About Susie
SUSIE BARBER
International etiquette expert, author, consultant, founder of Susie B Finishing School of Etiquette Education, and founder of NZMS™ - New Zealand Motel Standards.
With more than three decades of experience across etiquette, communication, leadership presence, hospitality refinement and human dignity, Susie Barber brings a rare depth of insight to the way people present, communicate, host, lead and serve. Her work is grounded in the belief that etiquette is not about superiority or performance. It is about awareness, respect, confidence and the ability to make another person feel considered.
Through Ask Susie B, Susie brings refined etiquette and communication guidance into modern life, helping individuals and organisations find the right words, the right tone and the right conduct in moments that matter.
Etiquette, Presence & Communication
Susie’s work supports people who want to communicate with greater confidence, polish and grace. Her guidance spans social etiquette, written communication, dining and hosting, professional presence, difficult conversations, leadership behaviour and the quiet details that shape how people are received.
Luxury Hospitality & Service Refinement
Susie works with hospitality teams, luxury service environments, private residences and guest-facing professionals to refine the human experience of service. Her approach focuses on etiquette, presence, cultural awareness, discreet communication, emotional intelligence and the standards that help guests feel respected, cared for and at ease.
Standards, Hospitality & National Service Excellence
As the founder of NZMS™ - New Zealand Motel Standards, Susie brings her expertise in etiquette, service excellence, communication and human dignity into the wider hospitality and accommodation sector. NZMS™ reflects her commitment to restoring confidence, raising standards and supporting service-led businesses to deliver experiences grounded in professionalism, care and trust.
Author, Consultant & Advocate for Human Dignity
Susie is a published author and contributor to discussions on civility and standards in professional and public life. Her consultancy work helps private individuals and public-facing organisations align their conduct with their values. As an advocate for human dignity, she works to ensure that service environments and human interactions are filtered through a lens of respect and inherent value.
"True refinement is not about appearing important. It is about making other people feel that they matter."