Direct Approach with Wayne Moorehead

Andrew Schmidt, Regional President, West Markets at Amway joins Direct Approach to discuss what it means to lead with principle during seasons of change. From flexible income trends and incentive evolution to new segmentation strategies and reputation risks, Andrew offers a grounded perspective on what's fixed, what's flexible—and why clarity is the foundation of trust.

In this episode of Direct Approach, Brett Duncan moderates a high-impact panel with executives Orville Thompson (Co-Founder & CEO, Scentsy), Brian Dill (Vice President of Sales, Norwex), Nancy Bogart (Founder & CEO, Jordan Essentials) and Lynn Lippert (Vice President, L'BRI). They share what's working (and what's not) in today's direct selling landscape—from self-hosting to subscriptions and TikTok.

Wayne Moorehead speaks with Mary Kay executives Dr. Lucy Gildea and Tara Eustace about keeping a legacy brand modern, relevant and impactful. Discover how Mary Kay fuses science-backed products, digital transformation and timeless purpose to empower women worldwide. With a 60-year foundation, they share how community, innovation and authenticity drive global success.

Join host Wayne Moorehead as Ørjan Sæle, Co-Founder of Zinzino, shares his journey from skepticism to building a $200M direct selling empire. Discover how Zinzino's customer-centric model, test-based nutrition and innovative acquisitions drive global growth. Ørjan reveals strategies for balancing field and corporate roles, navigating criticism and shaping direct selling's future with a human touch. 

Discover how AI is transforming direct selling space. Tune in as leaders from Sunrider, Mannatech and eXp Realty share strategies driving growth and efficiency. Learn how Sunrider boosts customer engagement globally, why Mannatech's AI forecasting slashed inventory costs and how eXp Realty enhances agent experiences through AI innovation. Get actionable insights to stay ahead in the ever-evolving landscape with this expert AI panel discussion from Spring DSU.

(Special Presentation from DSU Spring 2025) What does it really take to build trust, loyalty and momentum from the ground up? In this bonus episode, Aspen Emry shares the bold, messy and deeply personal approach behind Bravely's explosive growth. From grassroots beginnings to a $100M trajectory, she reveals how showing up with heart, humility and hustle can change everything. If you're craving real talk on leadership, culture and connection, this presentation—straight from Spring DSU—is for you!  Want more exclusive content from DSU events? Become a DSN supporter company at directsellingnews.com/supporter and unlock a wealth of insights available 24/7 in the DSN Library.   

Join host Wayne Moorehead as Aspen Emry, co-founder and CEO of Bravenly Global, shares her journey from teacher to building a $50M wellness empire during a pandemic. Discover how she crafted a balanced compensation plan, fostered a thriving community and leveraged human connection to drive explosive growth. Aspen's insights on leadership, innovation and the future of direct selling will inspire you. Full of actionable strategies for success, this is the episode you don't want to miss.   

Join host Wayne Moorehead as Kirk Jowers, CEO of doTERRA, shares his journey from political law to leading a wellness giant. From advising McCain and Obama to driving doTERRA's global growth, he reveals strategies for innovation, building community and navigating direct selling's future. Explore his insights on balancing legacy with evolution, revamping compensation plans and why direct selling could solve loneliness—a health crisis of our time. This is the episode you don't want to miss!

AI is no longer a future concept—it's transforming direct selling today. In this episode of Direct Approach, Wayne Moorehead talks with Gareth Hooper, Chief Information Officer at Sunrider International, about how AI-powered tools are reshaping the industry. From smarter selling strategies to AI-driven customer experiences, Gareth shares real-world applications and insights on where companies should start. Tune in for a pivotal conversation on the future of AI in direct selling.

In this BONUS episode, Stuart Johnson, CEO of Direct Selling News, unpacks the biggest shifts shaping the industry. From AI disruption to the rise of gig economy competition, Stuart shares expert insights on why some companies thrive while others struggle. Discover the key growth markets, the pitfalls of recent pivots and the strategies you need to stay ahead. With decades of experience, Stuart delivers a forward-thinking perspective you can't afford to miss.

In this special, 100th episode of Direct Approach, Wayne Moorehead sits down with Stuart Johnson, CEO of Direct Selling News and a 40-year industry veteran. Known as the “CEO Whisperer,” Stuart shares his journey from distributor to influential consultant. Discover his insights on building trust, navigating change and thriving amidst competition. Packed with strategic vision and actionable advice, this episode is a must-listen for leaders looking to innovate and grow.

Wayne Moorehead sits down with industry veteran and business consultant Gordon Hester for a candid conversation on trust, momentum and the power of small decisions. Here Gordon dives into transactional vs. experiential leadership, navigating change without losing trust and avoiding common pitfalls in compensation plan changes. Packed with real-world strategies and insights, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to future-proof their business.

Wayne Moorehead talks with Stephen Whitwell, Vice President of Field Development for North America and Europe at NeoLife International, about driving growth through leadership, redefining winning and more. Learn how NeoLife achieved record-breaking enrollment, the power of consistency and the three R's of retention. Learn actionable strategies to elevate your business and create lasting momentum. 

In the latest Direct Approach podcast, Wayne talks with Susannah Schofield, OBE, Director General of the DSA UK and Ireland. Susannah shares her bold vision for the future of direct selling, highlighting the power of proactive change, personalization and collaboration. From spearheading a transformative rebrand to leveraging technology and AI, she provides insights on how the industry can adapt, innovate and thrive.

In the latest Direct Approach episode, Wayne sits down with Daniel Chavez, Founder and CEO of VIVRI, to explore his journey from finance to direct selling. Daniel shares how he built a thriving business by starting small, staying true to his values and empowering distributors. Learn about his strategies for sustainable growth, effective market entry in Latin America and fostering trust within the channel.

What does it take to spark real transformation in direct selling? In this episode of Direct Approach, Wayne Moorehead sits down with LifeVantage President and CEO Steve Fife to uncover the bold moves and results behind the company's groundbreaking LV360 initiative. From overhauling their compensation plan to embracing affiliate marketing, Steve shares how LifeVantage evolved its strategy to meet the demands of today's market while staying true to its roots. You'll hear about the challenges of shifting from playing defense to playing offense, the importance of building trust between corporate and field leaders and the measurable impact of aligning vision with action. Whether you're a CEO, team leader or business builder, this episode is packed with actionable insights you can use to create sustainable growth and elevate your approach.   In this episode, you will be able to: Build trust for lasting change Balance affiliate and traditional sales Simplify and energize compensation Play to win, not just survive Evolve to stay ahead in direct selling  

This week on Direct Approach, Wayne Moorehead sits down with David Schmidt, CEO of LifeWave and holder of over 130 patents. David shares how innovation, resilience and vision have driven LifeWave to 20 years of success in regenerative science and direct selling. Learn how he navigated challenges, fostered a culture of cutting-edge innovation and is shaping the future with bold advancements in AI, robotics and clean energy. Don't miss this inspiring conversation on building a generational business.

Join host Wayne Moorehead and Color Street's CRO, Brick Bergeson, as they discuss tools for building sustainable growth. Brick shares strategies for stabilizing and structuring companies for long-term success, from aligning brand identity with core values to tracking essential KPIs. Learn how his experience in hypergrowth companies has shaped his approach to creating an empowered sales force, driving early success and enhancing distributor engagement. Don't miss this invaluable episode!

¿Te preguntas si el primer evento DSU LATAM 2025 es para ti? Únete a Alex Hoffman y Al Bala en este episodio especial del podcast Direct Approach, donde profundizan en estrategias comprobadas para el éxito en la venta directa en América Latina. Como oradores destacados del evento DSU LATAM, que se llevará a cabo del 8 al 9 de enero en Doral, Florida, también compartirán por qué no puedes perderte este evento histórico. Wondering if the first-ever DSU LATAM 2025 is right for you? Join Alex Hoffman and Al Bala in this bonus episode of the Direct Approach podcast as they dive into proven strategies for direct selling success in Latin America. As featured speakers for the DSU LATAM event happening January 8-9 in Doral, Florida, they'll also share why you can't afford to miss this landmark event! 

On the latest episode of Direct Approach Wayne welcomes special guests and industry legends Al Bala and Alex Hoffman to the show for an in depth look at what it takes to build meaningful connections and thrive in Hispanic and Latino regions. With a proven track record in international markets, both Al and Alex offer invaluable insights on cultural understanding, product adaptation, role of technology and more for success in these markets.

In this special episode, we highlight key insights from the DSN Fall Direct Selling University event. Discover actionable strategies to refine your compensation plans, the game-changing impact of AI in direct selling and how micro-commitment campaigns are driving conversions. You'll also learn about the importance of building strong leadership, embracing flexibility and leveraging technology to enhance your business. Don't miss out on these powerful takeaways shaping the future of the industry!

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.

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.

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.

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 co-founder and CEO of Three International, Daniel Picou boasts a wealth of experience in the direct selling industry. 

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. 

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!

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! 

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!

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!

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.

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. 

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.

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!

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!

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!

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.

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.  

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.

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.  

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.  

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.  

In this episode, Wayne talks with Paulo Moledo, President and CEO of Hy Cite. Wayne and Paulo delve into the significance of trust, respect and open communication in navigating this delicate balance of honoring your company's legacy while propelling it toward the future. Paulo also emphasizes the pivotal roles of transparency, collaboration, and responsible AI deployment, illuminating the ethical considerations surrounding the transformative impact of AI and much more.  

In this episode, Wayne talks with Ashley Collins, EVP of Marketing at USANA, bringing over 20 years of expertise in PR, marketing and communications. They delve into navigating dynamic direct selling marketing, utilizing digital strategies for brand presence, testing and data-driven decision-making, crafting transparent and authentic messaging to enhance your value proposition, affiliate programs and more!

In this episode, Wayne interviews Sunny Beutler, Sunrider International's CEO exploring challenges in managing a vast global product portfolio in direct selling. Sunny shares tips on prioritizing launches, leveraging seasonality, and making strategic decisions for efficiency and profitability. Gain insights on optimizing your portfolio, fostering employee loyalty and cultivating a positive company culture. 

Rudy Revak is the Founder and Chairman of Xyngular and Owner and Chairman of Pure Haven Essentials. He was also recognized earlier this year with the 2023 DSN Lifetime Achievement Award.  Rudy's deep commitment to personal development and adaptability is what he attributes as the key to sustaining success. From a refugee camp in Germany to an incredible career in direct selling that has spanned more than 50 years, Rudy's story is legendary. This episode is a goldmine of insights and practical tips to help you take your business and career to new heights!  

Get ready for an episode like no other! Join host Wayne Moorehead and industry experts Paul Adams, Heather Chastain, and Brett Duncan as they dive deep into the secrets of success in building thriving communities, challenges that legacy companies must navigate, the best opportunities for growth and expansion, the magic of simplification and much more. Plus, they share their top takeaways from the recent Fall DSU Event, including the significance of the Neora Win.   With decades of experience working in various roles within direct selling companies and as consultants, their unique expertise provides valuable insights into the industry's current state and future prospects. This conversation is not just refreshing; it's a game-changer.  

In this episode of Direct Approach, Wayne Moorehead talks with Eric Reisdorf, President and General Manager of Ambit Energy—the leading direct selling energy company in the US. Eric shares their approach to building trust, enhancing customer loyalty and igniting the potential of their consultants through setting realistic income expectations.

On this episode of Direct Approach, Wayne Moorehead interviews Mauricio Domenzain, CEO of Immunotec who shares the importance of understanding who you are, what you stand for, what market you are competing in and his strategies for market expansion success. He also explains why he is most passionate about creating a culture of happiness and positivity and the incredible impact it can have.

Join Wayne and Blake in this captivating discussion about how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can catapult businesses to their full potential. We're just scratching the surface of AI's potential, with less than 1% of the population currently harnessing its power. Discover the two facets of AI and its economic impact, and delve into the ethical dilemmas with Blake and Wayne. Gain insight into his transformative AI journey and how it's reshaped his perspective. Blake urges executives to dive into AI tools, now more user-friendly, practical, and accessible than ever before. Take advantage of this enthralling conversation on AI's limitless possibilities and benefits.  

A NEW PODCAST BY DSN: Direct Selling SHIFT It's no secret that our channel's superpower is community and connection. When we bring executives together at DSU events, the invitation-only CEO Forum Meetings and on the Direct Approach podcast to share successes and struggles and talk about the opportunities ahead, that is where progress, transformation and growth truly happen!  With that in mind, we are excited to announce a new opportunity for Distributors to gain this same level of collective sharing, innovation, and inspiration in a safe and professional environment. Introducing the latest addition to our family of podcasts, Direct Selling SHIFT, hosted by Blake Mallen! The SHIFT podcast is where direct selling's most dedicated high performers and subject matter experts share their most transformative SHIFTS in mindset✨, skillset✨ and strategy✨ to help accelerate their business and amplify their impact!