Strategic Thought Partnership

Senior-level, plug-in leadership for complex moments

Goldshoes & Co brings 20+ years of management consulting experience to leaders and organizations navigating change - with clarity, humor, and just enough edge.

About

I'm Susmita De - an advisor, coach, and seasoned generalist with 20 years of management consulting experience. I work with leaders and organizations who need senior-level support to bring clarity, move strategy forward, and tackle complex challenges — without the overhead of a large firm.

I've spent my career working across sectors, with a particular depth in mission-driven and complex organizations.

Philanthropy, Nonprofits & Social Impact · Financial Services · Hospitality · Retail · Public Sector · Tech · Professional Services

Susmita De Principal, Goldshoes & Co.

  • Facilitating planning sessions, pressure-testing ideas, and translating vision into clear, actionable priorities.

  • Mapping what's actually happening on the ground, identifying inefficiencies, and building a clear picture of where change is needed and why.

  • Helping organizations structure, manage, and get the most out of external partnerships, from RFP processes to ongoing oversight and accountability.

  • Bridging business needs and technology solutions — supporting evaluation, implementation oversight, and the change management that determines whether a new system actually gets used.

  • Coaching mid to senior leaders, serving as a confidential sounding board, and aligning teams around tough decisions.

  • Supporting sales and partnership efforts, shaping external engagement strategies, and building ecosystems.

How it works

Goldshoes & Co is a boutique independent practice, which means when you work with me, you get me. I typically engage on a project or retainer basis, stepping in fractionally for 3–6 months depending on what's needed. The focus flexes based on what you need most: a thought partner, a strategist, or an experienced set of hands.

Structure is flexible — let's talk about what makes sense.

Why “goldshoes”?

Years ago, I was stuck on an eight-hour bus in the dead heat of a Portuguese summer. Everyone was melting down (myself included) except one older woman who sat calm, composed, and completely unbothered… in gold shoes with red nail polish. She didn’t deny the chaos; she just didn’t sink into it.

Over time, those gold shoes became a marker for how I work: steady in uncertainty, clear-headed in the mess, unshaken by noise, and a little audacious.

Goldshoes & Co is a nod to that energy - staying grounded when things get messy, without losing humor, style, or perspective. Lead with clarity, composure, and just enough edge to rise above the static.

Let’s Talk

Interested in working together? Reach out and let's explore what's possible.