In 2004, I founded Projé Inc., a business and IT consulting firm dedicated to helping health plans (medical insurance companies) operationalize, implement, and optimize through a blend of people, processes, technology, and data. Our mission then and now has been to leverage our leadership, project management, analytical, and technical expertise to deliver tailored solutions and help our clients successfully complete their projects. Over the past 20 years, the entrepreneurial journey has taught me countless lessons. Here are a few of my favorites:
Lesson 1: Build Lasting Relationships
Long before I understood its importance, I was fortunate to build incredible relationships with leaders, colleagues, team members, clients, and mentors. I have benefited from these connections personally and in business. True relationships endure the test of time, pave the way for new opportunities, and provide support when challenges arise.
Lesson 2: Do the Right Thing
This seemingly simple concept can be quite challenging. My guiding principle is to gather facts and perspectives from multiple angles to illuminate the best decision. I ask myself: Do I have enough information? Are my intentions clear and pure? Am I overlooking a blind spot or bias that might cloud my judgment?
Lesson 3: Listen Intently
Listen intently. We live in a culture of noise. It is easy to hide behind the sound of our own voice. Listening takes courage, but the rewards are profound—it helps us learn, adapt, and broaden our perspectives.
Lesson 4: Act with Purposeful Intention
Action without clarity can lead to inefficiency. By taking the time to define the “what, why, when, where, and with whom,” we ensure that our efforts are meaningful and aligned with our goals.
Lesson 5: Restart, Reset, Refocus, As Many Times as Needed
Persistence is key. The ability to adapt and re-center yourself is crucial, no matter how many attempts it takes to achieve success.
I love starting the New Year with fresh strategies and refined objectives for my organization. Personally, I’m also a fan of setting New Year’s resolutions and personal goals. The process of adjusting and refining these strategies and goals throughout the year is both challenging and rewarding. Perseverance is the cornerstone—it’s the small adjustments along the way that lead to achieving meaningful results.
As we head into 2025, I’m sending encouragement to everyone facing an uphill climb in business, health, or personal aspirations. Now is the perfect time to envision the outcomes you want to achieve and create a plan to keep yourself accountable and motivated. Cheers to having courage to never give up!
Written by: Violet Herin, President & CEO of Projé, Inc.