raise her four sons didn't diminish her capabilities rather it strengthened them. She opens up about the challenges of re-entering the workforce after a long resume gap, the unexpected silence she faced, and how taking a step "below" her experience ultimately led her to leadership. Tune in for an honest conversation about redefining career paths, recognizing the hidden value of motherhood, building flexible workplaces, and trusting that the long way around can still lead exactly where you're meant to be. [00:00] Introduction [02:42] Choosing Motherhood and Raising Four Sons [05:10] Leadership Skills Learned Through Motherhood [08:28] The Rewards of Staying Home with Kids [09:29] How to Talk About the Resume Gap [13:18] The Reality of Returning to Work After a Career Break [15:26] Taking a Job Below Your Experience Level…

People in this episode

Host: Sharon Macey

Guest: Susan DeMarco

Topics covered

  • career reinvention
  • motherhood
  • leadership
  • work-life balance
  • flexible workplaces
  • resume gap

Keywords

  • stay-at-home mom
  • CEO
  • career break
  • leadership skills
  • flexible work culture
  • motherhood value
  • resume gap

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Brand K Partners, Merck, PricewaterhouseCoopers

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