fbpx

Should a Career Be a Line or a Sphere?

As we were completing the two main features in this issue, I was struck by the contrast in the career trajectories of our subjects. On one hand, we have cover personality Sheryl Woods, the CEO and president of YMCA of South Florida, whose career has followed a straight path, and Michael and Nikki Simkins, who run the different facets of the E11even collection of companies, and who have conducted their professional lives more spherically. Of course, there is no right way; I was impressed by the ardor and fulfillment that all our featured CEOs radiate.

From an early age, Woods took solace in sports, and after earning degrees in social science, physical education and sports pedagogy, she made sure that not a course was wasted: She went to work for the YMCA 35 years ago, and in various roles and locations (she has been in South Florida since 2005), Woods has remained with the sprawling nonprofit organization. She describes her role as “an entrepreneurial leadership opportunity as a CEO—the best job ever because I am making a difference in the lives of all people. My job is my hobby.”

On the other end of the career-plotting spectrum, we have Michael and Nikki Simkins. The married couple and parents of three joined forces—and complementary talents—to conjure everything the E11even brand is to South Florida. Michael started out as a lawyer, Nikki sold high-end jewelry to the likes of Marc Anthony and Jennifer Lopez, and the two forged a synergy that has resulted in a mini-empire composed of nightlife, merchandise, vodka, sound equipment and even residential real estate that accepts preconstruction cryptocurrency.

Their self-created ecosystem epitomizes the advice of legendary filmmaker Federico Fellini, who once said, “You have to live spherically—in many directions. Never lose your childish enthusiasm—and things will come your way.” At our CEO Connect event at Red Rooster (the Simkins even have a stake in that restaurant, because, of course, they do), their gusto and delight in what they’ve created was palpable. Even their adorable kids got in on the action that night, and proved audience-ready to share their favorite (non-alcoholic) cocktails.

Whether your path seems clear from the start, or you establish an environment that lets unlikely opportunities in, a career should be a work of passion and a work of art, as this issue aptly demonstrates.

You May Also Like

Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival Hosts Oscars Watch Party

Space is limited and advance purchase of tickets is required.

Desai Foundation Hosts Holi Celebration in Miami

The aim is to raise awareness and support for health, livelihood, and menstrual equity programs in India.

Set Sail for Fun: Inaugural Red Shield Regatta Launches in March

The evening will be hosted by Captain Lee Rosbach of Bravo TV’s Below Deck.

Editor’s Letter: A Heartfelt Return

If you are a longtime SFBW reader and are wondering what the heck I am doing back here with an editor’s column, well there’s a story behind that. It was

Kevin Gale

Other Posts

Screen Gems

“The Price for Freedom,” a chronicle about Harry T. and Harriette V. Moore, will begin pre-production of the monumental civil rights story in the Fort Lauderdale area.

Chef Aarón Sánchez Prepares to Shine at Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival

We spoke with Sánchez about current culinary trends, food festivals, and his own approach to cooking.

American Heritage Schools Hosts Virtual Job Fair for Teachers

Educators around the U.S. are invited to attend.

Editor’s Letter: A Man of Nearly Unlimited Interests

Kevin Kaminski, Lifestyle Group Editor, was an honor to the profession of journalism.

Drew Limsky

Drew Limsky

Editor-in-Chief

BIOGRAPHY

Drew Limsky joined Lifestyle Media Group in August 2020 as Editor-in-Chief of South Florida Business & Wealth. His first issue of SFBW, October 2020, heralded a reimagined structure, with new content categories and a slew of fresh visual themes. “As sort of a cross between Forbes and Robb Report, with a dash of GQ and Vogue,” Limsky says, “SFBW reflects South Florida’s increasingly sophisticated and dynamic business and cultural landscape.”

Limsky, an avid traveler, swimmer and film buff who holds a law degree and Ph.D. from New York University, likes to say, “I’m a doctor, but I can’t operate—except on your brand.” He wrote his dissertation on the nonfiction work of Joan Didion. Prior to that, Limsky received his B.A. in English, summa cum laude, from Emory University and earned his M.A. in literature at American University in connection with a Masters Scholar Award fellowship.

Limsky came to SFBW at the apex of a storied career in journalism and publishing that includes six previous lead editorial roles, including for some of the world’s best-known brands. He served as global editor-in-chief of Lexus magazine, founding editor-in-chief of custom lifestyle magazines for Cadillac and Holland America Line, and was the founding editor-in-chief of Modern Luxury Interiors South Florida. He also was the executive editor for B2B magazines for Acura and Honda Financial Services, and he served as travel editor for Conde Nast. Magazines under Limsky’s editorship have garnered more than 75 industry awards.

He has also written for many of the country’s top newspapers and magazines, including The New York Times, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, Miami Herald, Boston Globe, USA Today, Worth, Robb Report, Afar, Time Out New York, National Geographic Traveler, Men’s Journal, Ritz-Carlton, Elite Traveler, Florida Design, Metropolis and Architectural Digest Mexico. His other clients have included Four Seasons, Acqualina Resort & Residences, Yahoo!, American Airlines, Wynn, Douglas Elliman and Corcoran. As an adjunct assistant professor, Limsky has taught journalism, film and creative writing at the City University of New York, Pace University, American University and other colleges.