Sherry Dial discusses Start With Why by Simon Sinek

We’re excited to chat with Sherry Dial about Start With Why. Check out our conversation below.

Sherry, it’s always a great day when we have a chance to connect. Thanks for taking the time to share one of your favorite books with us. What can you tell us about Start With Why?
Start with Why by Simon Sinek is a book about discovering what really motivates you and using that to inspire others. Sinek explains that the most successful people and companies don’t just think about what they do but why they do it. He introduces something called the “Golden Circle,” which means starting with “Why” (the purpose or reason), then “How” (the method), and finally “What” (the product or action). The book uses examples of famous people and companies who found their “Why,” which helped them make a big impact and connect with others. Sinek encourages readers to find their own “Why” so they can feel more excited about their goals and help others feel the same way.

Great, so maybe you can get into a bit more detail about why this book feels relevant to you and perhaps you can touch on any lessons or insights that resonated with you?
Start with Why felt surprisingly relevant to me because it challenged a lot of what I believe about decision-making in business. Initially, I was skeptical of Simon Sinek’s idea that great leaders don’t always rely on strategy, consultants, or detailed data but instead use gut instincts and common sense as guiding principles. As a consultant, I work to provide small business owners on Shopify with data-driven insights, using audit services to guide them toward better sales decisions—so, naturally, I had some pushback to Sinek’s “hot take” on intuition over analysis. Some passages felt so contrary to my approach that I had to reread them to truly understand his point. However, it eventually clicked when I read his insight that “gut strategy is good but is not scalable,” and I realized we actually had common ground. This book made me reflect on the value of both instinct and information, and I came to see how gut instinct can work alongside data without fully replacing it. In the end, Start with Why taught me that purpose and vision are powerful partners to data in making sound, scalable decisions.

Can you talk to us about how the topics in the book relate to your lived experience – either professionally or personally?
In Start with Why, Simon Sinek highlights the importance of customer loyalty, saying that “short-term tactics, quick fixes, manipulation, and fear tactics focused on transactions” ultimately weaken a business. Instead, he emphasizes the value of creating a sense of shared purpose, trust, and peace of mind between seller and customer for long-term success. This resonated deeply with me because I’ve built my business on trust, shared values, and authentic relationships rather than short-term gains or transactional strategies. I feel honored to choose my client roster, and I am proud to work with clients who reflect these principles—like Sinclair Consulting a business focused on human connection and building bridges of understanding, or Harper’s Naturals, whose mission is to provide pure, safe skincare solutions for families. I’ve also had the privilege of working with established brands like Gap and organizations like the U.S. Attorney’s Office, each with a mission focused on positive impact and integrity. My clients place their trust in me, allowing me to guide them with both analytical insights and my core values rather than relying solely on their gut instincts. Professionally and personally, I believe that focusing on people and relationships over transactions is what makes a business not only sustainable but genuinely impactful.

Have you read other books that are similar to this one and if so, what are those books and what did you like or find interesting about those?
Start with Why by Simon Sinek and Show Your Worth by Shelmina Babai Abji share a common message: true success comes from a foundation of purpose, confidence, and intentional leadership. Sinek’s focus on finding your “Why” aligns with Abji’s strategies for women to lead with clarity and intention, both guiding leaders to inspire others and create impact. As a female business leader stepping into entrepreneurship, these themes resonate with me because I want to build a brand with lasting value and a legacy rooted in purpose. My work with small businesses on Shopify focuses on helping them establish customer loyalty and boost sales, using audits and data to guide them strategically. By focusing on why we do what we do, I hope to differentiate my brand and communicate my values clearly to clients and competitors alike. Like Sinek and Abji, I believe this clarity creates a stronger, more trusted brand. Books like these inspire me to lead with purpose and bring the same clarity to my clients, turning their customers into loyal advocates.

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