Hiking for Hope with Susan Otten

Guest: Susan Otten, Founder & COO, Indie Do Good

Episode Summary:

In this inspiring episode of How to Live a Fantastic Life, Dr. Allen Lycka welcomes Susan Otten—a seasoned executive, former Apple leader, and trailblazing logistics entrepreneur. Susan shares her extraordinary journey from the corporate world to the Appalachian Trail, where she and her daughter hiked 2,200 miles to raise funds for Parkinson’s awareness. Along the way, Susan reveals how kindness, resilience, and a mission bigger than yourself can shape both business and life.

From Apple to Indie Do Good

Susan reflects on 15 years at Apple, where she learned the value of responsible risk-taking and continuous innovation. Her transition into the logistics world with Indie Do Good blends business efficiency with a deep commitment to social impact—partnering with mission-driven companies to amplify good.

Lessons from the Appalachian Trail

Susan recounts her grueling 154-day hike, where she overcame two ER-worthy injuries and continued undeterred. Alongside breathtaking scenery, she encountered incredible “trail angels” who offered help, food, shelter, and support—showcasing the goodness of humanity.

Mental Health, Connection & the Post-COVID World

Discussing post-pandemic challenges, Susan emphasizes the importance of slowing down, connecting offline, and prioritizing mental wellness. Her experiences underscore how nature, faith, and community can help reframe adversity.

Doing Business with Heart

Indie Do Good isn’t your typical logistics firm. Susan intentionally works with brands making a difference—from athleisure companies cleaning the ocean to startups feeding homeless youth. She supports clients beyond logistics, mentoring them and connecting them with opportunities.

A Fantastic Life Philosophy

Susan’s philosophy: take the risk, act with kindness, and never underestimate the impact of small gestures. Her dedication to purpose, people, and perseverance shows how fantastic lives aren’t stumbled into—they’re built, step by step, with heart.

Connect with Susan

Email: Susan@indiedogood.com

Learn more: www.indiedogood.com

Stay Connected

Subscribe to Dr. Lycka’s Golden Pearls at www.drallenlycka.com for weekly wisdom to elevate your life.

#LiveFantastic

BIO:

Susan, raised on a Minnesota family dairy farm, learned at an early age faith and family come first, and always help others if you can. After a very successful 15-years at Apple, Susan continued as a business development/sales/branding/marketing executive with two global companies, a strategic consultant, behavioral health COO and founder/CEO of Indie Do Good, a logistics company supporting companies with a "doing good” focus.

Personally committed to doing good, Susan is one of <10 women 65+yo who successfully thru-hike the Appalachian Trail from Maine to Georgia and raised almost $100k and was named Michael J Fox Foundation’s “Rookies of the Year” while surviving two ER-worthy head injuries and was back on Trail <12 hours after treatment.

Social Media:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sueotten/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/indiedogood/?viewAsMember=true

https://www.facebook.com/IndieDoGood