People of Barkley: Sam Meers
Sam Meers EVP, Healthcare + Finance
I did an interesting exercise a few years ago: I started at age 100 and described what I wanted to achieve in each decade leading up to that age. What did I want to do in my 90s, my 80s, my 70s, my 60s, my 50s, etc. I wish I’d done that when I was 18.
“Would I have mapped this journey when I was 18? Hell no. I had no context as to what life would be — and the roller coaster would have been terrifying. ”
I’ve lived a fascinating life. Growing up on a farm in Illinois, my exposure to the world was CBS, NBC, and ABC. I never expected to experience NYC, LA, SF — and certainly not international travel. But I have. All because I chose a career in advertising.
I married my high school sweetheart, enjoyed the lifestyle of dual-income, no kids — then had our daughter, Katherine. And then our son, Michael. All the while, I continued to live life with few bumps in the road. Until 1995. That’s the year my infant son and wife were both diagnosed with cancer. Three years later, they were gone and I was starting a new chapter of my life — a little older but much wiser. And eager to do something to make healthcare a better experience for the people who had to use it — which meant everyone.
This is what drove my interest in healthcare marketing. And ultimately why I built my company around healthcare and financial services. And why I’ve worked with 27 Blue Cross plans in my career.
Would I have mapped this journey when I was 18? Hell no. I had no context as to what life would be — and the roller coaster would have been terrifying. But would I change my life? No. I’m stronger and wiser. And now I have the opportunity to help others. I’m a very lucky human.
Five questions with Sam Meers
What do you do when the ideas won’t come?
I mow the yard, sip a Scotch, or play my guitar. The solitude and/or music clear my head. That’s when ideas flood in.
What’s one belief or mantra you wished everyone held?
“Good judgment comes from experience. Experience comes from poor judgment.” — Will Rogers
I wish more people were comfortable with failure. It’s the only way we learn.
What is your life purpose?
To put a dent in the healthcare universe.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be in advertising. I was inspired by the TV show, “Bewitched.”
What makes you smile?
Seeing someone “get it” during a conversation.
For more on the People of Barkley, check us out on Instagram: @barkleyus.
People of Barkley
Diversity and inclusion fuel original thinking — and we’re committed to turning this belief into action every chance we get, from the partners we work with to the ideas we create.