What’s ‘The One Thing’?
October 18, 2022 by Wink's Intel Pros
Years ago there was an article, “I Wish I Knew Then: 6 Power Women Share Most Valuable Career Advice” by Moira Forbes. The article had top female leaders, identified as successful at that time, sharing key insights into their careers and were asked “What’s ‘The One Thing’ you wish you would have known when starting your career?”
At Wink, we are all fortunate to be under the leadership of our successful CEO, Sheryl J. Moore. Sheryl is one of today’s most dynamic thinkers and ‘doers’ in the insurance business.
Sheryl, once an impoverished single mom of three babies (all in diapers!), decided over 17 years ago to leave the assumed dead-end of the corporate ranks and run with an idea that turned into becoming the CEO behind our competitive intelligence company that is known today as Wink, Inc., as well as her consulting business Moore Market Intelligence. (We cannot fail to mention she runs The Butler House, a bed-and-breakfast in a 100-year-old English Tudor mansion located in the heart of Des Moines and Moore Quality Investments, investing in distressed properties to rehabilitate them for rental income.) Sheryl broke through barriers as she became the foremost authority in annuities and life insurance, known today as the industry’s “Rock Star”.
Moira wrote in her article that “we can draw on the life lessons of others to enhance our growth or simply help us manage all that we’re looking to accomplish each and every day”. Click HERE to read more about and draw inspiration from Sheryl’s rise from a single mom to an insurance rock star.
Sheryl’s businesses are not the only indicator of her success. A successful leader will take the opportunity to help others to succeed. The partner-in-crime throughout Sheryl’s entire entrepreneurial journey has been Victoria Grossman. Victoria’s insurance career began as the first employee hired at Wink, its first Marketing & Database Administrator. After 14 years with the company under Sheryl’s direct leadership and mentorship, Victoria was named Wink’s President in 2021. Sheryl had commented that “Victoria had become an irreplaceable leader for Wink. Her experience, judgment, and values have strengthened the Wink team. She left a comfortable job, took a risk with me, and has been my right-hand woman ever since.”
Sheryl empowered, instilled confidence early on, and championed Victoria’s own route to success. She affirmed, “Victoria stepped-in, and began her responsibilities as President when I lost my son more than eight years ago. Now, I am merely giving credit where it has been due all this time. Victoria has earned this position and I am confident that she will embrace this important role and continue her exceptional leadership.”
She had been a driving force behind Victoria’s exceptional leadership. “Sheryl Moore is more than just a boss, she is a mentor and friend. I have been blessed to learn from one of the most knowledgeable and accomplished leaders in this business,” reflected Victoria.
In the early years at Wink, we knew a Sheryl who was constantly busy, endlessly rushing around to do just one more thing on her road to success. Now, after over 17 years of entrepreneurial experience and countless after-hours spent working, when asked “What’s ‘The One Thing’ you wish you had known starting out in your career?” Sheryl responded, “I wish I had known that running a business shouldn’t consume your life, even if you love what you do. I realized when I lost my son, I never have the chance to get those endless evening hours spent in the office back.”
Victoria remarked, “Seeing Sheryl accomplish a new normal of work-life balance is so incredible. We are so proud of the woman she is!” The Wink team is grateful to Sheryl for sharing her career experience with us and instilling her values into the company.
This week we celebrated Boss’s Day. Use today as an opportunity to ask your own mentor, boss, or admired leader for the “The One Thing” about life or career that they think you should know to keep moving ahead in your own life.
What’s “The One Thing” You Wish You Had Known Starting Out In Your Career?
“I wish I had known that running a business shouldn’t consume your life, even if you love what you do. I realized when I lost my son, I never have the chance to get those endless evening hours spent in the office, back.”
– Sheryl J. Moore, Chairwoman & CEO of Wink, Inc.
