“5 things I wish someone told me before I became a CEO” with Susan Colvin of CalExotics

An Interview with Phil La Duke

Plans change, and you need to be ready to change with them — It may seem logical to think that the hardest trek of your journey is the beginning, but then you’re thrown for a loop. Suddenly, that plan you’ve worked so hard to create no longer applies to your current situation. Times change, consumers change, and technology changes. You must learn and adapt.

As a part of our series about powerful women, I had the pleasure of interviewing Susan Colvin. Susan is the Founder and CEO of CalExotics, the world’s largest and most respected pleasure product manufacturer, and of JOPEN, the premiere luxury toy company. She has three college degrees: Bachelor of Arts with a major in Speech Communication and a minor in Political Science, Master of Public Administration with an emphasis in Energy Administration, both from the University of New Mexico and a Master of Business Administration from Central Michigan University. During Susan’s early career she taught GED courses on military bases and served as an Associate Professor and Director of Student Affairs at Hawaii Pacific College. She was also an associate professor at Honolulu Community College, Golden Gate University and Rhode Island College. Upon entering the private sector, Susan was the Director of Operations for one of the original one-hour photo franchises. When the company was sold, she started a business management company that specializes in computerizing small businesses and establishing operating procedures. In her next adventure, she assumed the role of General Manager for CPLC and Video Team. With a strong work ethic and a passion for empowering women and couples, Susan revolutionized the pleasure product industry and founded the female-centric CalExotics over 20 years ago in an industry dominated by men with products targeted towards men. She made her feminine mark on the industry by being the first to develop toys in pink and purple colors and packaging that appealed to women and couples. Over time, Susan became…