Her Story
About Cheri
Cheri Wright, R.C.I.S., is a healthcare sales professional specializing in cardiometabolic health, diabetes management, and cardiovascular therapies. She currently serves as Senior Territory Manager at Eli Lilly and Company, where she focuses on advancing patient care through provider education, innovative therapies, and strong healthcare partnerships. Her passion for healthcare was shaped by personal experiences with her father’s cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, inspiring her dedication to helping patients access effective treatments and achieve better health outcomes. Cheri began her healthcare career in cardiovascular technology, earning an Associate Degree in Cardiovascular Technology and gaining experience in the cardiac catheterization laboratory before transitioning into medical device sales. She later earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Allied Health Leadership from East Tennessee State University and expanded her expertise into specialty pharmaceutical sales in 2018. Throughout her career, she has developed expertise in cardiology, diabetes, obesity management, and metabolic health, working closely with cardiologists, endocrinologists, primary care providers, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants to provide clinical education, support treatment decisions, and improve medication access for patients. Recognized for her leadership, sales performance, and commitment to healthcare excellence, Cheri has received notable professional achievements, including being selected as one of six representatives nationwide for a Jardiance relaunch field project in Las Vegas from a group of approximately 1,000 representatives. She was also recognized with Eli Lilly’s 2025 Circle of Excellence award with the Knox East District. Beyond her professional work, Cheri is committed to giving back through charitable involvement with St. Jude Children's Research Hospital initiatives and community service efforts. Outside of her career, she enjoys reading, running, cattle farming, and caring for her dogs. Through resilience, compassion, and a patient-first approach, Cheri continues to make a meaningful impact in the healthcare industry.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Cheri
01What do you attribute your success to?
Independence — I’ve been responsible for providing for myself, which has developed confidence, discipline, and self-reliance.
Strong work ethic — I don’t expect success to be handed to me. I to put in the work.
Compassion — My faith, family relationships, and life experiences give me a perspective that allows me to understand and care about other people.
Ambition — At 50, I still think about growth, pursuing passions, and what I want my next chapter to look like.
Adaptability — I’ve continued evolving professionally rather than becoming comfortable with where I started.
Purpose-driven mindset — I am motivated by more than financial success. I want my work and life to feel meaningful
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
You’re not too late—you’re finally old enough to know what’s worth chasing. Now have the courage to chase it.”
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Every job, mistake, relationship, and experience has given you skills you can bring into your next chapter. Never compare your story to another’s, because your story isn’t done yet.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
An increasingly complex healthcare environment — HCPs have less time, more administrative demands, and many competing priorities.
Access and reimbursement — Patient access, affordability, formularies, and prior authorization can create barriers even when an appropriate treatment is available.
Rapidly evolving science — New clinical data, indications, and therapies mean sales professionals have to continually educate themselves and stay credible.
Greater competition — More products and more sophisticated selling approaches make differentiation increasingly important.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
- Family — My family relationships are important, and staying connected to the people I love.
- Faith — My faith provides grounding, purpose, and perspective.
- Resilience — Losing both parents and continuing to move forward speaks to my ability to endure difficult seasons.
- Loyalty — I value deep, meaningful relationships rather than superficial connections..
- Ambition — I have the drive to pursue something bigger, even at 50.
- Relationships — In pharma sales, success is built on trust, credibility, and genuine relationships.
- Persistence — Sales requires resilience, rejection tolerance, and the willingness to keep showing up.
- Integrity — Being successful while remaining authentic and doing business the right way matters to me.
- Impact — Working in healthcare gives me a connection to something bigger than sales: helping healthcare professionals and ultimately patients.
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