Wilfred Gaye shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Wilfred, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
Integrity, without question. You can have all the intelligence and energy in the world, but without integrity, it doesn’t matter, life and work lose their meaning. I’ve built my career and my agency around trust and authenticity, because I believe that real success comes from doing the right thing, not just the smart or flashy thing.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Wilfred Gaye, owner of Wilfred Gaye Agency with COUNTRY Financial. I help families and businesses protect what matters most, but my approach goes beyond policies and paperwork. I partner with my clients, using real-life experience to guide them toward long-term security and confidence. My goal is simple: make insurance and financial planning practical, personal, and meaningful, so people can focus on living their lives without worry.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
To be honest, no one.
I often felt like an outsider, misunderstood because of my uniqueness. For years, I watered myself down just to make others comfortable. My natural leadership and independence sometimes led to clashes with authority, not out of disrespect, but because I refused to accept being treated as less than I deserved.
I realized at a very young age that no one was coming to save me. From that moment on, I understood I had to fend for myself and that experience shaped the resilience and drive I carry with me today.
What’s something you changed your mind about after failing hard?
Betrayal hit me hard. It taught me that someone can laugh with you and still be plotting against you. That pain changed me, not into someone bitter, but into someone wiser. Now I protect my peace, value loyalty, and make sure trust is earned.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
The public version of me is the real me. What you see is what you get, no masks, no act, just authenticity.
I’ve learned that’s almost taboo in today’s world, where so much is performative and too many people are addicted to the dream. Too often, comfort is chosen over truth, and applause over growth.
With me, what you see is what you get, authenticity without the mask.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What do you think people will most misunderstand about your legacy?
When people look back on my life, I think most will understand that my legacy is about consistency, courage, and impact. I’ve always pushed myself to grow whether in business, fitness, or my creative work. I never wanted to just succeed for myself, but to inspire others to see what’s possible when you stay disciplined and keep moving forward.
People will understand that I wasn’t afraid to take a different path, even when it wasn’t easy. I stayed true to myself, I worked hard, and I aimed to leave something behind that speaks to more than just me. My legacy is about building strength. In body, in business, in community, and helping others realize they can do the same.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.countryfinancial.com/wilfred.gaye
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wilfredgayeinsurance?igsh=MTZ2c3MxY2Jic3Fnbg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wilfredgaye?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/163VEhGJVB/?mibextid=wwXIfr
