The Power of Reinvention: Leading with Consistency and a Heart to Serve with Theda Blackwood

In this inspiring episode of SHIFT, host Blake Mallen sits down with Emily Ford—entrepreneur, speaker and brand builder—to talk about reinvention, personal branding and rediscovering purpose after the "messy middle." Emily shares her journey from early success in direct selling to rebuilding her business and identity with authenticity, resilience and faith. Learn how she turned pain into purpose, mastered the art of personal brand storytelling and built a thriving community that values people over perfection. In this episode, you will learn: How to turn your "messy middle" into a season of personal and professional growth Why your personal brand is your most powerful business asset How to build trust online by showing the real—not perfect—version of you The difference between building a following and building a community

Join Blake Mallen as he sits down with Karen Fettes, a top field leader who reached the pinnacle of her company's marketing plan in just 18 months and has sustained success for nearly 17 years. Karen shares how she's navigated life's hardest seasons—including her son's 18 brain surgeries, her husband's heart attack and the loss of all four parents since 2022—while building one of the most respected businesses in the profession. This episode is packed with insights on resilience, reinvention and leading with authenticity. In this episode, you will learn: How to reframe challenges as opportunities for personal growth  Why adaptability is the key to long-term success in direct sales The difference between patience and passivity in building your business How to build authentic community that keeps people engaged

Join Blake Mallen as he sits down with Sarah Robbins, a top field leader, industry icon and bestselling author, to discuss her latest work, The Multiply Method. Sarah shares the frameworks, strategies and mindset shifts she uses to help sales teams and entrepreneurs scale effectively and grow sustainably. Whether you're navigating a reset or aiming to accelerate your momentum, this episode is packed with actionable insights for success.   In this episode, you will learn: How to reframe challenges as opportunities for reinvention Why "what we simplify, we multiply" is the secret to scalable success The steps to effective enrollment and onboarding that inspire duplication What it takes to inspire new leaders to lead—not just follow

In this SHIFT episode, Blake Mallen isjoined by legendary leader John Addison to talk about the fears that hold us back—and the mindset thatmoves us forward. From leading through crises to mentoring the nextgeneration, John reveals what it means to turn fear into fuel. In this episode, you will learn: Why fear is a sign of growth—not weakness How to stop self-sabotage before it starts Why perspective is the secret to leading through change What healthy fear looks like—and how it sharpens your leadership How to move forward even when doubt shows up

Theda Blackwood has built success across multiple companies and life chapters—not by being the loudest, but by being the most consistent. In this episode of SHIFT, she joins host Blake Mallen to share how reinvention, connection and a servant mindset have powered her 25+ year journey in direct selling. In this episode, you will learn: ●       Why reinvention is a skill every leader must master ●       How consistency builds trust, belief and momentum ●       The power of serving people instead of selling to them

In this episode of the SHIFT podcast, Blake Mallen interviews Rob Sperry, a seasoned leader in the direct selling industry. Rob's journey from skepticism to remarkable success provides valuable insights for direct sales leaders seeking sustained success. Rob Sperry has coached the best of the best—and seen what works (and what fails) in every corner of the channel. This is a can't-miss episode for anyone who wants to strengthen culture, drive results and bridge the gap between leadership potential and lasting performance In this episode, you will learn: Why most leaders plateau—and how to break through How to identify and avoid the "Weapons of Mass Distraction" stealing your momentum The power of personal branding to elevate your presence and influence A DSN PRODUCTION The SHIFT podcast is presented by Direct Selling News (DSN), the most trusted media source in the direct selling channel for over two decades. From supporting executive communities from more than 1,000 companies, over 200 issues of Direct Selling News magazine and our annual Global 100 list we've consistently delivered professional reporting on vital industry news, trends, highlights, and insights. Now, for the first time, we're extending this level of insight and credibility directly to YOU! The most important and powerful Distributor community across the globe! MEET YOUR HOST BLAKE MALLEN, a billion-dollar brand builder and community marketing expert, is the perfect person to bring this content to life. With 25+ years of field, ownership, and executive experience generating $3B+ in revenue, Blake brings a fresh and unique perspective from across the direct selling industry. He is passionate about the power of potential and works with companies and communities to make the shifts needed to discover and develop theirs.

In this powerful SHIFT panel from the DSU Spring Event, Blake Mallen is joined by Melanie Mitro, Steve and Gina Merritt and Nick Martinez—some of the most dynamic distributor leaders in the world—for a field-first conversation on the state and future of direct selling. From affiliate shifts to reinvention seasons, this panel brings real talk, real stories and real solutions to the challenges—and opportunities—of the modern channel. In this episode, you will learn: How to build trust and alignment between corporate and field leadership. What the affiliate vs. team-building debate means for the future of direct selling. Practical strategies for launching momentum, even in legacy companies. Why personalization, vision and community are non-negotiables for sustainable success. A DSN PRODUCTION The SHIFT podcast is presented by Direct Selling News (DSN), the most trusted media source in the direct selling channel for over two decades. From supporting executive communities from more than 1,000 companies, over 200 issues of Direct Selling News magazine and our annual Global 100 list we've consistently delivered professional reporting on vital industry news, trends, highlights, and insights. Now, for the first time, we're extending this level of insight and credibility directly to YOU! The most important and powerful Distributor community across the globe! MEET YOUR HOST BLAKE MALLEN, a billion-dollar brand builder and community marketing expert, is the perfect person to bring this content to life. With 25+ years of field, ownership, and executive experience generating $3B+ in revenue, Blake brings a fresh and unique perspective from across the direct selling industry. He is passionate about the power of potential and works with companies and communities to make the shifts needed to discover and develop theirs.

What happens when everything you've built is reduced to ashes? In this profoundly moving episode of SHIFT, recorded from Blake Mallen's powerful presentation at the DSU Spring Event, Blake shares his raw, inspiring journey through the devastating Palisades fire that claimed his family home and reshaped his perspective on life, leadership and the American Dream. With unwavering honesty, he recounts the surreal moment of watching his home burn, the emotional weight of losing irreplaceable memories and the unexpected gifts that emerged from the wreckage—fueled by faith, community and a redefined sense of purpose. In this episode, you will learn: How to find resilience and purpose in the face of devastating loss. The transformative power of community support during life's toughest moments. Practical strategies for shifting your perspective to turn setbacks into setups for growth. A DSN PRODUCTION The SHIFT podcast is presented by Direct Selling News (DSN), the most trusted media source in the direct selling channel for over two decades. From supporting executive communities from more than 1,000 companies, over 200 issues of Direct Selling News magazine and our annual Global 100 list we've consistently delivered professional reporting on vital industry news, trends, highlights, and insights. Now, for the first time, we're extending this level of insight and credibility directly to YOU! The most important and powerful Distributor community across the globe! MEET YOUR HOST BLAKE MALLEN, a billion-dollar brand builder and community marketing expert, is the perfect person to bring this content to life. With 25+ years of field, ownership, and executive experience generating $3B+ in revenue, Blake brings a fresh and unique perspective from across the direct selling industry. He is passionate about the power of potential and works with companies and communities to make the shifts needed to discover and develop theirs.  

What does it take to master influence and leave a lasting mark? In this inspiring episode of SHIFT, we're unpacking the mindset shifts and strategies that drive success with Gregg & Lenika Scott, Dan McCormick, Mary Kay Kemper, and Garrett McGrath. These top leaders dive deep into overcoming adversity, staying grounded in momentum and building a legacy of impact. A DSN PRODUCTION The SHIFT podcast is presented by Direct Selling News (DSN), the most trusted media source in the direct selling channel for over two decades. From supporting executive communities from more than 1,000 companies, over 200 issues of Direct Selling News magazine and our annual Global 100 list we've consistently delivered professional reporting on vital industry news, trends, highlights, and insights. Now, for the first time, we're extending this level of insight and credibility directly to YOU! The most important and powerful Distributor community across the globe! MEET YOUR HOST BLAKE MALLEN, a billion-dollar brand builder and community marketing expert, is the perfect person to bring this content to life. With 25+ years of field, ownership, and executive experience generating $3B+ in revenue, Blake brings a fresh and unique perspective from across the direct selling industry. He is passionate about the power of potential and works with companies and communities to make the shifts needed to discover and develop theirs.  

What does it take to thrive through life's toughest challenges? In this episode of SHIFT, top network marketing leaders-Sherilynn Alcala, Darnell Self, Doug & Thea Wood and Jessie Lee Ward-share raw, unfiltered strategies for building resilience. From overcoming obstacles to creating a business that lasts, this episode delivers time-tested insights to help you push forward, no matter what you're no matter what you're facing. A DSN PRODUCTION The SHIFT podcast is presented by Direct Selling News (DSN), the most trusted media source in the direct selling channel for over two decades. From supporting executive communities from more than 1,000 companies, over 200 issues of Direct Selling News magazine and our annual Global 100 list we've consistently delivered professional reporting on vital industry news, trends, highlights, and insights. Now, for the first time, we're extending this level of insight and credibility directly to YOU! The most important and powerful Distributor community across the globe! MEET YOUR HOST BLAKE MALLEN, a billion-dollar brand builder and community marketing expert, is the perfect person to bring this content to life. With 25+ years of field, ownership, and executive experience generating $3B+ in revenue, Blake brings a fresh and unique perspective from across the direct selling industry. He is passionate about the power of potential and works with companies and communities to make the shifts needed to discover and develop theirs.