Meet Lynn Shareef | Entrepreneur, voice actor, Wife coach, sales & training leader

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lynn Shareef and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lynn, how do you think about risk?
Without risk there is no reward

With great risk comes great reward. There are failures, setbacks and even complete start-over’s along the way, but if you don’t risk something, you’ll never gain anything.

Where there is a
yin there is a yang; where there is a positive there is a negative..where there is risk there is reward.

Risk-a situation involving exposure to danger
or loss. Reward-a thing given in recognition of one’s service, effort, or achievement.

I took a huge risk when I left my corporate life to pursue a full time entrepreneurship restaurant venture with my Chef husband. When you evaluate it on the surface, the restaurant didn’t survive. However the deeper reward was the experience that I would not have had if I hadn’t taken the risk.

Stop playing it safe and take a few risks. After all, we miss 100% of the shots we never take.

What should our readers know about your business?
I started my career in sales, carrying the bag in the medical sales industry. After several years I transitioned into sales training because I wanted to impact sales professionals from the beginning of their journey. I have held a variety of sales and sales training leadership roles. I was a full time entrepreneur with a restaurant. I am also a past President of the National Sales Network Chicago chapter where I had exposure to a wide variety of sales professionals.

The roles I’ve held are actually secondary to the lessons I’ve learned with the many roles. I am most proud of the resilience I’ve developed through the years. The path can be tough no matter which path you choose, corporate or entrepreneur. You will be knocked on your butt, not always because of your choices..business fluctuates, companies downsize, Covid strikes, you get fired-take your pick. You have to make the choice on your comeback. Don’t take it for granted, many don’t make it back. They tap out, choose the less challenging route, stop fighting and settle.

I got the wind knocked out of me several times. Ultimately it’s not that number that counts, but the number of times I got back up!

I chose to keep fighting; go for the next job AND keep pursuing my side hustles. I’ve followed both paths and don’t believe that it’s all or nothing. Entrepreneurship or corporate only. I want ALL the things my talents will allow for me.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Chicago is a world class city. People board planes from across the world to come here. My itinerary is as follows:

*In front of the Adler Planetarium is a
grassy area where you can take in the best view of the lake (that looks like an ocean) and the beautiful tall buildings.
*Sears Tower, now known as the Willis Tower. Views to Indiana on a clear day.
*Take your pick on world class restaurants, there are many. However there are many Chicago only tastes..deep dish pizza, Garrett’s popcorn, Chicago style hot dogs.
*Museum person? Chicago has them in spades. Art Institute, Museum of Science and Industry, Field Museum.
*Chicago is a city of neighborhoods. There are festivals of every kind going on practically every day of the week in dozens of neighborhoods.
*Ready to relax? Let’s go to the actual sandy beaches right downtown and watch the waves of Lake Michigan that looks like an ocean.
*When Covid takes her foot off our necks, we can take in a Broadway show at one of the many theaters and let’s not forget the Chicago riverwalk which provides a great view of lake front attractions.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My chief cheerleader, the one obligated by God to listen to my constant chatter Chef Ken Shareef. To my virtual Board of Directors; “Joi Sunshine” Johnson, Dr Darlene Allen Nichols, Dr Alleda Mack, Pastor Zenola Diggs, and Lovie Lester.

Website: www.lynnshareef.com

Instagram: www.Instagram.com/lynnchgo

Linkedin: www.LinkedIn.com/lynnshareef

Facebook: www.Facebook.com/lynnshareefspeaks