In this Episode
In today’s episode, Nick sits down for a fascinating conversation with WMH Media Founder and CEO, Torrey Sims, a dynamic leader reshaping the media landscape for trade publications in construction, corrections, healthcare, and green building industries. In this episode, Torrey shares her journey from a young editor to a business owner, reflecting on the bold decision to acquire the company where her career began.
Many people quietly wonder why some companies seem to excel with many business leadership qualities, and others don’t. The truth can often come down to good, experienced, and diverse leadership, something discussed in my podcast, “Together at the Top”. I had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Torrey Sims of WMH Media, a rising star in the publishing arena.
During the episode, Torrey provided deep insights into the world of business leadership, growing from employee to business owner. Her story provided practical ways for women to go after their dreams, despite common stereotypes. Tori’s insights on team success offer valuable lessons for all aspiring leaders.
Insights on Female Business Leadership From Tori Sims
It is really inspiring and informative to hear from someone so passionate about building up others. Torrey didn’t hold back in our discussions. Instead, she addressed hard truths, offering solutions for professional and personal development.
Building a Strong Foundation
Torrey talked extensively about building a business the right way. She inherited some pieces from the prior owner. But she knew it was time for a shakeup.
She surrounded herself with capable advisors who asked tough questions. As Torrey noted, that involved “asking questions of why are you in this position?” Knowing your own strengths and weaknesses makes for more clear choices in scaling business leadership efforts. She prioritized investing in the right talent from the beginning.
Diversifying Interests and Relationships
Starting with experience in corrections, Torrey grew her reach across various industries. These include construction, healthcare, and green building.
It is an advantage for her to move seamlessly and authentically into those arenas. As Torrey discussed, relationships are critical for ongoing support in her goals. They allow crossover possibilities across different brands and industries. Her collaborative style opens doors.
The Power of Curiosity
Torrey pointed out her background as a journalist has aided in her journey. She has kept an open mind and is naturally interested in why people do what they do. According to Torrey, that mindset made her well suited and prepared for new responsibilities.
This means asking pointed questions that may be easily overlooked. Those types of questions bring new solutions. To get to this level requires getting to know more than surface-level points.
What Really Drives You?
According to Torrey, much of her drive can be attributed to early experiences and her upbringing. There are examples of her great grandma serving on the city council and parents launching new businesses. That also includes being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at only 15 years old.
Type 1 diabetes can create new responsibilities from that diagnosis forward. “If I was not responsible, I would probably be ending up in the hospital.” Early, unexpected responsibility led to increased drive. These non-monetary opportunities shaped her vision.
From Employee to Employer
Transitioning to a leadership role is no small task. It takes great energy and thought. Torrey started thinking about entrepreneurship roughly five years before buying WMH Media.
That move wasn’t without its worries. She recognized her decision impacted her team, clients, and the industry as a whole. She decided to not do things how they were always done and aimed to empower and invest in others. To get there means a full shift in perspective on how your business should be managed. Her approach involved careful consideration of power dynamics.
Being Empathetic in Leadership Roles
For Torrey, how one presents themselves to others in the matters. So she makes a deliberate choice to put positivity into every interaction. Even if that feeling isn’t always reciprocated.
She brings herself to the table and invites others to meet her there as well. Also, you just “don’t know what other people are going through.” Even small actions can bring a different viewpoint. So it’s essential to lead with heart to meet employees where they are. This focus her drive for professional development and competitive spirit.
Competitive Spirit
Torrey is, in many ways, her own biggest fan and harshest critic at the same time. It’s a mix of support and perfection. She drives herself and holds herself to a very high standard.
She’s constantly aware that she has created the need to have “people bend over backwards in order for me to say, oh yeah, that’s okay.” What worked in one phase might not be the correct mindset as business leadership qualities grow. Her drive for improvement extends beyond spreadsheets.
Power Dynamics
As your organization grows, there can often be challenges in understanding individual perspectives. Being open to communication from everyone makes for more collaborative success. This takes humility from those in positions of leadership.
Torrey notes that having “that dialogue and being open” is critical. Make sure your team feels like they can bring problems and solutions to you. Those efforts often bring solutions for new problems. All parties gain because trust grows from the ground up, no matter who presents new strategies or potential issues to discuss. She makes sure everyone feels welcome in collaborative efforts.
Slowing Down
Early in Torrey’s journey, she realized that a constant state of “doing” has its downsides. You need room for reflection. Without it, things you used to champion become burdensome and don’t necessarily fit any longer. When everyone is simply doing, they cannot adequately think.
She believes leaders must step back from previous norms to evaluate present needs. Are you still doing things the same old ways simply because it is how they’ve always been done? Prioritizing creativity will always be helpful.
Money Matters
Torrey acknowledges financial realities without sacrificing a more thoughtful vision for the future. Yes, businesses need revenue. She understands you must be intentional when growing. But sometimes non-monetary opportunities matter just as much.
Is investing in new software the solution, or does creativity fix other avenues? Those possibilities show growth extends beyond just looking at black and white spreadsheets. Instead, prioritize creative people who are “going to build you up, build the team up, build the company up and create these new avenues of opportunity.” Those kinds of workers invest from day one and build team success in both positive morale and profitability. Finding the right opportunities shows long-term vision.
Age, Gender, and Male-Dominated Industries
Let’s face facts – challenges often happen when being a young woman in a tough industry. “I’m a small girl with blonde hair, and I walk into a room with, you know, 100 executives where 80 of them are a lot older than me, male.” But those perceptions are only reality if one gives them power.
As Torrey sees it, that offers benefits to each situation. You want to find out the story and “How did you get in this room, too?” Don’t get smaller because someone else in the room has an advanced title. The perspective creates a much more likable position with other employees. She has invested in others as part of this.
One story was very impactful to hear for me, as someone invested in female equality: While on her way to meet with someone who knew her, she was waiting in the lobby, as any client or person meeting another would. He went into a side conversation before the contact revealed “Where’s Torrey?”, to which Sims rose to announce “Here I am”. Apparently the other thought Sims would have been “a large man”, according to a surprised director.
Her way of showing up led her, instead, to meet her clients in other ways than what was previously thought. When challenges arise, approach them from a position by focusing on one’s true self. According to Forbes, getting loans can still present a unique challenge. This isn’t just any business owner, either; a female business may face challenges in the beginning that men might never need to encounter. Her insights reveal how women address challenges.
FAQs about female business leadership
Who is the successful female business leader?
It’s hard to narrow it down to just one person. However, examples may include entrepreneurs, executives, and other professionals who are making a difference in their fields, such as Sheryl Sandberg. Many are building a business the right way.
Who is the most successful female leader?
Defining success can vary widely from revenue numbers to people served, etc. People might point to Oprah Winfrey as she owns a vast media empire and wields global influence, making her successful by various metrics. The possibilities are wide open to anyone.
Which leadership style is preferred by females?
No single style is best. But many studies show how many women incorporate collaborative, empathetic approaches into how they make daily decisions for a group. It really is about knowing your style and knowing who best fits the needs of those employees you aim to guide. You want to focus on people who are building the team up.
Who is the most powerful business woman?
Ranking power can often come down to financial performance. As of late 2023, Karen Lynch held the distinction of being the highest-ranking female executive on the Fortune 500 list, due to her position as President and CEO of CVS Health. Though those placements might be temporary, women always continue pushing into business settings every single day in history. Being empathetic in your leadership style will pay dividends.
Conclusion
Hearing the wisdom from Torrey Sims created excitement in recognizing diverse types of business leadership possibilities. It’s especially exciting knowing she will lead with heart. Plus, she acknowledges her mistakes while also continuing her education. That is not all; she constantly adapts as well.
Sims is making a difference in the publishing world and the various other industries she serves. We can take the things discussed in the “Together at the Top” podcast to inspire others in building team success. Learning from female leaders drives professional development and offers new avenues of opportunity.
