Episode Summary
CEO Cheryl Hopkin's Journey: Overcoming Adversity and Achieving Success
Early Life and Challenges
Cheryl Hopkin's story begins with her childhood, where she was forced to take care of her sister with multiple handicaps and blindness. This responsibility shaped her early life and instilled in her the importance of resilience and determination. Cheryl's early adulthood was marked by her first job at Metropolitan Life Insurance, which she didn't find fulfilling. However, she worked hard to provide for her family, paving the way for her future entrepreneurial endeavors.
Personal Struggles and Overcoming Obstacles
Cheryl shares her struggles, including the challenges of infertility and envy after 10 years of trying for a child. Her journey was filled with adversity, which ultimately led to the birth of her daughter, Cristin. This period of her life highlights the importance of perseverance and overcoming personal struggles.
The Power of Honesty and Vulnerability
Throughout the episode, Cheryl emphasizes the importance of telling her story, as people often only see the "glory" without understanding the struggles that shape who we are and what we do. She encourages listeners to be honest about their struggles and vulnerabilities. This candor allows for deeper connections and a stronger sense of empathy and understanding.
Starting the Brokerage and Balancing Family and Business
Cheryl and her husband started their brokerage in the 1980s, and their journey was marked by long hours, inconsistent income, and significant challenges. Despite these difficulties, the couple remained committed to their vision and persisted through the tough times. Cheryl highlights the importance of sacrifice, citing the first two years of their business as particularly challenging.
Lessons Learned and Takeaways
Cheryl's story is filled with valuable lessons and takeaways:
* Resilience: Cheryl's journey is a testament to the importance of resilience in the face of adversity.
* Mental Endurance: Building mental endurance through challenging experiences helps develop a positive mindset.
* Growth Mindset: Having a growth mindset allows individuals to adapt and pivot in the face of challenges.
* Choice and Decision-Making: Cheryl emphasizes the importance of making choices and having a willingness to pivot and adjust in the face of challenges.
* ** Importance of Storytelling: Cheryl's story highlights the importance of vulnerability and honesty in storytelling.
Key Takeaways for Entrepreneurs and Individuals*
For entrepreneurs and individuals looking to overcome adversity and achieve success, Cheryl's story offers valuable insights:
*Believe in yourself: Cheryl's journey shows that believing in oneself is crucial for overcoming challenges.
*Be open to learning: Cherry's story highlights the importance of staying adaptable and open to learning throughout one's career.
*Embrace vulnerability: Sharing one's story, like Cheryl's, can lead to deeper connections and stronger relationships.
*Persevere through tough times*: Cheryl's story shows that persistence and perseverance are essential for achieving success.
In conclusion, Cheryl Hopkin's inspiring story is a testament to the human spirit and its ability to overcome adversity. Her journey serves as a reminder that success is often the result of hard work, resilience, and the willingness to learn and adapt.
Timestamps
(0:00:00) - Broker Link podcast features interviews with insurance agents and their CEOs
(0:00:50) - How old were you when you started working, and where was that
(0:03:00) - Did you ever dream of being a business owner or a doctor
(0:04:59) - Can you tell us how you met Mister Ross
(0:06:31) - How did Cristin and JR come into the picture and all of this
(0:11:50) - Let's talk about sacrifice again. You started your company after two years of hard work
(0:13:59) - For me, it was mental endurance. I had two very dysfunctional parents
(0:15:48) - Changing your mindset takes you down a positive route in life
(0:19:27) - Three words that Cheryl believes could make you as successful as you are
(0:22:23) - Cheryl: I want you all to be so proud of yourselves
(0:23:46) - Miss Cheryl's character is embedded in the core values of the brokerage
(0:26:07) - Do we still have one of the original partners? Do we have several
(0:26:58) - Having children overcame one thing I was so envious of envy
(0:31:36) - Back in those old days, the carriers were allowed to take us on trips
(0:32:39) - How did the links and the brokerage link come about
(0:34:22) - Does anybody have a story with Miss Cheryl that you would like to share with
(0:39:40) - Ethan had to interview Rod and I before he hired Ross
(0:41:23) - Miss Cheryl shares tips on growing your insurance business with us
