A new podcast from Direct Selling News, Direct Approach is laser focused on helping direct selling executives next level their strategy, marketing and brand. Hosted by DSU audience favorite Wayne Moorehead and his guests—some of the leading marketers and innovators in direct selling—will tackle these issues in a fun, fast-paced and frank format, covering topics like: Customer acquisition and retention Consistent and effective messaging Reputation management Emerging trends And much more Each episode will help your marketing and branding teams motivate the field, inspire customers and further your brand’s reach and impact.
DSU Fall 2024 Recap: Transformative Strategies for Today’s Direct Selling Landscape
On the latest episode of Direct Approach host Wayne Moorehead talks with industry experts Heather Chastain, Brett Duncan and Blake Mallen. They’ll dive into industry trends, compensation plan innovations and the complex world of regulatory and compliance issues. Plus, get the surprising truth behind direct selling’s battle with affiliate marketing and learn how to leverage AI to transform your strategies and boost efficiency. They’ll also share their favorite takeaways from the recent DSU.
10/11/2024 • 53 minutes, 1 second
Lessons from a Direct Selling Trailblazer: Amber Olson Rourke on Evolution and Innovation
In the latest Direct Approach episode, Wayne talks with Amber Olson Rourke co-founder and President at Neora. A Stevie award-winning podcast host and recognized by DSN as a top 40 under 40 executive, Amber is no stranger to the direct selling space. In this candid conversation, she brings a wealth of knowledge on leading through challenges, navigating economic pressures and more. Her unexpected insight into the power of energy could revolutionize the way you approach leadership.
9/26/2024 • 54 minutes, 27 seconds
Direct Selling Disrupted: Agile Experimentation for the Next Generation
On the latest Direct Approach episode, Wayne Moorehead and pawTree Founder & CEO Roger Morgan discuss the Test-Learn-Scale approach, elevating brand positioning and enhancing customer retention. A distinguished figure in direct selling, Roger brings extensive experience from his strategic roles at Boston Consulting Group, Walt Disney, Imagineering, and KPMG. He also led pawTree to impressive milestones, such as inclusion in the Inc. 5000 and the DSA Rising Star Award.
9/12/2024 • 1 hour, 10 minutes, 28 seconds
Building a Science-First Direct Selling Brand with Staying Power
On the latest episode of Direct Approach “Building a Science-First Direct Selling Brand with Staying Power” Wayne and Daniel Picou take an in-depth look at the importance of open communication, cultural sensitivity, and collaboration in building a thriving global enterprise. A successful entrepreneur and Founder and CEO of Three International, Daniel Picou boasts a wealth of experience in the direct selling industry.
8/29/2024 • 51 minutes
What it Takes to Lead Through Digital Transformation
In the latest episode of Direct Approach, Wayne talks with Plexus CEO Gene Tipps. Gene brings over 25 years of experience in the direct selling space, encompassing a diverse range of leadership roles across startups and multimillion-dollar organizations. With a proven track record in operational excellence and strategic oversight, his transition to CEO at Plexus offers a wealth of knowledge that will resonate with aspiring and current leaders.
8/15/2024 • 45 minutes, 56 seconds
Direct Selling Gets Fluid: A Digital Transformation Built for the Channel
This episode of Direct Approach features Ryan Scott, Neumi’s Chief Strategy Officer. Ryan shares Neumi’s inspiring story and explains how they empower distributors and embrace data to keep their strong startup momentum going. Ryan and Wayne are joined by Mike Tingey and Brandon John from Fluid, the innovative company behind the most talked about app in the channel. Learn what the app has done for Neumi and discover what it could do for you!
8/1/2024 • 1 hour, 16 minutes, 42 seconds
Navigating the Canadian Market: A Masterclass for Direct Selling Success
This episode of Direct Approach features Peter Maddox, President of Canada’s Direct Selling Association. Peter provides a Masterclass on how direct selling companies can thrive in Canada and explain the regulatory ins and outs of the market. He’ll also share his expertise on the generational shifts impacting the channel, the vital role of storytelling and how technology fuels future success! Join Wayne and Peter as they cover all this and more in a can’t-miss episode!
7/18/2024 • 57 minutes, 1 second
Fresh Takes: Innovative and Unexpected Approaches to Customer and Consultant Retention
This episode of Direct Approach features Heidi Leist, Founder and CEO of Lemongrass Spa. Heidi shares how her passion for toxin-free skincare products led her to build a thriving company. You’ll discover how Heidi’s innovative approach to marketing and retention has created a culture that emphasizes personal interactions and unwavering belief. And you don’t want to miss her fresh takes on product development and promotions! Join Wayne and Heidi as they cover all this and more in this lively episode!
7/4/2024 • 51 minutes, 11 seconds
The Power of PR: Direct Selling's Unique Challenges and Opportunities
Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind episode of Direct Approach featuring Chris McDermott, CEO of UK-based The 1:1 Diet by Cambridge Weight Plan. Chris shares fascinating insights from across the pond, including the unique challenges and opportunities of leading an employee-owned company; powerful PR strategies specifically for direct selling; and the importance of developing your own leadership style. Join Wayne and Chris as they cover all this and more in a candid episode!
6/20/2024 • 1 hour, 16 minutes, 38 seconds
Crafting a High-Performance Culture: Insights from the CSO of a $3 Billion Company
This episode of Direct Approach provides a blueprint to sustainable success—you’ll come away with a clear understanding of how PM-International has been able to achieve year-over-year growth for THREE DECADES! Join Wayne and his guest Gordon Hester, PM’s CSO of the Americas. They’ll cover PM’s strategies in a candid conversation full of actionable insights and advice. Next level your growth with key takeaways from PM—#6 on DSN’s Global 100.
6/6/2024 • 1 hour, 16 minutes, 9 seconds
Product Advocacy: How Belief Can Build a Business
This episode of Direct Approach takes a look at Young Living’s origin story with Mary Young, the company’s inspirational Co-Founder & CEO. Mary recounts how the company started and the lessons they’ve learned about building belief, staying true to your roots and the importance of believing in your products and their potential. You’re sure to be inspired and encouraged by Mary’s story of this successful company built with passion and purpose.
5/23/2024 • 34 minutes, 17 seconds
Local Action, Global Reach: International Growth Strategies
This episode of Direct Approach provides invaluable insights into Hispanic and Latino markets with Armand Puyolt, the impactful, inspirational Founder & CEO of Vida Divina. Join Armand as they discuss some surprising strategies regarding international expansion and acquisitions. These philosophies might be just what you need to master this growing market. PLUS—Armand shares the five empowering success secrets he teaches his field.
5/9/2024 • 1 hour, 1 minute, 18 seconds
Pivot to Performance: New Recruitment Strategies to Amplify Growth
This episode of Direct Approach highlights the field recruitment strategies you need right now. Host Wayne Moorehead and fellow industry experts Heather Chastain and Brett Duncan unpack the underlying issues behind the channel’s stagnant growth. Old recruitment philosophies aren’t getting the results we want, and companies are looking for strategies that ignite and empower their field. Wayne, Heather and Brett will share the success strategies you need to stop the stagnation. PLUS—their favorite moments and key takeaways from DSU—it’s all on the Direct Approach!
4/25/2024 • 1 hour, 13 minutes, 11 seconds
Keys to Cross-Cultural Success with Kenya Vergara
Unlock the secrets to cross-cultural success in direct selling with our latest episode of Direct Approach! Join Wayne as he delves into an inspiring conversation with Kenya Vergara Zatarain, an executive leader continuing her family's 32 year legacy with Omnilife. Discover how Omnilife rose to rank 21 on the 2024 Global 100 List, earning $633 million in annual revenue for 2023. Kenya shares invaluable insights into Omnilife's strategic approach, rooted in cultural understanding and personal connections. From their founding vision to innovative marketing strategies, learn how authenticity and hard work pave the path to success in Latin America and beyond. Tune in now to gain exclusive access to Kenya's expertise and unlock the keys to thriving in the world of direct selling!
4/11/2024 • 55 minutes, 23 seconds
Adapt and Localize: Keys to Global Growth in Direct Selling
Join David Brown and Ryan Thompson, Co-Founders and Co-CEOs of ACTIVZ, on "Adapt and Localize: Keys to Global Growth in Direct Selling." Launched in 2017, the Utah- based company defied convention and chose to focus exclusively on the Hispanic market by launching in Mexico. Omnichannel and multinational, ACTIVZ is growing rapidly. In this episode, discover their international expansion strategies, personalized approaches and tech tools that catapulted them onto an elite list of direct selling organizations with four consecutive years of revenue growth! 🚀 David and Ryan share how they successfully launched and expanded internationally, prioritizing relationships and adapting to local cultures. Learn the importance of personalized approaches, omnichannel marketing and innovative tech tools. Whether you're new to direct selling or a seasoned executive, this episode serves as an incredible startup case study, offering invaluable insights to elevate your global expansion strategy. Don't miss out on mastering strategies to boost sales, enhance your approach and drive profitability!
3/28/2024 • 1 hour, 22 minutes, 10 seconds
Local Creation, Global Growth: Amway's Formula for Building Brands
In this episode of the Direct Approach podcast, Brandi Huyser, Vice President of Integrated Health and Wellness Platforms at Amway Corporation, shares her extensive insights into brand strategy, market positioning and the power of authentic partnerships for global brand growth. Throughout the conversation, she underscores the importance of co-creation, market trend awareness and the transformative power of genuine collaboration in marketing. Brandi emphasizes the strategic value of embracing uniqueness, involving stakeholders in decision-making providing listeners a unique view into Amway's global brand growth strategies.
3/14/2024 • 1 hour, 7 minutes, 1 second
Navigating Disruption: A Roadmap for Direct Selling Transformation with Nick Johnson
Nick Johnson, Medifast's Chief Field Operations Officer and OPTAVIA's President, reveals insights on steering an organization towards a unified brand and business model amidst unprecedented market changes in the category of weight management. Learn from Medifast's evolution to OPTAVIA-centricity, operational shifts, and Nick's "buffalo" strategy for overcoming challenges. This discussion provides an inside look at change management across people, process and technology.
2/29/2024 • 1 hour, 21 minutes, 14 seconds
Ep 73: The Power of Alignment with John Alcala
In this episode of Direct Approach, John Alcala, CEO of IT WORKS!, brings a wealth of experience and perspective. Transitioning from Wall Street to global success in the field side of direct selling alongside his wife SheriLynn, and recently stepping into the role of CEO, John's journey is both inspiring and relatable. This episode delves into John's strategies for navigating industry shifts, with a focus on simplification, technology adoption, and cultivating a vibrant company culture. With a field dominated by young entrepreneurs–84% of their field are 18 to 34 years old–John shares actionable insights for engaging this demographic effectively.
2/15/2024 • 1 hour, 13 minutes, 38 seconds
Serving Over Selling: A $750M Journey in Autonomy and Innovation
Welcome to Direct Approach, a bi-weekly podcast hosted by Wayne Moorehead where direct selling executives can gain timely insights, fresh perspectives, and actionable takeaways crafted to fuel the growth and evolution of your business. In this episode, Wayne engages in a riveting and unfiltered discussion with Shawn Meaike, the trailblazing Founder and CEO of Family First Life. Shawn's remarkable story of catapulting his business from an $11 million debut year to a staggering 30,000 agents and $750 million in annual revenue in 2023 is rooted in defying convention and intricately navigating the delicate balance of autonomy to pursue unprecedented growth. Discover the ingenious strategies fueling this meteoric rise and glean insights into the dynamic intersection of scaling, funding and technological innovation. Shawn's practical guidance is a must-listen revelation for leaders and entrepreneurs aspiring to scale and fund their ventures authentically.
2/1/2024 • 1 hour, 13 minutes, 29 seconds
Inside a Legal Landmark: How the Neora Ruling is Shaping the Future of Direct Selling
In this episode, we explore the groundbreaking victorious ruling shaping the future of direct selling. Co-CEOs of Neora, Jeff Olson and Deborah Heisz, share invaluable insights and hard-won lessons for leaders navigating critical changes. Offering a comprehensive overview of the challenges faced, the strategic decisions made, and the valuable lessons derived, serving as a guiding framework and what many are calling a blueprint in an industry undergoing massive transformation. With a focus on real-world experiences and practical insights, Jeff and Deborah's perspectives offer valuable guidance for industry leaders looking to enhance their business models, adapt to regulatory changes and prioritize customer-centric approaches.
1/18/2024 • 1 hour, 17 minutes, 58 seconds
The Best of 2023
In this special episode of Direct Approach podcast, we pulled the high-impact takeaways, strategies and actionable wisdom from 29 dynamic direct selling industry leaders and expert guests who graced the podcast in 2023. This particular episode is a treasure trove of knowledge. Learn from some of the best in the business as they share their strategies and secrets to success.