Star City Six – Cheryl Hansen
Center Sphere (www.centersphere.com) is an established network of business representatives whose mission is to share connections, ideas, and resources through genuine relationships. Members meet weekly in chapters made up of well-known and accomplished professionals in the community from various industries and backgrounds. Cheryl Hansen is the Lincoln area director for Center Sphere.
Tell us a little about your business.
Center Sphere focuses on developing a network of allied professionals, which leads to stronger relationships for you and your business. There are so many reasons why I recommend Center Sphere to people. Through weekly referral groups, our online marketplace, and social events hosted throughout the month, Center Sphere can help you build confidence and gain positive business exposure. Membership is affordable and meetings are only an hour long; it’s a practical addition to any marketing plan.
How did you get started in the business?
I went to Omaha to visit a Center Sphere chapter in September of 2016, then I came back and started the third chapter here in Lincoln. I became the area director in May of 2017. There are now 22 chapters in Lincoln.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally?
Time management. I’m also an executive business coach; I specialize in helping businesses market themselves by word of mouth and teaching them how to maximize their relationships. It’s difficult trying to juggle everything at once, but it’s all about prioritizing and staying organized.
What has been your most important achievement professionally?
Being a teacher for 26 years was pretty incredible. It’s also been very rewarding coaching business owners and watching them grow.
Tell us a little about your family.
I have been blessed with a beautiful, blended family. My husband Ralph and I have five sons and 12 grandchildren. I’m originally from North Dakota and Ralph is from Fremont, NE.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life?
I gained a lot of personal development when I decided to pursue coaching. Saying goodbye to teaching was hard, but I was passionate about helping people navigate the challenges of life and work. My background in education made it a natural transition, but working with kids every day versus investing my time with adults took some getting used to.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?
Going on a bike ride or spending time on the lake with my family.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
You can’t change how someone interacts with you, but you can choose how long you engage with them.
If you had a theme song, what would it be?
Right now, I really like the song “You Say” by Lauren Daigle.
What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why?
I’m involved in the women ministries at Lincoln Berean Church. It brings me a lot of joy to walk alongside other women who are serious about recovery and spiritual growth.
What is your favorite book or the last good book you read?
Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead by Brené Brown.
What is your favorite local restaurant?
Venue Restaurant & Lounge.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?
Phone: (402) 499-2009; Email: cherylhansen@centersphere.com; Website: www.centersphere.com.