Susan Lyn Sykes

Building Relationships Before Business

This week has been one of the most encouraging since I began my Medicare education journey.

I had the opportunity to meet people at both Food Giant and Tractor Supply in Murray, Kentucky. Summer temperatures were high, but the kindness I experienced was even greater. Food Giant graciously welcomed me inside, and Tractor Supply provided a shaded area where I could comfortably visit with members of the community.

What struck me wasn't the number of people I spoke with-it was the quality of the conversations. People simply want someone who will listen, answer their questions honestly, and treat them with respect.

Another exciting opportunity came when two senior living communities invited me to provide small-group Medicare educational sessions. These meetings won't be sales presentations. Instead, they will give residents an opportunity to ask questions, better understand their options, and gain confidence in decisions that can affect both their health and finances.

One unexpected phone call this week reminded me why relationships are so important.

A woman contacted me after her information appeared as a lead. She had already been enrolled in Medicare for several years and didn't need assistance. Rather than ending the conversation, I asked whether she might someday be willing to share her experiences with women who are approaching age 65.

She agreed.

That simple conversation reinforced something I've been thinking about for quite some time: people preparing for Medicare often learn best from those who have already experienced the process firsthand.

I hope to eventually bring together small groups-whether in person or through Zoom-where future Medicare beneficiaries can learn not only from professionals but also from people who have already navigated the process. Honest conversations about both positive and challenging experiences can help remove fear, reduce confusion, and build confidence.

I also attended a social media training this week that encouraged us to use online platforms as educational tools. One message resonated deeply with me:

We don't have to sound like salespeople.

We can simply introduce ourselves, explain that we're available to answer questions, and let people know help is available whenever they're ready.

That philosophy aligns perfectly with how I hope people will remember me.

I don't measure success solely by enrollments. I measure success by the relationships I build, the trust I earn, and the lives I make just a little less stressful.

Every conversation has value.

Every question deserves an answer.

And every person deserves to feel confident when making Medicare decisions.

I'm grateful to the businesses, community leaders, and individuals who welcomed me this week. Your kindness reminded me that serving others always begins with listening.

As I continue meeting people throughout our communities, my mission remains simple: educate first, build relationships always, and help people make informed decisions when the time is right.

Why Education Matters More Than Ever in Medicare

By Susan Lyn Sykes

Over the past several months, one concern has come up repeatedly during conversations with Medicare beneficiaries:

"I keep getting calls from people trying to sell me Medicare plans."

It breaks my heart because many people don't realize they have rights when it comes to Medicare marketing.

As a licensed Medicare agent, I follow rules designed to protect beneficiaries—not pressure them.

Before I can discuss Medicare plan options with someone, there is a process. A beneficiary must give permission to be contacted. If they want to discuss specific Medicare Advantage or Part D plans, we complete a Scope of Appointment that identifies the topics they wish to discuss.

These safeguards exist to ensure people remain in control of the conversation.

Many people are surprised that my first questions aren't about their illnesses.

Instead, I ask questions like:

• Who is your primary care physician?
• Do you have specialists you want to continue seeing?
• Which pharmacy do you prefer?
• What prescription medications do you currently take?
• Do you travel during the year?
• What questions do you have about your current Medicare coverage?

These questions aren't about selling a product. They're about understanding a person's healthcare needs and ensuring that their doctors, specialists, pharmacies, and medications are considered before any plan comparison is made.

I've also discovered that many people simply don't understand the different parts of Medicare because no one has taken the time to explain them without using confusing terminology.

Education Changes That

Whether my background was serving in the military, teaching special education for more than three decades, or now helping people understand Medicare, one principle has remained constant:

People make better decisions when they understand their options.

That's why I'm passionate about providing Medicare education before discussing enrollment.

Knowledge builds confidence.

Questions build understanding.

And understanding helps people make decisions that fit their own lives—not someone else's.

If there's one thing I hope readers take away, it's this:

Never feel rushed.

Never feel pressured.

And never be afraid to ask questions.

The best Medicare decision is an informed Medicare decision.

What the Tennessee Humidity Taught Me About Leadership

By Susan Lyn Sykes

Leadership lessons don't always happen in a boardroom. Sometimes they happen before sunrise on a quiet neighborhood street.

Like many mornings recently, I woke up around four o'clock. My husband had to leave for work earlier than usual, and after staying up until nearly eleven studying for my 2027 AHIP certification, I knew I hadn't gotten enough sleep.

Every excuse was waiting for me.

"You need more rest."

"You can exercise tomorrow."

"You've earned a break."

Then I remembered something I've learned over the years—as a military police officer during the Gulf War, as a special education teacher for more than three decades, and now as someone educating people about Medicare:

Our first decision of the day often shapes every decision that follows.

So I put on my shoes.

The Science Behind the Struggle

Living in Tennessee means becoming familiar with heat and humidity. Recently, I began reading about Europe's record-breaking temperatures and learned more about something called wet-bulb temperature.

Ironically, during my military service, I reported wet-bulb readings in our daily newsletters because they helped determine whether soldiers could safely train outdoors. At the time, I simply recorded the number. I didn't truly understand the science behind it.

Today, I do.

Our bodies cool themselves through evaporation. When humidity is extremely high, sweat cannot evaporate efficiently, making it much harder for the body to cool down. Sometimes, 87 degrees with very high humidity can feel more physically demanding than a much hotter day with dry air.

Yesterday, I experienced exactly that.

After my morning walk and run, I was completely drenched. I couldn't get comfortable afterward. I even felt cold despite having overheated. Recovery took much longer than I expected.

One Simple Adjustment

This morning, however, I made one simple adjustment.

Instead of heading straight inside after exercising, I completed my Hinge Health routine. These guided exercises focus on breathing, mobility, and strengthening my pelvic floor. Although I had been trying to complete them every afternoon, I realized they naturally fit better immediately after my workout.

The results surprised me.

My breathing slowed more quickly. My body relaxed. My recovery was smoother.

More importantly, my attitude improved.

The weather hadn't changed.

My circumstances hadn't changed.

I had.

Leadership Starts with Self-Leadership

That experience reminded me of something I witnessed repeatedly during my teaching career. Students often made their greatest progress not because we completely changed the lesson, but because we adjusted the approach.

The same principle applies to adults. We don't always need a complete life overhaul. Sometimes, we simply need to change the order of our habits or shift our perspective.

As women, many of us spend our lives caring for everyone else first. We postpone our own health, our own rest, and our own growth until everything else is finished.

But leadership starts with self-leadership.

When we take care of our bodies, protect our mindset, and commit to small daily disciplines, we show up better for our families, our careers, and our communities.

Today's Lesson

Today's lesson wasn't really about Tennessee humidity.

It was about resilience.

It was about discovering that one small decision can completely change the direction of your day.

And perhaps most importantly, it was a reminder that growth doesn't usually arrive through dramatic moments.

It arrives quietly—in the decision to get out of bed, lace up your shoes, breathe deeply, and keep moving forward, one step at a time.